Short, but Powerful!

The last chapter of I Thessalonians (chapter 5) is an amazing chapter!  It is short -- one of the verses has only two words -- but it is powerful.  I find it interesting that verses 14-22 are all very explicit commands!  In fact, verse 14 has four -- warn, comfort, support and be patient.  Let us notice carefully these nine verses:

     v. 14 -- Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
     v. 15 - See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
     v. 16 -- Rejoice evermore.
     v. 17 -- Pray without ceasing.
     v. 18 -- In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
     v. 19 -- Quench not the Spirit.
     v. 20 -- Despise not prophesyings.
     v. 21 -- Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
     v. 22 -- Abstain from all appearance of evil.  (How careful we must be!)
Verses 12 and 13 are wonderful verses also:
     v. 12 -- And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you:
     v. 13 -- And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.  And be at peace among yourselves.

As we look into our own heart, and meditate on these commands, we need to remember that all of God's commands are for our good and His glory!

As Philip Bliss tells us, God's words are 'Wonderful Words of Life'.

     "Sing them over again to me, Wonderful Words of Life!
      Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful Words of Life!
      Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.
      Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful Words of Life!"

The Lord Hath Need . . . .

Yesterday was such a blessed and glorious day as we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord!  My heart still thrills today as I recall all the beautiful music and the inspiring message from our pastor, Bro. Thornton.

But today I want to think for a few moments on six little words which captured my attention last week.  In the 19th chapter of Luke, we read these words:  "And it came to pass, when He was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, saying, 'Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, Whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.  And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.'
And they that were sent went their way, and found even as He had said unto them.  And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, 'Why loose ye the colt'?  And they said, 'The Lord hath need of him.'"  (v. 29-34)  In verses 31 and 34, it reads -- "the Lord hath need of him."

I think there are several lessons for us here.  First, Jesus did not give any reason or explanation for His command, "Go ye"!  It is so easy for us to question "Why"?  Why, Jesus, would you want a colt that has never been ridden or even sat upon??  It will be wild!!  We want to try and figure out everything ourselves, forgetting that we are to trust our Lord and not lean to our own understanding!   But even though the two disciples probably didn't understand, they did not question -- they went immediately to carry out the command of the Master.

Secondly, when God asks us to do something, He works on the other end, as well.  Notice verse 33 --- when the disciples were loosing the colt, the owners might have said -- "Hey, what do you think you are doing?  That's my colt -- why are you loosing him?"  When they answered simply, "The Lord hath need of him," they brought him to Jesus!

Thirdly, it is very important to remember that "Obedience to God is life's supreme and most important matter."  The two disciples did not know "Why"? -- that didn't matter -- because they loved the Master, they wanted to obey Him so they responded with these simple words -- "The Lord hath need of Him"!!

Does the Lord have need of You today?

Hallelujah! Christ Arose!

"Rise, O Church, and lift your voices; Christ has conquered death and hell.
Sing as all the earth rejoices; Resurrection anthems swell.
He has conquered -- He has conquered!
Worship Christ, the Risen King!"

And if you ask me, personally, how I know Christ lives --He lives within my heart!!

Holy Week Meditations . . . .

"When I survey the wondrous Cross on which the Prince of Glory died,
 My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.

 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God.
 All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.

 See, from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down.
 Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?

 Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small.
 Love so amazing, so Divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!!"

Holy Week Meditations . . . .

It is very hard to walk with Jesus to the Garden and see Him agonizing there.  God's Holy Word says in the 22nd chapter of Luke:  "And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him.  And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.  And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.  And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."

This scene grips my heart as I see Jesus, in His humanity, agonizing in prayer and pleading with His Father to remove the cup---if it be possible---but then He adds the blessed words of surrender -- "Nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done."  Our Lord was in such travail of soul that an angel from heaven came and strengthened Him.

He rose up from prayer, went to the disciples and found them sleeping.  There must have been sadness in Jesus' heart and voice when He said, "Could you not watch with Me one hour"?
Jesus went back to the place of prayer and again was in great agony, praying even more earnestly, until he sweat great drops of blood.  But when He rose from prayer this time, it was settled.  He was ready for the multitude, the betrayal kiss of Judas, the denial of Peter, the sentencing of Pilate, the deriding of the rulers, the mockery of the soldiers--saying from the Cross, :Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

I have often meditated on this scene in the garden.  It moves me deeply and shows me a beautiful picture of complete and humble surrender to the Father's will.

Have you had a Gethsemane? 

Holy Week Meditations . . .

