I trust you awakened this Monday morning encouraged and excited about beginning your work week. But perhaps there are some who feel a little overwhelmed with the pressures of life, decisions to make, deadlines to meet, etc. Perhaps you are tempted to be a little anxious about various concerns in your life, but I'm glad to tell you that you don't need to be! When we think of our Heavenly Father's care for us, the wonderful promises in His Holy Word--we can just place all our cares on Him and know that He has promised to direct our paths, be our guide, and never leave us nor forsake us! What a blessed Friend we have in Jesus!!
I love this little quote by George MacDonald:
"No man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear.
Never load yourself so. If you find yourself so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God's. He begs you to leave the future to Him, and mind the present."
Remember this wonderful promise from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
Monday, February 29, 2016
Thursday, February 25, 2016
"When Thou Passest Through the Waters"
Perhaps someone reading this today is going through a great trial or heartache. May I encourage you to take it to Jesus -- He understands like no one else can, and it is a blessed privilege to kneel in His Presence and pour out your heart to Him.
I trust this poem by an unknown Author will be a blessing and encouragement to you.
"Is there any heart discouraged as it journeys on its way? Does there seem to be more darkness than there is of sunny days?
Oh, it's hard to learn the lesson, as we pass beneath the rod, that the sunshine and the shadow serve alike the will of God;
But there comes a word of promise, like the promise in the bow -- that however deep the waters, they shall never overflow.
When the flesh is worn and weary, and the spirit is depressed, and temptations sweep upon it like a storm on ocean's breast,
There's a haven ever open for the tempest-driven bird, there's a shelter for the tempted in the promise of the Word;
For the standard of the Spirit shall be raised against the foe, and however deep the waters, they shall never overflow.
When a sorrow comes upon you that no other soul can share, and the burden seems too heavy for the human heart to bear;
There is One whose grace can comfort if you'll give Him an abode, there's a Burden-Bearer ready if you'll trust Him with your load;
For the precious promise reaches to the depths of human woe, that however deep the waters, they shall never overflow.
When the sands of life are ebbing, and I near the other side -- I will reach my hand to Jesus and in His bosom I shall hide,
And 'twill only be a moment till I reach the other side; it is then the fullest meaning of the promise I shall know:
When thou passest through the waters, they shall never overflow."
"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
I trust this poem by an unknown Author will be a blessing and encouragement to you.
"Is there any heart discouraged as it journeys on its way? Does there seem to be more darkness than there is of sunny days?
Oh, it's hard to learn the lesson, as we pass beneath the rod, that the sunshine and the shadow serve alike the will of God;
But there comes a word of promise, like the promise in the bow -- that however deep the waters, they shall never overflow.
When the flesh is worn and weary, and the spirit is depressed, and temptations sweep upon it like a storm on ocean's breast,
There's a haven ever open for the tempest-driven bird, there's a shelter for the tempted in the promise of the Word;
For the standard of the Spirit shall be raised against the foe, and however deep the waters, they shall never overflow.
When a sorrow comes upon you that no other soul can share, and the burden seems too heavy for the human heart to bear;
There is One whose grace can comfort if you'll give Him an abode, there's a Burden-Bearer ready if you'll trust Him with your load;
For the precious promise reaches to the depths of human woe, that however deep the waters, they shall never overflow.
When the sands of life are ebbing, and I near the other side -- I will reach my hand to Jesus and in His bosom I shall hide,
And 'twill only be a moment till I reach the other side; it is then the fullest meaning of the promise I shall know:
When thou passest through the waters, they shall never overflow."
"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
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
J A M !!
I'm really in a jam; could you help me out? This little word of only three letters has several different meanings. It could mean to crowd or squeeze into a close or tight position. It could mean to crush or bruise (I jammed my toe)! It could also mean to be wedged or fixed so as to be unworkable. It could even mean participating in a jam session.
But the Jam I like is yummy and sweet -- it is fruit boiled with sugar to a thick consistency, without preserving the shape of the fruit.
