As we face the unknown future of 2017, I want to remember this scripture in the wonderful book of Philippians. In chapter 3, verses 13-14, we read: "...this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." As I thought about what I would like to say in my last comments of 2016, the song, "Ready" by A. C. Palmer came to my mind.
"Ready to suffer grief or pain, Ready to stand the test,
Ready to stay at home and send others if He sees best.
Ready to go, ready to bear, ready to watch and pray.
Ready to stand aside and give till He shall clear the way.
Ready to speak, ready to think, ready with heart and brain.
Ready to stand where He sees fit, ready to bear the strain.
Ready to speak, ready to warn, ready o'er souls to yearn;
Ready in life, ready in death, ready for His return.
Ready to go, ready to stay; ready my place to fill;
Ready for service lowly or great; ready to do His will."
" Dear Father, it is easy to type or say words --- much more difficult to do them! Help me, dear Master, as I look to the New Year to always be "Ready" for Thou art the Potter; I am the clay"!
Friday, December 30, 2016
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
"The Time . . . "
I opened my little devotional quarterly this morning, and these words leaped out at me! "THE TIME OF OLD AGE"!
Wow! I thought! I wasn't particularly blessed about the title, but I had to admit it fit me quite well!! And, actually, I never want to complain about growing old, for God surely has some little ministry for me as long as He preserves my life, even if it is just to "Brighten the corner where I am"!
I love these verses from the 92nd Psalm:
"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age: they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."
"So, help me, Heavenly Father, as the New Year looms before me to sow good seeds that will bring forth a harvest of blessings for Your glory and the upbuilding of Your kingdom, I humbly pray in Jesus' Name. Amen!"
Wow! I thought! I wasn't particularly blessed about the title, but I had to admit it fit me quite well!! And, actually, I never want to complain about growing old, for God surely has some little ministry for me as long as He preserves my life, even if it is just to "Brighten the corner where I am"!
I love these verses from the 92nd Psalm:
"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age: they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."
"So, help me, Heavenly Father, as the New Year looms before me to sow good seeds that will bring forth a harvest of blessings for Your glory and the upbuilding of Your kingdom, I humbly pray in Jesus' Name. Amen!"
Monday, December 26, 2016
The Day After!
Christmas Sunday! What a blessed day it was as we celebrated the birth of the newborn King in worship and song! But now, it is the day after and we look ahead to the New Year, if Jesus tarries.
We don't know about tomorrow, but we can know, personally, the One who holds all our tomorrows in His hand! Praise the Lord!
I wouldn't want to be without Jesus as we prepare to enter a new year, and I trust that God will minister to your heart as you meditate on the words of this poem, entitled, "But You," from Ruth Bell Graham's collection of poems.
"It isn't your gold or silver, your talents great or small,
your voice, or your gift of drawing, or the crowd you go with at all;
It isn't your friends or pastimes, your looks or your clothes so gay;
It isn't your home or family, or even the things that you say;
It isn't your choice of amusements, it isn't the life you lead,
it isn't the thing you prize the most, or the books you like to read;
No, it isn't the things you have, dear, or the things you like to do,
the Master is searching deeper --- He seeks not yours, but You!"
We don't know about tomorrow, but we can know, personally, the One who holds all our tomorrows in His hand! Praise the Lord!
I wouldn't want to be without Jesus as we prepare to enter a new year, and I trust that God will minister to your heart as you meditate on the words of this poem, entitled, "But You," from Ruth Bell Graham's collection of poems.
"It isn't your gold or silver, your talents great or small,
your voice, or your gift of drawing, or the crowd you go with at all;
It isn't your friends or pastimes, your looks or your clothes so gay;
It isn't your home or family, or even the things that you say;
It isn't your choice of amusements, it isn't the life you lead,
it isn't the thing you prize the most, or the books you like to read;
No, it isn't the things you have, dear, or the things you like to do,
the Master is searching deeper --- He seeks not yours, but You!"
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Happy Birthday to ---
my brother, John, who was born on Christmas Eve over 70 years ago -- and
my precious little granddaughter, Faith, who is one year old today. She was a special gift from God last year -- our first Christmas without Dad.
my precious little granddaughter, Faith, who is one year old today. She was a special gift from God last year -- our first Christmas without Dad.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Handel's MESSIAH!
Last night I was very privileged (thanks to Randy, Barb and Angel) and blessed to be able to attend the magnificent performance of "The Messiah" by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra! It was so beautiful that, at times, it seemed that some of heaven's choir must be joining the chorus!
It humbles me greatly to know that over 200 years ago God wrote this masterpiece through his servant, George Frederic Handel, and it is still today blessing thousands of hearts every Christmas!
I trust that your heart will be humbled and blessed as you read this condensed story of the Messiah -- the King of Glory!
"George Frederic Handel was struggling against creditors and hunger in 1741. People were too poor and too cold to interest themselves in music that winter. He paced the floor, wondering why musicians and composers had to struggle so hard to make a living. Suddenly there was a crash -- then silence.
Handel's servant heard the strange crash and ran upstairs. There in the hall lay Handel, the genius, his mouth open and a vacant stare in his eyes. When the Dr. arrived, he shook his head. After his diagnosis, he turned to go. The servant fearfully asked, "Dr., is he going to die?" "A miracle might save his life, but his left side is paralyzed."
Weeks wore on. The great composer revived some, but was unable to use his left hand to play, and his mind seemed dull. The Dr. advised a trip to the hot springs in France. Handel went to France with a great desire to live and compose again. He spent hours in the hot baths. Within a few weeks he had largely recovered his health.
Back in London, Handel began to play again and to compose some. Then hard times struck again. The Spanish wars were raging. His pension had been cut off. People were hungry for bread. Winter came on, and at times Handel had to pace the streets to keep warm and evade his creditors. Inspiration had left him. He was despondent, and seemed to be losing his strength, his mind, his belief in God and his desire to live.
"Oh, God, why has all this come?" he cried in despair. He dragged himself to his study before retiring. On his table was a large envelope. He tore it open and on the title page were the words, "The Messiah." Seeing that it was another oratorio, he tore the manuscript in half and threw it on the floor. His last oratorios had not met with approval. That night the heavy-hearted composer turned and tossed, unable to get the torn manuscript off his mind. Should he get up and look at it?
The first few words were "Comfore ye, comfort ye my people." The words seemed to soothe him. As he read on, he felt a strange fire surge through his frame. Surely it was a message from the Lord directly to him! The great musician was himself again! God had spoken to his soul! He heard and felt music again as never before!! The words, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" seemed to move every fibre of his body. How they thrilled him. Even the final words, "Amen, Amen, Amen" seemed to thrill him again and he exlaimed, "I cannot slight one word. Every word must play its part."
He began to compose like a man obsessed. He rarely left his room and rarely touched his meals. In only 24 days he composed 260 pages -- an immense physical feat, and the world's greatest oratorio was finished. After finishing the Hallelujah Chorus, he said -- "I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself!!!
The Messiah met with overwhelming success wherever it was presented. People wept for joy as they heard its moving music. It seemed to breathe of a heavenly land. On one occasion the whole audience, including King George, stood to their feet as the Hallelujah Chorus was sung. It was as if they were standing reverently in the presence of the Divine!
Years later, on a Good Friday, George Frederic Handel attended a presentation of his Messiah, of which he said, (it was written by Another, not me) and joined in singing the Hallelujah Chorus. With the closing notes he sank to the floor and was carried out. He lingered only a short time before he went to join the heavenly choir to sing the Hallelujah Chorus around the Throne of God!"
It humbles me greatly to know that over 200 years ago God wrote this masterpiece through his servant, George Frederic Handel, and it is still today blessing thousands of hearts every Christmas!
I trust that your heart will be humbled and blessed as you read this condensed story of the Messiah -- the King of Glory!
"George Frederic Handel was struggling against creditors and hunger in 1741. People were too poor and too cold to interest themselves in music that winter. He paced the floor, wondering why musicians and composers had to struggle so hard to make a living. Suddenly there was a crash -- then silence.
Handel's servant heard the strange crash and ran upstairs. There in the hall lay Handel, the genius, his mouth open and a vacant stare in his eyes. When the Dr. arrived, he shook his head. After his diagnosis, he turned to go. The servant fearfully asked, "Dr., is he going to die?" "A miracle might save his life, but his left side is paralyzed."
Weeks wore on. The great composer revived some, but was unable to use his left hand to play, and his mind seemed dull. The Dr. advised a trip to the hot springs in France. Handel went to France with a great desire to live and compose again. He spent hours in the hot baths. Within a few weeks he had largely recovered his health.
Back in London, Handel began to play again and to compose some. Then hard times struck again. The Spanish wars were raging. His pension had been cut off. People were hungry for bread. Winter came on, and at times Handel had to pace the streets to keep warm and evade his creditors. Inspiration had left him. He was despondent, and seemed to be losing his strength, his mind, his belief in God and his desire to live.
"Oh, God, why has all this come?" he cried in despair. He dragged himself to his study before retiring. On his table was a large envelope. He tore it open and on the title page were the words, "The Messiah." Seeing that it was another oratorio, he tore the manuscript in half and threw it on the floor. His last oratorios had not met with approval. That night the heavy-hearted composer turned and tossed, unable to get the torn manuscript off his mind. Should he get up and look at it?
The first few words were "Comfore ye, comfort ye my people." The words seemed to soothe him. As he read on, he felt a strange fire surge through his frame. Surely it was a message from the Lord directly to him! The great musician was himself again! God had spoken to his soul! He heard and felt music again as never before!! The words, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" seemed to move every fibre of his body. How they thrilled him. Even the final words, "Amen, Amen, Amen" seemed to thrill him again and he exlaimed, "I cannot slight one word. Every word must play its part."
He began to compose like a man obsessed. He rarely left his room and rarely touched his meals. In only 24 days he composed 260 pages -- an immense physical feat, and the world's greatest oratorio was finished. After finishing the Hallelujah Chorus, he said -- "I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself!!!
The Messiah met with overwhelming success wherever it was presented. People wept for joy as they heard its moving music. It seemed to breathe of a heavenly land. On one occasion the whole audience, including King George, stood to their feet as the Hallelujah Chorus was sung. It was as if they were standing reverently in the presence of the Divine!
Years later, on a Good Friday, George Frederic Handel attended a presentation of his Messiah, of which he said, (it was written by Another, not me) and joined in singing the Hallelujah Chorus. With the closing notes he sank to the floor and was carried out. He lingered only a short time before he went to join the heavenly choir to sing the Hallelujah Chorus around the Throne of God!"
Thursday, December 22, 2016
THERE SHALL BE MUSIC !
It seems to me it would be impossible to have Christmas without music! I am reminded again of Martin Luther's beautiful quote: "Music, next to Theology, is God's greatest gift to man."
I trust that this little poem by Alice Mason will be a blessing to you as you keep a song in your heart today!
"There shall be music, sweet and clear, calling the reverent worshipers near,
Telling the story in notes and in rhyme of the Child who was born at Christmastime.
There shall be music, soft and light, a lullaby sung on a crisp winter night,
Sweetly angelic like the voices that told of the birth of a King to the shepherds of old.
There shall be music, deep and strong, filling the air with melodious song,
Resonant sounds of gladness that tend to lift every heart to a grateful AMEN!"
I trust that this little poem by Alice Mason will be a blessing to you as you keep a song in your heart today!
"There shall be music, sweet and clear, calling the reverent worshipers near,
Telling the story in notes and in rhyme of the Child who was born at Christmastime.
There shall be music, soft and light, a lullaby sung on a crisp winter night,
Sweetly angelic like the voices that told of the birth of a King to the shepherds of old.
There shall be music, deep and strong, filling the air with melodious song,
Resonant sounds of gladness that tend to lift every heart to a grateful AMEN!"
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
HARK!
As you rush about today with your last minute preparations for Christmas, I trust that you will open your heart and listen to the angels sing! Perhaps you can take a musical break instead of a coffee break and imagine yourself on the Judean hills with the shepherds as the heavens opened with multitudes of angels praising God!
Perhaps that is what Charles Wesley was doing when he received the inspiration for this beautiful carol that we like to sing at Christmas!
"Charles Wesley, author of this well-loved carol, was one of the most prolific hymn writers of all time, contributing more than 6,500 hymn texts to Christian tradition. Born in Lincolnshire, England, he was the youngest of 18 children. His father, Samuel, was a poor country parson; and his mother, Susanna, was a model of Christian piety, spending at least two hours a day in prayer. It is not surprising that two of their sons, John and Charles, became theological giants of the 18th century.
