This morning I left the house earlier than normal to pick up my little granddaughter and take her to school. It was quite cold and there was snow on the ground, but, amazingly -- the birds were singing so beautifully!! I thought of these words in The Song of Solomon:
"The winter is past -- the time of the singing of birds is come." Even though the calendar says that Spring is about three weeks away, the birds are so happy as they anticipate and look forward to its coming that they can't hold back their singing any longer!
Isn't that just the way it is when we belong to Jesus? Today is Friday, and I feel like the little birds. My heart is already singing as I anticipate and look forward to the Lord's Day that is coming soon.
May God bless you today as you love and serve Him! And -- don't forget-----
"There's a blessing in prayer, in believing prayer,
When our Saviour's name to the Throne we bear.
Then a Father's love will receive us there;
There is always a blessing, a blessing in prayer."
Friday, February 28, 2020
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
To God Be The Glory!
One of the beautiful and great words of the Bible is the word "Glory", and glory belongs to God, not man! In Psalm 115:1, we read: "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake." Psalm 19:1 tells us that "The heavens declare the glory of God", and Psalm 104:31 reminds us that "The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever."
I like these wonderful verses in the 9th chapter of Jeremiah that remind us we are never to seek glory for ourselves.
"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."
My heart is always blessed when I read King Solomon's prayer for the dedication of the Temple in the 6th chapter of II Chronicles, and God's Word tell us -- "Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house."
Let us determine to keep our souls filled with the glory of the Lord so we can sing with the songwriter -- "Make me a blessing to someone today"!
I like these wonderful verses in the 9th chapter of Jeremiah that remind us we are never to seek glory for ourselves.
"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."
My heart is always blessed when I read King Solomon's prayer for the dedication of the Temple in the 6th chapter of II Chronicles, and God's Word tell us -- "Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house."
Let us determine to keep our souls filled with the glory of the Lord so we can sing with the songwriter -- "Make me a blessing to someone today"!
Monday, February 24, 2020
Rejoice Always?
Philippians 4:4 tells me to "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." That little verse is quite emphatic -- even repeating a second time this command to rejoice all the time, even in every trying and unpleasant circumstance that we don't understand! Someone has said that this wonderful word, Rejoice, is used 74 times in the New Testament. The interesting thing to me is that almost half of these were given by the Apostle Paul in his epistles -- the one who said in II Corinthians:
"Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
As we walk this road of life, we will not always experience happiness, delight, pleasure, etc., but we can always experience the true joy that comes from rejoicing in the Lord! So on this Monday when we had hoped for a beautiful day of sunshine, and it is instead dreary and rainy, let us remember that no matter what the outward circumstances may be, Jesus is Always the source of our joy and it is a sweet privilege to trust in Him and rejoice in Him --not most of the time, but Always!!
"Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
As we walk this road of life, we will not always experience happiness, delight, pleasure, etc., but we can always experience the true joy that comes from rejoicing in the Lord! So on this Monday when we had hoped for a beautiful day of sunshine, and it is instead dreary and rainy, let us remember that no matter what the outward circumstances may be, Jesus is Always the source of our joy and it is a sweet privilege to trust in Him and rejoice in Him --not most of the time, but Always!!
Friday, February 21, 2020
A Fence or an Ambulance?
A few weeks ago, I ran across this old poem by Joseph Malins:
"Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed, though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped a duke and full many a peasant.
So the people said something would have to be done, but their projects did not at all tally.
Some said, "Put a fence around the edge of the cliff"; Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."
But the cry for the ambulance carried the day, for it spread through the neighboring city;
A fence may be useful or not, it is true, but each heart became brimful of pity
For those who slipped over that dangerous cliff; And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave pounds and gave pence, not to put up a fence, but an ambulance down in the valley.
"For the cliff is all right, if you're careful," they said, "And if folks even slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much as the shock down below when they're stopping."
So day after day, as these mishaps occurred, quickly forth would these rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff, with their ambulance down in the valley.
Then an old sage remarked: "It's a marvel to me that people give far more attention
To repairing results than to stopping the cause, when they'd much better aim at prevention.
Let us stop at its source all this mischief," cried he, "Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally;
If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense with the ambulance down in the valley."
"Oh, he's a fanatic," the others rejoined. "Dispense with the ambulance? Never!
He'd dispense with all charities, too, if he could. No! No! We'll support them forever.
Aren't we picking up folks just as fast as they fall? And shall this man dictate to us? Shall he?
Why should people of sense stop to put up a fence, while the ambulance works in the valley?"
But a sensible few, who are practical too, will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure, and their party will soon be the stronger.
Encourage them then with your purse, voice, and pen, and while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretense and put up a stout fence on the cliff that hangs over the valley.
Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old, for the voice of true wisdom is calling,
"To rescue the fallen is good, but 'tis best to prevent other people from falling."
Better close up the source of temptation and crime than deliver from dungeon or galley;
Better put a strong fence round the top of the cliff than an ambulance down in the valley!"
May God bless you as we prepare our hearts for the coming Lord's Day, if Jesus tarries, and let us
make sure our "spiritual fence" is very strong and anchored firmly in the Rock of Ages!
"Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed, though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped a duke and full many a peasant.
So the people said something would have to be done, but their projects did not at all tally.
Some said, "Put a fence around the edge of the cliff"; Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."
But the cry for the ambulance carried the day, for it spread through the neighboring city;
A fence may be useful or not, it is true, but each heart became brimful of pity
For those who slipped over that dangerous cliff; And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave pounds and gave pence, not to put up a fence, but an ambulance down in the valley.
