When I think of the ending of the year, it brings to mind an old song -- "Day is dying in the West." I suppose everyone has their own way of how they want to observe New Year's Eve, or how they want to look back over the year, recalling different events, milestones, joys, sorrows, etc. But I think I just want to lay all of 2018 at the feet of Jesus and say with the Apostle Paul:
". . .this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." If you make New Year's Resolutions, I can't think of a better one! Praise the Lord! What a wonderful challenge for 2019!
Then, I think I would like to sing with the songwriter --
"Lead on, O King Eternal, till sin's fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.
Thy cross is lifted o'er us; we journey in its light --
The crown awaits the conquest; Lead on, O God of might."
And then I think I would like to read this quote from Oswald Chambers, and think, meditate and act upon its challenges.
"There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life." What a challenge for us to walk humbly with our God!
Then we can greet 2019 singing -- "I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today!"
Monday, December 31, 2018
Friday, December 28, 2018
The 23rd Psalm!
As 2018 draws to a close, and we face the unknown tomorrows of 2019, perhaps we should slowly read and meditate on the wonderful assurance to be found in the six verses of this sweet Psalm of David!
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me: Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil: my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
Our Lord is the "Good Shepherd" on whom we can depend, so in the coming days if you find your heart is troubled, remember ---
you can find quiet, peace, and calm when you open up your Bible and read this blessed Psalm!
Monday, December 24, 2018
Christmas Eve!
On this beautiful Christmas Eve morning, as my mind travels to the manger in Bethlehem, my heart is filled with awe, praise and worship, and makes me want to sing with the songwriter:
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Sing this Christmas morn --
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ the Lord is born!"
And while I am bowing at the manger, I want to try and contemplate a little of the amazing wonder of the angel's words to Joseph:
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." What a glorious mystery!!
And then, as we think of "The Wonder of it All", let us be thankful that this Baby in the manger was God's son, the promised Saviour, and may we humbly sing, "Lord, I want your Presence for Christmas"!
From my home to yours -- Best Wishes for a blessed and holy Christmas as we once again celebrate the birth of our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Sing this Christmas morn --
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ the Lord is born!"
And while I am bowing at the manger, I want to try and contemplate a little of the amazing wonder of the angel's words to Joseph:
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." What a glorious mystery!!
And then, as we think of "The Wonder of it All", let us be thankful that this Baby in the manger was God's son, the promised Saviour, and may we humbly sing, "Lord, I want your Presence for Christmas"!
From my home to yours -- Best Wishes for a blessed and holy Christmas as we once again celebrate the birth of our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Friday, December 21, 2018
Joy To The World!
In Luke 2:10, we read: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."
As we joyfully anticipate Christmas Sunday, it seems we must sing from the depths of our soul --Joy to the World -- Jesus has come!!
This hymn, by Isaac Watts, is one of the most joyous of all the Christmas hymns. It is interesting to note that it omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, wise men, etc. Instead, it emphasizes the wonderful joy that Christ's birth brought to mankind. The entire Advent season should be filled with rejoicing as we contemplate anew God's great gift!
"Joy to the World" reminds us of these words in the 98th Psalm: "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the Lord: for He cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with equity."
Kenneth Osbeck tells us: "The text was originally titled, 'The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom', when it first appeared in Watts' hymnal of 1719. The music for this carol is thought to have been adapted by Lowell Mason, an American church musician, from some of the phrases used in parts of George Frederick Handel's beloved oratorio, 'The Messiah', first performed in 1742. Through the combined talents of an English literary genius of the 18th century, a German-born musical giant from the same period, and a 19th century American choir director and educator, another great hymn was born!
"Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing!
Joy to the world! The Saviour reigns! Let men their songs employ --
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy!
No more let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found!
He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove --
The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love."
Thank you, Jesus, that because You came, we can have "Joy unspeakable, and full of glory"!!
As we joyfully anticipate Christmas Sunday, it seems we must sing from the depths of our soul --Joy to the World -- Jesus has come!!
This hymn, by Isaac Watts, is one of the most joyous of all the Christmas hymns. It is interesting to note that it omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, wise men, etc. Instead, it emphasizes the wonderful joy that Christ's birth brought to mankind. The entire Advent season should be filled with rejoicing as we contemplate anew God's great gift!
"Joy to the World" reminds us of these words in the 98th Psalm: "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together before the Lord: for He cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall He judge the world, and the people with equity."
Kenneth Osbeck tells us: "The text was originally titled, 'The Messiah's Coming and Kingdom', when it first appeared in Watts' hymnal of 1719. The music for this carol is thought to have been adapted by Lowell Mason, an American church musician, from some of the phrases used in parts of George Frederick Handel's beloved oratorio, 'The Messiah', first performed in 1742. Through the combined talents of an English literary genius of the 18th century, a German-born musical giant from the same period, and a 19th century American choir director and educator, another great hymn was born!
"Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing!
Joy to the world! The Saviour reigns! Let men their songs employ --
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy!
No more let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found!
He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove --
The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love."
Thank you, Jesus, that because You came, we can have "Joy unspeakable, and full of glory"!!
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
THE MESSIAH!
I can't imagine Christmas without music, nor can I imagine any words or music more thrilling and inspiring than Handel's Messiah! It humbles me greatly to understand how, over 200 years ago, God wrote this masterpiece through His servant, George Frederick Handel, and today it is still blessing thousands of hearts every Christmas!
I have posted this the last two Christmases, but I must do it again. I trust that your heart will be humbled and blessed as you read this condensed story of the Messiah -- the King of Glory!
"George Frederick Handel was struggling against creditors and hunger in 1741. People were too poor and too cold to interest themselves in music that winter. He paced the floor, wondering why musicians and composers had to struggle so hard to make a living. Suddenly there was a crash -- then silence. Handel's servant heard the strange crash and ran upstairs. There in the hall lay Handel, the genius, his mouth open and a vacant stare in his eyes. When the Dr. arrived, he shook his head. After his diagnosis, he turned to go. The servant fearfully asked, 'Dr., is he going to die'? A miracle might save his life, but his left side is paralyzed.
Weeks wore on. The great composer revived some, but was unable to use his left hand to play, and his mind seemed dull. The Dr. advised a trip to the hot springs in France. Handel went to France with a great desire to live and compose again. He spent hours in the hot baths. Within a few weeks, he had largely recovered his health.
Back in London, Handel began to play again and to compose some. Then hard times struck again. The Spanish wars were raging. His pension had been cut off. People were hungry for bread. Winter came on, and at times Handel had to pace the streets to keep warm and to evade his creditors. Inspiration had left him. He was despondent, and seemed to be losing his strength, his mind, his belief in God, and his desire to live.
Oh God, why has all this come? he cried in despair. He dragged himself to his study before retiring. On his table was a large envelope. He tore it open, and on the title page were the words--The Messiah. Seeing that it was another oratorio, he tore the manuscript in half and threw it on the floor. His last oratorios had not met with approval. That night the heavy-hearted composer turned and tossed, unable to get the torn manuscript off his mind. Should he get up and look at it?
The first few words were -- 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people'. The words seemed to soothe him. As he read on, he felt a strange fire surge through his frame. Surely it was a message from the Lord directly to him! The great musician was himself again! God had spoken to his soul! He heard and felt music again as never before!! The words, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! seemed to move every fiber of his body. How they thrilled him! Even the final words - Amen! Amen! Amen! seemed to thrill him again, and he exclaimed--I cannot slight one word! Every word must play its part. He began to compose like a man obsessed. He rarely left his room, and rarely touched his meals. In only 24 days, he composed 260 pages -- an immense physical feat, and the world's greatest oratorio was finished.
After finishing the Hallelujah Chorus, he said -- 'I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself.' The Messiah met with overwhelming success wherever it was presented. People wept for joy as they heard its moving music. It seemed to breathe of a heavenly land. On one occasion, the whole audience--including King George--stood to their feet as the Hallelujah Chorus was sung. It was as if they were standing reverently in the presence of the Divine.
Years later, on a Good Friday, George Frederick Handel attended a presentation of his Messiah (of which he said--it was written by Another, not me) and joined in singing the Hallelujah Chorus. With the closing notes, he sank to the floor and was carried out. He lingered only a short time before he went to join the heavenly choir to sing the Hallelujah Chorus around the throne of God!"
I have posted this the last two Christmases, but I must do it again. I trust that your heart will be humbled and blessed as you read this condensed story of the Messiah -- the King of Glory!
"George Frederick Handel was struggling against creditors and hunger in 1741. People were too poor and too cold to interest themselves in music that winter. He paced the floor, wondering why musicians and composers had to struggle so hard to make a living. Suddenly there was a crash -- then silence. Handel's servant heard the strange crash and ran upstairs. There in the hall lay Handel, the genius, his mouth open and a vacant stare in his eyes. When the Dr. arrived, he shook his head. After his diagnosis, he turned to go. The servant fearfully asked, 'Dr., is he going to die'? A miracle might save his life, but his left side is paralyzed.
Weeks wore on. The great composer revived some, but was unable to use his left hand to play, and his mind seemed dull. The Dr. advised a trip to the hot springs in France. Handel went to France with a great desire to live and compose again. He spent hours in the hot baths. Within a few weeks, he had largely recovered his health.
Back in London, Handel began to play again and to compose some. Then hard times struck again. The Spanish wars were raging. His pension had been cut off. People were hungry for bread. Winter came on, and at times Handel had to pace the streets to keep warm and to evade his creditors. Inspiration had left him. He was despondent, and seemed to be losing his strength, his mind, his belief in God, and his desire to live.
Oh God, why has all this come? he cried in despair. He dragged himself to his study before retiring. On his table was a large envelope. He tore it open, and on the title page were the words--The Messiah. Seeing that it was another oratorio, he tore the manuscript in half and threw it on the floor. His last oratorios had not met with approval. That night the heavy-hearted composer turned and tossed, unable to get the torn manuscript off his mind. Should he get up and look at it?
The first few words were -- 'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people'. The words seemed to soothe him. As he read on, he felt a strange fire surge through his frame. Surely it was a message from the Lord directly to him! The great musician was himself again! God had spoken to his soul! He heard and felt music again as never before!! The words, Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! seemed to move every fiber of his body. How they thrilled him! Even the final words - Amen! Amen! Amen! seemed to thrill him again, and he exclaimed--I cannot slight one word! Every word must play its part. He began to compose like a man obsessed. He rarely left his room, and rarely touched his meals. In only 24 days, he composed 260 pages -- an immense physical feat, and the world's greatest oratorio was finished.
After finishing the Hallelujah Chorus, he said -- 'I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself.' The Messiah met with overwhelming success wherever it was presented. People wept for joy as they heard its moving music. It seemed to breathe of a heavenly land. On one occasion, the whole audience--including King George--stood to their feet as the Hallelujah Chorus was sung. It was as if they were standing reverently in the presence of the Divine.
Years later, on a Good Friday, George Frederick Handel attended a presentation of his Messiah (of which he said--it was written by Another, not me) and joined in singing the Hallelujah Chorus. With the closing notes, he sank to the floor and was carried out. He lingered only a short time before he went to join the heavenly choir to sing the Hallelujah Chorus around the throne of God!"
Monday, December 17, 2018
Love Finds a Way . . .
There are many words to describe Christmas, but the sweetest descriptive word is "Love"! Our Heavenly Father tells us about Love in His Holy Word, and John 3:16 tells us because "God so loved the world--He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
I have a feeling there is probably someone who needs Love from you and me at this blessed Christmas time.
In an issue of "Guideposts" several years ago, a lady prison chaplain, Kay Goldbeck, tells of her efforts to reach out to Barbara, one of the meanest and most hateful girls ever to be held in the Women's Prison in Goochland, Virginia.
"Her face was scarred from knifings, and her neck and arms were horribly disfigured from a bucket of lye water thrown on her in a fight. She was so mean, even the other prisoners would have nothing to do with her.
All of Kay's efforts to reach her seemed in vain. One day, Kay said, 'Barbara, do you know that God loves you?'
'Ain't nobody loves me!'
'But Jesus gave His life for us so that we can start new lives for ourselves.'
She spat on the ground and glared up at Kay. 'Don't want none of that preachin' stuff. It's all words---don't mean a thing.' And she got up and left.
One hot summer day during recreation time, Kay noticed Barbara standing apart from the others, as usual. Her scarred throat looked so hot. Kay went back to her room and found a soft, pink scarf. As she approached Barbara, she could see the anger seething in her dark eyes and was almost afraid to go on, but she did.
'Barbara, the sun is so hot, and your neck looks so sensitive, let me pin this little piece of silk around your neck to protect you from the sun.' She fastened it with a gold pin.
Barbara said nothing, but it looked as if a tear came into her eyes. But she stomped her foot, gritted her teeth, and spat on the ground.