As I walk with Jesus today, He seems very quiet.  I wonder -- what is the Master thinking?
Is He looking ahead to the agony in the Garden -- the mob coming to arrest Him with swords and staves -- mocking Him -- smiting Him -- striking Him on His loving face?
Is He thinking of Peter (one of the inner circle), who is going to deny Him, saying, "I know Him not."?

Or,  . . . . . is He looking beyond Calvary, perhaps way down to you and me, and thinking:

     "I gave My life for thee; my precious blood I shed.
      That thou might'st ransomed be, and quickened from the dead.
      I gave, I gave My life for thee; What hast thou given for Me?

      My Father's house of light, My glory circled throne,
      I left for earthly night, for wanderings sad and lone.
      I left, I left it all for thee; Hast thou left ought for Me?

      I suffered much for thee, more than thy tongue can tell,
      Of bitterest agony, to rescue thee from hell.
      I've borne, I've borne it all for thee; What hast thou borne for Me?

      And I have brought to thee, down from My home above,
      Salvation full and free, My pardon and My love.
      I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee.  What hast thou brought to Me?"

Holy Week Meditations ...

As I meditate on the events of this Holy Week, my heart is very humbled as I try to contemplate even a fraction of what it cost Jesus to purchase my salvation on Calvary! 

The words of a beautiful old song entitled, "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" have seemed to fix themselves in my mind this week, and have thrilled me, blessed me and inspired me as I continue to walk with this Stranger of Galilee.  I trust they will stir your heart also as we continue our journey to the Cross and beyond!

     "I walked today where Jesus walked, in days of long ago;
      I wandered down each path He knew, with reverent step and slow.
      Those little lanes, they have not changed -- a sweet peace fills the air.
      I walked today where Jesus walked, and felt His presence there.

      My pathway led through Bethlehem,
      Ah!  memories ever sweet;
      The little hills of Galilee, that knew those childish feet;
      The Mount of Olives, hallowed scenes that Jesus knew before;
      I saw the mighty Jordan roll as in the days of yore.

      I knelt today where Jesus knelt -- where all alone He prayed;
      The Garden of Gethsemane -- my heart felt unafraid!
      I picked my heavy burden up -- and with Him by my side,
      I climbed the Hill of Calvary -- I climbed the Hill of Calvary --
      I climbed the Hill of Calvary -- where on the Cross He died!

      I walked today where Jesus walked, and felt Him close to me!"

Holy Week Meditations

The thrilling scene of the crowd waving their Palm branches and shouting "Hosanna" is behind us now, and we continue on our journey to the Cross.

I wonder how the Master felt when Judas, one of His own, covenanted with the chief priests and captains to betray Jesus unto them?  The hour soon came for the last Passover.  Jesus sat down with the 12 and said -- "I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer."  Then Jesus gave this startling announcement: . . . "the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table."  I wonder what Judas thought and felt at that awful moment!

The scene moves ahead to this holy week of 2016.  The Master sees me and you just like He saw Judas so long ago.  Psalms 139:1-4 reads: "O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me.  Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.  Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.  For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether."

As I journey with Jesus through this holy week, I want these words in verses 23 and 24 to be the longing of my heart and the prayer upon my lips:  "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Let's Wave the Palms!!

I love this beautiful time of the year!!  When I wake up in the mornings, the birds are singing to me -- the grass is a beautiful green, and some flowers are blooming!  My heart tells me we must be getting ready, once again, to contemplate and relive the last days of Jesus' earthly ministry, culminating in His glorious Resurrection!!

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday, and I think how thrilling it would be to have been among the crowd that day in Jerusalem when they heard that Jesus was coming!  I would have wanted to be among the ones waving Palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord."

But, then ---  I wonder --- would I have been one of those in the crowd that day in Jerusalem who would soon be screaming with the chief priests and scribes, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him."?
I wasn't in the crowd that day, but I am in the crowd today who plan to be waving Palm branches at church in the morning, along with my church family, as we sing --- "....There'll be singing, there'll be shouting when the saints come marching home, in Jerusalem, in Jerusalem; Waving palms with loud hosannas as the King shall take His throne, in the new Jerusalem."

Perhaps you don't really feel like waving a Palm branch tomorrow because of various circumstances in your life -- I trust the words of this blessed old song by an anonymous author will so encourage you that you can hardly wait to get to church and wave your Palm of Victory!!

