Joseph -- Dreaming & Forgiving!

Joseph is one of my favorite persons in the Old Testament!  You can read the beautiful story of  Joseph---his amazing dreams---his trials---his sterling character---his tender forgiveness--- in chapters 37-50 of Genesis.  Let's take a little peek as Joseph talks with his brethren after the death of their father.

     "And when Joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him.  And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father.  And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold we be thy servants.
And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: ---- ye thought evil against me: but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.  (What a wonderful lesson for each of us to remember)!
Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.  And he comforted them and spake kindly unto them."

One of the most beautiful stories of forgiveness in all the Bible is this very tender and touching account of the miraculous reunion between Joseph, his father and his brethren as recorded in the last six chapters of Genesis.
This blessed word "forgiveness" is undoubtedly one of the sweetest, most consoling and healing words known to man.  It is wonderful to be forgiven, and it is also wonderful to forgive!  When we humbly forgive and pardon those who have wronged us, our souls seem to be flooded with unspeakable joy and peace---kind of like we feel when Jesus forgives us of every sin and puts them in the sea of His forgetfulness!  Praise the Lord!
But if we hold on to the injustice we have suffered, and nurse it, it becomes a festering wound, filling our mind and spirit with bitterness like the poison of cancer, and it is impossible for our Heavenly Father to forgive us if we do not forgive our fellow man!
     "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."           
                                                                                                                           --Matthew 6:14-15
As we live from day to day, let us earnestly pray that Jesus will help us to always have a very tender, humble and forgiving spirit toward our fellow man.
Then, perhaps, those looking on can say:  "Behold, how they love one another"!!

   

Memorial Day!

Today our nation pauses to remember those who have given their lives for our freedom!
Memorial Day should be much more than a holiday of leisure and pleasure, but a time to remember those who suffered and died to ensure our political and religious freedoms!  May we not forget the great sacrifices of those who fought to make our nation the land of the free.
Today, let us pause to remember and thank God for those who died for our country!

Perhaps sometime today, as you enjoy your family gatherings, you would like to pause a few moments and lift your voices in singing together this verse of "America the Beautiful."

     "O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
          Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
      America!!   America!!   May God thy gold refine--
           Till all success be nobleness, and every gain divine!"

--Amen!

And is Kind!

In our busy lives, there are times when we feel a little overwhelmed with the cares of life!  How thankful I am that in these times we can stop for a few moments -- "Be still" and wait upon the Lord!  Perhaps the Lord wants to remind us that there is someone needing a kind word from us today.
The Apostle Paul admonished us in the book of Ephesians to be kind one to another and walk in love!

I trust this little poem by an unknown author will challenge our hearts today!

"While praying for the sin-sick world that's on its way to hell,
     Do not forget the stranger lone, who in your midst may dwell.
 The stranger coming to your school may bear a heavy load,
    And speaking kindly to that one will help to smooth the road.

 The Christlike spirit always seeks to help the lonely one;
   To graciously forgive all wrong, ere sets the glowing sun.
 To give a smile, a cheery word, which do not cost a cent,
   Has often raised a drooping heart whose strength was well-nigh spent.

 A criticism bitter, harsh, comes not from God above;
   Oh, let us then most careful be, to scatter only love."
                                                                               --Amen,

BURDENS!

The Word of God makes it quite clear that there will be some burdens to bear as we walk the road of life.  But, as always, the Lord gives us wonderful instruction and guidance in His Holy Word! 
The 18th chapter of Exodus is quite an interesting narrative between Moses and Jethro, his father-in-law.  Jethro noticed the people coming to Moses for judgment, and standing from morning until evening waiting their turn.  Jethro asked him what it was all about.  After Moses explained it all to him, Jethro said:

     "The thing that thou doest is not good.  Thou wilt surely wear away, for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.  Hearken now unto my voice . . . thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness, and let them judge the people . . . every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: and they shall bear the burden with thee."

Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "Bear ye one another's burdens. . "
The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:15:  "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."
God's Word makes it very clear that no man is an island; no man liveth unto himself, and no man dieth unto himself.  Part of our responsibility in belonging to the body of Christ is to have sincere empathy toward our brethren -- bearing their burdens with them -- sharing their sorrows and hurting when they hurt.
It is wonderful and so encouraging to know that we have Christian friends who are holding us up in prayer and bearing our burdens with us!
To be a real and true burden-bearer, we must be much more than a "fair-weather" friend.  We must be a true friend---'one who comes in when the rest of the world has gone out'!

Let's determine to be a true friend---a true burden-bearer for others---thus fulfilling the law of Christ!

Do you have a friend who needs you to come alongside today and help them bear their burden?    

Are You Standing or Following?

There is a very interesting little command in Exodus 23:2 that says -- "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. . ."  I think this scripture could probably be stated in just two words -- "BE SINGULAR"!  It makes me think of the song that challenges us to--- "Dare to be a Daniel!  Dare to stand alone!  Dare to have a purpose firm!  Dare to make it known!"

Ouch!  That hurts a little, doesn't it!  I don't believe I know anyone who really enjoys standing alone.  It is so much easier to follow the crowd---to be on the side of the majority.  But there comes a time when, if necessary, we must stand if we have to stand alone!  Yes---even if the multitude--the crowd--the majority--our friends, and even our family are following what we know to be evil, we must be singular and stand alone!

May God help us to do it Every Day---All the Way!!  

A Child of the King!

This little poem by Edith Young reminds us again how very blessed we are to be a child of God!  What a wonderful privilege it is to belong to the King of the Ages -- the One who rules this mighty universe, but also deigns to walk and talk with me!  Praise the Lord!

"POOR?  No, of course not!!  Why, how could I be,
                      when Christ, the King, is taking care of me!

 TIRED?  Sometimes -- yes, more than tired;
                      but then, I know a place where  I can rest again!

 LONELY?  Ah, well I know the aching blight;
                          But now -- I've Jesus with me day and night!

BURDENS?  I have them; oft they press me sore,
                          And then -- I lean the harder, trust the more.

WORTHY?  Oh, No!  The marvel of it is
                           That I should know such boundless love as His!

        And so, I'm rich; with Christ I am "joint-heir,"
        Since He once stooped my poverty to share."

Thank you, blessed Saviour, for dying that I might live!

Be Ye ...Kind

As I meditated on this little commandment, I thought about how much of God's Word -- the 10 Commandments, the Beatitudes, many of God's instructions, promises, warnings, etc. are short and very clear---not wordy and vague.  Perhaps this is so it will be much easier to memorize and hide in our hearts.  The Psalmist said God's law was his meditation all the day!
So, today, let us meditate a little while on this sweet commandment in Ephesians 4:32.
     "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

The first part of this verse --"be ye kind one to another" -- is probably one of the very first scriptures we learn as a little child.  Many of us memorized it and have quoted it since we were two or three years old; but, far too often, we fail to practice it in our daily living.  It doesn't cost us anything to be kind, and it means so much in our relationships with other people.

Some synonyms for the word "kind" are:  tender---gracious---loving---good---affectionate---gentle---considerate---sympathetic---helpful---merciful.
Do these words describe you, or do you find yourself spewing forth bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking and malice like the apostle Paul talked about in verse 31?  Don't stop there at verse 31!  Let us go on to verse 32 and be kind one to another.

I like this little quote from an unknown source:
     "Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.  Be the living expression of God's kindness:  kindness in your face -- kindness in your eyes -- kindness in your smile -- and kindness in your warm greeting."

Let's make this a "practice day" of being kind one to another!!      

Walking With Jesus!

Yesterday, we enjoyed a blessed Mother's Day -- challenging messages from the pastor, lovely family meals together, beautiful cards and gifts, many hugs, pictures, and loving messages!  I was blessed and spoiled beyond measure!!  But now it is time to return to our daily duties as we begin another week of walking with Jesus.