But it was the beginning of a changed relationship. Barbara had found that 'preachin' wasn't all just words---that love reached out and cared enough to share a little pink scarf. Eventually, Barbara became a Christian, accepting God's love; and after her release from prison, became a county supervisor of all the nursing homes for the elderly in a mid-western state.
Love finds a way -- sometimes by way of a piece of pink silk -- but always some way that bridges the gap."
Perhaps you know someone today who needs a "piece of pink silk". Christmas is loving! Christmas is giving! And Jesus said -- "It is more blessed to give than receive!"
I have a feeling there is probably someone who needs Love from you and me at this blessed Christmas time.
In an issue of "Guideposts" several years ago, a lady prison chaplain, Kay Goldbeck, tells of her efforts to reach out to Barbara, one of the meanest and most hateful girls ever to be held in the Women's Prison in Goochland, Virginia.
"Her face was scarred from knifings, and her neck and arms were horribly disfigured from a bucket of lye water thrown on her in a fight. She was so mean, even the other prisoners would have nothing to do with her.
All of Kay's efforts to reach her seemed in vain. One day, Kay said, 'Barbara, do you know that God loves you?'
'Ain't nobody loves me!'
'But Jesus gave His life for us so that we can start new lives for ourselves.'
She spat on the ground and glared up at Kay. 'Don't want none of that preachin' stuff. It's all words---don't mean a thing.' And she got up and left.
One hot summer day during recreation time, Kay noticed Barbara standing apart from the others, as usual. Her scarred throat looked so hot. Kay went back to her room and found a soft, pink scarf. As she approached Barbara, she could see the anger seething in her dark eyes and was almost afraid to go on, but she did.
'Barbara, the sun is so hot, and your neck looks so sensitive, let me pin this little piece of silk around your neck to protect you from the sun.' She fastened it with a gold pin.
Barbara said nothing, but it looked as if a tear came into her eyes. But she stomped her foot, gritted her teeth, and spat on the ground.
But it was the beginning of a changed relationship. Barbara had found that 'preachin' wasn't all just words---that love reached out and cared enough to share a little pink scarf. Eventually, Barbara became a Christian, accepting God's love; and after her release from prison, became a county supervisor of all the nursing homes for the elderly in a mid-western state.
Love finds a way -- sometimes by way of a piece of pink silk -- but always some way that bridges the gap."
Perhaps you know someone today who needs a "piece of pink silk". Christmas is loving! Christmas is giving! And Jesus said -- "It is more blessed to give than receive!"
Friday, December 14, 2018
That Beautiful Name!
In Matthew 1:21, we read these blessed words: "And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." There are many wonderful names and titles ascribed to Christ throughout the Bible. A few of them are -- Counselor -- Emmanuel -- Messiah -- Rose of Sharon -- Sun of Righteousness! But to the child of God, the sweetest name of all is "Jesus"!
This lovely hymn, by Jean Perry, first appeared in a hymnal published in 1916 especially for use at the Moody Bible Institute.
"I know of a Name, a beautiful Name, that angels brought down to earth;
They whispered it low, one night long ago, to a maiden of lowly birth.
I know of a Name, a beautiful Name, that unto a Babe was given;
The stars glittered bright, throughout that glad night, and angels praised God in heaven.
The One of that Name, my Saviour became, my Saviour of Calvary;
My sins nailed Him there; my burdens He bare; He suffered all this for me.
I love that blest Name, that wonderful Name, made higher than all in heaven;
It was whispered, I know, in my heart long ago---to Jesus my life I've given.
That beautiful Name, that beautiful Name, from sin has power to free us!
That beautiful Name -- that wonderful Name -- that matchless Name is Jesus!"
As we prepare our hearts for the coming Lord's Day, let us lift our voices in praise and worship to the One whose Name is above every name!! Praise the Lord!
This lovely hymn, by Jean Perry, first appeared in a hymnal published in 1916 especially for use at the Moody Bible Institute.
"I know of a Name, a beautiful Name, that angels brought down to earth;
They whispered it low, one night long ago, to a maiden of lowly birth.
I know of a Name, a beautiful Name, that unto a Babe was given;
The stars glittered bright, throughout that glad night, and angels praised God in heaven.
The One of that Name, my Saviour became, my Saviour of Calvary;
My sins nailed Him there; my burdens He bare; He suffered all this for me.
I love that blest Name, that wonderful Name, made higher than all in heaven;
It was whispered, I know, in my heart long ago---to Jesus my life I've given.
That beautiful Name, that beautiful Name, from sin has power to free us!
That beautiful Name -- that wonderful Name -- that matchless Name is Jesus!"
As we prepare our hearts for the coming Lord's Day, let us lift our voices in praise and worship to the One whose Name is above every name!! Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
In the little book of Micah, written several hundred years before Jesus was born, we read this beautiful prophecy: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
HARK!! The Angels are trying to get our attention! Are we listening for their heavenly music announcing the birth of the Newborn King? Let's listen to the thrilling words written by Charles Wesley, and the beautiful melody by the master composer, Felix Mendelssohn.
Like many of Charles Wesley's more than 6,500 hymns, this text clearly presents Biblical doctrine in poetic language. The first stanza describes the song of the angels outside Bethlehem, with an invitation to join them in praise of Christ. The following verses present the truths of the virgin birth, Christ's deity, the immortality of the soul, the new birth, and a prayer for the transforming power of Christ in our lives.
"Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild -- God and sinners reconciled'!
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic hosts proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem'!
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail the incarnate Deity --
Pleased as man with men to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings -- risen with healing in His wings.
Mild, He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die --
Born to raise the sons of earth; born to give them second birth!"
HARK! Are you listening? The herald angels are singing -- let's join them!
"GLORY to the new-born KING"!
HARK!! The Angels are trying to get our attention! Are we listening for their heavenly music announcing the birth of the Newborn King? Let's listen to the thrilling words written by Charles Wesley, and the beautiful melody by the master composer, Felix Mendelssohn.
Like many of Charles Wesley's more than 6,500 hymns, this text clearly presents Biblical doctrine in poetic language. The first stanza describes the song of the angels outside Bethlehem, with an invitation to join them in praise of Christ. The following verses present the truths of the virgin birth, Christ's deity, the immortality of the soul, the new birth, and a prayer for the transforming power of Christ in our lives.
"Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild -- God and sinners reconciled'!
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic hosts proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem'!
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, offspring of the virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the God-head see; hail the incarnate Deity --
Pleased as man with men to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings -- risen with healing in His wings.
Mild, He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die --
Born to raise the sons of earth; born to give them second birth!"
HARK! Are you listening? The herald angels are singing -- let's join them!
"GLORY to the new-born KING"!
Monday, December 10, 2018
Away In A Manger
In Luke 2:7, we read: "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn."
There is probably no Christmas song that is more loved than this sweet and tender Christmas carol. It is usually thought of as a children's song, but it is loved by old and young alike.
For some time, it was entitled "Luther's Cradle Hymn" because it was thought to have been written by Martin Luther for his own children, and then passed on by German mothers. However, according to Kenneth Osbeck, modern research discounts this claim. The first two stanzas first appeared in the "Little Children's Book" published in Philadelphia in 1885. The third verse was written by a Methodist minister, Dr. John McFarland, in the early 1900's when an additional stanza was desired for a children's day program.
Let these sweet words minister to your heart as you meditate upon them through the week:
"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing; the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;
I love Thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay --
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there."
And this Christmas --- let us not forget the words of Jesus:
""Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."
There is probably no Christmas song that is more loved than this sweet and tender Christmas carol. It is usually thought of as a children's song, but it is loved by old and young alike.
For some time, it was entitled "Luther's Cradle Hymn" because it was thought to have been written by Martin Luther for his own children, and then passed on by German mothers. However, according to Kenneth Osbeck, modern research discounts this claim. The first two stanzas first appeared in the "Little Children's Book" published in Philadelphia in 1885. The third verse was written by a Methodist minister, Dr. John McFarland, in the early 1900's when an additional stanza was desired for a children's day program.
Let these sweet words minister to your heart as you meditate upon them through the week:
"Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing; the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;
I love Thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay --
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there."
And this Christmas --- let us not forget the words of Jesus:
""Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."
Friday, December 7, 2018
"What Child Is This?"
What Child is This?? Even the title of this lovely Christmas carol speaks of awe and mystery!
To me, there is something uniquely different and special about the lovely Christmas carols! They seem set apart -- as if God moved upon the writers of both verse and melody to try and help us grasp a little of the awe -- the wonder -- the miracle of that first Christmas in the manger!
Perhaps we should begin with that "hauntingly" beautiful carol, written in a minor key, and challenging our thinking and contemplation by asking the question -- "What Child Is This?"
Kenneth Osbeck says: "The question asked in this well-loved carol must have been uppermost in the minds of those present at Jesus' birth. This thoughtful text was written by William Dix, one of our finest lay hymn writers. While a successful insurance salesman in Glasgow, Scotland, he was stricken with a sudden serious illness at the age of 29. Dix was confined to bed for an extended period, and suffered deep depression until He called out to God and 'met Him in a new and real way.' Out of this spiritual experience came this beautiful carol. It was taken from a longer Christmas poem, 'The Manger Throne', written by Dix about 1865. The melody, 'Green Sleeves' is a traditional English melody written before 1642."
"What Child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear -- for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh -- come, rich and poor, to own Him;
The King of kings Salvation brings -- let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud -- the Babe, the Son of Mary."
Yes, this Child -- this Babe in the manger is Christ the King!! Let us adore Him and give Him everything !!
To me, there is something uniquely different and special about the lovely Christmas carols! They seem set apart -- as if God moved upon the writers of both verse and melody to try and help us grasp a little of the awe -- the wonder -- the miracle of that first Christmas in the manger!
Perhaps we should begin with that "hauntingly" beautiful carol, written in a minor key, and challenging our thinking and contemplation by asking the question -- "What Child Is This?"
Kenneth Osbeck says: "The question asked in this well-loved carol must have been uppermost in the minds of those present at Jesus' birth. This thoughtful text was written by William Dix, one of our finest lay hymn writers. While a successful insurance salesman in Glasgow, Scotland, he was stricken with a sudden serious illness at the age of 29. Dix was confined to bed for an extended period, and suffered deep depression until He called out to God and 'met Him in a new and real way.' Out of this spiritual experience came this beautiful carol. It was taken from a longer Christmas poem, 'The Manger Throne', written by Dix about 1865. The melody, 'Green Sleeves' is a traditional English melody written before 1642."
"What Child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear -- for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh -- come, rich and poor, to own Him;
The King of kings Salvation brings -- let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud -- the Babe, the Son of Mary."
Yes, this Child -- this Babe in the manger is Christ the King!! Let us adore Him and give Him everything !!
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
"Down From His Glory"
A silent night -- shepherds in the field keeping watch over their flock -- when Suddenly -- "the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid." Then an angel spoke to them -- "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."
It seems to me that, perhaps, thousands of angels could hold back their voices no longer, and Luke 2:13 tells us: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
I don't think you can have Christmas without music, so let's begin with a beautiful song by William E. Booth - Clibborn which expresses the great love of God the Father who gave His only begotten Son -- who came Down from His Glory, and went all the way from the Cradle to the Cross!
"Down from His glory -- ever living story,
My God and Saviour came, and Jesus was His name.
Born in a manger -- to His own a stranger,
A Man of sorrows, tears, and agony.
What condescension -- bringing us redemption;
That in the dead of night, not one faint hope in sight.
God -- gracious, tender -- laid aside His splendor,
Stooping to woo -- to win -- to save my soul.
Without reluctance -- flesh and blood His substance,
He took the form of man, revealed the hidden plan.
O glorious mystery -- Sacrifice of Calvary,
And now I know Thou art the great "I Am"!
O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath -- my sunshine -- my all in all!
The great Creator became my Saviour,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him."
Praise the Lord! Let us love Him, adore Him, and worship Him!
It seems to me that, perhaps, thousands of angels could hold back their voices no longer, and Luke 2:13 tells us: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
I don't think you can have Christmas without music, so let's begin with a beautiful song by William E. Booth - Clibborn which expresses the great love of God the Father who gave His only begotten Son -- who came Down from His Glory, and went all the way from the Cradle to the Cross!
"Down from His glory -- ever living story,
My God and Saviour came, and Jesus was His name.
Born in a manger -- to His own a stranger,
A Man of sorrows, tears, and agony.
What condescension -- bringing us redemption;
That in the dead of night, not one faint hope in sight.
God -- gracious, tender -- laid aside His splendor,
Stooping to woo -- to win -- to save my soul.
Without reluctance -- flesh and blood His substance,
He took the form of man, revealed the hidden plan.
O glorious mystery -- Sacrifice of Calvary,
And now I know Thou art the great "I Am"!
O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath -- my sunshine -- my all in all!
The great Creator became my Saviour,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him."
Praise the Lord! Let us love Him, adore Him, and worship Him!