     "I saw a blood-washed pilgrim, a sinner saved by grace, upon the King's great highway with peaceful, shining face;  temptations sore beset him, but nothing could affright;  He said, 'The yoke is easy, the burden, it is light.'
      I saw him in the furnace; he doubted not, nor feared, and in the flames beside him the Son of God appeared; Tho' seven times 'twas heated with all the tempter's might, he said, 'The yoke is easy, the burden it is light.'
     Mid storms, and clouds, and trials, in prison, at the stake, he leaped for joy, rejoicing, 'twas all for Jesus' sake; that God should count him worthy, was such supreme delight, he cried, 'The yoke is easy, the burden is so light.'
     I saw him overcoming, thro' all the swelling strife, until he crossed the threshold of God's Eternal Life; the Crown, the Throne, the Sceptre, the Name, the Stone so White, were his, who found, in Jesus, the yoke and burden light.
     Then Palms of Victory, Crowns of Glory, Palms of Victory I shall wear."   

The Pastor's Wife . . . .

A week or so ago, I ran across this little article that I wrote, probably about 10 years ago.  I debated about putting it on my blog, because it seems a little idealistic now, but I trust the Lord can use it to help or encourage some pastor's wife.

     "Living in the parsonage has sometimes been referred to as living in a glass house, suggesting that you are always under the scrutinizing eyes of your parishioners.  I don't believe that, but what if it were true?  If our hearts are shiny clean (as we would want our windows to be in a glass house), and love for God and others fills every corner, we probably wouldn't even be aware that we were living in a glass house.  My husband has been in the ministry forty-two years.  Thirty-five of those years have been lived in the parsonage, and I have loved every minute of it!  (Well, . . . almost!!)  As I look back through the years:

     If I had a Scripture, it would be the words of Jesus in Luke 22:27:  "For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth?  Is not he that sitteth at meat?  But I am among you as he that serveth."
     If I had a Quote, it would be:  "I have only myself to give to others -- let me be liberal."
     If I had a Prayer, it would be:  "I am willing, dear Lord, to receive what Thou givest, to lack what Thou withholdest, to relinquish what Thou takest, to surrender what Thou claimest, to suffer what Thou ordainest, to do what Thou commandest, to wait until Thou sayest 'Go.'"
     If I had a Song, it would be:  "Tell me not of heavy crosses, nor the burdens hard to bear; for I've found this great salvation makes each burden light appear; and I love to follow Jesus, gladly counting all but dross, worldly honors all forsaking for the glory of the Cross."
     "Thank You, Jesus, for allowing me the wonderful privilege of living and loving in the Parsonage!" 

      I had no idea when I penned those words that I would go through some deep valleys and days of darkness, but I wouldn't change my prayer and I wouldn't change my song, and I'd do it all over again!"    

The Pastor's Wife . . .

Today, as I continue my thoughts in honor of that special group of ladies called "the Pastor's Wife", I want to share a few quotes that were a special blessing and help to me during my years in the parsonage.

     "If our petitions are in accordance with His will, and if we seek His glory in the asking, the answers will come in ways that will astonish us and fill our hearts with songs of Thanksgiving."

     "You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give."

     "Four things to learn in life: 
To think clearly without hurry or confusion;
To love everybody sincerely;
To act in everything with the highest motives;
To trust God unhesitatingly."

"There is always enough time in a day to do God's will."

"In all states and conditions of life, God's grace is sufficient for us."

"I have only myself to give to others --- let me be liberal!"

"God will take care of all the consequences of our being obedient to Him."  (I love this little quote, and I have found it to be true.)

"Trust God in the dark; honor Him with unwavering confidence."

"Obeying God is most easily accomplished when we immediately move to do what He asks."

"Trust Him with everything, and find the joy that comes when Jesus has His way."

"A holy life does not live in the closet, but it cannot live without the closet."

"Be careful what you see, for the object of your eye becomes a part of thee."

"A good and faithful wife doubles a man's pleasures and divides his cares."  (This is another one of my favorite little quotes, and I believe it is a very important one.) 

"In God's eyes, I'm never lost in the crowd."  (I love this one too --- What a sweet blessing and comfort to know that my Heavenly Father sees me every moment of every day!!)

"To know God's will is man's greatest treasure; to do His will is life's greatest privilege!"

"Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark."  (My heart rejoices when I read and meditate on this beautiful little quote!  I'm so thankful we can soar like the little bird until our faith takes hold and we know the answer is on the way!)  God bless you! 

The Pastor's Wife

I think it is wonderful that we now have a special month of appreciation for the pastor's wife!  Pastor Appreciation Month has been observed for a number of years, but I think this may be only the 2nd year of honoring the wives.
I hope to do a couple more blogs in honor of those special ladies known as "The Pastor's Wife", or "Queen of the Parsonage", but today I want to share this little poem by Lisa Morgan especially for my own pastor's wife, Sis. Janice Thornton.

     "Although you're in the shadows, and walk a few steps behind the man we call our pastor,
          you never seem to mind.

