The 37th Psalm is such a lovely Psalm -- one of my favorites -- and the third verse tells me to "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."
Throughout this Psalm of 49 verses, we see various pictures that provide assurance of God's victory in and through the lives of His saints.
Perhaps we haven't taken time to think much upon it, but "Trust" is a wonderful word! I think we could say it is the most basic, or the "bottom line", of our relationship with Jesus. It sets the foundation, and implies confidence. Proverbs 3:5-6 has been my "life verse" for many years. It has been a wonderful help and blessing to me down through the years -- "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
We all want to enjoy the blessings of God, but it is obedience that brings the blessings. If we want to enjoy the promise given in our opening verse that we will "dwell" and "be fed", then we must obey the commands of our Lord who told us to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Then we can go about our day singing --
"Trust and obey, for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey"!
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Monday, July 29, 2019
July 29, 1940
In Lexington, Missouri, 79 years ago today a baby girl was born in a large, three story home. When the Dr. came to deliver the baby that day, he may have been a little surprised to find that not only the mother and father of the baby to be lived there, but also the grandparents, a great aunt, another aunt and uncle, and a cousin! However, as far as I know, everyone got along "in sweet accord"!
I was the first child -- my daddy was 37 and my mother was 27 when they got married, and I was born 13 months later! As I look back on my life, I can say with the Psalmist -- "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."
When I was about nine years old, my daddy bought a farm in Kansas, and I went to a one-room country school house until the 8th grade. After graduation from High School, I went to College in Bethany, Oklahoma where I met the man I would marry the very first day I was on campus! He was a Texan, and I was not used to cowboy boots, cowboy shirts, and "10 gallon" cowboy hats! But the first time I heard him pray during the college revival, I said in my heart -- "I want to marry a man who can pray like that!" So---I decided I better learn how to lasso so I could get the rope around his neck and rein him in!!
The Lord blessed our home with four wonderful children, and it was a blessed privilege to spend over 50 years in ministry before Dad went to heaven four years ago. I will have to admit that I still miss being "the pastor's wife", but I am so happy that some wonderful young men are answering God's call to preach His Word, and I consider it now a great privilege to pray for them as they begin their ministry in these days of great challenge.
I am very blessed now to live near all of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (except my son, Jonathan, and his family who live in Kansas City). But from the oldest to the youngest, they all bring me lots of joy and happiness --spoil me, and take wonderful care of me!! And I feel my first and greatest responsibility now is to endeavor to do my best to build the Ark according to God's perfect pattern so that He can bring all of the family into the safety of the Ark!
So as I begin another year, I am so very thankful that ---
"I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender. They're leading me in paths that I must trod.
I have no fear when Jesus walks beside me, for I'm sheltered in the arms of God.
So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise, they won't worry me --
He walks with me, and naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God."
I was the first child -- my daddy was 37 and my mother was 27 when they got married, and I was born 13 months later! As I look back on my life, I can say with the Psalmist -- "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage."
When I was about nine years old, my daddy bought a farm in Kansas, and I went to a one-room country school house until the 8th grade. After graduation from High School, I went to College in Bethany, Oklahoma where I met the man I would marry the very first day I was on campus! He was a Texan, and I was not used to cowboy boots, cowboy shirts, and "10 gallon" cowboy hats! But the first time I heard him pray during the college revival, I said in my heart -- "I want to marry a man who can pray like that!" So---I decided I better learn how to lasso so I could get the rope around his neck and rein him in!!
The Lord blessed our home with four wonderful children, and it was a blessed privilege to spend over 50 years in ministry before Dad went to heaven four years ago. I will have to admit that I still miss being "the pastor's wife", but I am so happy that some wonderful young men are answering God's call to preach His Word, and I consider it now a great privilege to pray for them as they begin their ministry in these days of great challenge.
I am very blessed now to live near all of my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (except my son, Jonathan, and his family who live in Kansas City). But from the oldest to the youngest, they all bring me lots of joy and happiness --spoil me, and take wonderful care of me!! And I feel my first and greatest responsibility now is to endeavor to do my best to build the Ark according to God's perfect pattern so that He can bring all of the family into the safety of the Ark!