After his ordination as an Anglican priest in 1735, Charles spent one year in British North America serving as secretary to General Oglethorpe. On his return journey to England, Charles's faith was put to a very practical test. Caught in a violent storm, his ship lost much of its cargo and began taking on water at an alarming rate. Wesley recorded the following: 'I bless God, I found the comfort of hope; and such joy in finding I could hope as the world could neither give nor take away.' Emboldened in the midst of this trial, Wesley urged his fellow passengers 'to resolve, if God saved them from this distress, that they would instantly and entirely give themselves up to Him.'
Just 18 months later, near death from dysentery and pleurisy, Wesley experienced a divine healing that served to fan the fires of evangelism in his heart. Becoming an itinerant preacher and prolific hymn writer, he communicated Biblical doctrine through sermon and song. It was during the early years of his ministry that he composed the verses of 'Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.'
Originally sung to a variety of melodies, the hymn did not take its current form until 1857, when William Cummings, an English musician, set Wesley's words to a passage of music by Felix Mendelssohn. Cummings created an arrangement that adapted it perfectly for Wesley's hymn text. It was soon renowned as one of the "great four Anglican hymns" of the 19th century.
Each Christmas since then, countless choirs, carolers and congregations have raised their voices with the angels, singing 'GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING!'"
"Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful; all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim: Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hark! the herald angels sing; glory to the new-born King!
Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, off-spring of a Virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing; glory to the new-born King!
Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings!
Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing; glory to the new-born King!"
Perhaps that is what Charles Wesley was doing when he received the inspiration for this beautiful carol that we like to sing at Christmas!
"Charles Wesley, author of this well-loved carol, was one of the most prolific hymn writers of all time, contributing more than 6,500 hymn texts to Christian tradition. Born in Lincolnshire, England, he was the youngest of 18 children. His father, Samuel, was a poor country parson; and his mother, Susanna, was a model of Christian piety, spending at least two hours a day in prayer. It is not surprising that two of their sons, John and Charles, became theological giants of the 18th century.
After his ordination as an Anglican priest in 1735, Charles spent one year in British North America serving as secretary to General Oglethorpe. On his return journey to England, Charles's faith was put to a very practical test. Caught in a violent storm, his ship lost much of its cargo and began taking on water at an alarming rate. Wesley recorded the following: 'I bless God, I found the comfort of hope; and such joy in finding I could hope as the world could neither give nor take away.' Emboldened in the midst of this trial, Wesley urged his fellow passengers 'to resolve, if God saved them from this distress, that they would instantly and entirely give themselves up to Him.'
Just 18 months later, near death from dysentery and pleurisy, Wesley experienced a divine healing that served to fan the fires of evangelism in his heart. Becoming an itinerant preacher and prolific hymn writer, he communicated Biblical doctrine through sermon and song. It was during the early years of his ministry that he composed the verses of 'Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.'
Originally sung to a variety of melodies, the hymn did not take its current form until 1857, when William Cummings, an English musician, set Wesley's words to a passage of music by Felix Mendelssohn. Cummings created an arrangement that adapted it perfectly for Wesley's hymn text. It was soon renowned as one of the "great four Anglican hymns" of the 19th century.
Each Christmas since then, countless choirs, carolers and congregations have raised their voices with the angels, singing 'GLORY TO THE NEWBORN KING!'"
"Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful; all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic host proclaim: Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hark! the herald angels sing; glory to the new-born King!
Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, off-spring of a Virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the God-head see; Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing; glory to the new-born King!
Hail the Heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings!
Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing; glory to the new-born King!"
Monday, December 19, 2016
"Bethlehem of Judea"
It is bitter cold today on the outside, but my heart is warm and aglow as I reflect on the Miracle of Christmas! Last night at church my son sang a beautiful song about the wonderful name of of Jesus! How thrilling to recall the prophet Isaiah's miraculous prophecy over 700 years before Jesus was born!
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
--Isaiah 9:6
"A little child, a shining star, a stable rude, the door ajar.
Yet in that place, so crude, forlorn, the Hope of all the world was born."
Do you know Him today? Bow down before Him -- love and adore Him -- His Name is Wonderful -- Jesus, my Lord!
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
--Isaiah 9:6
"A little child, a shining star, a stable rude, the door ajar.
Yet in that place, so crude, forlorn, the Hope of all the world was born."
Do you know Him today? Bow down before Him -- love and adore Him -- His Name is Wonderful -- Jesus, my Lord!
Saturday, December 17, 2016
"JOY TO THE WORLD!"
I trust that you have had a blessed week of praising, praying, and preparing your heart for "The Birthday of the King!"
Tomorrow is Christmas Sunday, and all across our nation, if Jesus tarries, there will be children's programs, Christmas plays, Christmas Cantatas, beautiful special and instrumental music, and inspiring messages from the men of God!
One of the most beautiful Christmas carols is Joy to the World. It is thrilling to learn how the Lord wedded three different men together to create this blissful carol.
"This beautiful carol is the work of three individuals living on two continents and spanning three centuries to produce this carol that today is sung by millions of people around the globe.
'Joy to the World' began in England with the work of Isaac Watts. Born in 1674, he was the eldest son of an Anglican dissenter who frequently got thrown in jail for opposing the teachings of the Church of England. Isaac was precocious and gifted at learning languages. Before his 4th birthday he had developed the habit of speaking in rhymes, a habit that so irritated his father that at one point the elder Watts took a whip to the boy, and Isaac begged: "O father, do some pity take and I will no more verses make."
By the age of nine, the boy had mastered Greek and Latin. He conquered French and Hebrew in his early teens. He criticized the boring hymns of his father's church until a frustrated deacon challenged him to do better. The next Sunday he showed up with an original hymn, and brought a new one in each Sunday for the next several years!
A few years earlier, another child prodigy from Germany had mastered by the age of 12, the violin, oboe, harpsichord, and organ all while studying law at the university. In 1698, at the age of 13, George Frideric Handel decided to abandon his law studies to focus on his real love, music. After the successful composition of many operas, Handel moved to England where, in 1741, he composed his most famous oratorio, "The Messiah", in just 24 days. (I hope to post the amazing story of this beautiful masterpiece next week.)
The beauty of Watt's words, and the majesty of Handel's music, might never have met had it not been for the third man, an American named Lowell Mason. Taking musical phrases from different sections of the 'Messiah', and wedding them to the words of Isaac Watts, Mason's uplifting melody was published for the first time in 1836. Thus, three different men from three very different backgrounds united their hearts and minds to produce this beautiful Christmas carol that has lifted spirits heavenward for more than 170 Christmases! Their joint inspiration has truly brought joy to the world!"
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns! Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love!"
Tomorrow is Christmas Sunday, and all across our nation, if Jesus tarries, there will be children's programs, Christmas plays, Christmas Cantatas, beautiful special and instrumental music, and inspiring messages from the men of God!
One of the most beautiful Christmas carols is Joy to the World. It is thrilling to learn how the Lord wedded three different men together to create this blissful carol.
"This beautiful carol is the work of three individuals living on two continents and spanning three centuries to produce this carol that today is sung by millions of people around the globe.
'Joy to the World' began in England with the work of Isaac Watts. Born in 1674, he was the eldest son of an Anglican dissenter who frequently got thrown in jail for opposing the teachings of the Church of England. Isaac was precocious and gifted at learning languages. Before his 4th birthday he had developed the habit of speaking in rhymes, a habit that so irritated his father that at one point the elder Watts took a whip to the boy, and Isaac begged: "O father, do some pity take and I will no more verses make."
By the age of nine, the boy had mastered Greek and Latin. He conquered French and Hebrew in his early teens. He criticized the boring hymns of his father's church until a frustrated deacon challenged him to do better. The next Sunday he showed up with an original hymn, and brought a new one in each Sunday for the next several years!
A few years earlier, another child prodigy from Germany had mastered by the age of 12, the violin, oboe, harpsichord, and organ all while studying law at the university. In 1698, at the age of 13, George Frideric Handel decided to abandon his law studies to focus on his real love, music. After the successful composition of many operas, Handel moved to England where, in 1741, he composed his most famous oratorio, "The Messiah", in just 24 days. (I hope to post the amazing story of this beautiful masterpiece next week.)
The beauty of Watt's words, and the majesty of Handel's music, might never have met had it not been for the third man, an American named Lowell Mason. Taking musical phrases from different sections of the 'Messiah', and wedding them to the words of Isaac Watts, Mason's uplifting melody was published for the first time in 1836. Thus, three different men from three very different backgrounds united their hearts and minds to produce this beautiful Christmas carol that has lifted spirits heavenward for more than 170 Christmases! Their joint inspiration has truly brought joy to the world!"
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns! Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love!"
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Prose and Praise!
Yesterday was so beautiful -- I would have to be able to speak with the tongue of angels to describe all the beauty I could see out my windows! It was perfectly still---not a twig or leaf was moving as my Heavenly Father sent down the most lovely glistening snow from the heavens!
It was like a picture outside my windows with the soft, new fallen snow decorating my bushes and settling softly on the evergreen trees that line my driveway! My heart was filled with praise as I drank in the beauty all around me!
I trust your heart, likewise, will be filled with glory and delight as you meditate on the words of this lovely poem, entitled, "It's Time Again" by Vera Hoffman.
"The hills are bright with soft new snow; and in the glen a space below,
The church stands glowing in the light that creeps across the land tonight.
The footsteps through the fallen snow wind down a hill, and on they go
To stop before the great church door while organ music starts to pour
Out o'er the twilight soft and clear --- another Christmastime is here.
The steeple's gold is like a sign aflame to welcome Christmastime;
Its windows gleam in orange and blue, recalling ancient scenes we knew.
The people come from near and far, as years ago a shining star
Shown from the heavens, guiding men to the small town of Bethlehem.
Now church bells ring out clear and call to others as the shadows fall.
'Tis time to kneel and praise and sing,
Hosannas to the newborn King!"
It was like a picture outside my windows with the soft, new fallen snow decorating my bushes and settling softly on the evergreen trees that line my driveway! My heart was filled with praise as I drank in the beauty all around me!
I trust your heart, likewise, will be filled with glory and delight as you meditate on the words of this lovely poem, entitled, "It's Time Again" by Vera Hoffman.
"The hills are bright with soft new snow; and in the glen a space below,
The church stands glowing in the light that creeps across the land tonight.
The footsteps through the fallen snow wind down a hill, and on they go
To stop before the great church door while organ music starts to pour
Out o'er the twilight soft and clear --- another Christmastime is here.
The steeple's gold is like a sign aflame to welcome Christmastime;
Its windows gleam in orange and blue, recalling ancient scenes we knew.
The people come from near and far, as years ago a shining star
Shown from the heavens, guiding men to the small town of Bethlehem.
Now church bells ring out clear and call to others as the shadows fall.
'Tis time to kneel and praise and sing,
Hosannas to the newborn King!"
Monday, December 12, 2016
I Heard The Bells ----
I love to hear bells ringing throughout the Christmas season -- Salvation Army bells, sleigh bells, jingle bells, bells calling the people to worship from high up in the church steeple, the sound of bells coming from the organ chimes, and all the little bells of Christmas that everywhere sing and ring of God's Love and Light!
"Born in Portland, Maine in 1807, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow entered school at the age of three. By his sixth birthday, he was not only reading the classics but also writing stories and poems. Having completed his college degree at age 19, he became a professor of modern language at Bowdoin College. Within a few years, he was writing his own textbooks as well as volumes of poetry. He married at 24 and joined the faculty at Harvard. Then tragedy struck. During a trip to Europe his wife of four years experienced a miscarriage and died two weeks later at the age of 22. Broken-hearted, Longfellow returned to the United States and buried himself in his work.
Seven years after being widowed, he married again. Five children filled the house with laughter. He was in demand in literary circles around the world, and was granted honorary degrees at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as an audience with Queen Victoria. Then tragedy struck Longfellow again. His wife dropped a match on her skirt while sealing envelopes with wax. Her gown caught fire, and despite his attempts to extinguish the flames by smothering them with his own body, she perished. He was left with serious burns on his face and hands, and grieving the loss of his wife, he fell into a deep depression. Adding to his grief was the onset of the Civil War. Bringing the battle even closer to his heart, his oldest son ran off to fight with the Union Army. Within a year the boy was shot and sent home to recuperate.
