From my home to yours -- may the peace of God fill your hearts and home today as we gather with loved ones, open our gifts, and thank God for His unspeakable Gift!
Best Wishes for a blessed Christmas Day!
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Monday, December 23, 2019
The Perfect Gift
"I do not ask for lavish gifts, nor satin gowns to wear;
I have no need for jeweled combs or flowers in my hair.
I only ask on Christmas Day to find when I arise,
That I may see the world again with a child's unclouded eyes."
"A little child -- a shining star --
A stable rude -- the door ajar.
Yet in that place -- so crude, forlorn,
The Hope of all the world was born."
Pamela Kennedy has written: "I think our sharing of gifts at Christmas is delightful reminder, if only a pale reflection, of what God did on that very first Christmas over two thousand years ago. The ancient scriptures remind us that the gift of the Saviour had been planned for centuries. Prophets had predicted His coming, but no one knew where or when the Gift would be given. The secret was hidden in the heart of God -- waiting for just the right moment -- for just the right amount of anticipation -- for just the right degree of need. Then, 'in the fullness of time', the Gift was wrapped tenderly in flesh and delivered to the world on a starlit night in Bethlehem. Embraced in the arms of a family, the heavenly Present was received with joy and gratitude while shepherds and angels wondered at the lavish outpouring of the Creator's love. I believe the Giver delighted in knowing just what His beloved children needed that first Christmas and took divine pleasure in receiving their heartfelt thanks.
The amazing thing about God's Christmas gift, however, is that it never wears out -- gets old, or goes out of style. Every generation, every individual, has the opportunity to receive it anew, and not only at Christmas, but also every day of every year. Our gifts to our loved ones are just temporary reminders of how much we care for and value them. The generosity of our Heavenly Father is unending. Morning by morning, we are surprised by the gifts of God. The smile of a dear friend -- the song of a solitary bird -- every breath and heartbeat -- are all expressions of His abundant love. As the beautiful carol reminds us: 'How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.'"
"No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin;
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in"!
So -- it's time again! It's time to kneel and praise and sing Hosannas to our newborn King!
I have no need for jeweled combs or flowers in my hair.
I only ask on Christmas Day to find when I arise,
That I may see the world again with a child's unclouded eyes."
"A little child -- a shining star --
A stable rude -- the door ajar.
Yet in that place -- so crude, forlorn,
The Hope of all the world was born."
Pamela Kennedy has written: "I think our sharing of gifts at Christmas is delightful reminder, if only a pale reflection, of what God did on that very first Christmas over two thousand years ago. The ancient scriptures remind us that the gift of the Saviour had been planned for centuries. Prophets had predicted His coming, but no one knew where or when the Gift would be given. The secret was hidden in the heart of God -- waiting for just the right moment -- for just the right amount of anticipation -- for just the right degree of need. Then, 'in the fullness of time', the Gift was wrapped tenderly in flesh and delivered to the world on a starlit night in Bethlehem. Embraced in the arms of a family, the heavenly Present was received with joy and gratitude while shepherds and angels wondered at the lavish outpouring of the Creator's love. I believe the Giver delighted in knowing just what His beloved children needed that first Christmas and took divine pleasure in receiving their heartfelt thanks.
The amazing thing about God's Christmas gift, however, is that it never wears out -- gets old, or goes out of style. Every generation, every individual, has the opportunity to receive it anew, and not only at Christmas, but also every day of every year. Our gifts to our loved ones are just temporary reminders of how much we care for and value them. The generosity of our Heavenly Father is unending. Morning by morning, we are surprised by the gifts of God. The smile of a dear friend -- the song of a solitary bird -- every breath and heartbeat -- are all expressions of His abundant love. As the beautiful carol reminds us: 'How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.'"
"No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin;
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in"!
So -- it's time again! It's time to kneel and praise and sing Hosannas to our newborn King!
Friday, December 20, 2019
Christmas Sunday!
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Sing this Christmas morn;
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ the Lord is born"!
"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky!
There's a mother's deep prayer, and a Baby's low cry!
And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth,
For the Virgin's sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King"!
Praise the Lord for the beautiful Christmas music, and praise the Lord for this blessed and holy season! As we anticipate going to the house of the Lord this Christmas Sunday to be blessed by the sweet singing and programs of our children, may we prepare our hearts to --
"Come and worship. Come and worship.
Worship Christ, the new born King"!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ the Lord is born"!
"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky!
There's a mother's deep prayer, and a Baby's low cry!
And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!
There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth,
For the Virgin's sweet Boy is the Lord of the earth.
Ay! the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King"!
Praise the Lord for the beautiful Christmas music, and praise the Lord for this blessed and holy season! As we anticipate going to the house of the Lord this Christmas Sunday to be blessed by the sweet singing and programs of our children, may we prepare our hearts to --
"Come and worship. Come and worship.
Worship Christ, the new born King"!
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Come to the Manger!
I trust that this sweet little story by Wendy Dunham will inspire you again this Christmas to take time to kneel before the manger!
"When I was young, the first day of every December marked a yearly event for our family. This was the day we chose our Christmas tree. Early in the morning, Dad would call -- "Everyone ready? Let's go cut down the tree." After what seemed like a drive that would never end, Dad would shout, "We're here! And Mr. Nicoles has the same sign he had when I was a kid --
CHRISTMAS TREES
3 ACRES --- U-CUT
Mr Nicoles came to greet us, and while he and Dad were talking I sneaked away to the front yard. Standing there was a life-sized, wooden nativity scene, hand carved years ago by Mr. Nicoles. When I knelt before the manger, I was transported back to Bethlehem. I ran my hand along the manger's wood, and it seemed to be worn smooth from sheep and cattle. I smelled the frankincense and touched the gold. I saw Joseph stroke Mary's head as she watched over baby Jesus. And I heard the angels sing.
"Come on, Wendy," Dad called. "It's time to pick out the Christmas tree." Reluctantly I joined the rest of the family, but I longed to stay in Bethlehem.
Along the way, each of us tried to convince Dad that we had found the perfect tree. Mother knew when her children had had enough. "Dear", she said to Dad, "don't you think this one will do? It's lovely, tall, full, and the needles are just the right length."
We took turns dragging the ten-foot tree through nearly a mile of deep snow. When we reached the house, Dad tied the tree to the top of the car.
I quietly returned to the manger. As I knelt there, I realized that I was not alone. Mr. Nicoles was standing behind me. "I can always find you at the manger," he said. I stood and turned to face him. "I like it here." "So do I," he said softly. We stood, side by side, and looked out across the blanket of snow that covered the farm. I noticed a trail of freshly made footprints in the middle of the yard. A deep trench ran behind the footprints, as if something had been dragged across the snow.
"Whose footprints are those going to your Christmas tree sign?" I asked. "They're mine," Mr. Nicoles responded. Puzzled, I said -- "But you opened your farm the day after Thanksgiving."
Mr. Nicoles bent low and whispered, "Can you keep a secret? I put the sign out this morning, just as I have for the past four years. When your family heads home, I'll take it down." "Why? I don't understand." "I have grown too old to run the farm, but I know how much this place means to your father." He smiled, "I look forward to seeing your family every December first." "And the manger?"
"Oh, I set that out for the entire season. I like to kneel before the manger too; and when I do, I can hear the angels sing."
More than 50 years have passed since that day. Mr. Nicoles continued to open his farm on December first for three more years until his health prevented the ritual.
Now, I walk through the snow to my own front yard, and to the hand-carved Nativity scene -- a bequest from Mr. Nicoles. Once again, as I kneel before the manger, I am transported back to Bethlehem; and I forget about the cards waiting to be addressed, the baking that must be done, and the gifts still to be bought. For there, before the manger, I hear the angels sing!"
"Oh, come, let us adore Him -- Christ the Lord!"
"When I was young, the first day of every December marked a yearly event for our family. This was the day we chose our Christmas tree. Early in the morning, Dad would call -- "Everyone ready? Let's go cut down the tree." After what seemed like a drive that would never end, Dad would shout, "We're here! And Mr. Nicoles has the same sign he had when I was a kid --
CHRISTMAS TREES
3 ACRES --- U-CUT
Mr Nicoles came to greet us, and while he and Dad were talking I sneaked away to the front yard. Standing there was a life-sized, wooden nativity scene, hand carved years ago by Mr. Nicoles. When I knelt before the manger, I was transported back to Bethlehem. I ran my hand along the manger's wood, and it seemed to be worn smooth from sheep and cattle. I smelled the frankincense and touched the gold. I saw Joseph stroke Mary's head as she watched over baby Jesus. And I heard the angels sing.
"Come on, Wendy," Dad called. "It's time to pick out the Christmas tree." Reluctantly I joined the rest of the family, but I longed to stay in Bethlehem.
Along the way, each of us tried to convince Dad that we had found the perfect tree. Mother knew when her children had had enough. "Dear", she said to Dad, "don't you think this one will do? It's lovely, tall, full, and the needles are just the right length."
We took turns dragging the ten-foot tree through nearly a mile of deep snow. When we reached the house, Dad tied the tree to the top of the car.
I quietly returned to the manger. As I knelt there, I realized that I was not alone. Mr. Nicoles was standing behind me. "I can always find you at the manger," he said. I stood and turned to face him. "I like it here." "So do I," he said softly. We stood, side by side, and looked out across the blanket of snow that covered the farm. I noticed a trail of freshly made footprints in the middle of the yard. A deep trench ran behind the footprints, as if something had been dragged across the snow.
"Whose footprints are those going to your Christmas tree sign?" I asked. "They're mine," Mr. Nicoles responded. Puzzled, I said -- "But you opened your farm the day after Thanksgiving."
Mr. Nicoles bent low and whispered, "Can you keep a secret? I put the sign out this morning, just as I have for the past four years. When your family heads home, I'll take it down." "Why? I don't understand." "I have grown too old to run the farm, but I know how much this place means to your father." He smiled, "I look forward to seeing your family every December first." "And the manger?"
"Oh, I set that out for the entire season. I like to kneel before the manger too; and when I do, I can hear the angels sing."
More than 50 years have passed since that day. Mr. Nicoles continued to open his farm on December first for three more years until his health prevented the ritual.
Now, I walk through the snow to my own front yard, and to the hand-carved Nativity scene -- a bequest from Mr. Nicoles. Once again, as I kneel before the manger, I am transported back to Bethlehem; and I forget about the cards waiting to be addressed, the baking that must be done, and the gifts still to be bought. For there, before the manger, I hear the angels sing!"