So as I begin another year, I am so very thankful that ---
"I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender. They're leading me in paths that I must trod.
I have no fear when Jesus walks beside me, for I'm sheltered in the arms of God.
So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise, they won't worry me --
He walks with me, and naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God."
Friday, July 26, 2019
"The Pearly-White City"
I love the quiet peace of the morning as I look out my window to the east, the warm sunshine streaming in -- thankful for my eyes to behold the beauty of the earth all around me, and thinking of the beautiful little verse--the last verse of the wonderful book of Psalms -- "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord."
And sometimes, in the quietness of the morning, the Lord brings to my mind a song that I haven't heard for a long time, and it is always a sweet blessing to my heart. I trust that it will be a blessing to you today, as well.
"There's a holy and beautiful city, whose Builder and Ruler is God;
John saw it descending from heaven, when Patmos in exile he trod.
Its high, massive wall is of Jasper; the city itself is pure Gold;
And when my frail tent here is folded, mine eyes shall its glory behold.
No sin is allowed in that city, and nothing defiling nor mean;
No pain and no sickness can enter; no crape in that city is seen;
Earth's sorrows and cares are forgotten; no tempter is there to annoy;
No parting words ever are spoken; there's nothing to hurt and destroy.
No heartaches are known in that city; no tears ever moisten the eye;
There's no disappointment in heaven, no envy and strife in the sky.
The saints are all sanctified wholly; they live in sweet harmony there.
My heart now is set on that city, and someday its blessings I'll share.
My loved ones are gathering yonder; my friends are fast passing away;
And soon I may join their bright number, and dwell in eternity's day.
They're safe now in glory with Jesus; their trials and battles are past;
They overcame sin and the tempter; they've reached that fair city at last.
In that bright city, pearly white city,
I have a mansion, a harp, and a crown.
Now I am watching, waiting, and longing
For the white city John saw coming down."
And sometimes, in the quietness of the morning, the Lord brings to my mind a song that I haven't heard for a long time, and it is always a sweet blessing to my heart. I trust that it will be a blessing to you today, as well.
"There's a holy and beautiful city, whose Builder and Ruler is God;
John saw it descending from heaven, when Patmos in exile he trod.
Its high, massive wall is of Jasper; the city itself is pure Gold;
And when my frail tent here is folded, mine eyes shall its glory behold.
No sin is allowed in that city, and nothing defiling nor mean;
No pain and no sickness can enter; no crape in that city is seen;
Earth's sorrows and cares are forgotten; no tempter is there to annoy;
No parting words ever are spoken; there's nothing to hurt and destroy.
No heartaches are known in that city; no tears ever moisten the eye;
There's no disappointment in heaven, no envy and strife in the sky.
The saints are all sanctified wholly; they live in sweet harmony there.
My heart now is set on that city, and someday its blessings I'll share.
My loved ones are gathering yonder; my friends are fast passing away;
And soon I may join their bright number, and dwell in eternity's day.
They're safe now in glory with Jesus; their trials and battles are past;
They overcame sin and the tempter; they've reached that fair city at last.
In that bright city, pearly white city,
I have a mansion, a harp, and a crown.
Now I am watching, waiting, and longing
For the white city John saw coming down."
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
God's Word
The 119th Psalm is a marvelous Psalm, and the 89th verse says: "For ever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven." I read recently in a little devotional that "this is the central verse in the longest chapter in the longest book in the Bible." It is surely one of the greatest verses verses in the Bible, for it tells me that the Word of God will exist forever! This little verse assures us that it was eternally settled in the mind of God even before the world was created.
Let us look at some other verses in this wonderful Psalm that stress the eternal truth of God's words:
v. 144 -- "The righteousness of Thy testimonies is everlasting"
v. 152 -- "Concerning Thy testimonies, I have known of old that Thou hast founded them for ever."
v. 160 -- "Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever."
In Isaiah 40:8, we read a glorious proclamation: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever."
The apostle Peter says in I Peter 1:23 -- "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
Jesus Christ Himself said in Matthew 5:18 -- "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." And again in Matthew 24:35 -- "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away."
What a blessed comfort in these perilous times to know that the words of our Bible and its glorious promises are eternal and settled for ever in heaven!