I think there are several things about Jam we could apply spiritually. First of all, Jam is quite sticky! When you apply it to a piece of bread, it sticks to it. God is interested that we apply His Holy Word to our heart and mind and let it stick there! "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11
A special thing I really like about Jam is its color, beauty, and variety. There's strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, apricot, peach, raspberry, boysenberry and more! A wonderful variety -- all different, but each one beautiful to behold in their shining jars. We are all different, too. Each of us are unique in our different colors of personality! Our bodies are the jars which display the fruit within. I pray that the fruit shown in our everyday living will always be beautiful to the world who is looking on and examining the fruit we show forth from day to day.
I also think about fruit that has spoiled. The prophet Jeremiah spoke about figs that were so bad they could not be eaten. Spoiled fruit is good for nothing: it looks bad; it smells bad; no one even likes to be close to it -- it has to be thrown out and destroyed. Let us be careful to keep a close watch on the fruit we are exhibiting in our lives, giving the proper care through prayer, Bible study and obedience to God.
And the VERY BEST thing about Jam is that it is so sweet! It just sweetens up everything it touches! It makes the toast taste better, and the biscuits, and a little taste from the jar every so often just brings delight and sweetens us up from head to toe! Isn't this the way we should be when we know Jesus!! In the 133rd Psalm, it talks about the precious ointment poured on Aaron's head that ran down upon his beard and on down to the skirts of his garments. I love the word picture -- this precious ointment seemed to cover his entire being!
How wonderful to be completely surrendered to God, cleansed and made holy, so that the precious ointment of the blessed Holy Spirit can flow through us and out into a sin-cursed world that needs to see the beauty of Jesus!
Let's eat lots of spiritual Jam, so that Jesus can make us sweeter and sweeter and use us to help others "taste and see that the Lord is Good!" And as spiritual Jam flows from our hearts, may this little chorus be on our lips:
"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me -- all His wonderful passion and purity.
Oh, Thou Spirit Divine, all my being refine -- 'Til the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
But the Jam I like is yummy and sweet -- it is fruit boiled with sugar to a thick consistency, without preserving the shape of the fruit.
I think there are several things about Jam we could apply spiritually. First of all, Jam is quite sticky! When you apply it to a piece of bread, it sticks to it. God is interested that we apply His Holy Word to our heart and mind and let it stick there! "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11
A special thing I really like about Jam is its color, beauty, and variety. There's strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, apricot, peach, raspberry, boysenberry and more! A wonderful variety -- all different, but each one beautiful to behold in their shining jars. We are all different, too. Each of us are unique in our different colors of personality! Our bodies are the jars which display the fruit within. I pray that the fruit shown in our everyday living will always be beautiful to the world who is looking on and examining the fruit we show forth from day to day.
I also think about fruit that has spoiled. The prophet Jeremiah spoke about figs that were so bad they could not be eaten. Spoiled fruit is good for nothing: it looks bad; it smells bad; no one even likes to be close to it -- it has to be thrown out and destroyed. Let us be careful to keep a close watch on the fruit we are exhibiting in our lives, giving the proper care through prayer, Bible study and obedience to God.
And the VERY BEST thing about Jam is that it is so sweet! It just sweetens up everything it touches! It makes the toast taste better, and the biscuits, and a little taste from the jar every so often just brings delight and sweetens us up from head to toe! Isn't this the way we should be when we know Jesus!! In the 133rd Psalm, it talks about the precious ointment poured on Aaron's head that ran down upon his beard and on down to the skirts of his garments. I love the word picture -- this precious ointment seemed to cover his entire being!
How wonderful to be completely surrendered to God, cleansed and made holy, so that the precious ointment of the blessed Holy Spirit can flow through us and out into a sin-cursed world that needs to see the beauty of Jesus!
Let's eat lots of spiritual Jam, so that Jesus can make us sweeter and sweeter and use us to help others "taste and see that the Lord is Good!" And as spiritual Jam flows from our hearts, may this little chorus be on our lips:
"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me -- all His wonderful passion and purity.
Oh, Thou Spirit Divine, all my being refine -- 'Til the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."
Friday, February 19, 2016
Don't Settle For Second Best!
I first read this little article many years ago. I ran across it today, and as I read it again I thought of how imperative it is that we "seek first the kingdom of God ....".
