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."
Monday, September 30, 2019
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."
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
John's Gospel
The fourth gospel was written by the Apostle John. It is a marvelous book, and I love the beginning verses in John 1:1-3. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made."
If we will read carefully the first chapter of John's gospel, it is amazing how many names and titles are associated with Jesus Christ in just the first chapter.
In verse 9, He is called "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
In verse 14, He is "the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
In verse 18 -- "the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father."
In verse 23, John the Baptist called him "the Lord" -- "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" in verse 29, and "the Son of God" in verse 34.
In verse 38, the disciples called him "Master" -- "Messias" in verse 41, and "Jesus of Nazareth" in verse 45.
In verse 49, Nathaniel acknowledged Him as "King of Israel".
In verse 51, Jesus called Himself "the Son of man".
But as we saw in our opening scripture, the very first title ascribed to Him by the Apostle John, as he introduced his gospel, was simply "the Word". Praise the Lord! Jesus Christ is the Word; and the Word is God!
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." -- John 1:14
Thank you, dear Father, for your Holy Word which is such a wonderful lamp for our feet and light for our path! Help us to love it, obey it, and hide it in our hearts that we might not sin against Thee!
If we will read carefully the first chapter of John's gospel, it is amazing how many names and titles are associated with Jesus Christ in just the first chapter.
In verse 9, He is called "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
In verse 14, He is "the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
In verse 18 -- "the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father."
In verse 23, John the Baptist called him "the Lord" -- "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" in verse 29, and "the Son of God" in verse 34.
In verse 38, the disciples called him "Master" -- "Messias" in verse 41, and "Jesus of Nazareth" in verse 45.
In verse 49, Nathaniel acknowledged Him as "King of Israel".
In verse 51, Jesus called Himself "the Son of man".
But as we saw in our opening scripture, the very first title ascribed to Him by the Apostle John, as he introduced his gospel, was simply "the Word". Praise the Lord! Jesus Christ is the Word; and the Word is God!
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." -- John 1:14
Thank you, dear Father, for your Holy Word which is such a wonderful lamp for our feet and light for our path! Help us to love it, obey it, and hide it in our hearts that we might not sin against Thee!
Monday, September 2, 2019
Labor Day!
The calendar says today is Labor Day, but not many are "laboring". It is a national holiday, and families are enjoying times of relaxation, feasting, and fellowship. It is a blessing to be with loved ones at special holiday times of leisure, but it is also a great blessing to be able to labor. There are many people today on beds of affliction who would love to be able to join you as you plan to return to your particular place of labor tomorrow.
And let us not forget that God gave us a commandment about labour, also. We read in the 20th chapter of Exodus: "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
And in all of our labor, the Apostle Paul admonishes us in Colossians: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." Then, perhaps, to end our holiday, we could join in singing with J. M. Black:
"Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care.
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there."
And let us not forget that God gave us a commandment about labour, also. We read in the 20th chapter of Exodus: "Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it."
And in all of our labor, the Apostle Paul admonishes us in Colossians: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men." Then, perhaps, to end our holiday, we could join in singing with J. M. Black:
"Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun;
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care.
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there."
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