"I am the Lord, I change not!" -- (Malachi 3:6)
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever!" -- (Hebrews 13:8)
Let us look at some other verses in this wonderful Psalm that stress the eternal truth of God's words:
v. 144 -- "The righteousness of Thy testimonies is everlasting"
v. 152 -- "Concerning Thy testimonies, I have known of old that Thou hast founded them for ever."
v. 160 -- "Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever."
In Isaiah 40:8, we read a glorious proclamation: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever."
The apostle Peter says in I Peter 1:23 -- "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
Jesus Christ Himself said in Matthew 5:18 -- "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." And again in Matthew 24:35 -- "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away."
What a blessed comfort in these perilous times to know that the words of our Bible and its glorious promises are eternal and settled for ever in heaven!
"I am the Lord, I change not!" -- (Malachi 3:6)
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever!" -- (Hebrews 13:8)
Monday, July 22, 2019
Psalm 96
It is Monday, and what better way could we start the week than by reading and meditating on this lovely Psalm! In another Psalm, we are told to ". . . Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with Praise." In the first two verses of this Psalm, three times we are told to "Sing", and a few verses later, three times we are told to "Give"! It is my prayer that your heart will be lifted up, blessed, and encouraged as you meditate on this wonderful Psalm through the week!
"O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord all the earth.
Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; shew forth His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.
For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
Honour and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before Him, all the earth.
Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: He shall judge the people righteously.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
Before the Lord: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth."
"O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord all the earth.
Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; shew forth His salvation from day to day.
Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.
For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.
Honour and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength.
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts.
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before Him, all the earth.
Say among the heathen that the Lord reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: He shall judge the people righteously.
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
Before the Lord: for He cometh, for He cometh to judge the earth: He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth."
Friday, July 19, 2019
Paul's Example!
The little Epistle of Paul to the Philippians is a wonderful book! It has only four chapters, but they are full of rich truth and teaching for our Christian experience. It seems to be all about "Rejoicing"--regardless of our present situations and circumstances!
In Philippians 4:9, we read: ""These things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." It is interesting to notice that quite often in his Epistles, Paul urged his readers to follow his example in living the Christian life.
In Philippians 3:17, he said: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
Again, in I Corinthians 4:16, Paul said: "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
Our first reaction to these scriptures might be to think of the Apostle as being a little arrogant -- but at the same time, Paul considered himself to be "the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle." (I Corinthians 15:9). He also spoke of himself as "less than the least of all saints." (Ephesians 3:8).
I think we would all quickly agree that the Apostle Paul was definitely not an egotist in any way, but he knew that his converts needed an example to see, as well as precepts to learn, so he said to the church at Corinth -- "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1).
Today, people need to see Jesus in us, just like they did in Paul's day. Are we living so that when people are following us, they will also be following Christ? What a sobering thought, and what a great responsibility we have when we remember that Jesus said "ye are the light of the world"!
And let us not forget these words from Jesus -- "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven."
In Philippians 4:9, we read: ""These things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." It is interesting to notice that quite often in his Epistles, Paul urged his readers to follow his example in living the Christian life.
In Philippians 3:17, he said: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
Again, in I Corinthians 4:16, Paul said: "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
Our first reaction to these scriptures might be to think of the Apostle as being a little arrogant -- but at the same time, Paul considered himself to be "the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle." (I Corinthians 15:9). He also spoke of himself as "less than the least of all saints." (Ephesians 3:8).
I think we would all quickly agree that the Apostle Paul was definitely not an egotist in any way, but he knew that his converts needed an example to see, as well as precepts to learn, so he said to the church at Corinth -- "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (I Corinthians 11:1).
Today, people need to see Jesus in us, just like they did in Paul's day. Are we living so that when people are following us, they will also be following Christ? What a sobering thought, and what a great responsibility we have when we remember that Jesus said "ye are the light of the world"!
And let us not forget these words from Jesus -- "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven."
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
My Father Watches --
The songwriter said -- "I trust in God! I know He cares for me! On mountain bleak, or on the stormy sea! Though billows roll, He keeps my soul; my Heavenly Father watches over me!"