Monday, December 3, 2018
A CHILD Is Born ---
Yesterday, our pastor preached two wonderful messages from the beautiful prophecy in the 9th chapter of the book of the prophet, Isaiah, where he tells of the divine Child to be born:
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace".
What a thrilling scripture!! It makes me want to -- "Bow down before Him -- Love and adore Him -- His name is Wonderful -- Jesus, my Lord"! It is difficult, probably impossible, for our finite minds to fully comprehend how Christ could be fully God and still fully man. Truly, "the love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell."
So on this first Monday of December, let us begin singing the good news of great joy, and keep it ringing in our hearts throughout this blessed, holy season!
"Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing!"
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace".
What a thrilling scripture!! It makes me want to -- "Bow down before Him -- Love and adore Him -- His name is Wonderful -- Jesus, my Lord"! It is difficult, probably impossible, for our finite minds to fully comprehend how Christ could be fully God and still fully man. Truly, "the love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell."
So on this first Monday of December, let us begin singing the good news of great joy, and keep it ringing in our hearts throughout this blessed, holy season!
"Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing!"
Friday, November 30, 2018
The Lord's Day!
Francis Ridley Havergal was a British hymn writer. Probably one of her best known hymns is the lovely hymn of consecration --"Take my life and let it be--consecrated, Lord to Thee . . ."
She once made a list for herself of eight reasons for going to church, even on rainy days.
1. "God has blessed the Lord's Day, making no exceptions for stormy days.
2. I expect my minister to be there. I'd be surprised if he stayed at home for the weather.
3. I might lose out on the prayers and the sermon that would have done me great good.
4. For any important business, rain doesn't keep me home; and church attendance, in God's sight, is very important.
5. Bad weather reveals on what foundation my faith is built; it will prove how much I love Christ. True love rarely fails to keep an appointment.
6. Those who stay at home from church because it's rainy frequently miss on fair Sundays, too. I must not take one step in that direction.
7. The Bible contains a special promise that where two or three meet together in Christ's name, He will be in the midst of them.
8. I don't know how many more Sundays God may give me, and it would be poor preparation for my first Sunday in Heaven to have slighted my last Sunday on earth."
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."
She once made a list for herself of eight reasons for going to church, even on rainy days.
1. "God has blessed the Lord's Day, making no exceptions for stormy days.
2. I expect my minister to be there. I'd be surprised if he stayed at home for the weather.
3. I might lose out on the prayers and the sermon that would have done me great good.
4. For any important business, rain doesn't keep me home; and church attendance, in God's sight, is very important.
5. Bad weather reveals on what foundation my faith is built; it will prove how much I love Christ. True love rarely fails to keep an appointment.
6. Those who stay at home from church because it's rainy frequently miss on fair Sundays, too. I must not take one step in that direction.
7. The Bible contains a special promise that where two or three meet together in Christ's name, He will be in the midst of them.
8. I don't know how many more Sundays God may give me, and it would be poor preparation for my first Sunday in Heaven to have slighted my last Sunday on earth."
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
"THE CREATION"
I don't recall reading or hearing this thrilling poem by James Weldon Johnson in its entirety. It both thrills me and humbles me as I read the beautiful words that remind me again, and cause me to meditate on, "What a Mighty God I Serve!" I trust that it will be a blessing to you today.
"And God stepped out on space, and He looked around and said:
I'm lonely -- I'll make me a world.
And as far as the eye of God could see, darkness covered everything.
Blacker than a hundred midnights down in a cypress swamp.
Then God smiled and the light broke--
And the darkness rolled up on one side,
And the light stood shining on the other.
And God said: 'That's good'!
Then God reached out and took the light in His hands,
And God rolled the light around in His hands until He made the sun;
And He set that sun a-blazing in the heavens.
And the light that was left from making the sun --
God gathered it up in a shining ball and flung it against the darkness,
Spangling the night with the moon and stars. Then down between the darkness and the light,
He hurled the world; and God said: 'That's good'!
Then God, Himself, stepped down, and the sun was on His right hand --
And the moon was on His left; the stars were clustered about His head,
And the earth was under His feet. And God walked, and where He trod
His footsteps hollowed the valleys out and bulged the mountains up.
Then He stopped - and looked - and saw that the earth was hot and barren.
So God stepped over to the edge of the world and He spat out the seven seas --
He batted His eyes, and the lightnings flashed --
He clapped His hands, and the thunders rolled --
And the waters above the earth came down, the cooling waters came down.
Then the green grass sprouted, and the little red flowers blossomed,
The pine tree pointed his finger to the sky, and the oak spread out his arms --
The lakes cuddled down in the hollows of the ground, and the rivers ran down to the sea;
And God smiled again, and the rainbow appeared, and curled itself around His shoulder.
Then God raised His arm, and He waved His hand over the sea and over the land --
And He said: 'Bring forth! Bring forth!' And quicker than God could drop His hand,
Fishes and fowls and beasts and birds swam the rivers and the seas,
Roamed the forests and the woods, and split the air with their wings.
And God said: 'That's Good'!
Then God walked around, and God looked around on all that He had made.
He looked at His sun, and He looked at His moon, and He looked at His little stars;
He looked on His world with all its living things,
And God said: 'I'm lonely still'!
Then God sat down -- on the side of a hill where He could think;
By a deep, wide river He sat down. With His head in His hands, God thought and thought --
Till He thought: 'I'll make Me a man'!
Up from the bed of the river God scooped the clay;
And by the bank of the river He kneeled Him down;
And there the Great God Almighty who lit the sun and fixed it in the sky --
Who flung the stars to the most far corner of the night,
Who rounded the earth in the middle of His hand --- This Great God,
Like a Mammy bending over her baby; kneeled down in the dust --
Toiling over a lump of clay till He shaped it in His own image;
Then -- into it, He blew the breath of life,
And man became a living soul.
Amen! Amen!"
What a glorious mystery to know that the Master -- the King of Glory -- made us in His own image and desires to have fellowship with us!
This Christmas, may we take time to:
"Come and Worship! Come and Worship!
Worship Christ, the Newborn King!"
"And God stepped out on space, and He looked around and said:
I'm lonely -- I'll make me a world.
And as far as the eye of God could see, darkness covered everything.
Blacker than a hundred midnights down in a cypress swamp.
Then God smiled and the light broke--
And the darkness rolled up on one side,
And the light stood shining on the other.
And God said: 'That's good'!
Then God reached out and took the light in His hands,
And God rolled the light around in His hands until He made the sun;
And He set that sun a-blazing in the heavens.
And the light that was left from making the sun --
God gathered it up in a shining ball and flung it against the darkness,
Spangling the night with the moon and stars. Then down between the darkness and the light,
He hurled the world; and God said: 'That's good'!
Then God, Himself, stepped down, and the sun was on His right hand --
And the moon was on His left; the stars were clustered about His head,
And the earth was under His feet. And God walked, and where He trod
His footsteps hollowed the valleys out and bulged the mountains up.
Then He stopped - and looked - and saw that the earth was hot and barren.
So God stepped over to the edge of the world and He spat out the seven seas --
He batted His eyes, and the lightnings flashed --
He clapped His hands, and the thunders rolled --
And the waters above the earth came down, the cooling waters came down.
Then the green grass sprouted, and the little red flowers blossomed,
The pine tree pointed his finger to the sky, and the oak spread out his arms --
The lakes cuddled down in the hollows of the ground, and the rivers ran down to the sea;
And God smiled again, and the rainbow appeared, and curled itself around His shoulder.
Then God raised His arm, and He waved His hand over the sea and over the land --
And He said: 'Bring forth! Bring forth!' And quicker than God could drop His hand,
Fishes and fowls and beasts and birds swam the rivers and the seas,
Roamed the forests and the woods, and split the air with their wings.
And God said: 'That's Good'!
Then God walked around, and God looked around on all that He had made.
He looked at His sun, and He looked at His moon, and He looked at His little stars;
He looked on His world with all its living things,
And God said: 'I'm lonely still'!
Then God sat down -- on the side of a hill where He could think;
By a deep, wide river He sat down. With His head in His hands, God thought and thought --
Till He thought: 'I'll make Me a man'!
Up from the bed of the river God scooped the clay;
And by the bank of the river He kneeled Him down;
And there the Great God Almighty who lit the sun and fixed it in the sky --
Who flung the stars to the most far corner of the night,
Who rounded the earth in the middle of His hand --- This Great God,
Like a Mammy bending over her baby; kneeled down in the dust --
Toiling over a lump of clay till He shaped it in His own image;
Then -- into it, He blew the breath of life,
And man became a living soul.
Amen! Amen!"
What a glorious mystery to know that the Master -- the King of Glory -- made us in His own image and desires to have fellowship with us!
This Christmas, may we take time to:
"Come and Worship! Come and Worship!
Worship Christ, the Newborn King!"
Monday, November 26, 2018
The King of Glory!
The Thanksgiving holiday is past -- only sweet memories remain of the love shared with family around the Thanksgiving table!
Black Friday is behind us, also, as the mad rush for Christmas shopping, baking, etc. has begun. But I wonder -- have we taken any time to stop and think about the King of Glory in the 24th Psalm?
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory."
Christmas is all about the King of Glory who laid aside His splendor, and entered our world as a Baby in a lowly manger because He loved you and me. "For God so loved the world that He gave--" Christmas is Jesus! Christmas is the Wonderful story of Love! Christmas is the light shining from the eyes of a little child as they recite their Christmas piece. So as we begin this wonderful, blessed, and holy season, let us not forget that "Jesus is the reason for the season".
And -- may we often take time to visit the manger and --
"Bow low before Him, love and adore Him --
His name is Wonderful -- Jesus, my Lord"!
Black Friday is behind us, also, as the mad rush for Christmas shopping, baking, etc. has begun. But I wonder -- have we taken any time to stop and think about the King of Glory in the 24th Psalm?
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory."
Christmas is all about the King of Glory who laid aside His splendor, and entered our world as a Baby in a lowly manger because He loved you and me. "For God so loved the world that He gave--" Christmas is Jesus! Christmas is the Wonderful story of Love! Christmas is the light shining from the eyes of a little child as they recite their Christmas piece. So as we begin this wonderful, blessed, and holy season, let us not forget that "Jesus is the reason for the season".
And -- may we often take time to visit the manger and --
"Bow low before Him, love and adore Him --
His name is Wonderful -- Jesus, my Lord"!
Friday, November 16, 2018
Thank You, Lord!
This week I have enjoyed posting songs of Thanksgiving to remind us of how blessed we are and how very much we have to be thankful for!
In II Corinthians 9:15, we read: "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."
I have often sung the chorus, "Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul . . .", but I don't remember ever hearing the verses to the song. "The words of this hymn by Seth Sykes have been greatly used of God since they were written in 1940 to allow believers to offer praise for the gift of their salvation."
"Some thank the Lord for friends and home,
for mercies sure and sweet;
But I would praise Him for His grace --
In prayer I would repeat:
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul; Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free.
Some thank Him for the flowers that grow,
some for the stars that shine.
My heart is filled with joy and praise,
Because I know He's mine.
I trust in Him from day to day;
I prove His saving grace;
I'll sing this song of praise to Him,
Until I see His face.
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul;
Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me --
Thy great salvation so rich and free."
Let us carry this lovely little musical prayer in our hearts throughout this blessed season!
_____
My daughter is picking me up soon to travel to Kansas City for the wedding of my great-niece, and then I am staying through Thanksgiving with my son Jonathan and family.
Since I won't be posting next week, I want to wish each of you a very blessed Thanksgiving!! May God bless you as you "count your many blessings -- name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done!"
In II Corinthians 9:15, we read: "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."
I have often sung the chorus, "Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul . . .", but I don't remember ever hearing the verses to the song. "The words of this hymn by Seth Sykes have been greatly used of God since they were written in 1940 to allow believers to offer praise for the gift of their salvation."
"Some thank the Lord for friends and home,
for mercies sure and sweet;
But I would praise Him for His grace --
In prayer I would repeat:
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul; Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free.
Some thank Him for the flowers that grow,
some for the stars that shine.
My heart is filled with joy and praise,
Because I know He's mine.
I trust in Him from day to day;
I prove His saving grace;
I'll sing this song of praise to Him,
Until I see His face.
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul;
Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me --
Thy great salvation so rich and free."
Let us carry this lovely little musical prayer in our hearts throughout this blessed season!
_____
My daughter is picking me up soon to travel to Kansas City for the wedding of my great-niece, and then I am staying through Thanksgiving with my son Jonathan and family.
Since I won't be posting next week, I want to wish each of you a very blessed Thanksgiving!! May God bless you as you "count your many blessings -- name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done!"
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Great is Thy Faithfulness!
In Lamentations 3:22-23, we read: It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." I love this beautiful hymn, and I enjoyed reading and learning about the background in the hymn stories of Kenneth Osbeck.