On Christmas Day in 1863, in the midst of his personal anguish and grief over the state of the nation, Longfellow is reported to have heard the pealing of bells. He quickly composed the verses to a poem titled 'Christmas Bells.' The 3rd verse echoes his despair: 'There is no peace on earth' I said, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth' Despite its somber tone, in its closing verses, he affirms his faith -- 'God is not dead ....the wrong shall fail, the right prevail.'
It would be 10 more years before Longfellow's verses were set to music by John Calkin in 1872. The title was changed to "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day," Today Longfellow's legacy lives on in his only Christmas Carol, reminding us that in spite of our particular sorrows, there continues to be a reason to hope for peace on earth and goodwill to men."
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair, I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said.
"for hate is strong and mocks the song, of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then from each black, accursed mouth the cannon thundered in the South,
and with the sound the carols drowned of peace on earth, good will to men.
It was as if an earthquake rent the hearthstones of a continent,
and made forlorn the households born of peace on earth, good will to men.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep; "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men."
Till ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day;
a voice, a chime, a chant sublime, of peace on earth, good will to men!"
"Born in Portland, Maine in 1807, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow entered school at the age of three. By his sixth birthday, he was not only reading the classics but also writing stories and poems. Having completed his college degree at age 19, he became a professor of modern language at Bowdoin College. Within a few years, he was writing his own textbooks as well as volumes of poetry. He married at 24 and joined the faculty at Harvard. Then tragedy struck. During a trip to Europe his wife of four years experienced a miscarriage and died two weeks later at the age of 22. Broken-hearted, Longfellow returned to the United States and buried himself in his work.
Seven years after being widowed, he married again. Five children filled the house with laughter. He was in demand in literary circles around the world, and was granted honorary degrees at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as an audience with Queen Victoria. Then tragedy struck Longfellow again. His wife dropped a match on her skirt while sealing envelopes with wax. Her gown caught fire, and despite his attempts to extinguish the flames by smothering them with his own body, she perished. He was left with serious burns on his face and hands, and grieving the loss of his wife, he fell into a deep depression. Adding to his grief was the onset of the Civil War. Bringing the battle even closer to his heart, his oldest son ran off to fight with the Union Army. Within a year the boy was shot and sent home to recuperate.
On Christmas Day in 1863, in the midst of his personal anguish and grief over the state of the nation, Longfellow is reported to have heard the pealing of bells. He quickly composed the verses to a poem titled 'Christmas Bells.' The 3rd verse echoes his despair: 'There is no peace on earth' I said, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth' Despite its somber tone, in its closing verses, he affirms his faith -- 'God is not dead ....the wrong shall fail, the right prevail.'
It would be 10 more years before Longfellow's verses were set to music by John Calkin in 1872. The title was changed to "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day," Today Longfellow's legacy lives on in his only Christmas Carol, reminding us that in spite of our particular sorrows, there continues to be a reason to hope for peace on earth and goodwill to men."
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom
had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair, I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said.
"for hate is strong and mocks the song, of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then from each black, accursed mouth the cannon thundered in the South,
and with the sound the carols drowned of peace on earth, good will to men.
It was as if an earthquake rent the hearthstones of a continent,
and made forlorn the households born of peace on earth, good will to men.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep; "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men."
Till ringing, singing on its way, the world revolved from night to day;
a voice, a chime, a chant sublime, of peace on earth, good will to men!"
Friday, December 9, 2016
'C A R O L I N G'
It is very cold tonight---blowing a few flakes of snow on your coat as you hurry along; a light blanket of snow on the ground where you walk. It is the kind of night you expect to hear a knock at your door and voices begin singing, "Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!"
You hurry to the door and welcome the happy group of Carolers with their bright smiles, rosy cheeks, and frosty breaths. You welcome them in and warm them up with a cup of hot chocolate and a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie!
Perhaps after the Carolers have left and you are thinking about their sweet singing, it might remind you of this lovely poem by Virginia Moore.
"There's no sweeter sound than carols sung
By a group of voices clear and young.
Akin to the angels of long ago,
The notes float out over glistening snow.
And as the voices rise and blend,
The listener hopes it shall never end---
This way of telling a waiting earth
The age-old news of a Saviour's birth."
You hurry to the door and welcome the happy group of Carolers with their bright smiles, rosy cheeks, and frosty breaths. You welcome them in and warm them up with a cup of hot chocolate and a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie!
Perhaps after the Carolers have left and you are thinking about their sweet singing, it might remind you of this lovely poem by Virginia Moore.
"There's no sweeter sound than carols sung
By a group of voices clear and young.
Akin to the angels of long ago,
The notes float out over glistening snow.
And as the voices rise and blend,
The listener hopes it shall never end---
This way of telling a waiting earth
The age-old news of a Saviour's birth."
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
"A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS!"
As I sit in my den this morning, beautiful sunlight is streaming through the windows warming the room and warming my spirit, as well.
May God bless you today as you enjoy the lovely lyrics of this poem by Nadine Lybarger.
"The world is bright with Christmas lights --- Wherever did you see
A lovelier sight than shines tonight from housefront, lawn, and tree?
The air is filled with melody: Whenever did you hear
A sweeter sound, the world around, than these we hold so dear.
Familiar Christmas carols sung with reverence in each word;
Soft bells in distant steeples rung as though by angels stirred.
The world's alive with Christmas joy! Come join the merry throng.
You'll find upon your lips a smile, within your heart, a song!"
May God bless you today as you enjoy the lovely lyrics of this poem by Nadine Lybarger.
"The world is bright with Christmas lights --- Wherever did you see
A lovelier sight than shines tonight from housefront, lawn, and tree?
The air is filled with melody: Whenever did you hear
A sweeter sound, the world around, than these we hold so dear.
Familiar Christmas carols sung with reverence in each word;
Soft bells in distant steeples rung as though by angels stirred.
The world's alive with Christmas joy! Come join the merry throng.
You'll find upon your lips a smile, within your heart, a song!"
Monday, December 5, 2016
Christmas Praise!
As we continue our Christmas meditations, I would like to look today at one of my favorite Christmas carols, "O Little Town of Bethlehem". The lyrics of this beautiful carol were penned by Phillips Brooks and the melody by Lewis Redner.
In 1865, Phillips Brooks was on the journey of a lifetime. He was on an extended tour of the Holy Land -- the trip a gift from his parishioners.
On Sunday, December 24, 1865, he rode on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. He wanted to be present at the Christmas Eve service. The services lasted from 10 p.m. until three in the morning. He was moved with emotion as he listened to hymns of praise, scripture readings and prayers. This Christmas Eve in Bethlehem would remain with him the rest of his life.
Phillips Brooks was known as a man of great compassion and humility who connected well with people of all generations. It was his love for little children that led him to pen the hauntingly beautiful Christmas carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The children of the church were planning a Christmas program, and he wanted a new Christmas song for them to sing. His thoughts drifted back to that Christmas in Bethlehem a few years earlier. Recalling the beauty of the city, the darkness of the night, the pageantry of the story, he quickly wrote four stanzas.
He gave his verses to the church organist, Lewis Redner, requesting that he compose a simple melody that the children could easily memorize for their program a few days later. The night before the Christmas program, Mr. Redner still had not come up with anything. He fell into bed, exhausted, and plunged into a deep sleep. In the middle of the night, he awoke with the strains of a lovely melody ringing in his ears. Hastily, he jotted down the notes and went back to sleep. In the morning he completed the harmony and taught it to the children. That night, in December of 1868, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" was sung for the first time by the children of Philadelphia's Holy Trinity Church.
Now, more than 140 years later, the strains of that haunting carol continue to bless congregations around the world!
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
I trust that you will often find yourself humming or singing this beautiful carol as you continue to prepare your heart and home for Christmas!
In 1865, Phillips Brooks was on the journey of a lifetime. He was on an extended tour of the Holy Land -- the trip a gift from his parishioners.
On Sunday, December 24, 1865, he rode on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. He wanted to be present at the Christmas Eve service. The services lasted from 10 p.m. until three in the morning. He was moved with emotion as he listened to hymns of praise, scripture readings and prayers. This Christmas Eve in Bethlehem would remain with him the rest of his life.
Phillips Brooks was known as a man of great compassion and humility who connected well with people of all generations. It was his love for little children that led him to pen the hauntingly beautiful Christmas carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The children of the church were planning a Christmas program, and he wanted a new Christmas song for them to sing. His thoughts drifted back to that Christmas in Bethlehem a few years earlier. Recalling the beauty of the city, the darkness of the night, the pageantry of the story, he quickly wrote four stanzas.
He gave his verses to the church organist, Lewis Redner, requesting that he compose a simple melody that the children could easily memorize for their program a few days later. The night before the Christmas program, Mr. Redner still had not come up with anything. He fell into bed, exhausted, and plunged into a deep sleep. In the middle of the night, he awoke with the strains of a lovely melody ringing in his ears. Hastily, he jotted down the notes and went back to sleep. In the morning he completed the harmony and taught it to the children. That night, in December of 1868, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" was sung for the first time by the children of Philadelphia's Holy Trinity Church.
Now, more than 140 years later, the strains of that haunting carol continue to bless congregations around the world!
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His Heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
I trust that you will often find yourself humming or singing this beautiful carol as you continue to prepare your heart and home for Christmas!
Friday, December 2, 2016
Prose and Praise!
As we enter in to the beautiful and blessed Christmas season, I would like to share with you some lovely Christmas poetry, along with a little background of a few of the favorite Christmas carols. I trust that they will be a blessing as you prepare your heart and home for "The Birthday of the King!"
Let us begin with this poem entitled "Christmas Cards" by Edna Jaques.
Perhaps it will inspire you to send a warm Christmas greeting today!
"How lovely are the sentiments contained in Christmas cards,
As well as dear, heartwarming scenes of snowy trees and yards.
They never change so very much, but who would want it so?
For Christmas seems to just belong to cedar trees and snow.
The greetings on a Christmas card are precious as a gem,
Because old neighbors and old friends send us their love with them ---
Warming our hearts with loving words, making us know that they
Are thinking of dear bygone times, upon this Christmas Day.
A holly wreath, a little church, a lovely lighted door,
Some carol singers in the street, the windows of a store ---
All these are part of Christmastime, like cake and mistletoe,
Because a card arrived today, and sort of told me so!"
Let us begin with this poem entitled "Christmas Cards" by Edna Jaques.
Perhaps it will inspire you to send a warm Christmas greeting today!
"How lovely are the sentiments contained in Christmas cards,
As well as dear, heartwarming scenes of snowy trees and yards.
They never change so very much, but who would want it so?
For Christmas seems to just belong to cedar trees and snow.
The greetings on a Christmas card are precious as a gem,
Because old neighbors and old friends send us their love with them ---
Warming our hearts with loving words, making us know that they
Are thinking of dear bygone times, upon this Christmas Day.
A holly wreath, a little church, a lovely lighted door,
Some carol singers in the street, the windows of a store ---
All these are part of Christmastime, like cake and mistletoe,
Because a card arrived today, and sort of told me so!"
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
O Come . . .
Today is the last day of November! The Christmas season is beginning, and it is time to turn our hearts back to that night so long ago when the humble shepherds were watching their flocks on a beautiful starry night!
It is difficult to imagine their amazement, astonishment and wonder when the heavens suddenly produced a multitude of heavenly angels praising God and announcing the birth of our wonderful Saviour, Christ the Lord!
What a glorious night it was -- that holy night so long ago when God the Father laid a Baby on the doorstep of our world! I wonder -- where shall we go to find this Babe? What palace is grand enough for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? But, No; the Prince of Peace lay in a hay-filled manger, in a stable, surrounded by the animals!
It is impossible for me to grasp or fully understand the glorious mystery of Redeeming Love, but throughout this blessed holy season, I hope that you will join me and ---
"Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!
O come! Come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him --
CHRIST THE LORD!"
It is difficult to imagine their amazement, astonishment and wonder when the heavens suddenly produced a multitude of heavenly angels praising God and announcing the birth of our wonderful Saviour, Christ the Lord!
What a glorious night it was -- that holy night so long ago when God the Father laid a Baby on the doorstep of our world! I wonder -- where shall we go to find this Babe? What palace is grand enough for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords? But, No; the Prince of Peace lay in a hay-filled manger, in a stable, surrounded by the animals!
