What A Friend!

Some of our most lovely hymns that have blessed and encouraged thousands of hearts down through the years have been birthed in sorrow.  Such is the story behind our hymn for today,

     "If you travel to Port Hope, Canada, you will find a monument with the name Joseph Scriven inscribed and three verses of the hymn, 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus.'
      Joseph Scriven was born in Ireland in 1820.  After graduating from Trinity College, Dublin, he became engaged to a lovely Irish girl, and she accidentally drowned the day before they were to be married.
      When Joseph was 25, he left his home to sail on a long and hard sea voyage to Canada.  There, for many years, he gave his life to the underfed, the poor, the handicapped.  Though poor and underfed himself, he would give away the little he had, even his own clothing.  No service was too menial if he could relieve another's heartache and misery.  Perhaps this was because he had many heartaches of his own and thus was able to understand others' needs.

      Once again Joseph became engaged to a young Christian lady.  Again, his fiancee died from a short illness before they were to be married.  In those days, when there was no airmail, letters to and from his mother back in Ireland took many weeks to be delivered.  Once, after learning that she had a great sorrow and was ill, he wrote a letter.  At its end he composed the verses of 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus' for her comfort.

      When some of Scriven's friends came to visit him during his final illness, they found a copy of the verses and asked Joseph about them.  Briefly he replied, 'The Lord and I did it between us.'  Later the verses were set to music by Charles Converse.  The hymn was first published in 1870 in a small Sunday School songbook called Silver Wings. 
How wonderful, true, and comforting are the words of this hymn!  We can always take everything to our Friend and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  He listens, cares, and meets all of our needs."

     "What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
     Oh, what peace we often forfeit; oh, 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.

      Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our Refuge!  Take it to the Lord in prayer.
      Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there,"

      

THIS I KNOW

This little poem was in the Sunday School paper 10 years ago!!  I'm glad I ran across it a few days ago!  After 10 years, it still speaks to my heart today!

     "I do not know what may befall of sunshine or of rain,
I do not know what may be mine of pleasure and of pain;
      But this I know -- my Saviour knows, and whatsoe'er it be,
Still I can trust His love to give what will be best for me.

      I do not know what next may come across my Pilgrim way,
I do not know tomorrow's road, nor see beyond today;
      But this I know -- my Saviour knows -- the path I cannot see,
And I can trust His wounded hand to guide and care for me.

      I do not know what may await, or what the morrow brings;
But with the glad salute of faith, I hail its opening wings!
      For this I know --  that in my Lord shall all my need be met,
And I can trust the heart of Him who has not failed me yet."

     Praise the Lord!!  He not only has not failed me yet, but He never will while I live by faith and do His blessed will.  
         
      
  

PSALM 96!

The Book of Psalms is a marvelous Book!!  Perhaps the best description of the Psalms is that they are the inspired "prayer and praise" Book of Israel.  They are wonderful revelations of Truth!  Psalm 96 is a lovely Psalm---every verse is wonderful.  You will notice in the first two verses that three times the admonition was given to "sing unto the Lord"!  It makes our day so much better when we keep a song in our heart and upon our lips.
Then, in verses 7 and 8, it tells us three times to "give unto the Lord!"  Let's read it together.

"O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
 Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; shew forth His salvation from day to day.
 Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.
 For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
 For all the gods of the nations are idols; but the Lord made the heavens.
 Honour and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
 Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people; give unto the Lord glory and strength.
 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering, and come into His courts.
 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before Him, all the earth.
 Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be
moved: He shall judge the people righteously.
 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad: let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
 Before the Lord: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with   righteousness, and the people with His truth."
        My heart wants to add, "AMEN"!!!    "Praise Ye The Lord"!!

Remember -- Let us go about our days "SINGING and GIVING unto the Lord"!  
 

Janitor to President!

My dear friend, Sister Barb Brock, shared with me this interesting information about our 20th President, James Garfield. 
In Luke 22:26, we read:  ". .him that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger: and he that is chief, as he that doth serve."

     "James Garfield has a remarkable history.  He grew up in an Ohio log cabin -- poor and fatherless; a youngster who worked in the fields to help feed his family.  Wanting to improve himself, he read and attended school whenever possible.  He enrolled in the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute in Hiram, Ohio, where he also worked as a janitor.
      The once student/janitor ultimately became the school's leading professor, and in 1857, its President.  A quarter-century later, he became the 20th President of the United States.  In his teens, he gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ -- adding teacher and preacher to his resume!