"While many enduring hymns are born out of a particular dramatic experience, this was simply the result of the author's "morning by morning" realization of God's personal faithfulness in his daily life. Shortly before his death in 1960, Thomas Chisholm wrote:
'My income has never been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. But I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant keeping God, and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing which have filled me with astonishing gratefulness.'
Thomas Chisholm was born in a crude log cabin in Franklin, Kentucky. From this humble beginning, and without the benefit of high school or advanced education, he somehow began his career as a school teacher at the age of 16 in the same country school where he had received his elementary training. After accepting Christ as Saviour, he became editor of 'The Pentecostal Herald' and later was ordained as a Methodist minister. Throughout his long life time, he wrote more than 1,200 sacred poems, many of which have since become prominent hymn texts.
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not.
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness--
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear Presence to cheer and to guide--
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided--
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me."
Praise the Lord! What a wonderful song for us to meditate upon throughout this Thanksgiving season! Let us live in a spirit of grateful praise,. as we recall over and over again the tender mercies and faithfulness of our wonderful Lord!
"While many enduring hymns are born out of a particular dramatic experience, this was simply the result of the author's "morning by morning" realization of God's personal faithfulness in his daily life. Shortly before his death in 1960, Thomas Chisholm wrote:
'My income has never been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. But I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant keeping God, and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing which have filled me with astonishing gratefulness.'
Thomas Chisholm was born in a crude log cabin in Franklin, Kentucky. From this humble beginning, and without the benefit of high school or advanced education, he somehow began his career as a school teacher at the age of 16 in the same country school where he had received his elementary training. After accepting Christ as Saviour, he became editor of 'The Pentecostal Herald' and later was ordained as a Methodist minister. Throughout his long life time, he wrote more than 1,200 sacred poems, many of which have since become prominent hymn texts.
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not.
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness--
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear Presence to cheer and to guide--
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided--
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me."
Praise the Lord! What a wonderful song for us to meditate upon throughout this Thanksgiving season! Let us live in a spirit of grateful praise,. as we recall over and over again the tender mercies and faithfulness of our wonderful Lord!
Monday, November 12, 2018
Give Thanks!
In Psalm 92:1, we read: "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O most high." I have a book entitled "Amazing Grace" that contains hymn stories by Kenneth Osbeck. Let us look today at the Thanksgiving hymn, "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come", written by Henry Alford.
"The first stanza of this harvest hymn is an invitation and an exhortation to give thanks to God in His earthly temple -- our local church -- for the heavenly care and provision of our earthly need. The following two stanzas are an interesting commentary on the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares as recorded in the 13th chapter of Matthew. The final stanza is a prayer for the Lord's return --'the final harvest home.'
Come, ye thankful people, come -- raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in ere the winter storms begin.
God, our Maker, doth provide for our wants to be supplied:
Come to God's own Temple, come -- raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God's own field, fruit unto His praise to yield:
Wheat and tares together sown, unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come and shall take His harvest home:
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away --
Give His angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast,
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come to Thy final harvest home:
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified, in Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come -- raise the glorious harvest-home."
In this beautiful Thanksgiving season, let us take time to worship our God from a thankful heart!
"The first stanza of this harvest hymn is an invitation and an exhortation to give thanks to God in His earthly temple -- our local church -- for the heavenly care and provision of our earthly need. The following two stanzas are an interesting commentary on the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares as recorded in the 13th chapter of Matthew. The final stanza is a prayer for the Lord's return --'the final harvest home.'
Come, ye thankful people, come -- raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in ere the winter storms begin.
God, our Maker, doth provide for our wants to be supplied:
Come to God's own Temple, come -- raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God's own field, fruit unto His praise to yield:
Wheat and tares together sown, unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come and shall take His harvest home:
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away --
Give His angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast,
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come to Thy final harvest home:
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified, in Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come -- raise the glorious harvest-home."
In this beautiful Thanksgiving season, let us take time to worship our God from a thankful heart!
Friday, November 9, 2018
PEACE!
There is a lovely verse in I Corinthians 14:33, which reads: "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." How blessed it is to know that beneath all the toils and cares and conflicts that life may bring, we can have a deep, settled peace in our soul! Praise the Lord!
James tells us in his epistle that "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated. . ."
Our world seems to be full of confusion, turmoil and strife, and the only One who can bring true and lasting peace is the Author of peace, and, of course, this is our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! He is the author of peace, just as the devil is the author of all confusion and strife.
Our wonderful Lord is the Author of peace, the Lord of peace, the Prince of peace, the King of peace--the very God of peace! How wonderful to know that He is our peace! And someday, the prophet Zechariah tell us -- "His dominion shall be from sea even to sea and from the river even to the ends of the earth." And Isaiah tells us: "...of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end." What a blessed promise!!
Let us be careful to keep our lamps trimmed and burning, live in peace, and keep the glory of the Lord on our souls!
God bless you as we prepare our hearts for the coming Lord's Day!
James tells us in his epistle that "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated. . ."
Our world seems to be full of confusion, turmoil and strife, and the only One who can bring true and lasting peace is the Author of peace, and, of course, this is our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! He is the author of peace, just as the devil is the author of all confusion and strife.
Our wonderful Lord is the Author of peace, the Lord of peace, the Prince of peace, the King of peace--the very God of peace! How wonderful to know that He is our peace! And someday, the prophet Zechariah tell us -- "His dominion shall be from sea even to sea and from the river even to the ends of the earth." And Isaiah tells us: "...of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end." What a blessed promise!!
Let us be careful to keep our lamps trimmed and burning, live in peace, and keep the glory of the Lord on our souls!
God bless you as we prepare our hearts for the coming Lord's Day!
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
The Morning After ---
The huge rallies have ended -- the voting booths have closed -- some are shouting the victory -- some are mourning in defeat!
But today, as a citizen, and as a Christian, we have a responsibility to pray for those who have been elected as leaders in our nation. God's Holy Word tells us in the 33rd Psalm: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
So as we face the unknown future, may these great words by Ernest Shurtleff be our battle cry:
"Lead on, O King eternal. We follow; not with fears;
For gladness breaks like morning where-e'er Thy face appears.
The cross is lifted o'er us; We journey in its light.
The crown awaits the conquest; Lead on, O God of might."
But today, as a citizen, and as a Christian, we have a responsibility to pray for those who have been elected as leaders in our nation. God's Holy Word tells us in the 33rd Psalm: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."
So as we face the unknown future, may these great words by Ernest Shurtleff be our battle cry:
"Lead on, O King eternal. We follow; not with fears;
For gladness breaks like morning where-e'er Thy face appears.
The cross is lifted o'er us; We journey in its light.
The crown awaits the conquest; Lead on, O God of might."
Monday, November 5, 2018
I am so glad ---
"I am so glad that Jesus loves me -- Jesus loves even me!"
"Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so full and free."
"I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live I am blessed!
When I wake up in the morning, 'till I lay my head to rest --
I am blessed! I am blessed!"
Yes, on this beautiful Monday morning, I am very blessed! When I woke up this morning, I saw these beautiful words on my wall --
"Pray about everything -- worry about nothing."
And then when I look out the window above my bed, I see a beautiful tree loaded with lovely golden leaves. Yes, I am blessed with eyes to see the beauty around me, with family and friends who love me and pray for me, and above all, I am blessed to know the joy of living for Jesus every moment of every day!
At this Thanksgiving season, one of the things we are most thankful for is our home and family. I like this poem entitled "Beatitudes for the Home" by Theodore Adams.
"Blessed is the home where God is at home, and where the spirit of Christ rules.
Blessed is the home where children are welcomed and given their rightful place.
Blessed is the home having a church home where father, mother, and children
worship regularly together.
Blessed is the home where each puts the other's happiness first.
Blessed is the home where all show their love in ways that mean the most to those they love.
Blessed is the home where each seeks to bring out the best in the other,
and to show his own best self at all times.
Blessed is the home where all have learned to face their daily problems
in a Christian spirit, and to disagree without being disagreeable.
Blessed is the home where children grow up, and grown-ups do not act like children.
Blessed is the home having the assurance of a heavenly home!" Amen!
"Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me, Thy great salvation so full and free."
"I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live I am blessed!
When I wake up in the morning, 'till I lay my head to rest --
I am blessed! I am blessed!"
Yes, on this beautiful Monday morning, I am very blessed! When I woke up this morning, I saw these beautiful words on my wall --
"Pray about everything -- worry about nothing."
And then when I look out the window above my bed, I see a beautiful tree loaded with lovely golden leaves. Yes, I am blessed with eyes to see the beauty around me, with family and friends who love me and pray for me, and above all, I am blessed to know the joy of living for Jesus every moment of every day!
At this Thanksgiving season, one of the things we are most thankful for is our home and family. I like this poem entitled "Beatitudes for the Home" by Theodore Adams.
"Blessed is the home where God is at home, and where the spirit of Christ rules.
Blessed is the home where children are welcomed and given their rightful place.
Blessed is the home having a church home where father, mother, and children
worship regularly together.
Blessed is the home where each puts the other's happiness first.
Blessed is the home where all show their love in ways that mean the most to those they love.
Blessed is the home where each seeks to bring out the best in the other,
and to show his own best self at all times.
Blessed is the home where all have learned to face their daily problems
in a Christian spirit, and to disagree without being disagreeable.
Blessed is the home where children grow up, and grown-ups do not act like children.
Blessed is the home having the assurance of a heavenly home!" Amen!
Friday, November 2, 2018
"TODAY" ---
I like this beautiful challenge given us by an unknown author which he titles with just one word, "Today"!!
Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.
Write a letter. Share some treasure.
Give a soft answer. Encourage youth.
Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed.
Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgive an enemy.
Listen. Apologize if you were wrong.
Try to understand. Flout envy.
Examine your demands on others.
Think first of someone else. Appreciate,
Be kind, be gentle. Laugh a little more.
Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice.
Decry complacency. Express your gratitude.
Worship your God. Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Speak your love. Speak it again.
Speak it still again. Speak it still once again."
Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another."
Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.
Write a letter. Share some treasure.
Give a soft answer. Encourage youth.
Manifest your loyalty in a word or deed.
Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgive an enemy.
Listen. Apologize if you were wrong.
Try to understand. Flout envy.
Examine your demands on others.
Think first of someone else. Appreciate,
Be kind, be gentle. Laugh a little more.
Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice.
Decry complacency. Express your gratitude.
Worship your God. Gladden the heart of a child.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Speak your love. Speak it again.
Speak it still again. Speak it still once again."
Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love one to another."
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
October 31 --
The last day of the month has arrived, and for the majority of people in our nation, October 31 means Halloween with tricks and treats.
To others, this day is remembered as "All Saints' Day" by commemorating all the saints of the church. The origin cannot be traced with certainty, and has been observed on various days in different places.
And for our family, it means it is time to sing "Happy Birthday" to my daughter-in-law, Mandy, with our best wishes for a lovely day!
As we begin the month of November and look ahead to the Thanksgiving season, may we take time to often "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." Praise the Lord!
"Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me."
To others, this day is remembered as "All Saints' Day" by commemorating all the saints of the church. The origin cannot be traced with certainty, and has been observed on various days in different places.
And for our family, it means it is time to sing "Happy Birthday" to my daughter-in-law, Mandy, with our best wishes for a lovely day!
As we begin the month of November and look ahead to the Thanksgiving season, may we take time to often "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." Praise the Lord!
"Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me."
Monday, October 29, 2018
COME ---
"O come, let us SING unto the Lord -- let us GIVE unto the Lord -- let us WORSHIP the Lord!"
It is a beautiful Monday morning -- the sun is brightly shining and glistening on the beautiful leaves in their fall colors, making me want to cry out with the Psalmist: "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker."
The book of Psalms is a glorious book! It seems like no matter what difficulty, problem, trial or sorrow we may find ourselves in, we can find guidance, consolation, encouragement or whatever we might be in need of at any particular time in this wonderful "prayer and praise book of Israel"!
As I was reading in the Psalms last week, my heart was very blessed as I read Psalm 120 through 130. None of these wonderful little Psalms are over eight verses, and they all have some wonderful verses to bless and encourage your heart through the week. I thought I would pick out one phrase or verse from each Psalm to begin your week today, and maybe that will whet your appetite to read each Psalm and meditate on them through the week.
120 -- "In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me." (I am so very thankful His ear is always open to my cry!)
121 -- "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Praise the Lord!
122 -- "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." Amen! Let us be faithful in our attendance!
123 -- "Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens."
124 -- "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (And He never fails!)
125 -- "They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever."
126 -- "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." (I am thankful for this sweet promise.)
127 -- "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward." (Amen)
128 -- "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in His ways."
130 -- "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."
May God bless you as you live in His Word through the week! Jesus never fails!
It is a beautiful Monday morning -- the sun is brightly shining and glistening on the beautiful leaves in their fall colors, making me want to cry out with the Psalmist: "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker."