"Oh, come, let us adore Him -- Christ the Lord!"
Monday, December 16, 2019
Music -- God's Gift!
It seems to me that it would be impossible to have Christmas without music! I am reminded again of Martin Luther's beautiful quote -- "Next to theology, music is God's greatest gift to man." I believe that is true, and every Christmas I like to take time to contemplate how, over 200 hundred years ago, God wrote the masterpiece of "Handel's Messiah" through His servant, George Frederick Handel, and still today it is blessing thousands of hearts at Christmas! 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 ("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!!"
"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 ("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!!"
Friday, December 13, 2019
Take Time!
In this blessed Christmas season with its many festivities, Christmas programs, Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, Christmas baking, etc., we must not forget the real reason for the season!
The following quote by Oswald Chambers spoke to my heart, and I trust it will to yours also.
"The busyness of things obscures our concentration on God. Let other things come and go as they will; let other people criticize us as they will; but never allow anything to obscure the life that "is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Never let a hurried lifestyle disturb the relationship of abiding in Him."
So let us "be still" and take time to worship the One whose birth we celebrate! The songwriter said:
"Take time to be holy. The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see."
May God bless you as you prepare your heart for the coming Lord's Day!
The following quote by Oswald Chambers spoke to my heart, and I trust it will to yours also.
"The busyness of things obscures our concentration on God. Let other things come and go as they will; let other people criticize us as they will; but never allow anything to obscure the life that "is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3). Never let a hurried lifestyle disturb the relationship of abiding in Him."
So let us "be still" and take time to worship the One whose birth we celebrate! The songwriter said:
"Take time to be holy. The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see."
May God bless you as you prepare your heart for the coming Lord's Day!
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
What Shall I Give?
As Christmas approaches, everyone is making their list and checking it twice! I wonder -- do you have Jesus on your gift list? What are you planning to give to the Master? In reality, Jesus isn't interested in our material gifts -- He already owns everything! He is not impressed with who we are, what we have done, or where we have been. All that Jesus really wants from you and me this Christmas is a lump of clay -- just ourselves -- that He can mold and make any way He chooses to bring honor and glory to Him!
Perhaps it can best be illustrated by the sweet story of the little boy in the Christmas drama. He was too small and shy to learn a lot of lines, but the director wanted everyone to have a part. It was decided that he would be the inn-keeper, for they felt that he could say -- "Go away! There is no room!" He had his part mastered, and never missed his line -- "Go away! There is no room!"
The night of the program came, and Joseph and Mary came wearily to the inn, asking for a room. The little boy firmly said -- "Go away!! There is no room!" But as Joseph and Mary turned sadly and forlornly away, the little boy's tender heart was broken. He forgot all about his part, and rushed after them, crying -- "Come back, Mary!! Come back, Joseph! You can have my room!"
This sweet little story always touches my heart; and in this blessed Christmas season, let us not forget that this is the most important gift we can give -- and the only gift we can give to Jesus -- just ourselves! Do you belong to Jesus this Christmas? I trust that you will say with the songwriter --
"Not just a part -- or half of my heart -- I will give ALL to Thee!"
Perhaps it can best be illustrated by the sweet story of the little boy in the Christmas drama. He was too small and shy to learn a lot of lines, but the director wanted everyone to have a part. It was decided that he would be the inn-keeper, for they felt that he could say -- "Go away! There is no room!" He had his part mastered, and never missed his line -- "Go away! There is no room!"
The night of the program came, and Joseph and Mary came wearily to the inn, asking for a room. The little boy firmly said -- "Go away!! There is no room!" But as Joseph and Mary turned sadly and forlornly away, the little boy's tender heart was broken. He forgot all about his part, and rushed after them, crying -- "Come back, Mary!! Come back, Joseph! You can have my room!"
This sweet little story always touches my heart; and in this blessed Christmas season, let us not forget that this is the most important gift we can give -- and the only gift we can give to Jesus -- just ourselves! Do you belong to Jesus this Christmas? I trust that you will say with the songwriter --
"Not just a part -- or half of my heart -- I will give ALL to Thee!"
Monday, December 9, 2019
IMMANUEL - God with us!
"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky! There's a mother's deep prayer and a Baby's low cry! There's a tumult of joy o'er the wonderful birth---for a Virgin's sweet boy is the Lord of the earth! And the Star rains its fire while the beautiful sing -- for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King!"
Zacharias was performing his normal and customary duty of the priest's office--burning incense in the Temple--when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and announced to him such a startling message that he was struck dumb and not able to speak because he believed not the words of the angel! Then, the angel, Gabriel, was sent to a virgin named Mary, and announced to her an equally amazing message, but Mary did not question---she believed and said, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord!'
And so, it was, in the fullness of time -- God's perfect plan -- God's perfect time -- that there were humble shepherds out in the field, under the stars, keeping watch over their flock by night. When suddenly! An angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And then---because the other angels wanted to get in on this grand and glorious event---there appeared in the starry heavens a multitude of the heavenly host praising and glorifying God! As the shepherds wondered in awe at these heavenly beings, again an angel gave an astounding message; 'Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy'! This very night, in the city of David--God has laid a Baby on the doorstep of your world!
Amazing -- just an ordinary baby! Why would He whose name is called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, become an ordinary baby? He -- who spoke the universe into existence, whose glory fills the heavens, who inhabits all eternity! He -- who made all things, and without Him was not anything made that was made! He -- who is all wise, all powerful, who knows our downsittings and our uprisings, and understands our thoughts afar off! He -- who is clothed with majesty, excellence, glory, beauty and honor!
Why? Why would He willingly leave the glories of heaven---lower Himself to be born as an ordinary baby in humility and shame---with the animals in a smelly manger in Bethlehem? The answer can be found in only one word -- LOVE! It was love for you and me that sent the Saviour! The best known verse in the Bible, John 3:16, says that 'God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. .
What will we give to Jesus this Christmas? There is only one gift we can give to this newborn King, and that is ourselves! May this be our prayer and desire today --
"Take my life, and let it be --consecrated, Lord to Thee!"
Zacharias was performing his normal and customary duty of the priest's office--burning incense in the Temple--when suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and announced to him such a startling message that he was struck dumb and not able to speak because he believed not the words of the angel! Then, the angel, Gabriel, was sent to a virgin named Mary, and announced to her an equally amazing message, but Mary did not question---she believed and said, 'My soul doth magnify the Lord!'
And so, it was, in the fullness of time -- God's perfect plan -- God's perfect time -- that there were humble shepherds out in the field, under the stars, keeping watch over their flock by night. When suddenly! An angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. And then---because the other angels wanted to get in on this grand and glorious event---there appeared in the starry heavens a multitude of the heavenly host praising and glorifying God! As the shepherds wondered in awe at these heavenly beings, again an angel gave an astounding message; 'Fear not; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy'! This very night, in the city of David--God has laid a Baby on the doorstep of your world!
Amazing -- just an ordinary baby! Why would He whose name is called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, become an ordinary baby? He -- who spoke the universe into existence, whose glory fills the heavens, who inhabits all eternity! He -- who made all things, and without Him was not anything made that was made! He -- who is all wise, all powerful, who knows our downsittings and our uprisings, and understands our thoughts afar off! He -- who is clothed with majesty, excellence, glory, beauty and honor!
Why? Why would He willingly leave the glories of heaven---lower Himself to be born as an ordinary baby in humility and shame---with the animals in a smelly manger in Bethlehem? The answer can be found in only one word -- LOVE! It was love for you and me that sent the Saviour! The best known verse in the Bible, John 3:16, says that 'God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. .
What will we give to Jesus this Christmas? There is only one gift we can give to this newborn King, and that is ourselves! May this be our prayer and desire today --
"Take my life, and let it be --consecrated, Lord to Thee!"
Friday, December 6, 2019
Miracles!
Christmas is all about miracles, and this morning I want to thank my Heavenly Father for blessing our family with another miracle from His loving hand! Yes -- "I believe in miracles, for I believe in God"! And, yes -- "Every time I hear a new-born baby cry, or touch a leaf, or see the sky -- then I know why, I believe"!
And yesterday, my son, Joel, and his wife, Mandy, heard their newborn baby cry and welcomed her into their hearts and home!
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this precious gift of Riley Grace to our family, and thank you for the gift of Jesus -- the Baby that you sent at Christmas so long ago to be the Saviour of the world."
And don't forget, dear friend -- Riley Grace belongs to our family -- but Jesus said, "Whosoever will may come!" You can be part of the family of God!! Praise the Lord!
And yesterday, my son, Joel, and his wife, Mandy, heard their newborn baby cry and welcomed her into their hearts and home!
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this precious gift of Riley Grace to our family, and thank you for the gift of Jesus -- the Baby that you sent at Christmas so long ago to be the Saviour of the world."
And don't forget, dear friend -- Riley Grace belongs to our family -- but Jesus said, "Whosoever will may come!" You can be part of the family of God!! Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
God loved -- God gave!
The loved and familiar verse in John 3: 16 tells us: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
What will you give to Jesus this Christmas? I think one of the gifts our Lord would like most is that of Faithfulness! In fact, Jesus speaks to us in the last book of the Bible, and says -- ". . .be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Which reminds me -- today is the mid-week service at our church, and I intend to be there--the Lord willing! I like the little quote that says, "there is always enough time in a day to do God's will", and Jesus told us in His wonderful Sermon on the Mount --
"Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Where-withal shall we be clothed? for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
So this Christmas, let us sing with the songwriter -- "Not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give all to Thee!"
What will you give to Jesus this Christmas? I think one of the gifts our Lord would like most is that of Faithfulness! In fact, Jesus speaks to us in the last book of the Bible, and says -- ". . .be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Which reminds me -- today is the mid-week service at our church, and I intend to be there--the Lord willing! I like the little quote that says, "there is always enough time in a day to do God's will", and Jesus told us in His wonderful Sermon on the Mount --
"Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Where-withal shall we be clothed? for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
So this Christmas, let us sing with the songwriter -- "Not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give all to Thee!"
Monday, December 2, 2019
December Delights!
December is filled with delights, and I was delighted that yesterday, the very first day of this wonderful month was the Lord's Day! I thought it was very meaningful and special to begin this month in the house of the Lord to worship Him whose name is called, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Today is only the 2nd day of the month, but already one can sense that there is something different -- something special about this month! Homes and stores are beautifully decorated -- delightful aromas are coming from bakeries and homes whose kitchens are busy making special Christmas treats! Little ones are practicing their lines for the Christmas program, and even those who have a tendency to be a little "grumpy" and complain about everything find themselves caught up in the special joy that surrounds them.