      The progress of his life -- from poverty to humble service--to knowledge--to leadership--is a lesson for us.  Everyone wants to be a leader in some form or fashion; but serving comes first!  Serving others, in fact, is the very essence of leadership.  Just as Garfield's leadership was enriched by his years as a farm boy and janitor, so our leadership is strengthened in the humble acts of kindness and care we perform daily.
      If you have the opportunity of either serving or leading, and you can only do one -- Serve!"

Perhaps we should close with this quote:

     "Let me ask you to choose the undying Jesus as your everlasting Friend and Helper.  Let me urge you to follow Him."
                             --James Garfield 

The Lily!

There is a beautiful scripture in Matthew 6:25-34 that tells us of our Heavenly Father's care for us. Verse 28 and 29 says:  "And why take ye thought for raiment?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Jesus said of Himself in The Song of Solomon, chapter two and verse one:  "I am the Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valleys."

The lily has come to be identified with purity---with immaculate whiteness!  The late Dr. Dale Yocum gives us the following illustration.
        "In the hills of West Virginia I once visited a large coal mine and observed with interest the equipment and activity.  The greatest impression of all was not the big machinery, the mile-long train rolling through the valley, the huge caverns reaching back under the hills, or the smudgy faces of the miners.  Amidst all of the dust and grimy blackness, I saw a lily-white blossom -- one lone little flower at the very edge of a cavern's mouth.  While all around was dingy, it maintained its purity." 
      Praise the Lord!  Isn't that a beautiful illustration of God's sanctified people!

As children of God, we, too, can resist sin and pollution!  The precious blood of Jesus which makes us clean can also keep us clean!  So wherever God puts us to bloom -- maybe in the valley---perhaps among thorns; some in the field--or the meadow--or by the roadside! 

Wherever God plants us, may we, like the lily, always bear the marks of purity -  sending forth a Christ-like fragrance, pleasing unto God!

TRUST!

T - Trust and Obey!
R - Ready (to go -- to stay)
U - Under His Wings (I will safely abide forever)
S - Standing on the Promises!
T - Take Time to be Holy!

Trust is a wonderful word!  Sometimes people we have trusted disappoint us, but Jesus never will!  What a blessed privilege it is to trust Him; and if we truly trust Him, we will want to please and obey Him. 
One of my very favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6, which I have leaned on many times.  "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
Anchoring to these sweet verses enables me to embrace this wonderful little quote which I have written in my Bible and has been a blessing and help to me many times.

                                "Just follow God unquestioningly
                                        Because you love Him so,
                                  For if you trust His judgment
                                         There is nothing you need know."

May God bless you today as you Trust, Obey and Follow!  .

"Just As I Am"

Jesus said in the 22nd chapter of the book of Revelation:  "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.  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."

When my husband was traveling in the field of evangelism, and when we were pastoring, he often used this beautiful invitation hymn.
I was glad to learn about the story behind the song in an article by Horace B. Powell.

     "This marvelous hymn by Charlotte Elliott has been blessing humanity for over 100 years.  Dr. Dwight L. Moody, the great American evangelist, said that it had touched more hearts and brought more souls to Christ than any other hymn ever written.

      Miss Elliott, who was born in London in 1789, has been called England's greatest woman hymnist.  She lived to be 82, but most of her life she was an invalid and suffered severely.  "Just As I
Am" was written in 1836 and first appeared in the Christian Remembrancer, of which Miss Elliott was the editor.

      "Just As I Am" was written in the midst of pain and tribulation, and its power as a soul-winning hymn lies in the fact that it was born of Miss Elliott's own spiritual experience and conversion.  Though her parents were Christians, Charlotte Elliott never had found true peace with God.  She could not bring herself to accept the Christian doctrine of salvation and redemption.

      It was Dr. Caesar Malan, a prominent Swiss preacher, who helped Miss Elliott to find Christ.  Dr. Malan was visiting in the Elliott home in 1822 and discovered her spiritual unrest.  In discussing her spiritual perplexities, he told her -- 'You must come just as you are, a sinner, to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world.'

      Miss Elliott never forgot that sermon.  Every year from then on she celebrated the anniversary of the day on which Dr. Malan led her to Christ.  One night, 14 years later, when her illness kept her from sleep, she recalled and pondered the words which Dr. Malan had spoken many years before.  In a flash, the hymn message came to her and she arose and wrote the words that have helped so many others to find this blessed salvation"

"Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me.
     And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come!  I come!
 Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot.
     To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come!  I come!

 Just as I am, tho' tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt.
     Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come!  I come!
 Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve.
     Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God!  I come!  I come!