It is impossible for me to grasp or fully understand the glorious mystery of Redeeming Love, but throughout this blessed holy season, I hope that you will join me and ---
"Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!
O come! Come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him --
CHRIST THE LORD!"
Monday, November 28, 2016
J O Y !
There are only three little letters in this wonderful word, but every Christian should be so full of joy that their cup often runs over, and everyone feels blessed and encouraged after being in their presence!
Nehemiah 8:10 says: "The joy of the Lord is your strength"!
I Thessalonians 5:16 says: "Rejoice evermore"!
In Acts 16:25, after having been beaten, thrust into the inner prison, their feet fast in the stocks --- at midnight Paul and Silas "sang praises."
In Psalm 16:11, we find these wonderful words: ". . . in Thy presence is fulness of joy."
The Salvation Army bells will soon be ringing for a donation.
Let us determine to keep the Joybells of God's love ringing in our souls today and every day! If we will do this, then we can sing with the children:
"I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, down in my heart!
Down in my heart to stay!"
Nehemiah 8:10 says: "The joy of the Lord is your strength"!
I Thessalonians 5:16 says: "Rejoice evermore"!
In Acts 16:25, after having been beaten, thrust into the inner prison, their feet fast in the stocks --- at midnight Paul and Silas "sang praises."
In Psalm 16:11, we find these wonderful words: ". . . in Thy presence is fulness of joy."
The Salvation Army bells will soon be ringing for a donation.
Let us determine to keep the Joybells of God's love ringing in our souls today and every day! If we will do this, then we can sing with the children:
"I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy, down in my heart!
Down in my heart to stay!"
Friday, November 25, 2016
ThanksLiving!
Thanksgiving Day has officially ended, and it was a blessed and wonderful day of food and fellowship with loved ones dear, but now let us determine that we are going to make every day a day of ThanksLiving!
Our last Psalm for this Thanksgiving week is Psalm 150, and it speaks about praising our wonderful Lord. Praise and thanksgiving go together, so let's just Praise the Lord and in Everything give thanks!!
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!"
Our last Psalm for this Thanksgiving week is Psalm 150, and it speaks about praising our wonderful Lord. Praise and thanksgiving go together, so let's just Praise the Lord and in Everything give thanks!!
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!"
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Thanksgivimg Day!
"Let all the people praise Thee! Let all the people praise Thee!
Let all the people praise Thy name forever and forever more!"
As you prepare to enjoy the fellowship of loved ones around your Thanksgiving table today, be sure to begin and end your day with Praise to our wonderful Lord!
Psalm 149 reminds us to:
"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints.
Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
Let them praise His name in the dance: let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp.
For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation.
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand:
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people:
To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron:
To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all His saints.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!
BEST WISHES from my home to yours for a blessed Thanksgiving Day!!
Let all the people praise Thy name forever and forever more!"
As you prepare to enjoy the fellowship of loved ones around your Thanksgiving table today, be sure to begin and end your day with Praise to our wonderful Lord!
Psalm 149 reminds us to:
"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints.
Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
Let them praise His name in the dance: let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp.
For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation.
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand:
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people:
To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron:
To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all His saints.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!
BEST WISHES from my home to yours for a blessed Thanksgiving Day!!
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Thanksgiving Eve!
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!"
Wonderful aromas are filling kitchens across America today as mothers and daughters are busy preparing wonderful desserts, delicious salads, yummy sweet potatoes with lots of brown sugar, turkeys, hams, and all the Thanksgiving traditions your family enjoys! But the best part of all will be to have the family gathered together around the table, taking time to bow our heads and our hearts to our wonderful Lord, thanking Him for His marvelous love and tender mercies extended to us throughout the year!
So as you work in your kitchens today, make sure you take little breaks to praise the Lord as we are admonished to do in Psalm 148!
"Praise ye the Lord! Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights.
Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts.
Praise ye Him, sun and moon: praise Him, all ye stars of light.
Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord: for He commanded, and they were created.
He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling His word:
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth.
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the Lord; for His name alone is excellent: His glory is above the earth and heaven.
He also exalteth the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints: even of the children of Israel, a people near unto Him.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!"
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!"
Wonderful aromas are filling kitchens across America today as mothers and daughters are busy preparing wonderful desserts, delicious salads, yummy sweet potatoes with lots of brown sugar, turkeys, hams, and all the Thanksgiving traditions your family enjoys! But the best part of all will be to have the family gathered together around the table, taking time to bow our heads and our hearts to our wonderful Lord, thanking Him for His marvelous love and tender mercies extended to us throughout the year!
So as you work in your kitchens today, make sure you take little breaks to praise the Lord as we are admonished to do in Psalm 148!
"Praise ye the Lord! Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights.
Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts.
Praise ye Him, sun and moon: praise Him, all ye stars of light.
Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord: for He commanded, and they were created.
He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling His word:
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth.
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the Lord; for His name alone is excellent: His glory is above the earth and heaven.
He also exalteth the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints: even of the children of Israel, a people near unto Him.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!"
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Thanksgiving (day 2)
"Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul! Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so full and free."
I trust that as we continue in this week of Thanksgiving, today finds you with your heart full of praise and thanks as you go about your daily tasks.
Take some time today to meditate in Psalms 147.
"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant: and praise is comely. The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: He gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving: sing praise upon the harp unto our God: who covereth the heavens with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Zion.
For He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates: He hath blessed thy children within thee.
He maketh peace in thy borders, and fillest thee with the finest of the wheat.
He sendeth forth His commandment upon earth: His word runneth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
He casteth forth His ice like morsels: who can stand before His cold?
He sendeth out His word, and melteth them: He causeth His winds to blow, and the waters flow.
He sheweth His word unto Jacob, His statues and His judgments unto Israel.
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for His judgments, they have not known them.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!"
Today --- let us . . . "In everything, give thanks!"
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so full and free."
I trust that as we continue in this week of Thanksgiving, today finds you with your heart full of praise and thanks as you go about your daily tasks.
Take some time today to meditate in Psalms 147.
"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant: and praise is comely. The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: He gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. The Lord lifteth up the meek: He casteth the wicked down to the ground.
Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving: sing praise upon the harp unto our God: who covereth the heavens with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.
He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Zion.
For He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates: He hath blessed thy children within thee.
He maketh peace in thy borders, and fillest thee with the finest of the wheat.
He sendeth forth His commandment upon earth: His word runneth very swiftly.
He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.
He casteth forth His ice like morsels: who can stand before His cold?
He sendeth out His word, and melteth them: He causeth His winds to blow, and the waters flow.
He sheweth His word unto Jacob, His statues and His judgments unto Israel.
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for His judgments, they have not known them.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!"
Today --- let us . . . "In everything, give thanks!"
Monday, November 21, 2016
THANKSGIVING!!
"I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live, I am blessed!
When I wake up in the morning, 'till I lay my head to rest -- I am blessed! I am blessed!"
It is a beautiful day, and my heart is full of Thanksgiving and Praise to my wonderful Lord! I trust that you will join me this Thanksgiving week to take some time to "count your many blessings and name them one by one"!
Psalms 146-150 begin and end with "Praise Ye The Lord"! So let's take a Psalm each day and make sure that we begin and end each day with praising our wonderful Lord!!
Psalm 146:
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth: in that very day his thoughts perish.
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God! Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is; which keepeth truth forever:
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners: the Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:
The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow:but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!!!"
When I wake up in the morning, 'till I lay my head to rest -- I am blessed! I am blessed!"
It is a beautiful day, and my heart is full of Thanksgiving and Praise to my wonderful Lord! I trust that you will join me this Thanksgiving week to take some time to "count your many blessings and name them one by one"!
Psalms 146-150 begin and end with "Praise Ye The Lord"! So let's take a Psalm each day and make sure that we begin and end each day with praising our wonderful Lord!!
Psalm 146:
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.
Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth: in that very day his thoughts perish.
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God! Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is; which keepeth truth forever:
Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners: the Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous:
The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow:but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations.
PRAISE YE THE LORD!!!"
Friday, November 18, 2016
"Dare to be a Daniel"!
I am reading in the book of Daniel right now. I still feel the excitement of a child when I read or hear the thrilling stories of Daniel in the Lion's Den and the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace! Let's look a little deeper into the life of Daniel.
In the beginning of the book, we find Daniel a Jewish captive in Babylon. In the very first chapter we find him facing a severe test. Verse 8 records: "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the King's meat, nor the wine which he drank:"
Finally, the jealous presidents and princes could stand it no longer! They could find no occasion or fault against Daniel, so they decided to attack him concerning the law of his God! We find them talking to the King in Chapter six with great flattery and convincing him to sign a decree stating "that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions."
Again, we see the steadfastness of Daniel, for verse 10 says: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."
Daniel didn't wait until he could pray secretly under cover of darkness; but as soon as he knew the writing was signed, he went immediately to his house and started praying. It didn't take long for his enemies to find him praying, and he was cast into the den of lions! There he had a wonderful night of sleep, no doubt using the largest lion for a comfortable pillow!!
The next morning, "Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God." This wonderful miracle seemed to spark a revival, for the king made a decree to all peoples, nations and languages "that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end."
"Dare to be a Daniel! Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known!"
I believe we still have some Daniel's today! Will you dare to be one of them?
In the beginning of the book, we find Daniel a Jewish captive in Babylon. In the very first chapter we find him facing a severe test. Verse 8 records: "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the King's meat, nor the wine which he drank:"
Finally, the jealous presidents and princes could stand it no longer! They could find no occasion or fault against Daniel, so they decided to attack him concerning the law of his God! We find them talking to the King in Chapter six with great flattery and convincing him to sign a decree stating "that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions."
Again, we see the steadfastness of Daniel, for verse 10 says: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime."
Daniel didn't wait until he could pray secretly under cover of darkness; but as soon as he knew the writing was signed, he went immediately to his house and started praying. It didn't take long for his enemies to find him praying, and he was cast into the den of lions! There he had a wonderful night of sleep, no doubt using the largest lion for a comfortable pillow!!
The next morning, "Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God." This wonderful miracle seemed to spark a revival, for the king made a decree to all peoples, nations and languages "that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for He is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall be even unto the end."
"Dare to be a Daniel! Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known!"
I believe we still have some Daniel's today! Will you dare to be one of them?
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
"Whom God Uses"!
I may be 76 years old, but I greatly enjoy sitting down and reading the Sunday School papers on Sunday afternoon! This past Sunday, the following poem spoke to my heart and challenged me. I trust it will speak to your heart, as well.
"One night, 'twas a Saturday evening, I sat alone in my room,
Watching the fading daylight and the steadily gathering gloom.
And I longed and watched for an opening--a word for the Master to say
E'er the twilight gave place to darkness and the week had died away.
I knew that there had been moments afforded me thro' the week
When I might have witnessed for Jesus, but I hadn't the heart to speak.
And now when I would have spoken, the privilege was denied;
So I went in my sorrow to Jesus, and 'Why is it thus?' I cried.
Ah! The Master knew all about it; so He said (and I knew 'twas right),
'The tool is too blunt for service. I cannot use it tonight.'
The sword to be used must be sharpened---must be hid in the Master's hand;
The arrow, while hid in the quiver, must be swift to obey His command.
Oh! Christian, learn well this lesson: We can only be used by God
When communion with Him hath fashioned our mouth like a sharpened sword.
Then, polish and sharpen me, Master, tho' painful the humbling may be,
And make me an instrument ready to be used ANY moment by Thee."
"One night, 'twas a Saturday evening, I sat alone in my room,
Watching the fading daylight and the steadily gathering gloom.
And I longed and watched for an opening--a word for the Master to say
E'er the twilight gave place to darkness and the week had died away.
I knew that there had been moments afforded me thro' the week
When I might have witnessed for Jesus, but I hadn't the heart to speak.
And now when I would have spoken, the privilege was denied;
So I went in my sorrow to Jesus, and 'Why is it thus?' I cried.
Ah! The Master knew all about it; so He said (and I knew 'twas right),
'The tool is too blunt for service. I cannot use it tonight.'
The sword to be used must be sharpened---must be hid in the Master's hand;
The arrow, while hid in the quiver, must be swift to obey His command.
Oh! Christian, learn well this lesson: We can only be used by God
When communion with Him hath fashioned our mouth like a sharpened sword.
Then, polish and sharpen me, Master, tho' painful the humbling may be,
And make me an instrument ready to be used ANY moment by Thee."