The book of Psalms is a glorious book! It seems like no matter what difficulty, problem, trial or sorrow we may find ourselves in, we can find guidance, consolation, encouragement or whatever we might be in need of at any particular time in this wonderful "prayer and praise book of Israel"!
As I was reading in the Psalms last week, my heart was very blessed as I read Psalm 120 through 130. None of these wonderful little Psalms are over eight verses, and they all have some wonderful verses to bless and encourage your heart through the week. I thought I would pick out one phrase or verse from each Psalm to begin your week today, and maybe that will whet your appetite to read each Psalm and meditate on them through the week.
120 -- "In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me." (I am so very thankful His ear is always open to my cry!)
121 -- "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Praise the Lord!
122 -- "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." Amen! Let us be faithful in our attendance!
123 -- "Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens."
124 -- "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (And He never fails!)
125 -- "They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever."
126 -- "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." (I am thankful for this sweet promise.)
127 -- "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward." (Amen)
128 -- "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in His ways."
130 -- "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."
May God bless you as you live in His Word through the week! Jesus never fails!
Friday, October 26, 2018
God's Benefits
In Psalm 103:2, we read: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."This Psalm of David is a very blessed Psalm, and such a comfort to my soul as I meditate on the wonderful truth in these verses. As we think about the great and marvelous benefits of the Lord, may our gratitude and appreciation for them be enhanced and strengthened.
In a little devotional booklet I have, the writer listed these seven benefits:
1. Forgiveness. "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities" (v. 3)
2. Healing. "Who healeth all thy diseases" (v. 3)
3. Redemption. "Who redeemeth thy life from destruction" (v. 4)
4. Glorification. "Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies" (v. 4)
5. Provision. "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things" (v. 5)
6. Strength. "Thy youth is renewed like the eagle's" (v. 5)
7. Protection. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed" (v. 6)
Of course, the greatest benefit of all is the wonderful gift of salvation, and as we read on in this great Psalm, we see the lovingkindness and tender mercies of our Lord which seem to climax in verse 17 when the Psalmist declares -- "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him." It is easy to understand why this great and lovely Psalm begins and ends with --
"Bless the Lord O my soul!"
May God bless you today as you love and serve Him!!
In a little devotional booklet I have, the writer listed these seven benefits:
1. Forgiveness. "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities" (v. 3)
2. Healing. "Who healeth all thy diseases" (v. 3)
3. Redemption. "Who redeemeth thy life from destruction" (v. 4)
4. Glorification. "Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies" (v. 4)
5. Provision. "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things" (v. 5)
6. Strength. "Thy youth is renewed like the eagle's" (v. 5)
7. Protection. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed" (v. 6)
Of course, the greatest benefit of all is the wonderful gift of salvation, and as we read on in this great Psalm, we see the lovingkindness and tender mercies of our Lord which seem to climax in verse 17 when the Psalmist declares -- "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him." It is easy to understand why this great and lovely Psalm begins and ends with --
"Bless the Lord O my soul!"
May God bless you today as you love and serve Him!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
CONSOLATION!
I love this beautiful exhortation in II Thessalonians 2:15-17:
"Therefore brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
Praise the Lord! This wonderful scripture seems to fit the following poem by an unknown author and entitled, "Consolation".
"There is never a day so dreary but God can make it bright,
And unto the soul that trusts Him, He giveth songs in the night.
There is never a path so hidden, but God can lead the way,
If we seek for the Spirit's guidance and patiently wait and pray.
There is never a cross so heavy but the nail-scarred hands are there
Outstretched in tender compassion, the burden to help us bear.
There is never a heart so broken, but the loving Lord can heal.
The heart that was pierced on Calvary doth still for His loved ones feel.
There is never a life so darkened, so hopeless and unblessed,
But may be filled with the light of God and enter His promised rest.
There is never a sin or sorrow--there is never a care or loss,
But that we may bring to Jesus and leave at the foot of the Cross."
Remember ---
"No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; Cast your every care on Him."
"Therefore brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
Praise the Lord! This wonderful scripture seems to fit the following poem by an unknown author and entitled, "Consolation".
"There is never a day so dreary but God can make it bright,
And unto the soul that trusts Him, He giveth songs in the night.
There is never a path so hidden, but God can lead the way,
If we seek for the Spirit's guidance and patiently wait and pray.
There is never a cross so heavy but the nail-scarred hands are there
Outstretched in tender compassion, the burden to help us bear.
There is never a heart so broken, but the loving Lord can heal.
The heart that was pierced on Calvary doth still for His loved ones feel.
There is never a life so darkened, so hopeless and unblessed,
But may be filled with the light of God and enter His promised rest.
There is never a sin or sorrow--there is never a care or loss,
But that we may bring to Jesus and leave at the foot of the Cross."
Remember ---
"No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; Cast your every care on Him."
Monday, October 22, 2018
"The Calm Before the Storm"
It is a beautiful fall morning here in Indiana where I live. I saw the farmer across the road bringing his huge combine a few days ago getting ready to harvest his corn. Today, my little world is full of joy and peace as I count my many blessings and reflect upon the beautiful music and good messages of my pastor yesterday on the Lord's Day!
But yesterday, I also thought of a song that my daughter sang years ago when she was in High School. I don't recall ever hearing anyone else sing this song, but along life's way we will all face some storms. If you are facing a storm in your life today, I trust that this song by Mark Lanier will minister to your heart.
"Sometimes the way gets too hard to handle --
The storms of life keep heading your way;
The strong winds and rain keep bringing the pain,
Till you lose hope for a better day.
But I know a peace that passes all understanding,
And a shelter to keep you from harm;
Before the winds come your way -- look to Jesus today;
He's the calm before the storm!
When you need some peaceful assurance --
He's the Rock you can hold on to;
Don't wait till the winds start blowing --
Never doubt what my Father can do!
He'll be the shelter through the hard times --
And thru the good times He'll keep you from harm;
Just trust Him today---He won't go away,
He's the calm before the storm!"
Remember these beautiful words from the from the 43rd chapter of Isaiah:
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour!"
But yesterday, I also thought of a song that my daughter sang years ago when she was in High School. I don't recall ever hearing anyone else sing this song, but along life's way we will all face some storms. If you are facing a storm in your life today, I trust that this song by Mark Lanier will minister to your heart.
"Sometimes the way gets too hard to handle --
The storms of life keep heading your way;
The strong winds and rain keep bringing the pain,
Till you lose hope for a better day.
But I know a peace that passes all understanding,
And a shelter to keep you from harm;
Before the winds come your way -- look to Jesus today;
He's the calm before the storm!
When you need some peaceful assurance --
He's the Rock you can hold on to;
Don't wait till the winds start blowing --
Never doubt what my Father can do!
He'll be the shelter through the hard times --
And thru the good times He'll keep you from harm;
Just trust Him today---He won't go away,
He's the calm before the storm!"
Remember these beautiful words from the from the 43rd chapter of Isaiah:
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour!"
Friday, October 19, 2018
My Whole Heart!
In Psalm 119:145-146, we read these wonderful words: "I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep Thy statutes. I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies."
What a blessed privilege it is to come before the Lord, our Maker, and pour out our heart unto Him!
How wonderful to know that His ear is always open to our cry!
It is interesting to note that this was not a half-hearted prayer -- the Psalmist prayed with his whole heart! His prayer was not just a little routine utterance. In the next two verses, he said: "I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in Thy Word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy Word." Whatever drove him to his knees to seek God's face had kept him awake all night!
Perhaps these verses in Psalm 119 are what inspired the songwriter, Mosie Lister, to write these words:
"How long has it been since you talked with the Lord
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed, how long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through?"
Jeremiah gives us a wonderful promise in Jeremiah 29:13 --"Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."
"Not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give All to Thee!"
What a blessed privilege it is to come before the Lord, our Maker, and pour out our heart unto Him!
How wonderful to know that His ear is always open to our cry!
It is interesting to note that this was not a half-hearted prayer -- the Psalmist prayed with his whole heart! His prayer was not just a little routine utterance. In the next two verses, he said: "I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in Thy Word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy Word." Whatever drove him to his knees to seek God's face had kept him awake all night!
Perhaps these verses in Psalm 119 are what inspired the songwriter, Mosie Lister, to write these words:
"How long has it been since you talked with the Lord
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed, how long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through?"
Jeremiah gives us a wonderful promise in Jeremiah 29:13 --"Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."
"Not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give All to Thee!"
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
"Sunrise In Canaan"
I was so excited when my son found a couple of boxes containing some of my favorite books! The little book, "Sunrise in Canaan" has a holiness scripture verse and comments for every day in the year. I hope to share some of them from time to time.
In Acts 5:29, we read: "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
"Peter and John had been in prison. An angel had delivered them. At once, they returned to the Temple and commenced anew to preach Jesus. The rulers asked the reason why, when they had been "straitly charged not to teach this Name?" This was their heroic answer: "We must obey God rather than men." Pentecost gives loyalty to God, which is proof against unholy authorities and prison rigors. Let us be clad in Pentecostal armor!"
--George Hughes
Give me Thy strength, O God of power,
Then let winds blow, and thunders roar --
Thy faithful witness will I be:
'Tis fixed; I can do all through Thee.
In Acts 5:29, we read: "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
"Peter and John had been in prison. An angel had delivered them. At once, they returned to the Temple and commenced anew to preach Jesus. The rulers asked the reason why, when they had been "straitly charged not to teach this Name?" This was their heroic answer: "We must obey God rather than men." Pentecost gives loyalty to God, which is proof against unholy authorities and prison rigors. Let us be clad in Pentecostal armor!"
--George Hughes
Give me Thy strength, O God of power,
Then let winds blow, and thunders roar --
Thy faithful witness will I be:
'Tis fixed; I can do all through Thee.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Seven Things
This Monday morning finds my heart filled with praise and thanksgiving! What a blessed privilege it is to be part of the Family of God!! It makes me think of that wonderful old song about heaven -- "We'll have a grand Homecoming week the first ten thousand years!"
We have seven days this week (God permitting), so perhaps it would be well for us to meditate each day on this challenge from Carl Yoder which he entitled -- Seven things I have tried:
"Laughing at difficulties, and found them disappearing.
Attempting heavy responsibilities, and found them growing lighter.
Facing a bad situation, and found it clearing up.
Telling the truth, and found it the easiest way out.
Doing an honest day's work, and found it the most rewarding.
Believing men honest, and found them living up to expectation.
Trusting God each day, and found Him surprising me with His goodness."
May God bless you as you trust Him for the future -- He knoweth all the way!
We have seven days this week (God permitting), so perhaps it would be well for us to meditate each day on this challenge from Carl Yoder which he entitled -- Seven things I have tried:
"Laughing at difficulties, and found them disappearing.
Attempting heavy responsibilities, and found them growing lighter.
Facing a bad situation, and found it clearing up.
Telling the truth, and found it the easiest way out.
Doing an honest day's work, and found it the most rewarding.
Believing men honest, and found them living up to expectation.
Trusting God each day, and found Him surprising me with His goodness."
May God bless you as you trust Him for the future -- He knoweth all the way!
Friday, October 12, 2018
The B - I - B - L - E
The little children like to sing -- "The B I B L E--yes, that's the Book for me ----" Even though I have not been a little child for many years, I still like to sing, "The B I B L E"! God's Holy Word is such a blessed lamp for our feet and light for our path, whether we are young or old.
There are some very interesting paradoxes in God's Word that, on the surface, might seem rather absurd or self-contradictory. Let's look at some! In Proverbs 11:24, we read: "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." So we see the paradoxical message of this verse is, "To get, we must give."
Let's look at some others:
1. To really live, we must die. Galatians 2:20 says: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."
2. To save one's life, we must lose it. "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it." Luke 17:33
3. To be wise, we must become fools. "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." (What an interesting verse found in I Corinthians 3:18).
4. To reign, we must serve. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things." Matthew 25:21
5. To be exalted, we must become humble. "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (So we see that the way up is down)! Matthew 23:12
6. To be first, we must be last. "So the last shall be first, and the first last." Matthew 20:16
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your Holy Book --- 'The B - I - B - L - E'! May we be careful to hide it in our heart that we might not sin against Thee!"
There are some very interesting paradoxes in God's Word that, on the surface, might seem rather absurd or self-contradictory. Let's look at some! In Proverbs 11:24, we read: "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." So we see the paradoxical message of this verse is, "To get, we must give."
Let's look at some others:
1. To really live, we must die. Galatians 2:20 says: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."
2. To save one's life, we must lose it. "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it." Luke 17:33
3. To be wise, we must become fools. "If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise." (What an interesting verse found in I Corinthians 3:18).
4. To reign, we must serve. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things." Matthew 25:21
5. To be exalted, we must become humble. "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (So we see that the way up is down)! Matthew 23:12
6. To be first, we must be last. "So the last shall be first, and the first last." Matthew 20:16
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your Holy Book --- 'The B - I - B - L - E'! May we be careful to hide it in our heart that we might not sin against Thee!"