Are you wondering what makes this month so special that all the world is affected by it? Well, I can tell you -- it is because we are celebrating a birthday -- but this is not just another birthday -- this is the Birthday of the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS, born in a manger and sent to be our Saviour! So at the very beginning of this special month, let us determine that we will remember each day that "JESUS is the reason for the season" and may we, in the words of the songwriter --
"Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.
Oh, come, let us adore Him. Oh, come let us adore Him.
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
Today is only the 2nd day of the month, but already one can sense that there is something different -- something special about this month! Homes and stores are beautifully decorated -- delightful aromas are coming from bakeries and homes whose kitchens are busy making special Christmas treats! Little ones are practicing their lines for the Christmas program, and even those who have a tendency to be a little "grumpy" and complain about everything find themselves caught up in the special joy that surrounds them.
Are you wondering what makes this month so special that all the world is affected by it? Well, I can tell you -- it is because we are celebrating a birthday -- but this is not just another birthday -- this is the Birthday of the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS, born in a manger and sent to be our Saviour! So at the very beginning of this special month, let us determine that we will remember each day that "JESUS is the reason for the season" and may we, in the words of the songwriter --
"Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.
Oh, come, let us adore Him. Oh, come let us adore Him.
Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
Friday, November 29, 2019
The Day After!
The Thanksgiving holiday has officially ended! Men have returned to their places of employment, women have started again on their diets and exercise programs, and Black Friday shoppers are crowding the stores! Even though the holiday has ended, I trust our giving of thanks will be never-ending! Let us determine that we are going to make every day a day of "Thanksliving" as we walk with Jesus in the joys and the sorrows of every tomorrow!
I like this poem, "Beyond Our Asking" by Helen Steiner Rice --
"More than hearts can imagine or minds comprehend,
God's bountiful gifts are ours without end --
We ask for a cupful when the vast sea is ours,
We pick a small rosebud from a garden of flowers.
We reach for a sunbeam, but the sun still abides --
We draw one short breath, but there's air on all sides --
Whatever we ask for falls short of God's giving,
For His Greatness exceeds every facet of living!
And always, God is ready and eager and willing
To pour out His mercy -- completely fulfilling
All of man's needs for peace, joy and rest,
For God gives His children whatever is best!
Just give Him a chance to open His Treasures,
And He'll fill your life with unfathomable pleasures --
Pleasures that never grow worn-out and faded,
And leave us depleted, disillusioned and jaded --
For God has a "storehouse" just filled to the brim
With all that man needs---if we'll only ask Him!"
And Jesus said:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Praise the Lord!
I like this poem, "Beyond Our Asking" by Helen Steiner Rice --
"More than hearts can imagine or minds comprehend,
God's bountiful gifts are ours without end --
We ask for a cupful when the vast sea is ours,
We pick a small rosebud from a garden of flowers.
We reach for a sunbeam, but the sun still abides --
We draw one short breath, but there's air on all sides --
Whatever we ask for falls short of God's giving,
For His Greatness exceeds every facet of living!
And always, God is ready and eager and willing
To pour out His mercy -- completely fulfilling
All of man's needs for peace, joy and rest,
For God gives His children whatever is best!
Just give Him a chance to open His Treasures,
And He'll fill your life with unfathomable pleasures --
Pleasures that never grow worn-out and faded,
And leave us depleted, disillusioned and jaded --
For God has a "storehouse" just filled to the brim
With all that man needs---if we'll only ask Him!"
And Jesus said:
"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Thanksgiving Eve!
The little children sing -- "My cup is full and running over!" That is how I feel when I start counting my blessings! My heart is full of praise and thanksgiving as I try to contemplate the goodness of God. First and foremost, I am so grateful for God's Holy Word and the wonderful plan of salvation which included me! So I trust that as we continue through this Thanksgiving week, we will remember to -- "In everything, give thanks."
Very soon, wonderful aromas will be filling kitchens all across America as Mothers and daughters prepare wonderful desserts, delicious salads, yummy sweet potatoes with lots of butter and brown sugar, turkeys, ham, and all the Thanksgiving traditions your family enjoys! But the best part will be to have all the family gathered together around the table; taking time to bow our heads and our
hearts to our wonderful Lord and thanking Him for His great love and tender mercies throughout the year. So as you work in your kitchens today, make sure you take some little prayer breaks to praise the Lord!!
And tomorrow, on Thanksgiving Day, as you enjoy the fellowship of loved ones around the table, perhaps you would like to share this poem by Helen Steiner Rice --
"Thank you, God for everything -- the big things and the small,
For every good gift comes from God -- the giver of them all;
And all too often we accept, without any thanks or praise,
The gifts God send as blessings each day in many ways.
And so at this Thanksgiving Time we offer up a prayer,
To thank you, God, for giving us a lot more than our share --
First, thank You for the little things that often come our way,
The things we take for granted, but don't mention when we pray.
The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful kindly deed --
A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need --
Oh, make us more aware, dear God, of little daily graces
That come to us with sweet surprise from never-dreamed-of places.
Then thank You for the miracles we are much too blind to see --
And give us new awareness of our many gifts from Thee.
And help us to remember that the key to life and living --
Is to make each prayer a prayer of Thanks, and every day Thanksgiving!"
God bless you, and from my home to yours -- Best Wishes for a very blessed Thanksgiving!
Very soon, wonderful aromas will be filling kitchens all across America as Mothers and daughters prepare wonderful desserts, delicious salads, yummy sweet potatoes with lots of butter and brown sugar, turkeys, ham, and all the Thanksgiving traditions your family enjoys! But the best part will be to have all the family gathered together around the table; taking time to bow our heads and our
hearts to our wonderful Lord and thanking Him for His great love and tender mercies throughout the year. So as you work in your kitchens today, make sure you take some little prayer breaks to praise the Lord!!
And tomorrow, on Thanksgiving Day, as you enjoy the fellowship of loved ones around the table, perhaps you would like to share this poem by Helen Steiner Rice --
"Thank you, God for everything -- the big things and the small,
For every good gift comes from God -- the giver of them all;
And all too often we accept, without any thanks or praise,
The gifts God send as blessings each day in many ways.
And so at this Thanksgiving Time we offer up a prayer,
To thank you, God, for giving us a lot more than our share --
First, thank You for the little things that often come our way,
The things we take for granted, but don't mention when we pray.
The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful kindly deed --
A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need --
Oh, make us more aware, dear God, of little daily graces
That come to us with sweet surprise from never-dreamed-of places.
Then thank You for the miracles we are much too blind to see --
And give us new awareness of our many gifts from Thee.
And help us to remember that the key to life and living --
Is to make each prayer a prayer of Thanks, and every day Thanksgiving!"
God bless you, and from my home to yours -- Best Wishes for a very blessed Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 25, 2019
Thanksgiving Week!
As we begin this special Thanksgiving week, may we take time each day to "give thanks with a grateful heart"! As we go about our daily tasks, may we often find a hymn of praise and thanksgiving springing forth from our hearts until we are lost in wonder, love and praise! May we be like the Psalmist in Psalm 150. After 149 Psalms, he is still praising the Lord and seems to want us all to know that our wonderful Lord is still deserving of our continual praise and thanksgiving!
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord."
And by the time you finish reading and meditating upon these praises, no doubt your heart will be so full and overflowing you will find yourself singing --
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
Amen!
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord."
And by the time you finish reading and meditating upon these praises, no doubt your heart will be so full and overflowing you will find yourself singing --
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."
Amen!
Friday, November 22, 2019
Thanksgiving Sunday!
If Jesus tarries, and lends me breath, I am greatly looking forward to being in the house of the Lord this coming Sunday! What a wonderful day to bring an offering, and enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and His courts with praise -- to be thankful unto Him and bless His name! I read the 148th Psalm this morning, and my heart was thrilled and blessed!! I wanted to share it with you, and as you read this glorious Psalm, I trust that your heart will be thrilled and blessed also!
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights.
Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts.
Praise ye Him, sun and moon: praise Him, all ye stars of light.
Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord: for He commanded, and they were created.
He hath also established them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling His word:
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the Lord: for His name alone is excellent: His glory is above the earth and heaven.
He also exalteth the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints; even of the children of Israel; a people near unto Him. Praise ye the Lord."
Praise the Lord!! What a mighty God we serve!! Let us prepare our hearts for the coming Lord's Day, and on this Thanksgiving Sunday, may we Praise Him and Give Thanks with a grateful heart!
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights.
Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts.
Praise ye Him, sun and moon: praise Him, all ye stars of light.
Praise Him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord: for He commanded, and they were created.
He hath also established them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling His word:
Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the Lord: for His name alone is excellent: His glory is above the earth and heaven.
He also exalteth the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints; even of the children of Israel; a people near unto Him. Praise ye the Lord."
Praise the Lord!! What a mighty God we serve!! Let us prepare our hearts for the coming Lord's Day, and on this Thanksgiving Sunday, may we Praise Him and Give Thanks with a grateful heart!
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Give Thanks!
I love the blessed Thanksgiving season! I am thankful for many material blessings; but this morning I just want to sing -- "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."
As we anticipate the Thanksgiving holiday next week, may we keep our hearts full of praise and thanksgiving as we go about our daily tasks, and remember to --"In everything, give thanks"!
The last five Psalms -- 146-150 -- each begin and end with "Praise ye the Lord"! So let's keep our hearts filled with praise and thanksgiving as we count our many blessings and name them one by one!
There are several Thanksgiving songs in our hymnal, but one that we don't often sing is entitled, "For the Beauty of the Earth", written in 1864 by Folliott Pierpoint. I trust the words will be a blessing to you as we meditate on them through the week.
"For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies --
For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies.
For the wonder of each hour, of the day and of the night --
Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light.
For the joy of human love -- brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on earth, and friends above -- for all gentle thoughts and mild.
For Thy Church that evermore lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore, her pure sacrifice of love.
For Thyself -- best gift divine, to the world so freely given;
For that great, great love of Thine -- peace on earth and joy in heaven.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise."
Amen!
As we anticipate the Thanksgiving holiday next week, may we keep our hearts full of praise and thanksgiving as we go about our daily tasks, and remember to --"In everything, give thanks"!
The last five Psalms -- 146-150 -- each begin and end with "Praise ye the Lord"! So let's keep our hearts filled with praise and thanksgiving as we count our many blessings and name them one by one!