"The Gospel of Mark pictures a frail little woman who, in spite of the thronging crowds, pressed her way through into the presence of Jesus and touched the hem of His garment. Likewise we today find hindrances when we would contact our Lord in the secret closet or the holy sanctuary. These hindering forces which keep us from heaven's resources are not always sinful, but often we are tempted to settle for second best simply because such settlement requires less self-discipline. But the barriers must go if we are to get through to God.
There is the barrier of unbudgeted time -- the fallacy that we are too busy to spend the hours in His presence necessary to deep devotion and high holiness.
There is the barrier of emotional exhaustion -- the ugly fact that we are always giving our best emotions to cheap chatter, to funny men, to fears about the future instead of to divine delights.
There is the barrier of accumulated hindrances -- the telephone (cellphone), the doorbell, wandering thoughts, persistent problems, and legitimate interruptions crowding God out when we should be asking Him in.
There is the barrier of careless neglect -- the spiritual dry rot caused by shallow meditation, "borrowed" tithes, prayerlessness and neglected church attendance -- all eroding the inner man.
There is the barrier of too much of harmless indulgences and too little of self-discipline on the highway of holiness.
Is our worship rewarding? It can be --- if we break through to God!"
--Fletcher Spruce
"The Gospel of Mark pictures a frail little woman who, in spite of the thronging crowds, pressed her way through into the presence of Jesus and touched the hem of His garment. Likewise we today find hindrances when we would contact our Lord in the secret closet or the holy sanctuary. These hindering forces which keep us from heaven's resources are not always sinful, but often we are tempted to settle for second best simply because such settlement requires less self-discipline. But the barriers must go if we are to get through to God.
There is the barrier of unbudgeted time -- the fallacy that we are too busy to spend the hours in His presence necessary to deep devotion and high holiness.
There is the barrier of emotional exhaustion -- the ugly fact that we are always giving our best emotions to cheap chatter, to funny men, to fears about the future instead of to divine delights.
There is the barrier of accumulated hindrances -- the telephone (cellphone), the doorbell, wandering thoughts, persistent problems, and legitimate interruptions crowding God out when we should be asking Him in.
There is the barrier of careless neglect -- the spiritual dry rot caused by shallow meditation, "borrowed" tithes, prayerlessness and neglected church attendance -- all eroding the inner man.
There is the barrier of too much of harmless indulgences and too little of self-discipline on the highway of holiness.
Is our worship rewarding? It can be --- if we break through to God!"
--Fletcher Spruce
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
"IF for Christians!"
I trust this Anonymous poem will be a blessing to you today.
"If you can trust when everyone about you is doubting Him, proclaiming Him untrue,
If you can hope in Christ though all forsake you and say 'tis not the thing for you to do;
If you can wait on God, nor wish to hurry; or, being greatly used, keep humble still,
Or if you're tested, cater not to worry and yet remain within His sovereign will;
If you can say 'tis well when sorrow greets you and death has taken those you hold most dear,
If you can smile when adverse trials meet you and be content even though your lot be drear;
If you can be reviled and never murmur, or being tempted not give way to sin;
If you can fight for right and stand the firmer, or lose the battle when you ought to win;
If you can really long for His appearing, and therefore set your heart on things above;
If you can speak for Christ in spite of sneering, or to the most unlovely one show love;
If you can hear the call of God for labor, and answer, "Yes", in yieldingness and trust,
And go to tell the story of the Saviour to the souls in darkness o'er the desert's dust;
If you can pray when Satan's darts are strongest and take the road of faith instead of sight,
Or walk with God, even though His way be longest, and swerve not to the left nor to the right;
If you desire Himself alone to fill you; for Him alone you care to live and be,
Then 'tis not you, but Christ who dwelleth in you,
And that, O child of God, is victory!"