It is a blessed privilege to trust my Heavenly Father at all times and in all circumstances! At least three times in the 37th Psalm, we are told not to fret!
"FRET NOT thyself because of evil doers . . . for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."
"FRET NOT thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
"FRET NOT thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
Oswald Chambers has written:
"God is my Father -- He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry? Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural."
So let us praise the Lord for the blessed privilege to "come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need"!
It is a blessed privilege to trust my Heavenly Father at all times and in all circumstances! At least three times in the 37th Psalm, we are told not to fret!
"FRET NOT thyself because of evil doers . . . for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb."
"FRET NOT thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
"FRET NOT thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
Oswald Chambers has written:
"God is my Father -- He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry? Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural."
So let us praise the Lord for the blessed privilege to "come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need"!
Monday, July 15, 2019
Light - Salvation - Strength
The 27th Psalm is such a wonderful Psalm, and the very first verse says:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
I am quite sure that this wonderful Psalm of David has brought blessing and encouragement to many people, and I think it is also rather amazing that David is the author of this great Psalm that talks about Trusting, Delighting, Committing, and Resting!
I think we would agree that David had more than his share of opposition! His older brothers thought little of him, and King Saul relentlessly pursued him. His generals often conspired against him, and his own son tried to usurp his throne! But in this wonderful Psalm, which is an anthem of trust, we see the special and close relationship that David had with his God that encouraged him, lifted him up, and held him steady in times of trouble.
In the very first verse of this Psalm, David tells us : The Lord is my LIGHT -- The Lord is my SALVATION -- and the Lord is the STRENGTH OF MY LIFE!
God is our defense -- a wonderful place of refuge! Psalm 18:2 says, "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
As we begin this new week, we know not what lies ahead, but let us remember that even if we face difficulties that seem overwhelming, we have no need to fear if we belong to Jesus! Let us keep our focus on the Source of our deliverance, rather than on the problem!
Let us end this little devotional with another wonderful verse from the 27th Psalm! "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
I am quite sure that this wonderful Psalm of David has brought blessing and encouragement to many people, and I think it is also rather amazing that David is the author of this great Psalm that talks about Trusting, Delighting, Committing, and Resting!
I think we would agree that David had more than his share of opposition! His older brothers thought little of him, and King Saul relentlessly pursued him. His generals often conspired against him, and his own son tried to usurp his throne! But in this wonderful Psalm, which is an anthem of trust, we see the special and close relationship that David had with his God that encouraged him, lifted him up, and held him steady in times of trouble.
In the very first verse of this Psalm, David tells us : The Lord is my LIGHT -- The Lord is my SALVATION -- and the Lord is the STRENGTH OF MY LIFE!
God is our defense -- a wonderful place of refuge! Psalm 18:2 says, "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
As we begin this new week, we know not what lies ahead, but let us remember that even if we face difficulties that seem overwhelming, we have no need to fear if we belong to Jesus! Let us keep our focus on the Source of our deliverance, rather than on the problem!
Let us end this little devotional with another wonderful verse from the 27th Psalm! "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
Friday, July 12, 2019
Freedom!
A little over a week ago, our nation celebrated our freedom on Independence Day in what the song-writer called "the sweet land of liberty". But we know that freedom is never "free". Our forefathers fought and obtained it for us at a tremendous cost, and we have a responsibility to preserve it.
The Apostle Paul said in I Peter 2:16 -- "As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God." So even though we are free and have liberty, we are still the servants of God.
Romans 6:18 says -- "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." Praise the Lord! What a privilege to love and serve our wonderful Saviour!
Jeremiah 4:2 says -- "The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory."
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation; but thank you most of all for the glorious freedom we have in Christ, our blessed Redeemer and soon coming King! And as we look to the coming Lord's Day if Jesus tarries, let us keep our hearts rejoicing as we meditate upon these beautiful words by Haldor Lillenas:
"Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer --
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus, the glorious Emancipator --
Now and for ever -- He shall be mine!"
The Apostle Paul said in I Peter 2:16 -- "As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God." So even though we are free and have liberty, we are still the servants of God.
Romans 6:18 says -- "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." Praise the Lord! What a privilege to love and serve our wonderful Saviour!
Jeremiah 4:2 says -- "The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory."