There are several Thanksgiving songs in our hymnal, but one that we don't often sing is entitled, "For the Beauty of the Earth", written in 1864 by Folliott Pierpoint. I trust the words will be a blessing to you as we meditate on them through the week.
"For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies --
For the love which from our birth, over and around us lies.
For the wonder of each hour, of the day and of the night --
Hill and vale, and tree and flower, sun and moon, and stars of light.
For the joy of human love -- brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on earth, and friends above -- for all gentle thoughts and mild.
For Thy Church that evermore lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore, her pure sacrifice of love.
For Thyself -- best gift divine, to the world so freely given;
For that great, great love of Thine -- peace on earth and joy in heaven.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise."
Amen!
Friday, November 15, 2019
Meeting the Master --
I found these words on a piece of paper, now yellowed with age, that my Mother had written down many years ago. They still speak to my heart today --
"I had walked life's path with an easy tread,
And had followed where comfort and pleasures led.
And then, by chance, in a quiet place--
I met the Master, face to face!
With station, and rank, and wealth for my goal--
Much thought for the body -- but none for the soul.
I had entered to win in life's mad race--
When I met the Master, face to face!
I had built my castles and reared them high,
Until the towers had reached the blue of the sky.
I had sworn to rule with iron mace,
When I met the Master, face to face!
I met Him, and knew Him, and blushed to see
That His eyes, full of pity, were fixed on me.
I faltered, and fell at His feet that day --
My castles all melted and vanished away,
And in their place, I saw nothing else but my Master's face.
I cried aloud --'Oh, make me meet to follow the marks of Thy wounded feet!
My thought is now for the souls of men --
I had lost my life to find it again,
Since alone, in that hallowed place,
My Master and I stood face to face!"
And because I met the Master, and belong to Him, I have the blessed hope that one day --
"Face to face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky.
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!"
"I had walked life's path with an easy tread,
And had followed where comfort and pleasures led.
And then, by chance, in a quiet place--
I met the Master, face to face!
With station, and rank, and wealth for my goal--
Much thought for the body -- but none for the soul.
I had entered to win in life's mad race--
When I met the Master, face to face!
I had built my castles and reared them high,
Until the towers had reached the blue of the sky.
I had sworn to rule with iron mace,
When I met the Master, face to face!
I met Him, and knew Him, and blushed to see
That His eyes, full of pity, were fixed on me.
I faltered, and fell at His feet that day --
My castles all melted and vanished away,
And in their place, I saw nothing else but my Master's face.
I cried aloud --'Oh, make me meet to follow the marks of Thy wounded feet!
My thought is now for the souls of men --
I had lost my life to find it again,
Since alone, in that hallowed place,
My Master and I stood face to face!"
And because I met the Master, and belong to Him, I have the blessed hope that one day --
"Face to face I shall behold Him,
Far beyond the starry sky.
Face to face in all His glory,
I shall see Him by and by!"
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Kindness!
Kindness is a wonderful virtue that, perhaps, we too often take for granted. In Romans 12:10, we read: "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." In the last chapter of Proverbs where we find a beautiful word picture of a gracious woman, verse 26 says: "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." I read these words in a little article by Merton Rice: "One of the surest signs of high character in men will generally be detected in kindness and mercifulness."
"If I knew that a word of mine -- a word not kind and true,
Might leave its trace on a loved one's face,
I'd never speak harshly--would you?
If I knew the light of a smile might linger the whole day through,
And brighten some heart with a heavier part,
I wouldn't withhold it -- would you?"
Many in our world today are lonely and long for someone to show them just a simple act of kindness.
Jesus, our wonderful Lord, is the expression of God's infinite kindness and love to our lost and hurting world. I wonder -- can the world see Jesus in you and me?
"If I knew that a word of mine -- a word not kind and true,
Might leave its trace on a loved one's face,
I'd never speak harshly--would you?
If I knew the light of a smile might linger the whole day through,
And brighten some heart with a heavier part,
I wouldn't withhold it -- would you?"
Many in our world today are lonely and long for someone to show them just a simple act of kindness.
Jesus, our wonderful Lord, is the expression of God's infinite kindness and love to our lost and hurting world. I wonder -- can the world see Jesus in you and me?
Friday, November 8, 2019
His Mercy Endureth ---
Are you breathing a deep sigh of relief because it is Friday?
Do you feel overwhelmed with the cares of life?
Do you see no answers to the problems and burdens pressing on your mind today?
Well -- I am happy to tell you that I have just the "medicine" you need! It is sure to calm your spirit, and you will soon find a little river of sweet peace trickling into your soul!
So, instead of taking a coffee break this morning, get your Bible and take a little break in the Word of God!
Let's take our break in the 136th Psalm. This is such a blessed and wonderful Psalm, and I especially love it because each verse ends with these sweet words -- "for His mercy endureth for ever." This Psalm has 26 verses, so by the time I read this promise---"for His mercy endureth for ever" 26 times, I am ready to "Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good -- He doeth great wonders -- He made the sun to rule by day, and the moon and stars to rule by night. He led His people through the wilderness, and He giveth food to all flesh."
And, to add a little icing on the cake -- we are entering the Thanksgiving season, so let us:
"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."
Do you feel overwhelmed with the cares of life?
Do you see no answers to the problems and burdens pressing on your mind today?
Well -- I am happy to tell you that I have just the "medicine" you need! It is sure to calm your spirit, and you will soon find a little river of sweet peace trickling into your soul!
So, instead of taking a coffee break this morning, get your Bible and take a little break in the Word of God!
Let's take our break in the 136th Psalm. This is such a blessed and wonderful Psalm, and I especially love it because each verse ends with these sweet words -- "for His mercy endureth for ever." This Psalm has 26 verses, so by the time I read this promise---"for His mercy endureth for ever" 26 times, I am ready to "Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good -- He doeth great wonders -- He made the sun to rule by day, and the moon and stars to rule by night. He led His people through the wilderness, and He giveth food to all flesh."
And, to add a little icing on the cake -- we are entering the Thanksgiving season, so let us:
"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."
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Which Way Are You Leading?
In the 18th chapter of Matthew, we read -- "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."
Yesterday, I found this poem by an unknown author and it challenged my heart. May God help us as sheep to walk humbly with Him -- to follow where He leads and pasture where He feeds -- to grow in grace -- to dig deeper and climb higher -- to trust and obey -- to cherish the "Old Rugged Cross" -- to live a holy life so that the lambs following behind will not be led astray.
"It was a sheep, not a lamb, that strayed away,
In the parable Jesus told;
A grown-up sheep, that had gone astray
From ninety and nine in the fold.
Out on the hillside, out in the cold,
It was a sheep the Good Shepherd sought;
And back to the flock, safe into the fold,
It was a sheep the Good Shepherd brought.
And why for the sheep should we earnestly long,
And as earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger! If they go wrong,
They will lead the lambs astray.
For the lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray;
When the sheep go wrong, it will not be long
Until the lambs are as wrong as they.
And so for the sheep we earnestly plead,
For the sake of the lambs today;
If the lambs are lost, what terrible cost
Some sheep will have to pay."
Yesterday, I found this poem by an unknown author and it challenged my heart. May God help us as sheep to walk humbly with Him -- to follow where He leads and pasture where He feeds -- to grow in grace -- to dig deeper and climb higher -- to trust and obey -- to cherish the "Old Rugged Cross" -- to live a holy life so that the lambs following behind will not be led astray.
"It was a sheep, not a lamb, that strayed away,
In the parable Jesus told;
A grown-up sheep, that had gone astray
From ninety and nine in the fold.
Out on the hillside, out in the cold,
It was a sheep the Good Shepherd sought;
And back to the flock, safe into the fold,
It was a sheep the Good Shepherd brought.
And why for the sheep should we earnestly long,
And as earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger! If they go wrong,
They will lead the lambs astray.
For the lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray;
When the sheep go wrong, it will not be long
Until the lambs are as wrong as they.
And so for the sheep we earnestly plead,
For the sake of the lambs today;
If the lambs are lost, what terrible cost
Some sheep will have to pay."
Monday, November 4, 2019
My Shepherd
The 23rd Psalm is widely known as one of the most familiar and best-loved passages of scripture in all the Word of God. The first verse says --"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." What blessed assurance -- what sweetness -- what comfort -- and what wonderful peace is found in those familiar words! As we begin a new week, I'm so very thankful that I belong to the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep.
I like this beautiful little story --
"Dr. Forsyth has told how a friend of his was on a sheep farm in Australia and saw the owner take a little lamb and place it in a huge enclosure where there were several thousand sheep whose bleating, together with the shouting of the sheep shearers, was deafening. Then the lamb uttered its feeble cry, and the mother sheep at the other end of the enclosure heard it and started to find her lamb. (Praise the Lord)!
'Do not imagine that you are beyond the reach of the Good Shepherd,' said the preacher. 'He sees you, He hears you -- every good desire of yours is known to Him, and every secret longing for better things. He sees you as if there were no other child in the whole world'." Amen!
And as you live this week for Jesus, don't forget the wonderful promise in I Peter 5:4 --
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
I like this beautiful little story --
"Dr. Forsyth has told how a friend of his was on a sheep farm in Australia and saw the owner take a little lamb and place it in a huge enclosure where there were several thousand sheep whose bleating, together with the shouting of the sheep shearers, was deafening. Then the lamb uttered its feeble cry, and the mother sheep at the other end of the enclosure heard it and started to find her lamb. (Praise the Lord)!
'Do not imagine that you are beyond the reach of the Good Shepherd,' said the preacher. 'He sees you, He hears you -- every good desire of yours is known to Him, and every secret longing for better things. He sees you as if there were no other child in the whole world'." Amen!
And as you live this week for Jesus, don't forget the wonderful promise in I Peter 5:4 --
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
Friday, November 1, 2019
Keep On Praying!
A couple of days ago, I put a poem, by Harper Welch, on my Blog about our prayer life. Since today is Friday, and we are looking to the coming Lord's Day, I wanted to continue with some thoughts on prayer. The songwriter said --
"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!"
I like this quote that someone has said --
"You have not really prayed until your heart has talked."
And the Psalmist said --
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."
I found the following quotes a few days ago in a Bible my husband gave me in 1976. They spoke to my heart, and I trust they will to yours also.
"The winning quality in prayer is persistence."
"Men may spurn your appeals, reject your messages, and oppose your arguments, but they are helpless against your prayers."