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
My Hand in His!
Jesus said in the 10th chapter of John -- "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one." This beautiful scripture reminds me of this poem by an unknown author.
"The day had gone: Alone and weak,
I groped my way within a bleak and sunless land.
The path that led into the light, I could not find ---
In that dark night, God took my hand.
He led me that I might not stray,
And brought me by a new safe way I had not known.
By waters still, through pastures green,
I followed Him.
The path was clean of brier and stone.
The darkness lost its strength;
My waiting eyes beheld at length
The streaking dawn.
On! Safely on!
Through sunrise glow, I walked --
My hand in His! And, lo --
The night had gone!"
Praise the Lord! It makes me think of this wonderful song by Charles Jones:
"I will make the darkness light before thee;
I will make the crooked straight before thee;
I will spread My wings protecting o'er thee;
And the high place I'll bring down.
When thou walkest by the way, I'll lead thee;
On the fatness of the land, I'll feed thee;
And a mansion in the sky I'll deed thee;
And the high place I'll bring down."
"The day had gone: Alone and weak,
I groped my way within a bleak and sunless land.
The path that led into the light, I could not find ---
In that dark night, God took my hand.
He led me that I might not stray,
And brought me by a new safe way I had not known.
By waters still, through pastures green,
I followed Him.
The path was clean of brier and stone.
The darkness lost its strength;
My waiting eyes beheld at length
The streaking dawn.
On! Safely on!
Through sunrise glow, I walked --
My hand in His! And, lo --
The night had gone!"
Praise the Lord! It makes me think of this wonderful song by Charles Jones:
"I will make the darkness light before thee;
I will make the crooked straight before thee;
I will spread My wings protecting o'er thee;
And the high place I'll bring down.
When thou walkest by the way, I'll lead thee;
On the fatness of the land, I'll feed thee;
And a mansion in the sky I'll deed thee;
And the high place I'll bring down."
Monday, October 8, 2018
HUMILITY!
It is a beautiful Monday morning, and my heart is filled with praise to our wonderful Lord!!
In our mid-week Prayer and Praise service on Wednesday evenings, our pastor has been giving a devotional on different character traits. Last week, the character trait was "Humility," This illustration that he gave spoke to my heart, and I asked him if I could share it on my Blog.
"In 1784, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to the son of Cotton Mather, sharing an incident he had with his father when he was 18 years old. He writes,
He received me in his library, and, on my taking leave, showed me a shorter way out of the
house through a narrow passage, which was crossed by a beam overhead. We were still
talking as I withdrew, he accompanying me behind, and I turning partly towards him, when
he said hastily, 'Stoop, Stoop!' I did not understand him till I felt my head hit against the
beam. He was a man that never missed an occasion of giving instruction, and upon this he
said to me, 'You are young, and have the world before you: STOOP as you go through it,
and you may miss many hard thumps.'
Franklin then adds --
This advice, thus beat into my head, has frequently been of use to me; and I often think of it, when I see pride mortified, and misfortunes brought upon people, by their carrying their heads too high."
Let us remember the solemn warning in Proverbs 16:18 -- "Pride goeth before destruction, and an
haughty spirit before a fall."
And let us embrace the sweet command in Micah 6:8 -- ". . . .and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."
In our mid-week Prayer and Praise service on Wednesday evenings, our pastor has been giving a devotional on different character traits. Last week, the character trait was "Humility," This illustration that he gave spoke to my heart, and I asked him if I could share it on my Blog.
"In 1784, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to the son of Cotton Mather, sharing an incident he had with his father when he was 18 years old. He writes,
He received me in his library, and, on my taking leave, showed me a shorter way out of the
house through a narrow passage, which was crossed by a beam overhead. We were still
talking as I withdrew, he accompanying me behind, and I turning partly towards him, when
he said hastily, 'Stoop, Stoop!' I did not understand him till I felt my head hit against the
beam. He was a man that never missed an occasion of giving instruction, and upon this he
said to me, 'You are young, and have the world before you: STOOP as you go through it,
and you may miss many hard thumps.'
Franklin then adds --
This advice, thus beat into my head, has frequently been of use to me; and I often think of it, when I see pride mortified, and misfortunes brought upon people, by their carrying their heads too high."
Let us remember the solemn warning in Proverbs 16:18 -- "Pride goeth before destruction, and an
haughty spirit before a fall."
And let us embrace the sweet command in Micah 6:8 -- ". . . .and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."
Friday, October 5, 2018
The Cottonwood Tree
I recently read a little story by Cleta Jeffries. I thought it was a great illustration of our need for deliverance from inbred sin, and wanted to share some of it as we look to the coming Lord's Day.
"The old cottonwood tree had stood for many years, weathering storms, but one early snow, before the leaves were gone, had broken many branches. I remember hearing the crack of limbs popping and falling with a whoosh of accumulated snow. Many were still partially attached, but fatally damaged. Little by little more branches died. Disease set in, and we were afraid that a strong wind might cause it to fall against our house.
Our son decided he would tackle the job of cutting down the old tree. Eventually the job got finished, and we were left with a stump. We hired a person with stump removal equipment to take out the stump. We supposed that would be the end of it, but to our consternation, toadstools or mushroom-like growths began regularly appearing. We would mow them, and still they came back. We would pick them off by hand, slimy as they were, and still they came back. I thought of how like the roots of the old carnal nature it is. Everything visible is gone, but still those old roots keep producing and being a regular nuisance --- and ugly beside! Nothing we can do seems to completely destroy those old roots activity.
I'm so glad our loving Heavenly Father has a remedy for the ugly old roots of the sin nature that Adam passed down to us. Unlike the old cottonwood tree, we can be done with it once and forever, if we pay His price -- a complete surrender of our will to Him."
Praise the Lord! It is still for us all today! I'm so thankful I have found these blessed words of the songwriter to be true in my own life:
"Nothing sweeter can be known than full surrender,
To the perfect will of God eternally.
Like a bird that's found its nest,
So my soul has found its rest -- in the center of the will of God."
"The old cottonwood tree had stood for many years, weathering storms, but one early snow, before the leaves were gone, had broken many branches. I remember hearing the crack of limbs popping and falling with a whoosh of accumulated snow. Many were still partially attached, but fatally damaged. Little by little more branches died. Disease set in, and we were afraid that a strong wind might cause it to fall against our house.
Our son decided he would tackle the job of cutting down the old tree. Eventually the job got finished, and we were left with a stump. We hired a person with stump removal equipment to take out the stump. We supposed that would be the end of it, but to our consternation, toadstools or mushroom-like growths began regularly appearing. We would mow them, and still they came back. We would pick them off by hand, slimy as they were, and still they came back. I thought of how like the roots of the old carnal nature it is. Everything visible is gone, but still those old roots keep producing and being a regular nuisance --- and ugly beside! Nothing we can do seems to completely destroy those old roots activity.
I'm so glad our loving Heavenly Father has a remedy for the ugly old roots of the sin nature that Adam passed down to us. Unlike the old cottonwood tree, we can be done with it once and forever, if we pay His price -- a complete surrender of our will to Him."
Praise the Lord! It is still for us all today! I'm so thankful I have found these blessed words of the songwriter to be true in my own life:
"Nothing sweeter can be known than full surrender,
To the perfect will of God eternally.
Like a bird that's found its nest,
So my soul has found its rest -- in the center of the will of God."
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
"In A Small Place"
I like this poem by Annie Johnson Flint:
"Fret not because thy place is small --
Thy service need not be,
For thou canst make it all there is
Of joy and ministry.
The dewdrop, as the boundless sea,
In God's great plan has part --
And this is all He asks of thee
Be faithful where thou art.
In thee His mighty hand can show
The wonders of His grace.
And He can make the humblest room
A high and holy place.
Thy life can know the blessedness
Of resting in His will;
His fullness flows unceasingly
Thy cup of need to fill.
His strength upon thy weakness waits,
His power for thy task.
What more, O child of all His care,
Could any great one ask?"
So let us say with the songwriter---
"I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord --
I'll say what You want me to say --
I'll be what You want me to be!"
"Fret not because thy place is small --
Thy service need not be,
For thou canst make it all there is
Of joy and ministry.
The dewdrop, as the boundless sea,
In God's great plan has part --
And this is all He asks of thee
Be faithful where thou art.
In thee His mighty hand can show
The wonders of His grace.
And He can make the humblest room
A high and holy place.
Thy life can know the blessedness
Of resting in His will;
His fullness flows unceasingly
Thy cup of need to fill.
His strength upon thy weakness waits,
His power for thy task.
What more, O child of all His care,
Could any great one ask?"
So let us say with the songwriter---
"I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord --
I'll say what You want me to say --
I'll be what You want me to be!"
Monday, October 1, 2018
God Provides!
I think I should begin by thanking the Lord for the sweet wife He provided for my grandson, Ashton, and today is their 2nd wedding anniversary!! Best Wishes for a lovely day!!
In the 34th Psalm, we read these wonderful words: "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him."
What gracious promises for the first day of a new month and the beginning of a new week! We are protected! We are blessed! We are satisfied! Praise the Lord!! We have so much at our disposal as children of the King!! Listen to these wonderful words from the 7th chapter of Matthew:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him? The Apostle Paul told the Philippian church -- "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
As we walk with Jesus this week, let us thank Him for His wonderful promises of provision -- and maybe we would like to carry with us this sweet promise from the Psalms:
"They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing."
In the 34th Psalm, we read these wonderful words: "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him."
What gracious promises for the first day of a new month and the beginning of a new week! We are protected! We are blessed! We are satisfied! Praise the Lord!! We have so much at our disposal as children of the King!! Listen to these wonderful words from the 7th chapter of Matthew:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him? The Apostle Paul told the Philippian church -- "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
As we walk with Jesus this week, let us thank Him for His wonderful promises of provision -- and maybe we would like to carry with us this sweet promise from the Psalms:
"They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing."
Friday, September 28, 2018
God Hears Me!
It is so wonderful to know that God hears my prayers--even those uttered in silence! The Psalmist said: "O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off."
In the 94th Psalm, he said: "He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see"?
I like this verse in I Peter 3:12 -- "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers."
However, in order for the Lord to hear our prayers, we must keep the way clear and let nothing between our soul and the Saviour. Psalm 66:18 says: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
Isaiah 59:1-2 tells us -- "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear."
Let us heed the words of the Psalmist -- "To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart."
May God bless you as your prepare your heart for the coming Lord's Day if Jesus tarries.
In the 94th Psalm, he said: "He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see"?
I like this verse in I Peter 3:12 -- "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers."
However, in order for the Lord to hear our prayers, we must keep the way clear and let nothing between our soul and the Saviour. Psalm 66:18 says: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."
Isaiah 59:1-2 tells us -- "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear."
Let us heed the words of the Psalmist -- "To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart."
May God bless you as your prepare your heart for the coming Lord's Day if Jesus tarries.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
What Do You Think On?
We often fail to realize how powerful the mind is, and how important it is for us to guard it carefully, and be careful what we think on, for the mind is the gateway to the soul. I have a little quote written in my Bible that says:
"The battle for man's soul is won or lost in the mind."
Isaiah 26:3 says: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."
I love the beautiful verse in Philippians 4:8---"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." It seems like we need to add a heartfelt "Amen"!!
I like this thought:
"Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds.
You can grow flowers, or -- you can grow weeds!"
So let us go often -- and spend some time -- in the "Beautiful Garden of Prayer".
"The battle for man's soul is won or lost in the mind."
Isaiah 26:3 says: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."
I love the beautiful verse in Philippians 4:8---"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." It seems like we need to add a heartfelt "Amen"!!
I like this thought:
"Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds.
You can grow flowers, or -- you can grow weeds!"
So let us go often -- and spend some time -- in the "Beautiful Garden of Prayer".
Monday, September 24, 2018
LIGHT!
Today is Monday, and as I look out my windows, it is rather dark and dreary this morning. It is raining and a little depressing -- the sunlight just can't seem to break through the clouds. When we have a dreary day like today, we are always glad when, at last, we see the sunshine begin to break through the clouds.
Yesterday morning at church, our pastor preached a wonderful message about "Walking in the Light." It is such a blessed privilege to walk in the "Beautiful Light of God", and enjoy sweet fellowship with Him! In the First Epistle of John, we read these wonderful words:
"This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
What a beautiful scripture!! Let's keep walking in the Light -- it is still shining brightly today! And remember -- "The darker the night---the brighter the light shines!"
Yesterday morning at church, our pastor preached a wonderful message about "Walking in the Light." It is such a blessed privilege to walk in the "Beautiful Light of God", and enjoy sweet fellowship with Him! In the First Epistle of John, we read these wonderful words:
"This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."
What a beautiful scripture!! Let's keep walking in the Light -- it is still shining brightly today! And remember -- "The darker the night---the brighter the light shines!"