 Just as I am!  Thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down.
     Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God!  I come!  I come!"

             Perhaps Jesus is calling you today -- "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy
      laden, and I will give you rest."  I pray that you will answer --
                                               "O Lamb of God!  I come I come!"
                              

C A R E S !

Another week has flown by, and it is Monday again!  I'm afraid that some (perhaps many) of you were burdened down with cares before you even got to your office, or place of business this morning, as you wrestled in your mind with problems, difficulties, uncertainties, etc.
Jesus said that we must guard against being "choked" with the cares of this life!

A few days ago, I saw this little quote on Face Book.  It spoke to my heart, so I wanted to share it with you!

      "Cheer up, my friend!  God doesn't give us what we can handle -- God helps us handle what we are given!"
        Praise the Lord!!  What a sweet blessing and encouragement that is to my heart!!

May God bless you as you determine to keep digging deeper and climbing higher until that blessed day when we shall behold Him "Face to Face"!!    

Reflections!

As I reflect on the celebrations of Independence Day yesterday, my heart fills with praise and thanksgiving to my Heavenly Father for Freedom, for Family fun and fellowship, and for our Flag that speaks to us of "America the Beautiful"!

My heart was thrilled as I listened to the Military bands play and saw the heavens aglow with beautiful fireworks displays!!  Tears filled my eyes, and my heart was lifted in prayer to God as I heard the stirring words of "God Bless the U.S.A," 

The holiday is behind us now, but let us continue to pray for our nation and its leaders, remembering always that "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."

Independence Day!

Our nation is anticipating celebrating the Fourth of July tomorrow with families gathering for a wonderful time of feasting and fellowship!
Yesterday at church we sang the beautiful militant song, entitled "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Julia Ward Howe.  I thought you might enjoy hearing the story behind the song.

     "One day in December, 1861, Julia traveled to Washington, D.C. where her husband, Dr. Samuel Howe,  was stationed.  As she rode to Washington on the night train, Julia could see the small fires that Union sentries had built to protect themselves from the cold as they stood at their lonely posts.  The sight of these soldiers filled her with sorrow at the bitterness of war. 

      She wanted to help, but her only special talent was her skill with words.  When young men were dying on the battlefield, far from their homes and loved ones, what good were her poems? she wondered.

      One day on her visit to Washington, Dr. Howe took Julia to a Union army camp in Virginia to inspect the post.  Julia walked through the hospital, stopping to chat with the wounded soldiers.  Some of them were so young.  They should be in school, not at war.  Why, she wondered, was it necessary that such young men suffer pain?  Why must so many die?

      Suddenly, the rattle of musketry broke the air.  The alarm was sounded.  A young lieutenant ran up and pointed to the west.  "The rebs have us surrounded at the bridge!"  Julia watched as the soldiers rushed to the defense of the surrounded unit.  As the musket fire snapped and echoed, her heart pounded with fear -- not for herself, but for the boys who were so bravely rushing to battle.  Would they be wounded?  Perhaps even die?  Her heart ached for them, and in her despair she prayed, "Lord, show me your purpose; in my confusion, give me light to see."  A phrase came to her--"Mine eyes have seen the glory."  The words strengthened and supported her.

      That night Julia tried to sleep, but she could not.  Before dawn she was fully awake, and on a scrap of paper she wrote the now famous lines of "Battle Hymn of the Republic."  Her poem was published in Atlantic Monthly.  It was reprinted in newspapers, magazines, and in army hymnbooks.  Soon Union soldiers were marching to its rhythm, inspired by her words.  President Lincoln was moved to tears each time he heard it.

      Julia lived an active and productive Christian life till her death at the age of 98, and in her later years said:  "Those who once loved my hymn still sing it.  I hope and believe that it stands for what our whole country believes in -- the sacredness of human liberty."

Tomorrow, the Lord willing, as we return to our homes after a wonderful day of food, fellowship, fireworks and family, let us thank God and sing from our hearts --

      "Glory!  Glory!  Hallelujah!  His truth is marching on!"        

A Beautiful Day!

As I awakened this morning and looked out my bedroom window, God's beautiful sunshine was flooding the landscape.  I immediately thought of the song, "What a Beautiful Day For the Lord to Come Again!"

Today is the Day of Preparation for God's Holy Day tomorrow.  As we prepare our hearts for the Lord's Day tomorrow, let us also make sure that we are ready for that "Great Day" that is soon coming.
God's Word says:

     "Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?  or who shall stand in His holy place?
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart, ,,,"  

I trust that God's sweet presence will be especially near you today as you walk in His light and have fellowship with Him!