"Prayer is our highest privilege, our gravest responsibility, and the greatest power God has put into our hands. Prayer, real prayer, is the noblest, the sublimest, the most stupendous act that any creature of God can perform." (May God help us to see it as we should).
Dwight L. Moody has said --"Behind every great movement of God, there is a kneeling figure."
And the Lord said in Jeremiah 33:3 --
"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Praise the Lord!!
"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!"
I like this quote that someone has said --
"You have not really prayed until your heart has talked."
And the Psalmist said --
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy."
I found the following quotes a few days ago in a Bible my husband gave me in 1976. They spoke to my heart, and I trust they will to yours also.
"The winning quality in prayer is persistence."
"Men may spurn your appeals, reject your messages, and oppose your arguments, but they are helpless against your prayers."
"Prayer is our highest privilege, our gravest responsibility, and the greatest power God has put into our hands. Prayer, real prayer, is the noblest, the sublimest, the most stupendous act that any creature of God can perform." (May God help us to see it as we should).
Dwight L. Moody has said --"Behind every great movement of God, there is a kneeling figure."
And the Lord said in Jeremiah 33:3 --
"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Praise the Lord!!
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Prayer Life!
We read in God's Word that "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." We are admonished in God's Word to "Pray without ceasing." (I Thessalonians 5:17) Earnest, intercessory prayer is, perhaps, one of the greatest needs of the church today. Without prayer, we are powerless and fruitless! I think the verse in Ezekiel 22:30 is such a sad verse. I picture the Master looking -- seeking -- longing -- for a man to pray -- to intercede -- to stand in the gap for the land, but He found none. Can you feel God's longing and disappointment in these sad words --
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."
I trust this poem by Harper Welch will challenge your heart today, as it has mine.
" I failed to pray --
And icy chords of earth slipped round my soul.
My heart, once warm with love, turned chill --
And dead toward Him who gave Himself and died for me.
The needy souls of men about me touched me not.
No surges of compassion filled my being,
No springs of human kindness for the helpless;
No joy, no peace, no satisfaction for my portion,
Because I failed to pray.
But then, I prayed --
And heaven's warmth burned in my once cold heart,
And God's great love was mine in fullest measure.
The needs of men weighed heavily upon me;
My obligations to my Lord were clear and plain.
And 'Peace which passeth understanding' --
Joy, and life abundant, and a glow deep settled:
These I knew through God, my Heavenly Father,
Because I prayed.
Help me, dear Lord, to pray as I ought, always,
Not fainting with the tensions of my life;
But strong, and stalwart, and courageous in the faith,
Supported by the Spirit, and the grace which can and shall be mine,
Because I pray!"
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."
I trust this poem by Harper Welch will challenge your heart today, as it has mine.
" I failed to pray --
And icy chords of earth slipped round my soul.
My heart, once warm with love, turned chill --
And dead toward Him who gave Himself and died for me.
The needy souls of men about me touched me not.
No surges of compassion filled my being,
No springs of human kindness for the helpless;
No joy, no peace, no satisfaction for my portion,
Because I failed to pray.
But then, I prayed --
And heaven's warmth burned in my once cold heart,
And God's great love was mine in fullest measure.
The needs of men weighed heavily upon me;
My obligations to my Lord were clear and plain.
And 'Peace which passeth understanding' --
Joy, and life abundant, and a glow deep settled:
These I knew through God, my Heavenly Father,
Because I prayed.
Help me, dear Lord, to pray as I ought, always,
Not fainting with the tensions of my life;
But strong, and stalwart, and courageous in the faith,
Supported by the Spirit, and the grace which can and shall be mine,
Because I pray!"
Monday, October 28, 2019
Turn Back ---
Yesterday was a blessed day in the house of the Lord, but I wonder -- where do you find yourself on the road of life this Monday morning? Are you traveling down the broad way that leadeth to destruction, or are you walking in the narrow way which leadeth unto life?
Last night at church, my son sang a song which my husband used to sing. It always touched my heart, and still does, as I picture the Good Shepherd searching for the lost sheep. Do you need to turn back today?
"I strolled along the road one day -- but it was not the narrow way;
I met a stranger -- He spoke to me.
He said, 'My child, where goest thou?' I said --
'I seek the road just now to wordly pleasures along the way.'
I said, 'There is so much to see -- I cannot turn, I must be free --
New fields to conquer as on I go.
I never shall forget that day -- How sad He looked as He turned away!
He bowed His head -- and He dropped a tear.
And as I journeyed on my way, I stooped to pick a lovely spray,
But it was sorrow that looked so gay.
And then a dark cloud rolled my way; twas then I heard the Saviour say,
'Turn back, my child -- come home with Me.'
'Turn back my child, for the way is very steep --
The things you'll find out there you cannot keep --
The way is filled with thorns, and the things you'll find are cheap --
Turn back, my child -- come home with Me.'
And then He gently took my hand -- He lifted me from sinking sand;
He said, 'My child--believe in Me' --
And then such beauty I beheld! I'm sure that I could never tell
Just why He saved a wretch like me.'
Turn back, my child, for the way is very steep --
The things you'll find out there you cannot keep --
The way is filled with thorns, and the things you'll find are cheap --
Turn back, my child -- come home with Me.'"
Jesus is calling to you this morning --"Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Amen!
Last night at church, my son sang a song which my husband used to sing. It always touched my heart, and still does, as I picture the Good Shepherd searching for the lost sheep. Do you need to turn back today?
"I strolled along the road one day -- but it was not the narrow way;
I met a stranger -- He spoke to me.
He said, 'My child, where goest thou?' I said --
'I seek the road just now to wordly pleasures along the way.'
I said, 'There is so much to see -- I cannot turn, I must be free --
New fields to conquer as on I go.
I never shall forget that day -- How sad He looked as He turned away!
He bowed His head -- and He dropped a tear.
And as I journeyed on my way, I stooped to pick a lovely spray,
But it was sorrow that looked so gay.
And then a dark cloud rolled my way; twas then I heard the Saviour say,
'Turn back, my child -- come home with Me.'
'Turn back my child, for the way is very steep --
The things you'll find out there you cannot keep --
The way is filled with thorns, and the things you'll find are cheap --
Turn back, my child -- come home with Me.'
And then He gently took my hand -- He lifted me from sinking sand;
He said, 'My child--believe in Me' --
And then such beauty I beheld! I'm sure that I could never tell
Just why He saved a wretch like me.'
Turn back, my child, for the way is very steep --
The things you'll find out there you cannot keep --
The way is filled with thorns, and the things you'll find are cheap --
Turn back, my child -- come home with Me.'"
Jesus is calling to you this morning --"Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Amen!
Friday, October 25, 2019
My Pastor!
October has been designated as "Pastor Appreciation" month, and this Sunday, the 27th, is the last Sunday of the month. Of course, if your pastor is a man of God, he is worthy of your support-- your prayers--your encouragement--your faithfulness in giving and attendance all through the year!
Lisa Morgan, in 1994, wrote a tribute to her pastor in the following words:
"Your willingness to follow God's leadership inspires us to do the same.
Your walk of faith encourages us to walk along unafraid.
Your desire for wisdom prompts us to read and study our Bible more.
Your belief that all things are possible gives us wings to soar.
Your humble, loving, spirit, lets us know you care.
Thank you, our good pastor, for always being there."
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father." I Thessalonians 1:2-3
Special Appreciation to my own pastor, Bro. Wallace Thornton, for his faithful ministry to our church family!
Lisa Morgan, in 1994, wrote a tribute to her pastor in the following words:
"Your willingness to follow God's leadership inspires us to do the same.
Your walk of faith encourages us to walk along unafraid.
Your desire for wisdom prompts us to read and study our Bible more.
Your belief that all things are possible gives us wings to soar.
Your humble, loving, spirit, lets us know you care.
Thank you, our good pastor, for always being there."
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father." I Thessalonians 1:2-3
Special Appreciation to my own pastor, Bro. Wallace Thornton, for his faithful ministry to our church family!
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
"So much the more . . ."
It is a beautiful morning here in Indiana where I live! I love the beautiful sunshine streaming through my windows, and I am thankful for the sunshine in my soul that warms my heart this morning. And--for a little extra blessing this morning, I am looking forward to the mid-week service at my church tonight as I do every Wednesday! It's like a needed "booster shot" to give me extra guidance and help for the rest of the week as my heart is blessed and encouraged by the singing of the sweet little children, the testimonies of the saints, and the devotional from our pastor.
It makes me sad when I hear that churches don't have the mid-week service anymore, and I think of this scripture in Hebrews 10:23-25--
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised);
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
The Bible also contains a special promise that where even just two or three are gathered together in Christ's name, He will be in the midst of them! Praise the Lord!
Frances Ridley Havergal wrote a beautiful hymn of consecration in 1874. I trust it will be the desire and prayer of our hearts today --
"Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my moments and my days -- let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold -- not a mite would I with-hold.
Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine -- it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart -- it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love -- my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself -- and I will be ever, only, all for Thee." Amen!
It makes me sad when I hear that churches don't have the mid-week service anymore, and I think of this scripture in Hebrews 10:23-25--
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised);
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
The Bible also contains a special promise that where even just two or three are gathered together in Christ's name, He will be in the midst of them! Praise the Lord!
Frances Ridley Havergal wrote a beautiful hymn of consecration in 1874. I trust it will be the desire and prayer of our hearts today --
"Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee.
Take my moments and my days -- let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold -- not a mite would I with-hold.
Take my intellect and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine -- it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart -- it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love -- my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself -- and I will be ever, only, all for Thee." Amen!
Monday, October 21, 2019
PRAYER
The other day I was looking in a Bible my husband had given me in 1976, and I found this very sobering quote -- convicting me, and reminding me again of the supreme importance of intercessory prayer!
"When I stand before God on the judgment day -- saved at a fearful cost,
Will someone be there, who for lack of prayer, must go to the world of the lost?
Will somebody's eyes look up at me, with hopeless, accusing stare?
Will somebody say, 'I might have been saved if you had been instant in prayer?'
Will someone go down to endless despair, to spend the eternal years
Where hope is unknown, and rest never, in anguish too bitter for tears,
Because I neglected to mind the Lord, neglected to fast and pray?
For the Lord of the harvest plainly said that this was the only way.
Lord, help me now to improve the time -- O, help me, Lord to see --
That no one may say at the judgment day -- 'Why did you not pray for me?'"