Friday, September 21, 2018
Never Alone!
As we walk the road of life with its twists and turns, how blessed it is to know that we do not have to walk it alone! It is so sweet to walk with Jesus and enjoy fellowship with Him each day. I am so very thankful that we can know, beyond doubt, that there is nothing between our soul and the Saviour! We may be sorely tried, as was Job, but "Faith is still the Victory" that overcomes the world!
I like this little poem by an unknown author:
"I'm never alone in the morning
As I rise at the break of day,
For Jesus who watched through the darkness
Says, 'Lo, I am with you alway.'
I'm never alone at my table,
Though loved ones no longer I see;
For dearer than all who have vanished,
Is Jesus who breaks bread with me.
I'm never alone through the daylight,
Though nothing but trials I see;
Though the furnace be seven times heated,
The 'form of the fourth' walks with me.
I'm never alone at the twilight
When darkness around me doth creep;
And specters press hard 'round my pillow,
He watches and cares while I sleep.
I'm walking and talking with Jesus,
Each day as I journey along;
I'm never alone, Hallelujah!
The joy of the Lord is my song."
May God bless you as you prepare your heart for the coming Lord's Day!
I like this little poem by an unknown author:
"I'm never alone in the morning
As I rise at the break of day,
For Jesus who watched through the darkness
Says, 'Lo, I am with you alway.'
I'm never alone at my table,
Though loved ones no longer I see;
For dearer than all who have vanished,
Is Jesus who breaks bread with me.
I'm never alone through the daylight,
Though nothing but trials I see;
Though the furnace be seven times heated,
The 'form of the fourth' walks with me.
I'm never alone at the twilight
When darkness around me doth creep;
And specters press hard 'round my pillow,
He watches and cares while I sleep.
I'm walking and talking with Jesus,
Each day as I journey along;
I'm never alone, Hallelujah!
The joy of the Lord is my song."
May God bless you as you prepare your heart for the coming Lord's Day!
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
The Tongue!
Proverbs 10:19 says: "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise."
The Book of Proverbs has quite a bit to say about the tongue. It contains some sober warnings against lying and gossiping. Proverbs 11:13 says: "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." There are warnings, also, against using the tongue to criticize, to slander, or to hurt. For example, in chapter 12:18, we read: "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. And, in Chapter 18:8, we read: "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
As we see in the text, too much talking is also dangerous, for it often results in sin. The virtues of silence are shown us in 17:27-28. "He that hath knowledge spareth his words. . . Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
The above scriptures are pretty strong warnings concerning the use of our tongues! However, I am thankful that there are many sweet blessings promised to those who speak carefully and graciously! Let's look at a few of them:
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11
"The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning." Proverbs 16:21
"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life." Proverbs 15:4
"The tongue of the just is as choice silver." Proverbs 10:20
"A soft answer turneth away wrath." Proverbs 15:1
"A word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
May we prayerfully follow the admonition in Colossians 4:6 --
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
The Book of Proverbs has quite a bit to say about the tongue. It contains some sober warnings against lying and gossiping. Proverbs 11:13 says: "A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter." There are warnings, also, against using the tongue to criticize, to slander, or to hurt. For example, in chapter 12:18, we read: "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. And, in Chapter 18:8, we read: "The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
As we see in the text, too much talking is also dangerous, for it often results in sin. The virtues of silence are shown us in 17:27-28. "He that hath knowledge spareth his words. . . Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."
The above scriptures are pretty strong warnings concerning the use of our tongues! However, I am thankful that there are many sweet blessings promised to those who speak carefully and graciously! Let's look at a few of them:
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11
"The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning." Proverbs 16:21
"A wholesome tongue is a tree of life." Proverbs 15:4
"The tongue of the just is as choice silver." Proverbs 10:20
"A soft answer turneth away wrath." Proverbs 15:1
"A word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
May we prayerfully follow the admonition in Colossians 4:6 --
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Friday, September 14, 2018
Getting Used to the Dark!
A few weeks ago when I came out of church after the evening service -- it just suddenly struck me -- Day is dying in the West -- the shadows are lengthening -- the long, summer days are slipping away! But now, after a few weeks of the days gradually getting shorter, I hardly notice it; and after I have been in the house for a little while, I will suddenly realize that it is almost dark!
It brought to my mind again the great change that occurred when I had cataract surgery on both of my eyes a few months ago. After surgery, I was amazed that my vision was so clear---not hazy and blurry like it had been before. I did not realize how "used to the dark" I had become!
It was quite a spiritual lesson for me! Just like our physical eyesight can become blurred and hazy until we become accustomed to the darkness and hardly notice it, the same can happen to our spiritual vision. That is a very fearful thought to me! I want to do my best to keep my spiritual vision bright and clear, for "getting used to the dark" can have very sad consequences!
Let us be careful to heed the warning Jesus gives us in John 12:35-36:
"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light."
It brought to my mind again the great change that occurred when I had cataract surgery on both of my eyes a few months ago. After surgery, I was amazed that my vision was so clear---not hazy and blurry like it had been before. I did not realize how "used to the dark" I had become!
It was quite a spiritual lesson for me! Just like our physical eyesight can become blurred and hazy until we become accustomed to the darkness and hardly notice it, the same can happen to our spiritual vision. That is a very fearful thought to me! I want to do my best to keep my spiritual vision bright and clear, for "getting used to the dark" can have very sad consequences!
Let us be careful to heed the warning Jesus gives us in John 12:35-36:
"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light."
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Happy Birthday, Kaylee!
Many memories flood my heart today, Kaylee, as I look back over the years! After being blessed with two special grandsons, Grampy and I were very excited to welcome our first granddaughter, 21 years ago today!
The years have passed swiftly by, and today finds you in your 3rd year of college! Some time ago, I was asked to give a little devotional about "Heirlooms". The Dictionary defined it as "a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations." These heirlooms help to keep history alive. They connect us to our past. You are blessed to have some spiritual heirlooms---both of your grandfathers being holiness preachers---but you must bear responsibility, also, remembering the younger granddaughters and great granddaughters who come behind you.
You have a sweet smile, a tender and loving spirit -- always willing to let the other person "have his way", and even though you have had some "storms" to weather, I believe down deep in your heart Grammy can hear you say, "God's Way is My Way", and I pray it will always be so!
On this, your 21st birthday, Kaylee, this quote is my prayer and desire for you:
"If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain, but what He pours through us that really counts. God's purpose is not simply to make us beautiful, plump grapes, but to make us grapes so that He may squeeze the sweetness out of us."
On this special birthday, Kaylee, I thank the Lord for sending you to our family 21 years ago today!
Keep holding to God's hand, keep your eyes upon Jesus, and never forget that God's Way is Always the Best Way!!!
Love and Prayers, Grammy
The years have passed swiftly by, and today finds you in your 3rd year of college! Some time ago, I was asked to give a little devotional about "Heirlooms". The Dictionary defined it as "a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations." These heirlooms help to keep history alive. They connect us to our past. You are blessed to have some spiritual heirlooms---both of your grandfathers being holiness preachers---but you must bear responsibility, also, remembering the younger granddaughters and great granddaughters who come behind you.
You have a sweet smile, a tender and loving spirit -- always willing to let the other person "have his way", and even though you have had some "storms" to weather, I believe down deep in your heart Grammy can hear you say, "God's Way is My Way", and I pray it will always be so!
On this, your 21st birthday, Kaylee, this quote is my prayer and desire for you:
"If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain, but what He pours through us that really counts. God's purpose is not simply to make us beautiful, plump grapes, but to make us grapes so that He may squeeze the sweetness out of us."
On this special birthday, Kaylee, I thank the Lord for sending you to our family 21 years ago today!
Keep holding to God's hand, keep your eyes upon Jesus, and never forget that God's Way is Always the Best Way!!!
Love and Prayers, Grammy
Monday, September 10, 2018
"I Have Been Born Again"!
It is Monday morning, and my heart is rejoicing as I reflect on the Lord's Day yesterday! How wonderful it was to be in God's presence as He moved in our midst! In my opinion, there is no substitute for the glory of God! I praise Him for the good messages from our pastor, and for the precious souls who sought God at the altar of prayer!
Sometimes my boys like to sing songs they remember their Dad singing years ago. Yesterday morning, my oldest son sang this wonderful song of testimony by Rev. R. H. McDaniel that he heard his Dad sing many times when we traveled in the field of evangelism fifty plus years ago.
"My heart glows with rapture, my cup runneth o'er,
Such joy, so transporting, I ne'er knew before;
It flows through my soul from God's heavenly store,
For I have been born again.
I know I'm redeemed, I've the witness within,
That Jesus has saved me and cleansed me from sin;
And now I'm rejoicing and living in Him,
For I have been born again.
I love my dear Saviour, His work I will do;
I love all God's people, I love sinners too;
I love now the way of the Cross to pursue,
For I have been born again.
I now have communion with God every day,
He graciously listens, and hears when I pray;
His smiles rest upon me, I know He is mine,
For I have been born again.
I have a bright prospect of glory divine,
For Jesus is with me, I know He is mine;
And some day in glory with Him I shall shine,
For I have been born again.
I'll sing it and tell it where ever I go,
I want all to hear it, I want all to know,
The joy of salvation that makes the heart glow,
For I have been born again!"
Praise the Lord!! Do you have this wonderful joy of salvation thrilling your soul today? I'm so glad that I can tell you -- "Whosoever will may come"!!
Sometimes my boys like to sing songs they remember their Dad singing years ago. Yesterday morning, my oldest son sang this wonderful song of testimony by Rev. R. H. McDaniel that he heard his Dad sing many times when we traveled in the field of evangelism fifty plus years ago.
"My heart glows with rapture, my cup runneth o'er,
Such joy, so transporting, I ne'er knew before;
It flows through my soul from God's heavenly store,
For I have been born again.
I know I'm redeemed, I've the witness within,
That Jesus has saved me and cleansed me from sin;
And now I'm rejoicing and living in Him,
For I have been born again.
I love my dear Saviour, His work I will do;
I love all God's people, I love sinners too;
I love now the way of the Cross to pursue,
For I have been born again.
I now have communion with God every day,
He graciously listens, and hears when I pray;
His smiles rest upon me, I know He is mine,
For I have been born again.
I have a bright prospect of glory divine,
For Jesus is with me, I know He is mine;
And some day in glory with Him I shall shine,
For I have been born again.
I'll sing it and tell it where ever I go,
I want all to hear it, I want all to know,
The joy of salvation that makes the heart glow,
For I have been born again!"
Praise the Lord!! Do you have this wonderful joy of salvation thrilling your soul today? I'm so glad that I can tell you -- "Whosoever will may come"!!
Friday, September 7, 2018
"Sweet Will of God!"
Jesus prayed long ago in the Garden -- "Father, . . . not My will, but Thine be done." Since that memorable day so long ago, multitudes have come, as Jesus did, to that moment of decision -- weighing the cost of surrendering all to the Father's will!
Lelia Morris expresses it much better than I can in the words of her beautiful song:
"My stubborn will at last hath yielded;
I would be Thine, and Thine alone.
And this the prayer my lips are bringing:
Lord, let in me Thy will be done.
I'm tired of sin, foot-sore and weary;
The dark-some path hath dreary grown.
But now a light has risen to cheer me;
I find in Thee my Star, my Sun.
Thy precious will, O conquering Saviour,
Doth now embrace and compass me;
All discords hushed -- my peace a river,
My soul -- a prisoned bird set free.
Shut in with Thee, O lord, forever.
My wayward feet no more to roam;
What power from Thee my soul can sever?
The center of God's will -- my home!
Sweet will of God, still fold me closer,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee."
A. W. Tozer has said:
"Outside of the will of God there is nothing I want -- and in the will of God there is nothing I fear." Praise the Lord! What a blessed place to be --- right in the center of the Sweet Will of God!
Lelia Morris expresses it much better than I can in the words of her beautiful song:
"My stubborn will at last hath yielded;
I would be Thine, and Thine alone.
And this the prayer my lips are bringing:
Lord, let in me Thy will be done.
I'm tired of sin, foot-sore and weary;
The dark-some path hath dreary grown.
But now a light has risen to cheer me;
I find in Thee my Star, my Sun.
Thy precious will, O conquering Saviour,
Doth now embrace and compass me;
All discords hushed -- my peace a river,
My soul -- a prisoned bird set free.
Shut in with Thee, O lord, forever.
My wayward feet no more to roam;
What power from Thee my soul can sever?
The center of God's will -- my home!
Sweet will of God, still fold me closer,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee."
A. W. Tozer has said:
"Outside of the will of God there is nothing I want -- and in the will of God there is nothing I fear." Praise the Lord! What a blessed place to be --- right in the center of the Sweet Will of God!
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Prayer!