"If you can trust when everyone about you is doubting Him, proclaiming Him untrue,
If you can hope in Christ though all forsake you and say 'tis not the thing for you to do;
If you can wait on God, nor wish to hurry; or, being greatly used, keep humble still,
Or if you're tested, cater not to worry and yet remain within His sovereign will;
If you can say 'tis well when sorrow greets you and death has taken those you hold most dear,
If you can smile when adverse trials meet you and be content even though your lot be drear;
If you can be reviled and never murmur, or being tempted not give way to sin;
If you can fight for right and stand the firmer, or lose the battle when you ought to win;
If you can really long for His appearing, and therefore set your heart on things above;
If you can speak for Christ in spite of sneering, or to the most unlovely one show love;
If you can hear the call of God for labor, and answer, "Yes", in yieldingness and trust,
And go to tell the story of the Saviour to the souls in darkness o'er the desert's dust;
If you can pray when Satan's darts are strongest and take the road of faith instead of sight,
Or walk with God, even though His way be longest, and swerve not to the left nor to the right;
If you desire Himself alone to fill you; for Him alone you care to live and be,
Then 'tis not you, but Christ who dwelleth in you,
And that, O child of God, is victory!"
Monday, February 15, 2016
President's Day!
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."
Today, on this President's Day, we stop to honor and remember two of our nation's greatest presidents -- President Lincoln (February 12) and President Washington (February 22).
When George Washington was about twelve years old, his brother had him copy the following rules into his journal.
"Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present.
Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.
When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.
Wherein you reprove another be unblamable yourself; for example is more powerful than precepts.
Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.
Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach to those that speak in private.
Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.
Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.
When you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously in reverence.
Honor and obey your natural parents, although they be poor.
Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.
Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience."
"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." II Chronicles 7:14
Today, on this President's Day, we stop to honor and remember two of our nation's greatest presidents -- President Lincoln (February 12) and President Washington (February 22).
When George Washington was about twelve years old, his brother had him copy the following rules into his journal.
"Every action in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those present.
Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.
When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.
Wherein you reprove another be unblamable yourself; for example is more powerful than precepts.
Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.
Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.
Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach to those that speak in private.
Undertake not what you cannot perform, but be careful to keep your promise.
Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.
When you speak of God or His attributes, let it be seriously in reverence.
Honor and obey your natural parents, although they be poor.
Let your recreations be manful, not sinful.
Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience."
"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." II Chronicles 7:14
Friday, February 12, 2016
Running the Race!
When our pastor stood to preach the Sunday following my husband's funeral service, he said he felt that God had strongly impressed upon him that Dad was speaking to our church family through these verses in Philippians 2:12-16.
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world:
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
Perhaps you have a pastor, a friend, a loved one who prayed for you, invested in you, shed tears and interceded for you, who has already finished the Race and is counting on you to make it to the City of God that their labour will not have been in vain!
May God bless you and strengthen you as you continue to run the race, "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world:
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
Perhaps you have a pastor, a friend, a loved one who prayed for you, invested in you, shed tears and interceded for you, who has already finished the Race and is counting on you to make it to the City of God that their labour will not have been in vain!
May God bless you and strengthen you as you continue to run the race, "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Thought for Today!
Remember this little quote as you pillow your head on your bed tonight:
"Submission to the Divine will is the softest pillow on which to recline."
"Submission to the Divine will is the softest pillow on which to recline."
Monday, February 8, 2016
The Handiwork of God!
I awakened this morning and looked out my window to see beautiful snow that had fallen silently in the night while I slept! My heart filled with praise as I beheld the new fallen snow resting on the lovely evergreen tree just outside my front window!
I thought of the sweet song, "For the Beauty of the Earth." It is my testimony of Praise and Thanksgiving today!
"For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth , over and around us lies.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale, and tree and flow'r, sun and moon, and stars of light.
For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child; friends on earth, and friends above; for all gentle tho'ts and mild;
For Thy Church that evermore lifteth holy hands above, offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love,
For Thyself, best gift divine, to the world so freely given; for that great, great love of Thine, peace on earth and joy in heaven;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise!"
May God bless you as you love and serve Him today!
I thought of the sweet song, "For the Beauty of the Earth." It is my testimony of Praise and Thanksgiving today!
"For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth , over and around us lies.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale, and tree and flow'r, sun and moon, and stars of light.
For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child; friends on earth, and friends above; for all gentle tho'ts and mild;
For Thy Church that evermore lifteth holy hands above, offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love,
For Thyself, best gift divine, to the world so freely given; for that great, great love of Thine, peace on earth and joy in heaven;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise!"
May God bless you as you love and serve Him today!