God's Word tells us in the book of James: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Dwight L. Moody said: "Behind every great movement of God there is a kneeling figure."
May the following little quote challenge our hearts as we begin another week of living for Jesus, our wonderful Lord!
"Every day God leaves us here on earth, we are to be like Salt (making others thirsty for God), a Magnet (drawing others to God), and Light (pointing the way to God)."
"When I stand before God on the judgment day -- saved at a fearful cost,
Will someone be there, who for lack of prayer, must go to the world of the lost?
Will somebody's eyes look up at me, with hopeless, accusing stare?
Will somebody say, 'I might have been saved if you had been instant in prayer?'
Will someone go down to endless despair, to spend the eternal years
Where hope is unknown, and rest never, in anguish too bitter for tears,
Because I neglected to mind the Lord, neglected to fast and pray?
For the Lord of the harvest plainly said that this was the only way.
Lord, help me now to improve the time -- O, help me, Lord to see --
That no one may say at the judgment day -- 'Why did you not pray for me?'"
God's Word tells us in the book of James: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Dwight L. Moody said: "Behind every great movement of God there is a kneeling figure."
May the following little quote challenge our hearts as we begin another week of living for Jesus, our wonderful Lord!
"Every day God leaves us here on earth, we are to be like Salt (making others thirsty for God), a Magnet (drawing others to God), and Light (pointing the way to God)."
Friday, October 18, 2019
AMEN!!
In II Corinthians 1:20, we find a wonderful little verse -- "For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." That wonderful little four letter word, "Amen", is quite a remarkable word and is practically a universal word. It has been called the best-known word in human speech. I read in a little devotional that it is almost identical to the Hebrew word for believe or faithful. It is a beautiful expression of absolute trust and confidence, so that when we pray according to God's will we know He will answer, so we close our prayer with "Amen".
This wonderful little word, "Amen", is even a title of Christ Himself, for we see that the last of His letters to the seven churches in Revelation begins with a beautiful salutation by the glorified Lord:
"These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God" (Revelation 3:14). As our text verse reminds us -- every promise of God in Christ is "yea and amen", so it seems very meaningful that the entire Bible closes with an "amen" in Revelation 22:21 --
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Praise the Lord! It makes me want to sing along with the songwriter --
"Hallelujah! Amen! Hallelujah! Amen!
Hallelujah! Amen! Amen! Amen!"
This wonderful little word, "Amen", is even a title of Christ Himself, for we see that the last of His letters to the seven churches in Revelation begins with a beautiful salutation by the glorified Lord:
"These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God" (Revelation 3:14). As our text verse reminds us -- every promise of God in Christ is "yea and amen", so it seems very meaningful that the entire Bible closes with an "amen" in Revelation 22:21 --
"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Praise the Lord! It makes me want to sing along with the songwriter --
"Hallelujah! Amen! Hallelujah! Amen!
Hallelujah! Amen! Amen! Amen!"
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
PROBLEMS!!
I suppose everyone has a few problems from time to time, so let us look in God's Word for a few moments. The 55th Psalm seems to be a Psalm of "complaint" as David tries to deal with the great problems and burdens that are overwhelming him. His first instinct seems to be to run away from them, for he says in verse 6: "And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest." He continues his lament in verse 7 and 8 --
"Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." However, we know the prophet, Jonah, tried that same strategy of fleeing years later, and encountered worse problems. We must remember that we do not solve problems by fleeing from them!
The Psalmist continued to complain, saying in verse 9 --
"Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues ..." His burdens were no doubt heavier because those whom he had trusted as friends were now using deceit and guile against him (verses 11-14).
Finally, after all of David's fretful searching and complaining, near the end of the Psalm, the Lord gave him a beautiful answer in this wonderful promise -- "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Praise the Lord!!
So we see that the way to deal with burdens and problems is not to flee from them -- not to fret about them -- but to turn them over to our wonderful Lord, for we read in I Peter 5:7 --- "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."
"What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer"!
"Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." However, we know the prophet, Jonah, tried that same strategy of fleeing years later, and encountered worse problems. We must remember that we do not solve problems by fleeing from them!
The Psalmist continued to complain, saying in verse 9 --
"Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues ..." His burdens were no doubt heavier because those whom he had trusted as friends were now using deceit and guile against him (verses 11-14).
Finally, after all of David's fretful searching and complaining, near the end of the Psalm, the Lord gave him a beautiful answer in this wonderful promise -- "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Praise the Lord!!
So we see that the way to deal with burdens and problems is not to flee from them -- not to fret about them -- but to turn them over to our wonderful Lord, for we read in I Peter 5:7 --- "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."
"What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer"!
Monday, October 14, 2019
PERFECT LOVE
The 13th chapter of I Corinthians has been called the Love Chapter, and is such a beautiful picture of the blessed experience of perfect love or holiness of heart and life which is still for us all today! I like this little summary of the chapter taken from Knight's Master Book of New Illustrations.
Slow to suspect -- quick to trust,
Slow to condemn -- quick to justify,
Slow to offend -- quick to defend,
Slow to expose -- quick to shield,
Slow to reprimand -- quick to forbear,
Slow to belittle -- quick to appreciate,
Slow to demand -- quick to give,
Slow to provoke -- quick to conciliate,
Slow to hinder -- quick to help,
Slow to resent -- quick to forgive.
Perhaps it would be good for us to post this little quote where we would see it often as we go about our duties from day to day:
"Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully."
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Slow to suspect -- quick to trust,
Slow to condemn -- quick to justify,
Slow to offend -- quick to defend,
Slow to expose -- quick to shield,
Slow to reprimand -- quick to forbear,
Slow to belittle -- quick to appreciate,
Slow to demand -- quick to give,
Slow to provoke -- quick to conciliate,
Slow to hinder -- quick to help,
Slow to resent -- quick to forgive.
Perhaps it would be good for us to post this little quote where we would see it often as we go about our duties from day to day:
"Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully."
"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Friday, October 11, 2019
Go Forward!
The 14th chapter of Exodus begins with the Lord talking to Moses and giving him instructions to speak unto the children of Israel concerning the Egyptians and Pharaoh, the king of Egypt! You can read this "message" in the first 12 verses of the chapter. Then we read on ---
Verse 13: "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever."
Verse 14: "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." I don't know what happened between verse 14 and verse 15, but verse 15 reads: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Moses obeyed, and God gave them victory, until in verse 25, we read: ". . .the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians."
So it seems from these challenging verses that the Lord does not want us to be satisfied with where we are right now in our spiritual journey -- He wants us to be scaling the utmost heights where we can catch a gleam of glory bright! There are new challenges to accept -- new difficulties to overcome -- new victories to be won -- new doors to be entered -- new knowledge to be gained -- new doors that need to be entered and new souls all around us who need Jesus!
Let us not be like many people are when getting into the water -- let us never be satisfied with just sticking our toes in gradually, but let us plunge in and wade out deeper into the challenges that face us in these perilous times!
"Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the Cross of Jesus going on before."
Verse 13: "And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will shew to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever."
Verse 14: "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." I don't know what happened between verse 14 and verse 15, but verse 15 reads: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward." Moses obeyed, and God gave them victory, until in verse 25, we read: ". . .the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians."
So it seems from these challenging verses that the Lord does not want us to be satisfied with where we are right now in our spiritual journey -- He wants us to be scaling the utmost heights where we can catch a gleam of glory bright! There are new challenges to accept -- new difficulties to overcome -- new victories to be won -- new doors to be entered -- new knowledge to be gained -- new doors that need to be entered and new souls all around us who need Jesus!
Let us not be like many people are when getting into the water -- let us never be satisfied with just sticking our toes in gradually, but let us plunge in and wade out deeper into the challenges that face us in these perilous times!
"Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war,
With the Cross of Jesus going on before."
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Mid-week Musings!
It is a beautiful fall morning, and I trust that your day is off to a good start! I thought perhaps it would be beneficial for us to spend a little time thinking about these seven quotes as we journey through the week. Perhaps you might need to jot one down and put it where you can refer to it often.
"Sign in a grocery store: CLERK WANTED to work eight hours a day (to replace one that didn't.)"
"Be careful with half-truths. You may have been told the wrong half."
"Every time you graduate from the school of experience, somebody thinks up a new course."
"Human beings, like chickens, thrive best when they have to scratch for what they want."
"Ambition never gets anywhere until it forms a partnership with work."
"A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but, sad to say, the world will always keep its eye on the spot where the crack was."
"Character is the sum total of what a man is after he has won all -- and it is the sole thing left after he has lost all."
"Sign in a grocery store: CLERK WANTED to work eight hours a day (to replace one that didn't.)"
"Be careful with half-truths. You may have been told the wrong half."
"Every time you graduate from the school of experience, somebody thinks up a new course."
"Human beings, like chickens, thrive best when they have to scratch for what they want."
"Ambition never gets anywhere until it forms a partnership with work."
"A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but, sad to say, the world will always keep its eye on the spot where the crack was."
"Character is the sum total of what a man is after he has won all -- and it is the sole thing left after he has lost all."
Monday, October 7, 2019
Blessings We Have . . .
On this Monday morning, the blessings we have in Christ are far too many to number, but I trust your heart will be blessed as we note just a few of those in God's Word indicated by the words "we have" or "ye have".
"We have" redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). And as a result, "being justified by faith, "we have" peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
Then, through promises such as these, God's Holy Word assures us of salvation. I love this beautiful verse in I John 5:13 -- "These things have I written unto that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that "ye have" eternal life". And Romans 8:15 says -- "Ye have" received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father".
Ephesians 1:11 tells us -- "we have" obtained an inheritance, for we are joint-heirs with Him. Praise the Lord! Hebrews 4:14 tells us that "we have" a great High Priest who intercedes for us at the throne of God! And in the 6th chapter of Hebrews we read about God confirming His promises and the blessed hope that "we might have" a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope "we have" as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast."
Let us end with this wonderful promise in II Corinthians 5:1 -- "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, "we have" a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." These are just a very few of the blessings we have in Christ! Surely we can sing with the songwriter today --
"I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live, I am blessed!"
"We have" redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). And as a result, "being justified by faith, "we have" peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).
Then, through promises such as these, God's Holy Word assures us of salvation. I love this beautiful verse in I John 5:13 -- "These things have I written unto that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that "ye have" eternal life". And Romans 8:15 says -- "Ye have" received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father".