Monday, November 14, 2016
Prayer is . . .
Prayer is a blessed privilege, but also a solemn duty!! Matthew 9:36-37 says:
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few."
E. M. Bounds gives us this challenging quote:
"Around us is a world lost in sin, above us is a God willing and able to save; it is ours to build the bridge that links heaven and earth, and prayer is the mighty instrument that does the work. If we do our part, God will do His."
May God help us to "just keep on praying, until light breaks through"!
"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Then saith He unto His disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few."
E. M. Bounds gives us this challenging quote:
"Around us is a world lost in sin, above us is a God willing and able to save; it is ours to build the bridge that links heaven and earth, and prayer is the mighty instrument that does the work. If we do our part, God will do His."
May God help us to "just keep on praying, until light breaks through"!
Friday, November 11, 2016
Thought For Today!
I like this excellent quote by Rev. Billy Graham:
"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost.
When health is lost, something is lost.
When character is lost, all is lost."
We have seen miracles in our recent election, and now God is looking for men, women, and young people of sterling character whom He can use to pray and be His witnesses in these post election days of great challenge!!
Can He depend on You?
"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost.
When health is lost, something is lost.
When character is lost, all is lost."
We have seen miracles in our recent election, and now God is looking for men, women, and young people of sterling character whom He can use to pray and be His witnesses in these post election days of great challenge!!
Can He depend on You?
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
To God Be The Glory!
The world was watching our nation last night, and we witnessed a miracle! It proved to us once again that "None are ever too low for God to lift up, or too high for God to cast down."
But along with Victory comes great responsibility! We, who profess to belong to Christ must not sit down and enjoy the victories of election night.
We must begin to pray faithfully and earnestly for our newly elected President, Vice President, Senate and House.
Then we must humble ourselves and begin to pray earnestly for our nation so in need of a real Holy Ghost, heaven-sent Revival. It must begin in the professing church with soul-searching obedience. Listen to the words of our Lord in the third chapter of Revelation:
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
What a sad, sad picture! I am thankful that the Lord went on to say a few verses later:
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Yes, the world knows that the Lord has worked a political miracle in our nation; I believe He would like to work a spiritual one, too --- will we let Him?
"Obedience brings the blessing"!
But along with Victory comes great responsibility! We, who profess to belong to Christ must not sit down and enjoy the victories of election night.
We must begin to pray faithfully and earnestly for our newly elected President, Vice President, Senate and House.
Then we must humble ourselves and begin to pray earnestly for our nation so in need of a real Holy Ghost, heaven-sent Revival. It must begin in the professing church with soul-searching obedience. Listen to the words of our Lord in the third chapter of Revelation:
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
What a sad, sad picture! I am thankful that the Lord went on to say a few verses later:
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Yes, the world knows that the Lord has worked a political miracle in our nation; I believe He would like to work a spiritual one, too --- will we let Him?
"Obedience brings the blessing"!
Monday, November 7, 2016
Come Closer!
Yesterday was a beautiful Fall day! My little grand-daughter, recently turned three, loves to be outside. While we were finishing dinner, she went outside to walk in the fallen leaves and hear them crunch under her little feet.
There is a big tree just outside my kitchen window. The trunk of the tree has an opening pretty far up where my son could lift her up and she could stand in this spot by herself; her little arms stretched out, balancing herself, her hands on the trunk of the tree. He would step back a way and tell her to jump! She really wanted to, but her little voice would say .... "Come closer!" "Come closer!"
No, he would say -- "I'll catch you; just jump!" He would go through that process several times, until at last she would jump into his arms! Then she was so excited -- she loved it and immediately wanted to do it again! But by the time she got in position to jump again, she became fearful; "Come closer -- come closer!"
While this scenario was transpiring, I suddenly sensed God's Presence, and it seemed the Lord was saying to me --- "Why are ye often fearful to take that leap of faith? Have I ever failed you? Have you forgotten my promise in Deuteronomy 33:27 -- 'The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...'."
Sometimes, perhaps, we need to be reminded that God wants us to trust Him -- to take that leap of faith when it seems impossible; He will never fail to "catch" us, and we will be encouraged to climb to higher heights!
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the privilege of "Living by Faith!"
There is a big tree just outside my kitchen window. The trunk of the tree has an opening pretty far up where my son could lift her up and she could stand in this spot by herself; her little arms stretched out, balancing herself, her hands on the trunk of the tree. He would step back a way and tell her to jump! She really wanted to, but her little voice would say .... "Come closer!" "Come closer!"
No, he would say -- "I'll catch you; just jump!" He would go through that process several times, until at last she would jump into his arms! Then she was so excited -- she loved it and immediately wanted to do it again! But by the time she got in position to jump again, she became fearful; "Come closer -- come closer!"
While this scenario was transpiring, I suddenly sensed God's Presence, and it seemed the Lord was saying to me --- "Why are ye often fearful to take that leap of faith? Have I ever failed you? Have you forgotten my promise in Deuteronomy 33:27 -- 'The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...'."
Sometimes, perhaps, we need to be reminded that God wants us to trust Him -- to take that leap of faith when it seems impossible; He will never fail to "catch" us, and we will be encouraged to climb to higher heights!
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the privilege of "Living by Faith!"
Friday, November 4, 2016
Watchman ---- What of the Night?
As we approach the election in a few days (if Jesus tarries), I keep thinking of the sobering words in Isaiah: "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?"
Perhaps the Lord would answer us in the words of II Chronicles 7:14:
"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Or would He have to say these very sad words from Ezekiel:
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them. . ."
"Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of Kings!
Rise up, O church of God! From vain ambitions turn.
Christ rose triumphant that your hearts with nobler zeal might burn!
Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom's task embrace.
Redress sin's cruel consequence; give justice larger place!
Lift high the Cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod!
As followers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O church of God!"
--William Merrill
Perhaps the Lord would answer us in the words of II Chronicles 7:14:
"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Or would He have to say these very sad words from Ezekiel:
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them. . ."
"Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of Kings!
Rise up, O church of God! From vain ambitions turn.
Christ rose triumphant that your hearts with nobler zeal might burn!
Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom's task embrace.
Redress sin's cruel consequence; give justice larger place!
Lift high the Cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod!
As followers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O church of God!"
--William Merrill
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Habakkuk -- I Like Him!
No, I haven't met him in person, but I hope to when I get to heaven, and maybe by then I will have learned to spell his name without looking! :)
His little book, near the end of the Old Testament, has only three short chapters; and about the prophet, himself, nothing is known. But I like him because He is very open and honest with God. The prophet is very perplexed about the sins of Israel and the silence of God. He begins his book with a prayer -- "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto Thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save!"
Then follows a dialogue between Habakkuk and Jehovah. At the end of chapter 0ne, Habakkuk is still questioning, so he ascends his watch-tower (2:1) to look over the world. The Lord answers him, and he is encouraged to wait for the purpose of God to be fulfilled.
He seems content with the new light he has received, and begins chapter 3 with a sublime prayer (or Psalm of praise) which speaks about the majesty and glory of God. He also declares his unwavering trust in the divine plans. --- I like it because he didn't give up --- he persevered until he no more had questions, but answers!
He is now ready to give us the glorious conclusion of his prophecy! I love this benediction of an All Conquering Faith!
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat: the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places."
Praise the Lord!!
His little book, near the end of the Old Testament, has only three short chapters; and about the prophet, himself, nothing is known. But I like him because He is very open and honest with God. The prophet is very perplexed about the sins of Israel and the silence of God. He begins his book with a prayer -- "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto Thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save!"
Then follows a dialogue between Habakkuk and Jehovah. At the end of chapter 0ne, Habakkuk is still questioning, so he ascends his watch-tower (2:1) to look over the world. The Lord answers him, and he is encouraged to wait for the purpose of God to be fulfilled.
He seems content with the new light he has received, and begins chapter 3 with a sublime prayer (or Psalm of praise) which speaks about the majesty and glory of God. He also declares his unwavering trust in the divine plans. --- I like it because he didn't give up --- he persevered until he no more had questions, but answers!
He is now ready to give us the glorious conclusion of his prophecy! I love this benediction of an All Conquering Faith!
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat: the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places."
Praise the Lord!!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Martin Luther---The Great Reformer!
Yesterday was Reformation Sunday, and today is known as Reformation Day.
Our pastor, Bro. Thornton, preached an excellent message yesterday morning, and he closed the service last night with the congregation singing Martin Luther's majestic hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!"
Bro. Thornton loaned me an old book of his published in 1870 which contains notices of the most eminent reformers. It is most interesting, so I will try to give a very brief highlight.
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483. He seemed destined to be a pillar of the Roman Catholic church, and a patron of all its corruption. However, he had a daring spirit and loved nothing as well as truth. He spoke more boldly when he was assailed by menace and insult. He rejected the despotism of the Pope; he refused obedience to an unlimited and usurped authority.
This was the origin of the Reformation. His friends were few and of no great influence; his enemies were numerous and powerful, and eager for his destruction. He was summoned to plead his cause before the diet at Worms. The assembly soon issued the "Edict of Worms" in which Luther was denounced as an excommunicated heretic, but he allowed no moderation or concession in any matter where Christian truth was concerned.
During the 29 years he was in public life, the principles of the gospel were deeply rooted, so that when he died in 1546, he could depart in peaceful confidence that the objects of his mission were accomplished!
On this Reformation Day, I trust you will take some time to read and meditate again on Martin Luther's powerful hymn, written in 1529 -- eight years after the "Edict of Worms"!!
Our pastor, Bro. Thornton, preached an excellent message yesterday morning, and he closed the service last night with the congregation singing Martin Luther's majestic hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!"
Bro. Thornton loaned me an old book of his published in 1870 which contains notices of the most eminent reformers. It is most interesting, so I will try to give a very brief highlight.
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483. He seemed destined to be a pillar of the Roman Catholic church, and a patron of all its corruption. However, he had a daring spirit and loved nothing as well as truth. He spoke more boldly when he was assailed by menace and insult. He rejected the despotism of the Pope; he refused obedience to an unlimited and usurped authority.
This was the origin of the Reformation. His friends were few and of no great influence; his enemies were numerous and powerful, and eager for his destruction. He was summoned to plead his cause before the diet at Worms. The assembly soon issued the "Edict of Worms" in which Luther was denounced as an excommunicated heretic, but he allowed no moderation or concession in any matter where Christian truth was concerned.
During the 29 years he was in public life, the principles of the gospel were deeply rooted, so that when he died in 1546, he could depart in peaceful confidence that the objects of his mission were accomplished!
On this Reformation Day, I trust you will take some time to read and meditate again on Martin Luther's powerful hymn, written in 1529 -- eight years after the "Edict of Worms"!!
Saturday, October 29, 2016
PSALM 100!
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His
people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and
bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."
I love this lovely little Psalm of praise!! It is so good to serve the Lord with gladness and keep a song in our hearts. How wonderful to know that He hath made us and we belong to Him.
May God bless you today as you take a little time to meditate on this blessed Psalm of Praise in preparation for God's Holy Day tomorrow!
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His
people, and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and
bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."
I love this lovely little Psalm of praise!! It is so good to serve the Lord with gladness and keep a song in our hearts. How wonderful to know that He hath made us and we belong to Him.
May God bless you today as you take a little time to meditate on this blessed Psalm of Praise in preparation for God's Holy Day tomorrow!
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Doubt Not!
We must never doubt God's Word, even when it seems impossible!
Look at Moses in the 11th chapter of Numbers. The children of Israel were complaining in the wilderness, and Moses was discouraged.
He said in verses 21 and 22:
And Moses said unto the Lord, "The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen: and Thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.
Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?"
I love the Lord's answer to Moses in verse 23: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Is the Lord's hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether My word shall come to pass unto thee or not."
Let us never forget that nothing is impossible with God; nothing is too hard for Him and He knows how and when to send the answer! Praise the Lord!
"And there went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.
And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp."
What a mighty God we serve and He is just the same today!!
Look at Moses in the 11th chapter of Numbers. The children of Israel were complaining in the wilderness, and Moses was discouraged.
He said in verses 21 and 22:
And Moses said unto the Lord, "The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen: and Thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.
Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?"
I love the Lord's answer to Moses in verse 23: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Is the Lord's hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether My word shall come to pass unto thee or not."
Let us never forget that nothing is impossible with God; nothing is too hard for Him and He knows how and when to send the answer! Praise the Lord!
"And there went forth a wind from the Lord, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth.