Friday, February 5, 2016
A Genuine Woman of Worth!
I always enjoy attending the Women of Worth meetings in my area, and the 31st chapter of Proverbs gives us a lovely word picture of a genuine woman of worth!
Verse 10 tells us her price is far above rubies -- no quantity of precious stones can be equal to her worth!
Verses 11 and 12 speak about her treatment of her husband -- always doing him good -- having his happiness in view always (a wonderful ingredient for making a happy and loving home)!!
Verse 13 talks about working willingly; seeming to indicate that all her labor is done cheerfully because her heart is in it!
Verse 15 shows that she does not waste time and carries out her household duties in an orderly fashion.
Verses 25 through 31 are beautiful verses!! In verse 26 it tells us that "...in her tongue is the law of kindness." Perhaps this is the most distinguishing excellence of this virtuous woman!
Verse 27 tells us that a virtuous woman will be concerned about the needs of her household and not waste time in idleness.
In verse 28, we are told that a virtuous woman like this will be blessed and praised by her children and husband! (How is your score so far -- How is mine?)
I love verse 30 -- "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Somewhere I read the following beautiful quote about this verse which always challenges my heart: "She possesses true religion, has that grace that harmonizes the soul, that purifies and refines all the tempers and passions, and that ornament of beauty--a meek and quiet spirit--this is the lasting grace; the unfading beauty."
It is my prayer that God will help us, as wives and mothers, to learn from this beautiful example in Proverbs 31 what God wants us to be for our husbands and our children!
Verse 10 tells us her price is far above rubies -- no quantity of precious stones can be equal to her worth!
Verses 11 and 12 speak about her treatment of her husband -- always doing him good -- having his happiness in view always (a wonderful ingredient for making a happy and loving home)!!
Verse 13 talks about working willingly; seeming to indicate that all her labor is done cheerfully because her heart is in it!
Verse 15 shows that she does not waste time and carries out her household duties in an orderly fashion.
Verses 25 through 31 are beautiful verses!! In verse 26 it tells us that "...in her tongue is the law of kindness." Perhaps this is the most distinguishing excellence of this virtuous woman!
Verse 27 tells us that a virtuous woman will be concerned about the needs of her household and not waste time in idleness.
In verse 28, we are told that a virtuous woman like this will be blessed and praised by her children and husband! (How is your score so far -- How is mine?)
I love verse 30 -- "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Somewhere I read the following beautiful quote about this verse which always challenges my heart: "She possesses true religion, has that grace that harmonizes the soul, that purifies and refines all the tempers and passions, and that ornament of beauty--a meek and quiet spirit--this is the lasting grace; the unfading beauty."
It is my prayer that God will help us, as wives and mothers, to learn from this beautiful example in Proverbs 31 what God wants us to be for our husbands and our children!
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
A Love Letter!
A few days ago I went to the mailbox and was Sooooo very excited to pull out a love letter -- not a text or an e-mail -- but a genuine hand-written "love letter" filled with family news, etc. It was from dear cousin Joyce many miles away in Arizona, and, as always, it included other thoughtful expressions of her love. Her letter was inside one of her beautiful hand-made cards, "stamped with love", along with lovely bookmarks. One of them had four large gold letters on it -- P. U. S. H. -- and underneath I read - Pray Until Something Happens!! What a great challenge for these needy days!
And since it's February, she even took the time to cut a beautiful heart out of red construction paper with her valentine message in lovely gold lettering -- "Jesus Loves You"!
She also enjoys writing poetry, and will often include one of her poems in her love letters!! I'm sure you can see why it is such a delight and a blessing to find a love letter from Joyce in my mailbox!!
I wonder if perhaps you have a friend or a loved one in need of a love letter! Let God use you to be His hand extended to reach out to them today!!
And since it's February, she even took the time to cut a beautiful heart out of red construction paper with her valentine message in lovely gold lettering -- "Jesus Loves You"!
She also enjoys writing poetry, and will often include one of her poems in her love letters!! I'm sure you can see why it is such a delight and a blessing to find a love letter from Joyce in my mailbox!!
I wonder if perhaps you have a friend or a loved one in need of a love letter! Let God use you to be His hand extended to reach out to them today!!
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