Prayer -- the wonderful and blessed privilege of communion with our Heavenly Father! This blessed fellowship makes us glad and happy all the day. Even when the storms of life are raging, we can have a deep, settled peace in our hearts! I love the song that says: "Just keep on praying until light breaks through! The Lord will answer---He'll answer you! God keeps His promise, His Word is true! Just keep on praying until light breaks through!"
Joyce Roder has written a poem, entitled, "If I Had Prayed":
"Perhaps the day would not have seemed so long --
The skies would not have seemed so gray,
If on my knees in humble prayer I had begun the day.
Perhaps the fight would not have seemed so hard --
Prepared, I might have faced the fray,
If I had been alone with Him, upon my knees, to pray.
Perhaps I might have cheered a broken heart,
Or helped a wanderer on the way,
If I had asked to be a light to some dark soul today.
I would remember just the pleasant things.
The harsh words that I meant to say
I would forget, if I had prayed when I began the day.
I think I would have met life's harder trials
With hopeful heart and cheerful smile,
If I had spoken with my Lord for just a little while.
And, if I pray, I find that all is well --
All cares at His dear feet are laid.
My heart is glad; the load is light , because I first have prayed."
Let us never forget as we journey through the week that our Master is always aware of our needs, and He is never at a loss for ways and means to answer the prayers and supply the needs of His children! Praise the Lord!! What a blessed assurance to know that I am His and He is mine! What a joy to trust Him for the future---He knoweth all the way -- and has promised that He will never leave us alone! Let us keep a prayer on our lips and a song in our hearts!
Joyce Roder has written a poem, entitled, "If I Had Prayed":
"Perhaps the day would not have seemed so long --
The skies would not have seemed so gray,
If on my knees in humble prayer I had begun the day.
Perhaps the fight would not have seemed so hard --
Prepared, I might have faced the fray,
If I had been alone with Him, upon my knees, to pray.
Perhaps I might have cheered a broken heart,
Or helped a wanderer on the way,
If I had asked to be a light to some dark soul today.
I would remember just the pleasant things.
The harsh words that I meant to say
I would forget, if I had prayed when I began the day.
I think I would have met life's harder trials
With hopeful heart and cheerful smile,
If I had spoken with my Lord for just a little while.
And, if I pray, I find that all is well --
All cares at His dear feet are laid.
My heart is glad; the load is light , because I first have prayed."
Let us never forget as we journey through the week that our Master is always aware of our needs, and He is never at a loss for ways and means to answer the prayers and supply the needs of His children! Praise the Lord!! What a blessed assurance to know that I am His and He is mine! What a joy to trust Him for the future---He knoweth all the way -- and has promised that He will never leave us alone! Let us keep a prayer on our lips and a song in our hearts!
Monday, September 3, 2018
Labor Day!
The Calendar tells me that today is Labor Day! However, most people are not laboring, but are enjoying a day off from their labors----spending time with family, perhaps enjoying the last picnic of the summer. And while we do sometimes need a vacation, change of pace, etc., labor is both good and needful.
When God first made man, He gave him work to do. The Lord God planted a garden for man, but it was up to Adam to take care of it. Genesis 2:15 tells us: "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." We see, then, that it is a God-given privilege to be able to do useful work. In Ecclesiastes, we read: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."
No matter what the job is that has been provided for us to do, it is important for us to remember and obey the admonition given us in the 3rd chapter of Colossians: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." And again, in I Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us "....your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Praise the Lord!! "Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun"!
When God first made man, He gave him work to do. The Lord God planted a garden for man, but it was up to Adam to take care of it. Genesis 2:15 tells us: "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." We see, then, that it is a God-given privilege to be able to do useful work. In Ecclesiastes, we read: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."
No matter what the job is that has been provided for us to do, it is important for us to remember and obey the admonition given us in the 3rd chapter of Colossians: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." And again, in I Corinthians, the Apostle Paul tells us "....your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Praise the Lord!! "Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun"!
Friday, August 31, 2018
Precious Memories!
The warm, summer days are swiftly passing away and the scent of Fall is in the air. Tomorrow is September 1, and the next day, September 2, is the Lord's Day! But this Lord's Day is a very special day for me, for if Dad was still here, we would be celebrating our 60th wedding anniversary! But I am quite sure, sweet Papa, that you are having such a glorious time living on the "Hallelujah Side" -- loving your conversations with the Apostle Paul -- perhaps wishing that you could tell the younger grandchildren and great grandchildren how exciting it is to hear Daniel tell about sleeping with the lions, and the three Hebrew children tell about being thrown in the fiery furnace! And you've probably begged Elijah many times to tell you again of his miraculous victories! You loved to preach about him -- so you probably don't even remember what an important day this is!!
However, the Bible says "we are compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses", so I think perhaps our wonderful Lord lets you look over the edge of heaven to enjoy special things that are happening in the family. And on our Anniversary, I plan to take some time to recall some "Precious Memories" of living "each for the other, and both for the Lord"! I still remember very vividly the first time I heard you pray when the College was in revival. I said -- "Who is that praying so loud"? My friend said, "that's Gene Hood from Texas"! Immediately, I said in my heart --"I would like to marry a man who can pray like that!" And now, 60 years later, I greatly miss those prayers -- I miss your strong leadership -- your determination to obey God, whatever the cost -- your example of being a "Giver", never a "Taker" -- your selflessness; never caring who got the credit -- your burning desire to build an Ark for the saving of your house!
Well, sweet Papa, I could write an epistle, but I am quite sure you are "chomping at the bits" to get back to your conversation with Abraham! So in closing, I want you to know that you don't need to worry about me, for the children and grandchildren are taking wonderful care of me! I'm happy living for Jesus -- sweeter gets the journey day by day, and I plan, by God's wonderful grace, to meet you at The Eastern Gate with the family in my hand!
However, the Bible says "we are compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses", so I think perhaps our wonderful Lord lets you look over the edge of heaven to enjoy special things that are happening in the family. And on our Anniversary, I plan to take some time to recall some "Precious Memories" of living "each for the other, and both for the Lord"! I still remember very vividly the first time I heard you pray when the College was in revival. I said -- "Who is that praying so loud"? My friend said, "that's Gene Hood from Texas"! Immediately, I said in my heart --"I would like to marry a man who can pray like that!" And now, 60 years later, I greatly miss those prayers -- I miss your strong leadership -- your determination to obey God, whatever the cost -- your example of being a "Giver", never a "Taker" -- your selflessness; never caring who got the credit -- your burning desire to build an Ark for the saving of your house!
Well, sweet Papa, I could write an epistle, but I am quite sure you are "chomping at the bits" to get back to your conversation with Abraham! So in closing, I want you to know that you don't need to worry about me, for the children and grandchildren are taking wonderful care of me! I'm happy living for Jesus -- sweeter gets the journey day by day, and I plan, by God's wonderful grace, to meet you at The Eastern Gate with the family in my hand!
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Psalm 119 --
The Book of Psalms is such a marvelous Book! I believe that somewhere in this wonderful book of song and praise, we can find encouragement, guidance, instruction --- whatever we may need for a particular situation or trial we are facing at any given time in our lives.
To me, the 119th Psalm is a very special Psalm that is filled with wonderful promises, commands, and challenges. Let us take a few minutes today to look at verses 41-48. In these eight short verses, we are told to trust, hope, keep, seek, speak, delight, and meditate.
"I TRUST in Thy Word."
"I have HOPE in Thy judgments."
"So shall I KEEP Thy law continually for ever and ever."
"I will walk at liberty: for I SEEK Thy precepts."
"I will SPEAK of Thy testimonies."
"I will DELIGHT myself in Thy commandments which I have loved."
"I will MEDITATE in Thy statutes."
As individuals, we don't all share the same interests---we don't all enjoy the same foods---we have different tastes in clothing, decorating, etc., but I'm glad that we all can (and should) delight in God's Wonderful Word!!
"Let me more of their beauty see -- Wonderful Words of Life!"
To me, the 119th Psalm is a very special Psalm that is filled with wonderful promises, commands, and challenges. Let us take a few minutes today to look at verses 41-48. In these eight short verses, we are told to trust, hope, keep, seek, speak, delight, and meditate.
"I TRUST in Thy Word."
"I have HOPE in Thy judgments."
"So shall I KEEP Thy law continually for ever and ever."
"I will walk at liberty: for I SEEK Thy precepts."
"I will SPEAK of Thy testimonies."
"I will DELIGHT myself in Thy commandments which I have loved."
"I will MEDITATE in Thy statutes."
As individuals, we don't all share the same interests---we don't all enjoy the same foods---we have different tastes in clothing, decorating, etc., but I'm glad that we all can (and should) delight in God's Wonderful Word!!
"Let me more of their beauty see -- Wonderful Words of Life!"
Monday, August 27, 2018
A Sunbeam!
The sun is shining so beautifully this Monday morning! It makes me want to sing the little chorus I sang as a child many years ago:
"A sunbeam! A sunbeam! Jesus wants me for a sunbeam! A sunbeam! A sunbeam! I'll be a sunbeam for Him"! It is so much better to be a bright sunbeam bringing joy to others, rather than a dark, stormy cloud that brings sorrow and sadness!
I like this little poem by Helen Steiner Rice:
"I've never seen God, but I know how I feel --
It's people like you who make Him so real!
It seems that I pass God so often each day,
In the faces of people I meet on my way . . .
I wish I might meet Him much more than I do . . .
I would, if there were more people like you!"
"Dear Heavenly Father, may each one who reads this little poem have a burning desire to be a reflection of your glory within as we live for Thee this week. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
"A sunbeam! A sunbeam! Jesus wants me for a sunbeam! A sunbeam! A sunbeam! I'll be a sunbeam for Him"! It is so much better to be a bright sunbeam bringing joy to others, rather than a dark, stormy cloud that brings sorrow and sadness!
I like this little poem by Helen Steiner Rice:
"I've never seen God, but I know how I feel --
It's people like you who make Him so real!
It seems that I pass God so often each day,
In the faces of people I meet on my way . . .
I wish I might meet Him much more than I do . . .
I would, if there were more people like you!"
"Dear Heavenly Father, may each one who reads this little poem have a burning desire to be a reflection of your glory within as we live for Thee this week. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
Friday, August 24, 2018
The Secret Place
In Matthew 6:6, we read: "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
Prayer -- communion with our Heavenly Father -- is one of the sweetest privileges and joys of living for Jesus! How wonderful it is to know that His ear is always open to our cry! This little devotional thought spoke to my heart when I read it yesterday. I trust it will be a blessing and inspiration to you, also, as we prepare our hearts for God's Holy Day!
"When we truly live in 'the secret place', it becomes impossible for us to doubt God. We become more sure of Him than of anyone or anything else. If you will swing the door of your life fully open and 'pray to your Father who is in the secret place', every public thing in your life will be marked with the lasting imprint of the presence of God." Praise the Lord! What a blessed thought!
It makes me want to sing our benediction -- "Sweet peace, the gift of God's love."
Prayer -- communion with our Heavenly Father -- is one of the sweetest privileges and joys of living for Jesus! How wonderful it is to know that His ear is always open to our cry! This little devotional thought spoke to my heart when I read it yesterday. I trust it will be a blessing and inspiration to you, also, as we prepare our hearts for God's Holy Day!
"When we truly live in 'the secret place', it becomes impossible for us to doubt God. We become more sure of Him than of anyone or anything else. If you will swing the door of your life fully open and 'pray to your Father who is in the secret place', every public thing in your life will be marked with the lasting imprint of the presence of God." Praise the Lord! What a blessed thought!
It makes me want to sing our benediction -- "Sweet peace, the gift of God's love."
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Forsake? -- Never!!
Our wonderful Lord knows that there will be times when, for various reasons, we seem to need a little extra assurance of His presence and care for us; so every so often throughout His Holy Word, He has placed a sweet promise to remind us that He knows right where we are and exactly what we need! In Deuteronomy 31:6, we find these blessed words:
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." This blessed promise that God will never leave or forsake His people occurs often in Scripture. In Joshua 1:5, we see the Lord encouraging Joshua as He promises -- "As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Praise the Lord --what a blessed assurance!
Again in I Chronicles, Solomon needed the promise as he became responsible for the kingdom and the building of the magnificent temple. King David said to his son --"Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord." And today, we can rejoice in this same wonderful promise!!
In the 13th chapter of Hebrews, we read another blessed promise of comfort and encouragement.
"He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your "exceeding great and precious promises"! I'm so thankful they are still for us all today!
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." This blessed promise that God will never leave or forsake His people occurs often in Scripture. In Joshua 1:5, we see the Lord encouraging Joshua as He promises -- "As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Praise the Lord --what a blessed assurance!
Again in I Chronicles, Solomon needed the promise as he became responsible for the kingdom and the building of the magnificent temple. King David said to his son --"Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord." And today, we can rejoice in this same wonderful promise!!
In the 13th chapter of Hebrews, we read another blessed promise of comfort and encouragement.
"He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your "exceeding great and precious promises"! I'm so thankful they are still for us all today!
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