In Exodus 29:45, we read:  "And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God."  What a blessed promise for the people of God!  God is ever to be found in His church to enlighten, quicken, comfort, and support it.  He wants to be our God -- the sole object of our worship -- the One to whom we can turn in all our difficulties and distresses.

This mighty God, creator of the universe, wants to dwell in us if we will acknowledge Him, love Him, and obey Him.  Nothing short of a holy heart will support us through the rugged travels in this wilderness of life, comfort us in death, and give us boldness in the day of judgment!  An old writer once said -- "He who has pardon may look his judge in the face."  I am so thankful that "Jesus signed my pardon, this I surely know; took my place at Calvary, now I don't have to go."

He wants to dwell among us today!  Will you let Him be your God? 

M - O - T - H - E - R

How can you define a Mother's Love?  It is Sweet; it is Comforting; it is Encouraging; it is Tireless; it is Unselfish; it is Kind; it is Understanding; it is Peaceful; it is Christ-like! 
It is tender, but it is also tenacious!  It is forgiving, but it also insists on obedience! 

It seems impossible to me to adequately define a Mother's Love!  I think it must have been implanted in a Mother's heart by our Heavenly Father! 

In honor of our Mothers, I wanted to share this old song by Howard Johnson, copyrighted in 1915!

M - is for the million things she gave me,
O - means only that she's growing old,
T - is for the tears she shed to save me,
H - is for her heart of purest gold,
E - is for her eyes with love-light shining,
R - means right, and right she'll always be,
      Put them all together, they spell MOTHER,
      A word that means the world to me!

A very special "Happy Mother's Day"  to the mothers of my wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren:
           Paula, Barb, Jessica, Mandy and Brittany!!

MOTHER'S DAY!

The word "Mother" is one of the sweetest (and one of the first) words we learn to speak as a little child. 
A few years ago, I read the following challenge to the mothers present in the Sunday morning church service on Mother's Day.  I felt like I wanted to share it on my little Blog today, and I trust that it will challenge and humble every Mother who reads it.

     Many years ago, God spoke to Moses and said, "What is that in thine hand?"  Thousands of years have passed since God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, but He is still speaking today.  I believe that God is speaking and asking us -- "Mother, what is that in thine hand?"  And should we hesitate to answer, I believe God would answer for us -- "it is the children that I have given you to train for Me so that I can use them for My honor and glory and the upbuilding of My kingdom.  I fashioned your children when they were yet in your womb, and then I placed them in your hand and entrusted them to your care.  I asked you to teach your children diligently, and to talk of Me and My laws when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up."

     I suppose there has never been a day when Mother's faced a greater challenge than we do today.  We are living on the brink of eternity, and the devil is doing everything he can to destroy the children that God has placed in our hand.  Are we going to live our lives of ease and pleasure and let our children slip out of our hands, or will we stand firm and refuse all of the devil's compromises, saying like Moses did -- "the entire family is going and everything we possess; we're not leaving even a hoof behind."  Praise the Lord!!  God wants the entire family safe in the ark, but there is a price for us to pay, dear Mother, just like there was for Moses and Noah.

     I read the story of a merchant ship named the "Star of India" which survived collision, a mutiny, and a terrible cyclone on 21 trips around the world.  Her cargo included coal, timber, sugar, and salmon; but more significant than these was the human cargo she bore carrying immigrants to New Zealand.  Over 400 people would pack the airless steerage compartments and tiny wooden berths for four months on the tossing sea.  Those brave souls that sailed on the Star of India risked everything to begin a new life.  They were committed to facing the dangers and enduring the hardships in hope of making a safe harbor.

     What about you and me, dear Mother?  We are on a journey, too, and our Heavenly Father has placed our children and their never-dying souls in our hand.  They, our children, are the only thing we can take to heaven with us -- everything else will be left behind.  Our task is not easy, Mother.  We will face some storms; sometimes it will mean sacrifice and self-denial; sometimes it may seem almost hopeless, but there is never a place to give up; sometimes we will have to deny ourselves some comforts and pleasures, and pour out our heart unto God.  But if we can make it to heaven, and have our family in our hand, it will be more -- yea, a thousand times more, than worth all the hardships of the journey. 
     Mothers, we are the heart of the home!  Let's give Jesus everything, and let Him guide us to heaven with the children in our hand!