      You share him with us unselfishly, though it means you're often alone.
      Your gentle, caring spirit, is a blessing all of its own.

      When we called him as our Pastor, we didn't realize,
          you were one of the greatest things he'd bring into our lives.

      THANK YOU for being such a wonderful pastor's wife."

My "Life Verse"

"Life Verse"?  What does that mean?  Well, I don't know that it has an exact definition.  I have heard a few people quote a scripture which they referred to as being their "life verse."  To me, this implies a verse that has been very beneficial, meaningful, up-lifting, encouraging, enlightening and, at times, convicting.

Are you wondering what my life verse is?  I will be happy to tell you!  It is a verse (actually it is 2 little verses) that I have leaned on for many years, and has often been a great help, encouragement, and blessing to me.  May I quote it for you?
     "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall shall direct thy paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6

Notice the little word "all" appears in both verses.  "All" is a very small word -- only 3 letters -- but a very important word!!  99% is not enough---it's got to be "All".  I am especially grateful for the challenge that the writer gives us in verse 5:  "...lean not unto thine own understanding".  It is so very easy to want to try to figure things out ourselves --- to question, "Why?" --- to think, "this or that or the other is the way it ought to be", etc.

However, I have found that we usually get ourselves in trouble and difficulty when we try to lean unto our own understanding.  I have tried across the years to make a very conscious effort to not allow myself to try and figure things out, to understand why, etc., but to trust in my Lord, keep everything surrendered to Him and let Him direct my paths.

I'm so thankful that Jesus has never been a disappointment as I've trusted Him to direct my paths, and I think for a little Post-Script, I'll just end with -- "Sweeter Gets the Journey Day by Day"!!

"Make Me A Sanctuary"

Some people might think it a little strange (because they think it is boring), but I am blessed when I read about the building of the Tabernacle in the Book of Exodus!

In Chapter 25, the Lord spoke to Moses and told him to speak to the children of Israel -- "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.  According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." (v. 8-9)
Throughout the remainder of the Book, the Lord gives very explicit and detailed instructions to be carried out for the building of the Tabernacle.  The Lord would often remind Moses -- "And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount." (26:30)

Again, in chapter 31, the Lord says to Moses :  "All that I have commanded thee shall they do."  In chapter 39, the little phrase "as the Lord commanded Moses" occurs at least 9 times, with verses 42 and 43 giving us these thrilling words:  "According to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work.  And Moses did look upon all the work, and behold, they had done it as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it; and Moses blessed them."

In Chapter 40, the final chapter, we again find the phrase, "as the Lord commanded Moses" occuring 8 times.  Thus, Moses finished the work, according to the pattern showed him in the Mount.  "Obedience brings the blessing", and what a thrill it must have been for Moses that day, for God's Word tells us in v. 34-35:  "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.  And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle."

Can you see yet why the building of the Tabernacle blesses and thrills me?  It's because if we will build our lives on the principles God gives us in His Holy Word and do "all that the Lord commands", He will lead us, bless us, and His glory will fill us! 

Keeping the Lord's Day

I always enjoy reading the Sunday School papers, and this past Sunday there was a very interesting little article by Dr. Dale Yocum concerning keeping the Lord's Day.  I wanted to share a few quotes from it that I thought were very interesting and thought provoking.

     "It is needful that mankind have a day of rest in the midst of busy activities.  God's law of the Sabbath meets an inherent need of His creatures.  In the first world war, Sabbath work was tried out at first and then abandoned.  Josephus Daniels, cabinet member at that time, said about the change of policy, 'The world has learned even in war, that Sabbath observance is not only a Christian duty but an industrial necessity.'
 
     Samuel Gompers, the noted labor leader, said, 'Seven-day workers are positively poor workers, lacking the vigor, stamina, and character so necessary to the maintenance of a sterling manhood and womanhood.'
     While resting we are not to forget worship.  The day is to be kept holy unto the Lord, and not just unto ourselves.  Sir Walter Scott said, 'Give the world one-half of Sunday, and religion will not long continue to have any strong hold on the other half.'

     The infidel Voltaire said the reason for England's greatness was the sanctity of God's day.  If the character of youth was ever to be destroyed, the Sabbath must first be destroyed.  He added, 'Show me what England's youth will be doing on the Lord's Day 100 years from now, and I will tell you what will become of England.'
     If he could  be back today to see England -- and America -- he would doubtless say, 'I told you so!'
     To save our character we need to save the Sabbath!"

And remember that Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man.  He knew that after six days of work we needed the Sabbath Day to be renewed in body, soul and spirit.  It makes me think of one (of the many) little verses that I love -- "As for God, His way is perfect."