Ephesians 1:11 tells us -- "we have" obtained an inheritance, for we are joint-heirs with Him. Praise the Lord! Hebrews 4:14 tells us that "we have" a great High Priest who intercedes for us at the throne of God! And in the 6th chapter of Hebrews we read about God confirming His promises and the blessed hope that "we might have" a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope "we have" as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast."
Let us end with this wonderful promise in II Corinthians 5:1 -- "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, "we have" a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." These are just a very few of the blessings we have in Christ! Surely we can sing with the songwriter today --
"I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live, I am blessed!"
Friday, October 4, 2019
The KING of GLORY!
The songwriter said: "I belong to the King, I'm a child of His love, and He never forsaketh His own. He will call me some day to His palace above. I shall dwell by His glorified throne."
The Apostle Paul said in I Timothy: "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and Glory for ever and ever. Amen!"
The Psalmist, David, said 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."
We live in a very busy age, and our days are filled with the "cares of life", but if we really take time to "see" the King of Glory -- our lives should bear witness of the fact that we have been with Jesus! May we walk carefully in the light of God's Holy Word, anticipating the day when King Immanuel shall reign for-ever-more as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!
The Apostle Paul said in I Timothy: "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and Glory for ever and ever. Amen!"
The Psalmist, David, said 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."
We live in a very busy age, and our days are filled with the "cares of life", but if we really take time to "see" the King of Glory -- our lives should bear witness of the fact that we have been with Jesus! May we walk carefully in the light of God's Holy Word, anticipating the day when King Immanuel shall reign for-ever-more as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
"The Creation"
You have probably read, or perhaps even memorized, this wonderful poem by James Weldon Johnson, but I just ran across it again last evening and it always thrills my soul to read it! I trust that it will be a blessing to your heart as you reflect again on "What a Mighty God We Serve"!
"And God stepped out on space, and He looked around and said:
I'm lonely -- I'll make Me a world.
And 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!"
"And God stepped out on space, and He looked around and said:
I'm lonely -- I'll make Me a world.
And 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!"
Monday, September 30, 2019
In Everything ---
Praise the Lord for this beautiful Monday morning! The month of September has sped swiftly by, and today finds us anticipating the lovely month of October with its crisp air and the trees adorning themselves in their delightful colors of red, orange and yellow!
Today, my heart is still rejoicing as I reflect on the services yesterday in the house of the Lord -- beautiful music -- challenging messages from our pastor, and best of all -- the sense of God's sweet presence in our midst! What a joy it is to be a "Child of the King"!
This morning, I want to especially thank the Lord for His Holy Word which is such a blessed lamp for my feet and light for my path. There are so many rich nuggets of Gold in God's Word to challenge and encourage us as we walk the pathway of life.
Notice carefully these two verses in the little book of Habakkuk: "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herds in the stalls: yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
To me, this verse is quite amazing! When it seems that all hope is gone, the prophet of God declares that he is going to rejoice in the Lord!!
I think we would agree that it is pretty easy to be happy and cheerful in times of prosperity -- enjoying all the comforts of an affluent lifestyle, and everything seems to be going great! However, the testing times come when these material comforts may be taken away and we find ourselves feeling defeated and alone! But then we can utter these three words -- "Except for God"!! Whatever else may fail, our Lord has promised -- "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) What a blessed comfort to know that our Master has promised to never leave us or forsake us!
Our Lord has commanded us in I Thessalonians 5:18 -- "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Notice that the Apostle instructed us -- not "for" everything, but "in" everything! Certainly, this has always been one of the greatest testimonies we can give -- the testimony of a life rejoicing in God's salvation even in the midst of trouble.
"In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow, I know He will walk with me."
Today, my heart is still rejoicing as I reflect on the services yesterday in the house of the Lord -- beautiful music -- challenging messages from our pastor, and best of all -- the sense of God's sweet presence in our midst! What a joy it is to be a "Child of the King"!
This morning, I want to especially thank the Lord for His Holy Word which is such a blessed lamp for my feet and light for my path. There are so many rich nuggets of Gold in God's Word to challenge and encourage us as we walk the pathway of life.
Notice carefully these two verses in the little book of Habakkuk: "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herds in the stalls: yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
To me, this verse is quite amazing! When it seems that all hope is gone, the prophet of God declares that he is going to rejoice in the Lord!!
I think we would agree that it is pretty easy to be happy and cheerful in times of prosperity -- enjoying all the comforts of an affluent lifestyle, and everything seems to be going great! However, the testing times come when these material comforts may be taken away and we find ourselves feeling defeated and alone! But then we can utter these three words -- "Except for God"!! Whatever else may fail, our Lord has promised -- "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) What a blessed comfort to know that our Master has promised to never leave us or forsake us!
Our Lord has commanded us in I Thessalonians 5:18 -- "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Notice that the Apostle instructed us -- not "for" everything, but "in" everything! Certainly, this has always been one of the greatest testimonies we can give -- the testimony of a life rejoicing in God's salvation even in the midst of trouble.
"In joy or in sorrow, today and tomorrow, I know He will walk with me."
Friday, September 27, 2019
Praying from the heart!
I love this beautiful verse in Lamentations 3:41 -- "Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens." When I read it, I picture myself looking up to my Heavenly Father with my heart in my hands -- loving Him, praising Him, worshiping Him, and thanking Him for saving a sinner like me! Perhaps we need to remember that God listens more closely to our hearts than the phrases from our lips. We must lift up our hearts to the Lord, not just our hands or our voices. Then He will hear in heaven!
In this busy day in which we live, our minds crowded with the cares of life -- if we are not careful, it is very easy to let our prayers become rather routine and repetitious, but I like these two little quotes:
"Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue."
"You have not prayed until your heart has talked."
We need to feel as the Psalmist felt in Psalm 42:1: "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God." Our prayers must also come from a believing heart. We read in James 1:6-7 --
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord."
Then we read again in James 5:16, this wonderful promise --
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
So as we look to the coming Lord's Day, may the Lord help us to pray effectually, earnestly and fervently for His glory and the upbuilding of His Kingdom!
In this busy day in which we live, our minds crowded with the cares of life -- if we are not careful, it is very easy to let our prayers become rather routine and repetitious, but I like these two little quotes:
"Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue."
"You have not prayed until your heart has talked."
We need to feel as the Psalmist felt in Psalm 42:1: "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God." Our prayers must also come from a believing heart. We read in James 1:6-7 --
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord."
Then we read again in James 5:16, this wonderful promise --
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
So as we look to the coming Lord's Day, may the Lord help us to pray effectually, earnestly and fervently for His glory and the upbuilding of His Kingdom!
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Family Celebrations!
September is a big month for our family! This month finds us celebrating three wedding anniversaries and four birthdays! (And today is the last grand event of the month -- Happy Anniversary to my youngest son, Joel, and his sweet wife, Mandy). It is always a happy time when the family gets together, recalls sweet memories of the past year, enjoys eating cake and ice cream, and plays games together! It makes me think of the song by Bill Gaither -- "I love the thrill that I feel when I get together with God's wonderful people . . ."
And then I remember -- our little celebrations here are as nothing when we think about the glorious celebration that awaits us at the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb".
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." (Revelation 19:7-9)
Sometimes we may have to miss family celebrations here on earth, but let us make up our mind that we will allow absolutely nothing, small or great, to hinder us from being at the marriage supper of the Lamb!
And then I remember -- our little celebrations here are as nothing when we think about the glorious celebration that awaits us at the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb".
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God." (Revelation 19:7-9)
Sometimes we may have to miss family celebrations here on earth, but let us make up our mind that we will allow absolutely nothing, small or great, to hinder us from being at the marriage supper of the Lamb!
Monday, September 23, 2019
The Master's Hand --
Some time ago, I put this beautiful poem by Dorothy Barter on my Blog. I happened to see it yesterday, and felt like I wanted to share it again.
"I never knew the old, brown violin,
That was so long in some dark corner thrust --
Its strings broken or loose, its pegs run down,
Could ever be of use again.
The dust of years lay on its shabby case,
Until one day a Master took the instrument,
And with caressing fingers touched the wood,
Adjusted pegs and strings --
His mind intent on making music as he drew his bow.
Then from the violin, long silent,
Sprang once more arpeggios, runs, trills.
The wood quivered, leapt into life, and joyous sang.
I now believe that any broken life,
Jangling with discords, unadjusted --
Tossed in some far corner, wasted, thrown aside --
Can yet be of some use --
Need not be lost from Heaven's orchestra.
A Master's Hand, scarred with old wounds,
Can mend the broken thing if yielded to Him wholly;
And can make the dumb life speak again, and joyous sing
In praise of One who gave His life that none need perish.
And this message, glad, most blest, I now believe;
For placing in His Hand my life, I find my world is now at rest."
My friend, before we meet Jesus, we are like the screechy and battered old brown violin. We are battered instruments -- life's strings have been snapped -- life's bow has been bent! And yet, if we will only yield to the Master, and let Him touch and mend our broken, sinful life -- from our battered, broken, shattered and marred instrument, He can bring forth music fit for the angels!
Thank you, dear Jesus, for "The Touch of the Master's Hand"!
"I never knew the old, brown violin,
That was so long in some dark corner thrust --
Its strings broken or loose, its pegs run down,
Could ever be of use again.
The dust of years lay on its shabby case,
Until one day a Master took the instrument,
And with caressing fingers touched the wood,
Adjusted pegs and strings --
His mind intent on making music as he drew his bow.
Then from the violin, long silent,
Sprang once more arpeggios, runs, trills.
The wood quivered, leapt into life, and joyous sang.
I now believe that any broken life,
Jangling with discords, unadjusted --
Tossed in some far corner, wasted, thrown aside --
Can yet be of some use --
Need not be lost from Heaven's orchestra.
A Master's Hand, scarred with old wounds,
Can mend the broken thing if yielded to Him wholly;
And can make the dumb life speak again, and joyous sing
In praise of One who gave His life that none need perish.
And this message, glad, most blest, I now believe;
For placing in His Hand my life, I find my world is now at rest."
My friend, before we meet Jesus, we are like the screechy and battered old brown violin. We are battered instruments -- life's strings have been snapped -- life's bow has been bent! And yet, if we will only yield to the Master, and let Him touch and mend our broken, sinful life -- from our battered, broken, shattered and marred instrument, He can bring forth music fit for the angels!
Thank you, dear Jesus, for "The Touch of the Master's Hand"!