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation; but thank you most of all for the glorious freedom we have in Christ, our blessed Redeemer and soon coming King! And as we look to the coming Lord's Day if Jesus tarries, let us keep our hearts rejoicing as we meditate upon these beautiful words by Haldor Lillenas:
"Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessed Redeemer --
He who has rent my fetters in twain.
Glorious freedom! Wonderful freedom!
No more in chains of sin I repine!
Jesus, the glorious Emancipator --
Now and for ever -- He shall be mine!"
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Scripture "Shall Nots"
Some people seem to think of God's Holy Word as a book of prohibitions or "thou shalt not's", but it is interesting that many of God's sweetest promises use the phrase "shall not" in an opposite way -- not listing prohibitions, but provisions! A beautiful example is the opening verse of the much-loved 23rd Psalm -- "The Lord is my shepherd; I 'shall not' want." Psalm 34:10 says: "The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord 'shall not' want any good thing."
In John 5:24 we read: "He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and 'shall not' come into condemnation." John 8:12 gives us a wonderful promise of divine guidance -- "He that followeth Me 'shall not' walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
In Psalm 16:8, we read -- "The Lord is at my right hand, I 'shall not' be moved"; and in 37:24, we see:
"Though he fall, he 'shall not' be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand."
I love the promise in Isaiah 43:2 which assures me no matter how great the trial, the Lord will not leave me alone! "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they 'shall not' overflow thee." It is wonderful to know that God's Word and God's purposes can never fail. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words 'shall not' pass away." (Matthew 24:35)
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 -- "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell 'shall not' prevail against it." And praise the Lord for this wonderful 'shall not' in Romans 6:14: "Sin 'shall not' have dominion over you."
As I was thinking of these gracious 'shall not' promises, I also thought of this wonderful 'Shall Not' song by John T. Benson --
"Jesus is my Saviour; I shall not be moved;
In His love and favor, I shall not be moved --
In my Christ abiding; I shall not be moved;
In His love I'm hiding, I shall not be moved.
If I trust Him ever, I shall not be moved;
He will fail me never, I shall not be moved --
On His Word I'm feeding, I shall not be moved;
He's the one that's leading, I shall not be moved.
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved."
In John 5:24 we read: "He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and 'shall not' come into condemnation." John 8:12 gives us a wonderful promise of divine guidance -- "He that followeth Me 'shall not' walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
In Psalm 16:8, we read -- "The Lord is at my right hand, I 'shall not' be moved"; and in 37:24, we see:
"Though he fall, he 'shall not' be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand."
I love the promise in Isaiah 43:2 which assures me no matter how great the trial, the Lord will not leave me alone! "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they 'shall not' overflow thee." It is wonderful to know that God's Word and God's purposes can never fail. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words 'shall not' pass away." (Matthew 24:35)
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 -- "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell 'shall not' prevail against it." And praise the Lord for this wonderful 'shall not' in Romans 6:14: "Sin 'shall not' have dominion over you."
As I was thinking of these gracious 'shall not' promises, I also thought of this wonderful 'Shall Not' song by John T. Benson --
"Jesus is my Saviour; I shall not be moved;
In His love and favor, I shall not be moved --
In my Christ abiding; I shall not be moved;
In His love I'm hiding, I shall not be moved.
If I trust Him ever, I shall not be moved;
He will fail me never, I shall not be moved --
On His Word I'm feeding, I shall not be moved;
He's the one that's leading, I shall not be moved.
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
I shall not be, I shall not be moved;
Just like a tree that's planted by the waters,
Lord, I shall not be moved."
Monday, July 8, 2019
God Keeps The Key
It is a beautiful Monday morning! God's warm and lovely sunshine is streaming through my windows and makes me want to say with the Psalmist -- "Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord!" I believe if you will just take a little time on this Monday morning to be still and "have a little talk with Jesus", your heart will be encouraged and ready to face the challenges that may be facing you this week. I trust that this lovely little poem by an unknown author will be a blessing and encouragement to your heart today!
"Is there some problem in your life to solve,
Some passage seeming full of mystery?
God knows, who brings the hidden things to light,
He keeps the key!
Is there some door closed by the Father's hand
Which widely opened you had hoped to see?