And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp."
What a mighty God we serve and He is just the same today!!
Monday, October 24, 2016
"I Would Be True"!
This morning I was thinking about many things, and this old song came to my mind. I can't remember the last time I heard it, but the words caused me to stop and prayerfully search my heart.
"I would be true, for there are those who trust me.
I would be pure, for there are those who care.
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer.
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend of all -- the foe, the friendless.
I would be giving, and forget the gift.
I would be humble, for I know my weakness.
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.
I would be prayerful through each busy moment.
I would be constantly in touch with God.
I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper.
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod."
As the Apostle Paul admonished Timothy, let us "be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
"I would be true, for there are those who trust me.
I would be pure, for there are those who care.
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer.
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend of all -- the foe, the friendless.
I would be giving, and forget the gift.
I would be humble, for I know my weakness.
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.
I would be prayerful through each busy moment.
I would be constantly in touch with God.
I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper.
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod."
As the Apostle Paul admonished Timothy, let us "be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Thursday, October 20, 2016
A Favorite "Vitamin"!
Lots of people take different kinds of vitamins that they hope will enhance the health of their mind and body. Well---okay---I take a few too; Calcium for healthy bones, Vitamin C, low-dose aspirin, and of course, the daily multi-vitamin for women over 50!
But my favorite "vitamin" that 'picks me up' and gives me new vigor is the mid-week prayer and praise service! Last night it was so good to pray with the family of God around the altar before we went home to listen to the last Presidential debate before the election.
Our pastor had shared with us that he had awakened at 4 am that morning, very burdened by these words---"What if the results of the election depended on your prayers?"
He then read to us from the 22nd chapter of Ezekiel, ending with the very sad words in verses 30 and 31:
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them: I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God."
Perhaps we need to think deeply on this quote from O. Hallesby:
"It is necessary for the Spirit of God to burn into our hearts this mystery, that the most important work we have to do is that which must be done on our knees, alone with God, away from the bustle of the world and the plaudits of men."
But my favorite "vitamin" that 'picks me up' and gives me new vigor is the mid-week prayer and praise service! Last night it was so good to pray with the family of God around the altar before we went home to listen to the last Presidential debate before the election.
Our pastor had shared with us that he had awakened at 4 am that morning, very burdened by these words---"What if the results of the election depended on your prayers?"
He then read to us from the 22nd chapter of Ezekiel, ending with the very sad words in verses 30 and 31:
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out mine indignation upon them: I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God."
Perhaps we need to think deeply on this quote from O. Hallesby:
"It is necessary for the Spirit of God to burn into our hearts this mystery, that the most important work we have to do is that which must be done on our knees, alone with God, away from the bustle of the world and the plaudits of men."
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
". . .Take My Hand"
I trust the story that inspired the words of "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" by Tommy Dorsey will be an encouragement to some hurting soul today.
"Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child, but a lot of people were expecting me. I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.
Outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay, but eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room.
The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED!
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was 'Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'
When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together in the same casket. Then I fell apart.
For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.
From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows.
I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, and once into my head the words just seemed to fall into place:
'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.'
The Lord gave me these words and melody. He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God; this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power.
And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home."
--Tommy Dorsey
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness."
--Isaiah 41:10
"Back in 1932, I was a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child, but a lot of people were expecting me. I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66.
Outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay, but eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room.
The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED!
People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was 'Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.'
When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together in the same casket. Then I fell apart.
For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died.
From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially one friend. The following Saturday evening he took me up to Maloney's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows.
I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, and once into my head the words just seemed to fall into place:
'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.'
The Lord gave me these words and melody. He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God; this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power.
And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home."
--Tommy Dorsey
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness."
--Isaiah 41:10
Monday, October 17, 2016
Food For Thought!
As we begin another week of living for Jesus, we know not what the day will bring forth!
Let us take some time to meditate on the following little quotes:
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."
"They who fear God must fear men least."
"Anytime a man takes a stand, there will come a time when he'll be tested to see how firmly his feet are planted."
"None are ever too low for God to lift up, or too high for God to cast down."
"Duty is ours; results are God's."
--John Quincy Adams
"Can God trust us to be completely obedient without questioning and without understanding so that He can perform His will and work, and use us for His glory?"
.
Let us, throughout the week, think often on the lovely little benediction in II Corinthians:
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen."
Let us take some time to meditate on the following little quotes:
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."
"They who fear God must fear men least."
"Anytime a man takes a stand, there will come a time when he'll be tested to see how firmly his feet are planted."
"None are ever too low for God to lift up, or too high for God to cast down."
"Duty is ours; results are God's."
--John Quincy Adams
"Can God trust us to be completely obedient without questioning and without understanding so that He can perform His will and work, and use us for His glory?"
.
Let us, throughout the week, think often on the lovely little benediction in II Corinthians:
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen."
Friday, October 14, 2016
Autumn!
Today as I drove into town, my heart was thrilled and blessed as I viewed the magnificent handiwork of God! The trees, shimmering in the sunlight, were dressed in their beautiful autumn colors -- brilliant reds, glowing oranges and lemon yellows!
The seasons are a sweet reminder of the faithfulness of our God! The Lord spoke to Noah when he came out of the Ark and told him: "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."
It is a blessed comfort in this fast-paced, ever-changing, morally-corrupted world that we live in to know that God is still on the Throne; He still keeps count of the number of hairs in our heads; He is still the Almighty God; He changes not; His way is still perfect, and He is still the Ruler of this mighty universe!
So --- let's open our hearts, drink in the Autumn beauty all around us, and remember that "this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death." Amen!
The seasons are a sweet reminder of the faithfulness of our God! The Lord spoke to Noah when he came out of the Ark and told him: "While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."
It is a blessed comfort in this fast-paced, ever-changing, morally-corrupted world that we live in to know that God is still on the Throne; He still keeps count of the number of hairs in our heads; He is still the Almighty God; He changes not; His way is still perfect, and He is still the Ruler of this mighty universe!
So --- let's open our hearts, drink in the Autumn beauty all around us, and remember that "this God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death." Amen!
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
My Sabbatical
I'm not exactly sure what a Sabbatical is, but I think it is where you leave your present post of duty and do something else for a period of time. (I probably don't know much about it because I don't think Papa liked the word -- he never wanted to leave his "present post of duty")!! :)
But I have many sweet and wonderful memories of my Sabbatical---including revival services which encouraged and deepened me spiritually; the lovely wedding of my grandson, Ashton, to sweet Kayla; riding to Kansas with my sister after the wedding and enjoying a few days with her and my brother-in-law; then ending up at my son, Jonathan's, home in Kansas City and being there to see my two sweet grand-daughters, Zoe and Emma, be baptized during the church service on Sunday morning. It was a very special and precious time!
Now I am back home in my little "nest", but I am never alone for Jesus walks with me and talks with me, and He tells me that I am His own!
What a blessed privilege to love and serve Him!
Do you know Him today?
Whosoever will may come!
But I have many sweet and wonderful memories of my Sabbatical---including revival services which encouraged and deepened me spiritually; the lovely wedding of my grandson, Ashton, to sweet Kayla; riding to Kansas with my sister after the wedding and enjoying a few days with her and my brother-in-law; then ending up at my son, Jonathan's, home in Kansas City and being there to see my two sweet grand-daughters, Zoe and Emma, be baptized during the church service on Sunday morning. It was a very special and precious time!
Now I am back home in my little "nest", but I am never alone for Jesus walks with me and talks with me, and He tells me that I am His own!
What a blessed privilege to love and serve Him!
Do you know Him today?
Whosoever will may come!
Friday, September 16, 2016
New Guinea -- We Miss You!
It was a year ago this month that Randy, Barb, Ashton, Angel and I flew to Los Angeles, boarded a huge double-decker jumbo jet and took off over the ocean! We landed safely in Brisbane, Austrailia and soon took off again.
What a thrill it was as we descended and saw the city of Port Moresby coming into view. Even as I write, tears come to my eyes as I recall wonderful memories!!
When we stepped off the airplane in New Guinea, it was a great thrill, and very humbling, for me to see a great crowd of preachers who had come to greet us because they loved Dad (some of them had sacrificed greatly to be there)!
From that moment on, we experienced blessing after blessing, and thrill after thrill as we traveled the very narrow road up to the highlands!! (Actually, our driver, one of the dear Christian men, slowed down from his normal speed for my sake!!) :)
Our family has not forgotten the many kindnesses of the Honorable Speaker Zurenuoc, and we pray that our wonderful Lord will grant him the wisdom, knowledge, courage and strength that he needs in these important days!
I don't expect to ever experience anything as thrilling as being able to see the cheering crowd of 100,000 or more people lining the streets to view the Bible as it was being carried through the city by some of the church leaders much like the Ark of the Covenant!
Our family is thinking of you again this week as you celebrate your Independence. We left a part of our hearts there with you in New Guinea, and if we are not able to meet again in this life, let us covenant together to meet again at Jesus' feet.
God bless you richly, and may He continue to use you for His glory and the upbuilding of His kingdom!
What a thrill it was as we descended and saw the city of Port Moresby coming into view. Even as I write, tears come to my eyes as I recall wonderful memories!!
When we stepped off the airplane in New Guinea, it was a great thrill, and very humbling, for me to see a great crowd of preachers who had come to greet us because they loved Dad (some of them had sacrificed greatly to be there)!
From that moment on, we experienced blessing after blessing, and thrill after thrill as we traveled the very narrow road up to the highlands!! (Actually, our driver, one of the dear Christian men, slowed down from his normal speed for my sake!!) :)
Our family has not forgotten the many kindnesses of the Honorable Speaker Zurenuoc, and we pray that our wonderful Lord will grant him the wisdom, knowledge, courage and strength that he needs in these important days!
I don't expect to ever experience anything as thrilling as being able to see the cheering crowd of 100,000 or more people lining the streets to view the Bible as it was being carried through the city by some of the church leaders much like the Ark of the Covenant!
Our family is thinking of you again this week as you celebrate your Independence. We left a part of our hearts there with you in New Guinea, and if we are not able to meet again in this life, let us covenant together to meet again at Jesus' feet.
God bless you richly, and may He continue to use you for His glory and the upbuilding of His kingdom!
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Someone Needs You!
Perhaps you think you are of little worth, but in our hurting world there are many in need of a friend who will take time to listen and understand; someone who really cares; someone they can trust; someone to pray for them and point them to Jesus, the Friend who always cares and understands!
I trust the words of this beautiful poem by an unknown author will lodge in your heart today, and help you to remember there is someone needing you!!
"If you're feeling sad and lonely, there seems nothing you can do --
Just take courage and remember, there is someone needing you.
You were created for a purpose, for a part in God's great plan;
Bear ye one another's burdens--so fulfill Christ's law to man.
Are you father, son, or daughter? You've work none else can do.
Are you husband, wife, or Mother? There is someone needing you.
If perhaps in bed you're lying, you can smile or press the hand
Of the one who tells his story; he will know you understand.
There are many sad and lonely, and discouraged, not a few,
Who a little cheer are needing, and there's someone needing you.
Someone needs your faith and courage; someone needs your love and prayer;
Someone needs your inspiration, thus to help their cross to bear.
Do not think your work is ended, there is much that you can do;
And as long as you're on earth -- there is someone needing you!"
"Make me a blessing to someone today."
I trust the words of this beautiful poem by an unknown author will lodge in your heart today, and help you to remember there is someone needing you!!
"If you're feeling sad and lonely, there seems nothing you can do --
Just take courage and remember, there is someone needing you.
You were created for a purpose, for a part in God's great plan;
Bear ye one another's burdens--so fulfill Christ's law to man.
Are you father, son, or daughter? You've work none else can do.
Are you husband, wife, or Mother? There is someone needing you.
If perhaps in bed you're lying, you can smile or press the hand
Of the one who tells his story; he will know you understand.
There are many sad and lonely, and discouraged, not a few,
Who a little cheer are needing, and there's someone needing you.
Someone needs your faith and courage; someone needs your love and prayer;
Someone needs your inspiration, thus to help their cross to bear.
Do not think your work is ended, there is much that you can do;
And as long as you're on earth -- there is someone needing you!"
"Make me a blessing to someone today."
Friday, September 9, 2016
It is Finished!
In the last book of the Bible -- Revelation -- in the last chapter of the Bible -- chapter 22 -- we find the last promise, the last invitation, and the last warning.