     God bless you, and Best Wishes for a happy Mother's Day!

    

A Christian Mother!

As we begin another week of living for Jesus, we look forward to honoring our mothers this coming Sunday on Mother's Day!  I'm thankful for many wonderful memories of my mother, and now I am blessed and privileged to be a mother---a mother-in-law---a grandmother and a great grandmother!!
How very blessed I am!

I trust that this little anonymous poem will speak to the heart of every mother, especially the young mothers who are endeavoring to train their little ones to love and serve Jesus. 

     "God gives us many gifts, but far above any other --- the first and best He gives us is the gift of a
              Christian mother.
      Her head bows over the Scriptures, teaching children from God's Word;
              Her hands are always busy doing service for her Lord.
      Whenever her children need her, they know she's always there.
              Her beauty is in the strength of faith that she daily finds in prayer.
      Her children love and bless her, and in their lives we see the lessons of the Saviour
              that were learned at Mother's knee!"

                                          "Who taught my infant lips to pray,
                                            To love God's holy Word and day;
                                            And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?
                                                    My Mother."

Mother, you are the heart of the home!  May you live so that your children will arise up and call you blessed.
             --Proverbs 31:28

A HUG!

Since this is Friday, and you are winding up what has probably been a stressful work week, maybe -- just maybe --someone will give you a hug to lift your spirits!  Or, better yet, maybe YOU will be the first one to give a hug!!  It will probably do you more good than medicine!  In fact -- it just might be what the Doctor ordered!!

     "A hug has no moving parts -- no batteries, no monthly payments, no fees!                                     It is inflation proof and non-taxable.  In fact, it is quite relaxable!
     It can't be stolen, won't pollute, one size fits all, will not dilute!
                It uses little energy, but yields results enormously!
     Relieves your tension and your stress -- invigorates your happiness!
  Combats depression; makes you beam, and elevates your self-esteem!
        Your circulation it corrects without unpleasant side effects.
                                   It is the perfect drug!!
                    There is NOTHING like a perfect hug!!

And, of course, it is fully refundable!!"
                                                              --Anonymous

The Winning Side!

In Exodus 14:25, the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians."
In verse 13 and 14, Moses said unto the people:  "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.  The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord gave the assurance of victory unto His people, and Joshua 23:10 records the wonderful promise:  "One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, He it is that fighteth for you, as He hath promised you."

It always feels good to be on the winning side!!  No matter what kind of competition we are engaged in, it always makes us feel more secure if we have the assurance of being on the winning team!
And, it is always very sad to see someone that is a loser -- just drifting along, not seeming to care whether or not they are on the winning side!

This attitude is treacherous in every aspect of living, but it is especially so in the spiritual realm!  The Lord NEVER wants us to be a loser!  He has promised to fight for us, and give us the needed grace and strength for every day; and with God fighting for us, we have the guaranteed assurance of complete victory in every battle that confronts us!

The Lord can even cause our enemies to cry out, "let us flee ... for The Lord fighteth for them."
                                        "What a mighty God we serve"!! 

Elijah's Mantle!

Two years ago today I sat in the sanctuary, not for a church service, but for the funeral service of my husband.  I remember again today the wonderful message that Bro. Mitchell preached from the 2nd chapter of II Kings when the Lord was getting ready to take the prophet, Elijah, to heaven.
His servant, Elisha, would not leave his master, so Elijah said (I love these thrilling verses) :

"Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.  And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
And he said, thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof,   And he saw him no more:  And he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah?  and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest upon Elisha."  Praise the Lord!

As the family and I think about Dad today, I also think about several other "Elijah's" who have gone to heaven recently.

And then --  I am praying that their will be some "Elisha's" who will take up their mantles!