Trust God and wait -- for when He shuts the door,
He keeps the key!
Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet,
Or answered not as you had thought 'twould be?
God will make clear His purpose by and by.
He keeps the key!
Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest,
To know of every door He keeps the key;
That He at last, when He shall see 'tis best,
Will give it thee!"
"So I go on, not knowing -- I would not if I might --
For I had rather walk with God in the dark, than walk alone in light!"
"Is there some problem in your life to solve,
Some passage seeming full of mystery?
God knows, who brings the hidden things to light,
He keeps the key!
Is there some door closed by the Father's hand
Which widely opened you had hoped to see?
Trust God and wait -- for when He shuts the door,
He keeps the key!
Is there some earnest prayer unanswered yet,
Or answered not as you had thought 'twould be?
God will make clear His purpose by and by.
He keeps the key!
Unfailing comfort, sweet and blessed rest,
To know of every door He keeps the key;
That He at last, when He shall see 'tis best,
Will give it thee!"
"So I go on, not knowing -- I would not if I might --
For I had rather walk with God in the dark, than walk alone in light!"
Friday, July 5, 2019
The Day After
The beautiful fireworks that lit up the heavens last night are finished -- the grills sizzling with delicious hamburgers and hotdogs are put away -- the loved ones from afar are on their way back home -- the house is quiet this morning, but my heart holds many sweet memories of the happy times we enjoyed together as a family this past week!!
And sometimes we might want this special time of family fellowship to continue, but we know (as Jesus told the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration), they could not stay on the mountain--they had to come down. So today is Friday, and our duties of the day are well under way, and it is time to begin preparing our hearts for the coming Lord's Day, if Jesus tarries.
And, sadly, if some great tragedy has taken your earthly family, you can still be a part of God's great family! So, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus -- look full in His wonderful face! And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!"
And sometimes we might want this special time of family fellowship to continue, but we know (as Jesus told the disciples on the Mount of Transfiguration), they could not stay on the mountain--they had to come down. So today is Friday, and our duties of the day are well under way, and it is time to begin preparing our hearts for the coming Lord's Day, if Jesus tarries.
And, sadly, if some great tragedy has taken your earthly family, you can still be a part of God's great family! So, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus -- look full in His wonderful face! And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!"
Monday, July 1, 2019
Independence Week!
Independence Day is actually Thursday, but I think it began yesterday in many churches across our great land! My heart was thrilled as the orchestra played the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the congregation stood and saluted the flag! Before our pastor preached, our hearts were lifted in praise and thankfulness as my son, Joel, sang "God Bless the U.S.A." Throughout the service, I was reminded again that--"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, but sin is a reproach to any people."
So today is Monday, but already flags are flying, fireworks are lighting up the heavens, families are gathering together (my heart is happy that my son and granddaughters are traveling now on their way to Grammy's house), and before long grills will be filled to capacity with hotdogs, hamburgers and chicken! What a wonderful week it is as we take time to reflect upon our founding fathers who paid a tremendous price to give us the freedoms we still enjoy today! It makes me want to lift my voice and sing: "God bless America! Land that I love! Stand beside her, and guide her, through the night with a light from above . . . "
But as we celebrate this week, let us not forget that God's great liberty is of the spirit and the mind, not just of the land and the national population. So as we celebrate the wonderful liberty that God has granted the United States, may we pause and pray: " . . . Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done . . . For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever! Amen"
So today is Monday, but already flags are flying, fireworks are lighting up the heavens, families are gathering together (my heart is happy that my son and granddaughters are traveling now on their way to Grammy's house), and before long grills will be filled to capacity with hotdogs, hamburgers and chicken! What a wonderful week it is as we take time to reflect upon our founding fathers who paid a tremendous price to give us the freedoms we still enjoy today! It makes me want to lift my voice and sing: "God bless America! Land that I love! Stand beside her, and guide her, through the night with a light from above . . . "
But as we celebrate this week, let us not forget that God's great liberty is of the spirit and the mind, not just of the land and the national population. So as we celebrate the wonderful liberty that God has granted the United States, may we pause and pray: " . . . Thy kingdom come. Thy will be
done . . . For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever! Amen"
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