The last Promise is found in verse 14: "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
The last Invitation is found in verse 17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
The last Warning is found in verses 18-19: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
Are you ready for that Day to come??
The last Promise is found in verse 14: "Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
The last Invitation is found in verse 17: "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
The last Warning is found in verses 18-19: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
Are you ready for that Day to come??
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
How Many Pearls Do You Have?
There are two short verses in the 13th chapter of Matthew that are very intriguing! Jesus talks to us about a man who dealt in goodly pearls---he bought and sold beautiful pearls. This man undoubtedly had a marvelous collection---probably the best in the country. He had been a dealer and collector for many years, traveling extensively to purchase, trade, barter and make the best deals possible. He had worked hard to obtain his rare collection that would bring top dollar in the world's market.
He was quite satisfied with his collection, and actually had no thought of doing anything further. One day, however, he was out with a fellow dealer in pearls, and as they were browsing through some little shops, he suddenly saw the most brilliant, magnificent pearl he had ever seen. He let out a gasp; it was breathtakingly beautiful! He trembled as he spoke to the shop keeper. He was afraid to ask the price, yet he had to know!
He staggered backwards at the sum. There was no way! It was impossible; but, oh, the pearl was so wonderful; so pure and lovely!! How he longed to possess that magnificent pearl.
He went home quickly and began to think---"I have some pearls that I can part with. I'll sell those and perhaps the merchant will lower the price."
This accomplished, he hurried back to the store, but it was no use. He pleaded and begged and bargained, but the merchant would not lower the price even one penny.
Sadly, the man returned home. There seemed to be no way he could have the pearl; but, oh, how he wanted it! He dreamed about it at night, and every waking moment found him struggling with a way to pay the price.
Finally, after weeks of struggling and figuring, he realized that the only possible way he could obtain the magnificent pearl was to sell his entire collection---every pearl he had! He couldn't keep a one---it took them all to pay the required price!
Do you have any pearls you need to get rid of? Let's have a sale!! Let's part with everything we have in order that we may obtain the Pearl of Great Price -- the blessed Holy Spirit!
He was quite satisfied with his collection, and actually had no thought of doing anything further. One day, however, he was out with a fellow dealer in pearls, and as they were browsing through some little shops, he suddenly saw the most brilliant, magnificent pearl he had ever seen. He let out a gasp; it was breathtakingly beautiful! He trembled as he spoke to the shop keeper. He was afraid to ask the price, yet he had to know!
He staggered backwards at the sum. There was no way! It was impossible; but, oh, the pearl was so wonderful; so pure and lovely!! How he longed to possess that magnificent pearl.
He went home quickly and began to think---"I have some pearls that I can part with. I'll sell those and perhaps the merchant will lower the price."
This accomplished, he hurried back to the store, but it was no use. He pleaded and begged and bargained, but the merchant would not lower the price even one penny.
Sadly, the man returned home. There seemed to be no way he could have the pearl; but, oh, how he wanted it! He dreamed about it at night, and every waking moment found him struggling with a way to pay the price.
Finally, after weeks of struggling and figuring, he realized that the only possible way he could obtain the magnificent pearl was to sell his entire collection---every pearl he had! He couldn't keep a one---it took them all to pay the required price!
Do you have any pearls you need to get rid of? Let's have a sale!! Let's part with everything we have in order that we may obtain the Pearl of Great Price -- the blessed Holy Spirit!
Monday, September 5, 2016
Labor Day!
Today is Labor Day, but no one is laboring except the women who are doing the cooking!! :) It is a national holiday, and families are enjoying times of relaxation, feasting and fellowship! It is a blessing to be with loved ones on special days and times of leisure, but it is also a great blessing to be able to labor. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says: "The sleep of a labouring man is sweet."
There are many people today on beds of affliction who would love to be able to join you as you plan to return to your place of labour tomorrow. So be grateful for your employment, your health, and for the wisdom and knowledge needed for your particular job. But, as you return, perhaps it would be well for all of us, as we end this labor day, to remember God's commandment:
"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. . . . Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
"I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord."
--Psalms 122:1
There are many people today on beds of affliction who would love to be able to join you as you plan to return to your place of labour tomorrow. So be grateful for your employment, your health, and for the wisdom and knowledge needed for your particular job. But, as you return, perhaps it would be well for all of us, as we end this labor day, to remember God's commandment:
"Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. . . . Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."
"I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord."
--Psalms 122:1
Friday, September 2, 2016
Today --- I Miss You!
I miss you today, Dad, on this our 58th Wedding Anniversary! I remember well the first day I met you. It was my first day on the college campus -- the Kansas farm girl meeting a "genuine Texan" -- complete with cowboy boots, cowboy shirt (you know---the kind with those ugly brass buttons), and of course, your 10 gallon cowboy hat!! Did you know I was not impressed!! :)
However, I also distinctly remember the first time I was impressed! The college was in Revival, and as I was leaving the service one night with some friends, I heard someone at the front of the church praying very loudly! I said, "Who is that praying so loud", and they said -- "That's Gene Hood from Texas"! Did you know, Dad, that something immediately welled up in me (I remember it as if it were yesterday) and I said in my heart -- "I would like to marry a man who can pray like that"!!
Do you remember that Wednesday in Chapel when you came down from the balcony and sat down in the empty seat beside me, intending to ask the girl who sat there for a date to Prayer Meeting that night? Do you remember she never came, so you asked me instead? :) :)
That was the beginning of our relationship that led to the marriage altar, and now, today is our 58th wedding anniversary! Do you remember when you gave me this little card? It is one of my favorites:
"I asked the Lord to bless me with an angel in my life --
A woman I could treasure as a loving friend and wife.
And so you came from Heaven as the answer to my prayer;
And changed my world forever through the precious love we share."
I miss you today, sweet Papa. I miss your wise counsel -- your leadership -- I greatly miss hearing you pray -- but I intend, by God's wonderful grace, to Meet You in the Morning---just inside The Eastern Gate---with the family in my hand!
However, I also distinctly remember the first time I was impressed! The college was in Revival, and as I was leaving the service one night with some friends, I heard someone at the front of the church praying very loudly! I said, "Who is that praying so loud", and they said -- "That's Gene Hood from Texas"! Did you know, Dad, that something immediately welled up in me (I remember it as if it were yesterday) and I said in my heart -- "I would like to marry a man who can pray like that"!!
Do you remember that Wednesday in Chapel when you came down from the balcony and sat down in the empty seat beside me, intending to ask the girl who sat there for a date to Prayer Meeting that night? Do you remember she never came, so you asked me instead? :) :)
That was the beginning of our relationship that led to the marriage altar, and now, today is our 58th wedding anniversary! Do you remember when you gave me this little card? It is one of my favorites:
"I asked the Lord to bless me with an angel in my life --
A woman I could treasure as a loving friend and wife.
And so you came from Heaven as the answer to my prayer;
And changed my world forever through the precious love we share."
I miss you today, sweet Papa. I miss your wise counsel -- your leadership -- I greatly miss hearing you pray -- but I intend, by God's wonderful grace, to Meet You in the Morning---just inside The Eastern Gate---with the family in my hand!
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Come . . .
I don't remember where or when I read this quote, but I wrote it in my Bible and it speaks to my heart today:
"Our church groups are going to drift, our schools will miss their highest potential, our missionary organizations will be fruitless, our homes will be tragedies within four walls, our personal lives --- who knows where they will end up --- if we don't keep the manifest Presence of the Spirit in our midst."
"Come, Holy Spirit, I need Thee --
Come, sweet Spirit, I pray!
Come in Thy strength and Thy power --
Come in Thine own gentle way."
"Our church groups are going to drift, our schools will miss their highest potential, our missionary organizations will be fruitless, our homes will be tragedies within four walls, our personal lives --- who knows where they will end up --- if we don't keep the manifest Presence of the Spirit in our midst."
"Come, Holy Spirit, I need Thee --
Come, sweet Spirit, I pray!
Come in Thy strength and Thy power --
Come in Thine own gentle way."
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
The Lord Hates . . .
The book of Proverbs is a marvelous book giving moral and religious instruction. It contains so many wonderful sayings that I believe we would keep gaining new insights even if we read it through every month (a chapter each day)!
It speaks about wisdom; the correction of children; about friendship; about pride; about strife; about the tongue; about evil women and good women; it also speaks about the "Fear of God" which is so greatly needed in our day!
There are many other subjects discussed in this wonderful book to give moral instruction, especially to young people. We also learn in Proverbs there are some things that God hates. In Proverbs 6:16, we read: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him." The word abomination seems to add impact and emphasis to the word hate. Perhaps we need to see what these seven things are. Verses 17-19 gives us the answer:
"A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
Wow! What a list! It makes me want to humble myself before God and let Him turn the searchlight of heaven on my soul. Perhaps we especially need to be reminded of the 7th thing listed -- sowing discord among the brethren. May we, rather, follow the beautiful admonition in Philippians 2:3:
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
It speaks about wisdom; the correction of children; about friendship; about pride; about strife; about the tongue; about evil women and good women; it also speaks about the "Fear of God" which is so greatly needed in our day!
There are many other subjects discussed in this wonderful book to give moral instruction, especially to young people. We also learn in Proverbs there are some things that God hates. In Proverbs 6:16, we read: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him." The word abomination seems to add impact and emphasis to the word hate. Perhaps we need to see what these seven things are. Verses 17-19 gives us the answer:
"A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
Wow! What a list! It makes me want to humble myself before God and let Him turn the searchlight of heaven on my soul. Perhaps we especially need to be reminded of the 7th thing listed -- sowing discord among the brethren. May we, rather, follow the beautiful admonition in Philippians 2:3:
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Esther -- Beautiful and Courageous!
The book of Esther begins with King Ahasuerus becoming very angry with Vashti, the Queen, because she refused to come at his command! The king conferred with his "wise men" and the decision was made to give her royal estate unto another "better than she".
The search began for all the fair young virgins to be brought to Shushan the palace, "...and when many maidens were gathered together...Esther was brought also."
She went through the process of purification, etc., and when her turn came to go in unto the king, the Bible says:
"And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."
It was not yet known that Esther was a Jew, and in the 3rd chapter we read of the conspiracy of Haman, resulting in letters being written in the name of the king "...to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women..."
It did not matter that Esther was the Queen---it did not matter that she was beautiful --- she was a Jew! What was Esther to do? Fear must have gripped her heart as Mordecai sent word:
"Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews . . . and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
When Esther heard those challenging words, I believe her courage rose to the top, and she was able to say: ". . . and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
When I read of how the courage of Esther brought deliverance to her people, I think of my three beautiful teen-age grand-daughters, 15, 16 and 18 (perhaps about Esther's age, for she was a "fair, young virgin"), and I pray:
"Father, maybe you have brought my sweet grand-daughters, Kaylee, Angel and Brooke to the kingdom for such a time as this. They are beautiful on the outside, but, most of all I pray that You can make them beautiful on the inside -- vessels of honour; sanctified and meet for the Master's use!
In Jesus' name and for His glory, I pray. Amen!"
The search began for all the fair young virgins to be brought to Shushan the palace, "...and when many maidens were gathered together...Esther was brought also."
She went through the process of purification, etc., and when her turn came to go in unto the king, the Bible says:
"And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."
It was not yet known that Esther was a Jew, and in the 3rd chapter we read of the conspiracy of Haman, resulting in letters being written in the name of the king "...to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women..."
It did not matter that Esther was the Queen---it did not matter that she was beautiful --- she was a Jew! What was Esther to do? Fear must have gripped her heart as Mordecai sent word:
"Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews . . . and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
When Esther heard those challenging words, I believe her courage rose to the top, and she was able to say: ". . . and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."
When I read of how the courage of Esther brought deliverance to her people, I think of my three beautiful teen-age grand-daughters, 15, 16 and 18 (perhaps about Esther's age, for she was a "fair, young virgin"), and I pray:
"Father, maybe you have brought my sweet grand-daughters, Kaylee, Angel and Brooke to the kingdom for such a time as this. They are beautiful on the outside, but, most of all I pray that You can make them beautiful on the inside -- vessels of honour; sanctified and meet for the Master's use!
In Jesus' name and for His glory, I pray. Amen!"
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
I Am Blessed!
Today I am singing ---
"I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live, I am blessed!
When I wake up in the morning 'till I lay my head to rest,
I am blessed! I am blessed!
My heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving today as I look back over the years! I think of the many years of ministry with Dad, and as the songwriter said: "I don't regret a mile we traveled for the Lord!"
If Dad was still here, we would be celebrating his 79th birthday today! (What fun the younger grandchildren & great grandchildren would have trying to blow out 79 candles)!!!
I might be making his favorite cake, "Italian Creme", but today he is eating "Angel" food cake, and I know it far surpasses the best Italian Creme on this earth!!
The family misses you today, Dad, but as we take a little time to look back over the years, I believe we would choose this quote from Henry Van Dyke and say from our hearts --- "That was my Dad; that was my Grandpa!"
"There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift those around us a little higher."
"I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live, I am blessed!
When I wake up in the morning 'till I lay my head to rest,
I am blessed! I am blessed!
My heart is filled with praise and thanksgiving today as I look back over the years! I think of the many years of ministry with Dad, and as the songwriter said: "I don't regret a mile we traveled for the Lord!"
If Dad was still here, we would be celebrating his 79th birthday today! (What fun the younger grandchildren & great grandchildren would have trying to blow out 79 candles)!!!
I might be making his favorite cake, "Italian Creme", but today he is eating "Angel" food cake, and I know it far surpasses the best Italian Creme on this earth!!
The family misses you today, Dad, but as we take a little time to look back over the years, I believe we would choose this quote from Henry Van Dyke and say from our hearts --- "That was my Dad; that was my Grandpa!"
"There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift those around us a little higher."
Friday, August 19, 2016
Food For Thought!
I like this little quote by George Horace Lorimer:
"It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure you haven't lost the things that money can't buy."
"It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure you haven't lost the things that money can't buy."
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
The Father ---- The Prodigal
My heart is always touched when I read the moving parable of the Prodigal Son in the 15th chapter of Luke. I picture the younger son as becoming a rebellious lad, tired of living by his father's rules--ungrateful, and finally saying in his heart ---"I'll do it My Way"!
He went to his father and said -- "Give Me . . . " The father's heart was broken, but (perhaps after a night of pacing the floor in prayer) he gave unto him his portion of goods. As is always the case, sin will take you farther than you want to go! After wasting his money in riotous living he finally found himself in the hog pen, giving the muddy swine their disgusting slop, and he was so hungry and so degraded that the slop looked pretty good to him!
But, praise the Lord, right there in the hog pen he came to himself and said: "How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants." (Notice that he left saying "Give me", but he returns saying "Make me"!)
And here is the part I especially love: "When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
What a touching scene! I believe when the prodigal left, the father set up some kind of telescope where he could see a great way off.
I'm sure by, by this time, the devil was telling the prodigal what a fool he was, but regardless of what the devil or anybody else said, he was determined to get to the father! And when we get to the place where we are sick of sin, and repent with godly sorrow -- the Father will see us, have compassion on us, forgive every sin, and say as the prodigal's father said:
"Bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again: he was lost, and is found."
If you find yourself in the hog pen of sin today---don't stay there!!
The Father is watching for you, and "Whosoever Will May Come!"
He went to his father and said -- "Give Me . . . " The father's heart was broken, but (perhaps after a night of pacing the floor in prayer) he gave unto him his portion of goods. As is always the case, sin will take you farther than you want to go! After wasting his money in riotous living he finally found himself in the hog pen, giving the muddy swine their disgusting slop, and he was so hungry and so degraded that the slop looked pretty good to him!
But, praise the Lord, right there in the hog pen he came to himself and said: "How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants." (Notice that he left saying "Give me", but he returns saying "Make me"!)
And here is the part I especially love: "When he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
What a touching scene! I believe when the prodigal left, the father set up some kind of telescope where he could see a great way off.
I'm sure by, by this time, the devil was telling the prodigal what a fool he was, but regardless of what the devil or anybody else said, he was determined to get to the father! And when we get to the place where we are sick of sin, and repent with godly sorrow -- the Father will see us, have compassion on us, forgive every sin, and say as the prodigal's father said:
"Bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again: he was lost, and is found."
If you find yourself in the hog pen of sin today---don't stay there!!
The Father is watching for you, and "Whosoever Will May Come!"
Monday, August 15, 2016
Put God First!
This wonderful little poem, by an unknown author, was in our Sunday School paper yesterday. If you happened to read it, it will still be profitable for you, along with me, to read it again!
"Don't wait until the house is all kept, the beds are made, the floors are swept:
Put PRAYER first.
Don't wait until the newspaper is read, your books are balanced, and you are in bed:
Put the BIBLE first.
Don't wait until the cupboards are bare, there's nothing to depend on but God and prayer:
Put FASTING first.
Don't wait until the last bill is paid, the account is large; vacation is made:
Put the CHURCH first.
Don't wait until you've nothing to do, until all is finished --- for we never get through:
Put GOD first!"
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
"Don't wait until the house is all kept, the beds are made, the floors are swept:
Put PRAYER first.
Don't wait until the newspaper is read, your books are balanced, and you are in bed:
Put the BIBLE first.
Don't wait until the cupboards are bare, there's nothing to depend on but God and prayer:
Put FASTING first.
Don't wait until the last bill is paid, the account is large; vacation is made:
Put the CHURCH first.
Don't wait until you've nothing to do, until all is finished --- for we never get through:
Put GOD first!"
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
Friday, August 12, 2016
The Full Price!
I was reading a few weeks ago in I Chronicles about King David's sin in numbering the people. The narrative is also recorded in the 24th chapter of II Samuel.
Joab faithfully protested, but the king's word prevailed. Joab then gave the number unto the king, but God was displeased. In II Samuel 24:10, we read: "And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech Thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Thy servant, for I have done very foolishly."
I find it very interesting that the Lord offered David three things and told him to choose one of them. Wow! Isn't it sad that we sometimes say or do things, seemingly, without thinking of the consequences! Surely David's heart must have been filled with shame and regret as he made his choice. "I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are His mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man. So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel."
As the angel of the Lord was destroying, "...David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let Thine hand, I pray Thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on Thy people, that they should be plagued."
Then David was commanded to "go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshing floor of Ornan. Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people."
Ornan's answer is quite interesting. He basically said: "Oh, don't worry. You don't need to pay me anything! It's not a big deal -- I'll just give you the oxen and the threshing instruments and the wheat."
That sounds like one of the devil's compromises to me! If we are going with God, we must answer as king David did: "Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost."
When we pay the full price, we find that "nothing sweeter can be known than full surrender"!
Joab faithfully protested, but the king's word prevailed. Joab then gave the number unto the king, but God was displeased. In II Samuel 24:10, we read: "And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech Thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Thy servant, for I have done very foolishly."
I find it very interesting that the Lord offered David three things and told him to choose one of them. Wow! Isn't it sad that we sometimes say or do things, seemingly, without thinking of the consequences! Surely David's heart must have been filled with shame and regret as he made his choice. "I am in a great strait: let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are His mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man. So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel."
As the angel of the Lord was destroying, "...David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. And David said unto God, Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let Thine hand, I pray Thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on Thy people, that they should be plagued."
Then David was commanded to "go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord in the threshing floor of Ornan. Then David said to Ornan, Grant me the place of this threshingfloor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord: thou shalt grant it me for the full price: that the plague may be stayed from the people."
Ornan's answer is quite interesting. He basically said: "Oh, don't worry. You don't need to pay me anything! It's not a big deal -- I'll just give you the oxen and the threshing instruments and the wheat."
That sounds like one of the devil's compromises to me! If we are going with God, we must answer as king David did: "Nay; but I will verily buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost."
When we pay the full price, we find that "nothing sweeter can be known than full surrender"!
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
"Cares"
This word "Cares" jumps out at me in these verses of warnings in view of our Lord's return.
Luke 21:34-36 reads: "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
I wonder---why is "cares of life" included in that verse? We all have "cares" as we go through life---sickness, financial difficulties, job related trials, etc. But I think the writer is trying to warn us that we must not allow the "cares" in our lives to weigh us down until they rob us of fellowship and communion with our Heavenly Father.
Here is a little prescription (author unknown) that I think will be of great benefit to you!
"Every morning, lean thine arms awhile
upon the window sill of Heaven
and gaze upon thy Lord!
Then, with this vision in thy heart,
Turn -- strong to meet thy day!"
Luke 21:34-36 reads: "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."
I wonder---why is "cares of life" included in that verse? We all have "cares" as we go through life---sickness, financial difficulties, job related trials, etc. But I think the writer is trying to warn us that we must not allow the "cares" in our lives to weigh us down until they rob us of fellowship and communion with our Heavenly Father.
Here is a little prescription (author unknown) that I think will be of great benefit to you!
"Every morning, lean thine arms awhile
upon the window sill of Heaven
and gaze upon thy Lord!
Then, with this vision in thy heart,
Turn -- strong to meet thy day!"
Monday, August 8, 2016
Back to School
Summer fun is ending, and school days are here once again! Some are excited; some are not so excited! From Kindergarten through High School, new challenges and many new experiences await our families as we begin another school year. Some will be home-schooling; others will be going to a Christian school, and yet others will be in public school.
Many wonderful young people, recently graduated, are planning to enter uncharted waters they have never traveled before -- some will be entering college, excited about the vocation they plan to pursue; some will be saying "I do" and pledging to live "Each for the Other and Both for the Lord!"
Still others will be going into ministry as pastors, missionaries, etc.
What a sweet privilege, as well as a responsibility, we have as parents, grand-parents, church family and Christian friends to encourage them faithfully, pray for them, let them know that God wants to use them--no matter how young or how old--to be a bright and shining light for Him!
Young people -- will you answer,
"Here am I, Lord, send me!"
Many wonderful young people, recently graduated, are planning to enter uncharted waters they have never traveled before -- some will be entering college, excited about the vocation they plan to pursue; some will be saying "I do" and pledging to live "Each for the Other and Both for the Lord!"
Still others will be going into ministry as pastors, missionaries, etc.
What a sweet privilege, as well as a responsibility, we have as parents, grand-parents, church family and Christian friends to encourage them faithfully, pray for them, let them know that God wants to use them--no matter how young or how old--to be a bright and shining light for Him!
Young people -- will you answer,
"Here am I, Lord, send me!"
Friday, August 5, 2016
What a Friend!
"What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear;
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful? Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer."
"Often while in meditation on His love so free,
Comes a message from my Father spoken just to me,
Or it may be I have struggled through some trial sore;
When my struggling turns to trusting --- lo, the trial is o'er.
Or perchance while I am waiting still on bended knee,
Comes a quiet revelation of His love for me.
At my work or in my closet --- almost anywhere
If in quietness I listen, I find Jesus there.
In life's quiet hours I find Him waiting for my call,
It is there He meets me, greets me, holds me lest I fall."
"Jesus, I thank Thee for the blessed privilege of prayer. How wonderful to know that Your ear is always open to my cry! I pray that Thou wilt keep my heart tender, and my faith grounded and settled in Thy blessed Book -- the eternal, steadfast, and unchanging Word of God!"
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear;
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful? Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer."
"Often while in meditation on His love so free,
Comes a message from my Father spoken just to me,
Or it may be I have struggled through some trial sore;
When my struggling turns to trusting --- lo, the trial is o'er.
Or perchance while I am waiting still on bended knee,
Comes a quiet revelation of His love for me.
At my work or in my closet --- almost anywhere
If in quietness I listen, I find Jesus there.
In life's quiet hours I find Him waiting for my call,
It is there He meets me, greets me, holds me lest I fall."
"Jesus, I thank Thee for the blessed privilege of prayer. How wonderful to know that Your ear is always open to my cry! I pray that Thou wilt keep my heart tender, and my faith grounded and settled in Thy blessed Book -- the eternal, steadfast, and unchanging Word of God!"
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
. . . Praise the Lord!
It is interesting to note that in Psalm 107, the Psalmist exhorts us to praise God and uses the exact same words in four different verses!
He must have wanted to strongly emphasize the great importance of continual praise to our Lord. Let us hide this little verse in our heart and practice it often -- at least four times a day!!
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" -- Psalm 107:8, 15, 21 and 31
And never forget ---
"IT'S AMAZING WHAT PRAISING CAN DO"!!!
He must have wanted to strongly emphasize the great importance of continual praise to our Lord. Let us hide this little verse in our heart and practice it often -- at least four times a day!!
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" -- Psalm 107:8, 15, 21 and 31
And never forget ---
"IT'S AMAZING WHAT PRAISING CAN DO"!!!
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