Friday, September 20, 2019
Longing -- Going -- Following --
"Are you going on with Jesus? The way goes through Gethsemane, through the city gate, and on 'outside the camp.' The way is lonely and goes on until there is no longer even a trace of a footprint to follow -- but only the voice saying, "Follow Me." When I read this quote by Oswald Chambers, it brought to my mind the soul-searching hymn, "Is Your All on the Altar" by Elisha Hoffman.
As we look to the coming Lord's Day, let us take time to prayerfully read and think upon the words of this wonderful song.
"You have longed for sweet peace, and for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest
Until all on the altar is laid.
Would you walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will; to be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.
Oh, we never can know what the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed
Till our body and soul He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.
Who can tell all the love He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made;
Of the fellowship sweet we shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid!
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest
As you yield Him your body and soul."
As we look to the coming Lord's Day, let us take time to prayerfully read and think upon the words of this wonderful song.
"You have longed for sweet peace, and for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest or be perfectly blest
Until all on the altar is laid.
Would you walk with the Lord, in the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will; to be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.
Oh, we never can know what the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed
Till our body and soul He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.
Who can tell all the love He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made;
Of the fellowship sweet we shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid!
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest and have peace and sweet rest
As you yield Him your body and soul."
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Whatsoever ---
In the first book of the Old Testament, we find this short command: "Whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do." (Genesis 31:16) In the New Testament, we find a very similar command in John 2:5 -- "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it."
These are, no doubt, some of the most important words in all the Bible, for it is impossible to live a victorious Christian life without complete obedience to the will of God.
I read a little quotation some time ago, and I think about it quite often. It said -- "Life's supreme and most important matter is that of obedience to God." There are so many things in life that we think are of great importance, but if we are not careful we will forget or neglect the most important!
Perhaps it would be good, right now, to take a little time and reflect on the things that are important to us. Do any of these "important" things take precedence over, or hinder, our obedience to God?
We must remember that it is obedience that brings the blessing! So let us "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!"
These are, no doubt, some of the most important words in all the Bible, for it is impossible to live a victorious Christian life without complete obedience to the will of God.
I read a little quotation some time ago, and I think about it quite often. It said -- "Life's supreme and most important matter is that of obedience to God." There are so many things in life that we think are of great importance, but if we are not careful we will forget or neglect the most important!
Perhaps it would be good, right now, to take a little time and reflect on the things that are important to us. Do any of these "important" things take precedence over, or hinder, our obedience to God?
We must remember that it is obedience that brings the blessing! So let us "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey!"
Monday, September 16, 2019
All Scripture . . .
I'm sure that most of you are very busy on this Monday morning and probably already have your schedules planned for the week. Did you include in your schedule spending time in God's Holy Word? I am afraid that too many of us spend little time in the Word of the Lord, forgetting that it is the necessary food for health and joy in our spiritual lives.
The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:103: "How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
In Deuteronomy 8:3, we are told: "Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live." I love this beautiful thought, and I also love the sweet promise for daily guidance in Psalm 119:105 -- "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
The wonderful testimony of David in Psalm 19:7-9 also speaks to my heart today!
The LAW of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:
The TESTIMONY of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple:
The STATUES of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart:
The COMMANDMENT of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The FEAR of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever:
The JUDGMENTS of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Perhaps these wonderful words from the Old Testament will bring to your mind the great assertion of the Apostle Paul in I Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your blessed Holy Word! Help me to hide it in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee!
The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:103: "How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
In Deuteronomy 8:3, we are told: "Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live." I love this beautiful thought, and I also love the sweet promise for daily guidance in Psalm 119:105 -- "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
The wonderful testimony of David in Psalm 19:7-9 also speaks to my heart today!
The LAW of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:
The TESTIMONY of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple:
The STATUES of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart:
The COMMANDMENT of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The FEAR of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever:
The JUDGMENTS of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Perhaps these wonderful words from the Old Testament will bring to your mind the great assertion of the Apostle Paul in I Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your blessed Holy Word! Help me to hide it in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee!
Friday, September 13, 2019
W A I T ---
This little four letter word, "wait", seems to be a very unpopular word in our society today! Many people can become quite irritated if they have to wait in line at the grocery store -- at the gas station -- at the traffic light -- and worst of all -- if they happen to get delayed on the Interstate for various reasons.
But perhaps it would be good for us to remember that there are many verses in God's Holy Word to remind us of our need to wait on Him! I will share just a few:
"Wait on the Lord, and He shall save thee." (Proverbs 20:22)
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:7)
"Wait on the Lord, and keep His way." (Psalm 37:34)
"They soon forgat His works; they waited not for His counsel." (Psalm 106:13)
When God's Word speaks of "waiting on the Lord", it does not mean that we are just to sit around and do nothing while we wait for something to happen. Rather, it carries the idea of anticipating results -- being alert and watching for God's timing and directions! The beautiful promise of Isaiah 40:31 assures us that the source of our victory comes from God alone! "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
The closing verses of Psalm 37 contain both instructions and blessings --
"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him."
So as we look to the coming Lord's Day, let us prepare our hearts, and let us take time to "Wait upon Him" as we enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with Praise!
But perhaps it would be good for us to remember that there are many verses in God's Holy Word to remind us of our need to wait on Him! I will share just a few:
"Wait on the Lord, and He shall save thee." (Proverbs 20:22)
"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:7)
"Wait on the Lord, and keep His way." (Psalm 37:34)
"They soon forgat His works; they waited not for His counsel." (Psalm 106:13)
When God's Word speaks of "waiting on the Lord", it does not mean that we are just to sit around and do nothing while we wait for something to happen. Rather, it carries the idea of anticipating results -- being alert and watching for God's timing and directions! The beautiful promise of Isaiah 40:31 assures us that the source of our victory comes from God alone! "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
The closing verses of Psalm 37 contain both instructions and blessings --
"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: He is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him."
So as we look to the coming Lord's Day, let us prepare our hearts, and let us take time to "Wait upon Him" as we enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with Praise!
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
FORGIVENESS!
I think one of the most beautiful stories of forgiveness in all the Bible is the very tender and touching story of the miraculous reunion between Joseph and his brothers as recorded in the last six chapters of Genesis. I believe that this word "forgiveness" is one of the sweetest, most consoling, and healing words known to man. It is wonderful to be forgiven, but it is also wonderful to forgive.
When we humbly forgive and pardon those who have wronged us, our souls seem to be flooded with unspeakable joy and peace; but if we hold on to the injustice we have suffered, and nurse it, soon it becomes a festering wound, filling our mind and spirit with bitterness like the poison of cancer; and it is impossible for our Heavenly Father to forgive us if we do not forgive our fellow man. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15 --
"If ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
So as we walk with the Lord in the coming days, let us earnestly pray that Jesus will help us to always have a very tender, humble, and forgiving spirit toward our fellow man -- the kind that our Master had when He prayed from the Cross -- "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
When we humbly forgive and pardon those who have wronged us, our souls seem to be flooded with unspeakable joy and peace; but if we hold on to the injustice we have suffered, and nurse it, soon it becomes a festering wound, filling our mind and spirit with bitterness like the poison of cancer; and it is impossible for our Heavenly Father to forgive us if we do not forgive our fellow man. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15 --
"If ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
So as we walk with the Lord in the coming days, let us earnestly pray that Jesus will help us to always have a very tender, humble, and forgiving spirit toward our fellow man -- the kind that our Master had when He prayed from the Cross -- "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Monday, September 9, 2019
It's Amazing ---
The songwriter said, "It's Amazing what Praising can do", and I can't think of a better way to begin this week than that of Praising our wonderful Lord who "daily loadeth us with benefits." The Psalmist said -- "Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul." It is interesting to note that the last five Psalms (146-150) begin and end with "Praise ye the Lord." It is sort of like a "Hallelujah Chorus" -- a grand finale to the five books which make up the complete book of Psalms!
We will notice that each of these five books ends in a Doxology --
Book I. "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 41:13)
Book II. "And blessed be His glorious Name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 72:19)
Book III. "Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 89:52)
Book IV: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalm 106:48)
Book V: "My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless His Holy Name for ever and ever." (Psalm 145:21)
So as we begin this new week, let us add our own voice and sing --
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Amen!
We will notice that each of these five books ends in a Doxology --
Book I. "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 41:13)
Book II. "And blessed be His glorious Name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 72:19)
Book III. "Blessed be the Lord for evermore. Amen, and Amen." (Psalm 89:52)
Book IV: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalm 106:48)
Book V: "My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless His Holy Name for ever and ever." (Psalm 145:21)
So as we begin this new week, let us add our own voice and sing --
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." Amen!
Friday, September 6, 2019
REJOICE -- my privilege; my duty
In Psalm 5:11, we read: "But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee."
Perhaps you think it is strange to think of rejoicing as a Christian duty, but you will find that the Scriptures do contain many commands to rejoice (in fact, I Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to "Rejoice evermore"), and it is interesting that many of these are given in circumstances of grief or danger.
The Apostle Paul wrote these words from a Roman dungeon -- "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)
In the upper room, the night before He was to die on the cross, Jesus said to His disciples -- "These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:11)
In the next chapter, Jesus said: "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." (John 16:2) And again, in the 24th verse, Jesus said: "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
If David could rejoice while fleeing from his enemies who wanted to kill him -- if Paul could rejoice and sing praises at midnight while he was chained unjustly in a Roman prison -- if the disciples could experience fullness of joy when facing martyrdom -- and if Jesus Himself, "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2), then perhaps our Christian duty of rejoicing in all circumstances may not be such an absurd command after all.
And as we look to the coming Lord's Day, may we remember that "the joy of the Lord is our strength."
Perhaps you think it is strange to think of rejoicing as a Christian duty, but you will find that the Scriptures do contain many commands to rejoice (in fact, I Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to "Rejoice evermore"), and it is interesting that many of these are given in circumstances of grief or danger.
The Apostle Paul wrote these words from a Roman dungeon -- "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)
In the upper room, the night before He was to die on the cross, Jesus said to His disciples -- "These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:11)
In the next chapter, Jesus said: "They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." (John 16:2) And again, in the 24th verse, Jesus said: "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full."
If David could rejoice while fleeing from his enemies who wanted to kill him -- if Paul could rejoice and sing praises at midnight while he was chained unjustly in a Roman prison -- if the disciples could experience fullness of joy when facing martyrdom -- and if Jesus Himself, "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2), then perhaps our Christian duty of rejoicing in all circumstances may not be such an absurd command after all.
And as we look to the coming Lord's Day, may we remember that "the joy of the Lord is our strength."
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