"For the cliff is all right, if you're careful," they said, "And if folks even slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much as the shock down below when they're stopping."
So day after day, as these mishaps occurred, quickly forth would these rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff, with their ambulance down in the valley.
Then an old sage remarked: "It's a marvel to me that people give far more attention
To repairing results than to stopping the cause, when they'd much better aim at prevention.
Let us stop at its source all this mischief," cried he, "Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally;
If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense with the ambulance down in the valley."
"Oh, he's a fanatic," the others rejoined. "Dispense with the ambulance? Never!
He'd dispense with all charities, too, if he could. No! No! We'll support them forever.
Aren't we picking up folks just as fast as they fall? And shall this man dictate to us? Shall he?
Why should people of sense stop to put up a fence, while the ambulance works in the valley?"
But a sensible few, who are practical too, will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure, and their party will soon be the stronger.
Encourage them then with your purse, voice, and pen, and while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretense and put up a stout fence on the cliff that hangs over the valley.
Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old, for the voice of true wisdom is calling,
"To rescue the fallen is good, but 'tis best to prevent other people from falling."
Better close up the source of temptation and crime than deliver from dungeon or galley;
Better put a strong fence round the top of the cliff than an ambulance down in the valley!"
May God bless you as we prepare our hearts for the coming Lord's Day, if Jesus tarries, and let us
make sure our "spiritual fence" is very strong and anchored firmly in the Rock of Ages!
Monday, February 17, 2020
Our Presidents -- The Lord's Day
Today is President's Day, and it is a National Holiday as we remember the birthdays of two of our great Presidents -- George Washington and Abraham Lincoln! Our nation has been very blessed to have had many Presidents who honored and respected the Lord's Day!
The following facts about a few of our Presidents were taken from an article in "The United Presbyterian".
Washington in the Revolutionary War, Lincoln in the Civil War, and Wilson in the first World War gave orders relieving troops as far as possible "from fatigue duty on Sunday, giving them opportunity to attend public worship." They based these orders on -- "the necessity to man and beast of the weekly rest", the sacred rights of Christian sailors and soldiers", and "a due regard to the divine will."
When Garfield was nominated, twelve o'clock Saturday night found people in the midst of balloting; yet all was adjourned until Monday!
Hayes and Garfield habitually walked to church that their servants might rest and worship on the Lord's Day!
At the opening of the State Centennial of Tennessee, McKinley refused to take a trip to Lookout Mountain, saying, "No, I do not go sightseeing on Sunday."
Theodore Roosevelt said, "Experience shows that the day of rest is essential to mankind. It is demanded by civilization as well as Christianity."
Coolidge said, "I profoundly believe in the Sabbath and feel that we should give attention not only to the physical aspects, but also to the moral and spiritual phases of the Holy Day."
Hoover, when invited to join a fishing party on Sunday, replied, "The Hoovers never fish on Sunday."
Our fathers built our Republic upon Christian foundations, one of which is the Lord's Day. Our Presidents held to a Sunday of rest and worship which is essential to America's spiritual and material greatness, and opposed a holiday and labor day Sunday with their dissipations and fatigue. Our heavy task of reconstruction, moral leadership and righteous adjustments require the blessing of God's Day!
God's Word has not changed! His commandment still reads -- "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy", but it also instructs us that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath"! Our blessed Heavenly Father knew that we needed this day of rest and worship; and I say, along with these Presidents and the Psalmist, David -- "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord!"
The following facts about a few of our Presidents were taken from an article in "The United Presbyterian".
Washington in the Revolutionary War, Lincoln in the Civil War, and Wilson in the first World War gave orders relieving troops as far as possible "from fatigue duty on Sunday, giving them opportunity to attend public worship." They based these orders on -- "the necessity to man and beast of the weekly rest", the sacred rights of Christian sailors and soldiers", and "a due regard to the divine will."
When Garfield was nominated, twelve o'clock Saturday night found people in the midst of balloting; yet all was adjourned until Monday!
Hayes and Garfield habitually walked to church that their servants might rest and worship on the Lord's Day!
At the opening of the State Centennial of Tennessee, McKinley refused to take a trip to Lookout Mountain, saying, "No, I do not go sightseeing on Sunday."
Theodore Roosevelt said, "Experience shows that the day of rest is essential to mankind. It is demanded by civilization as well as Christianity."
Coolidge said, "I profoundly believe in the Sabbath and feel that we should give attention not only to the physical aspects, but also to the moral and spiritual phases of the Holy Day."
Hoover, when invited to join a fishing party on Sunday, replied, "The Hoovers never fish on Sunday."
Our fathers built our Republic upon Christian foundations, one of which is the Lord's Day. Our Presidents held to a Sunday of rest and worship which is essential to America's spiritual and material greatness, and opposed a holiday and labor day Sunday with their dissipations and fatigue. Our heavy task of reconstruction, moral leadership and righteous adjustments require the blessing of God's Day!
God's Word has not changed! His commandment still reads -- "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy", but it also instructs us that "the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath"! Our blessed Heavenly Father knew that we needed this day of rest and worship; and I say, along with these Presidents and the Psalmist, David -- "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord!"
Friday, February 14, 2020
Valentine's Day!
Today is a special day when many lovely young ladies are hoping to receive a beautiful bouquet of roses -- or maybe a heart-shaped box of delicious chocolates -- and some may be asked that question they've been waiting to hear---"Will you marry me"?
The song-writer said, "Love is a many splendored thing"! God's Word says---"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it."
We see a beautiful picture of perfect love in the 13 chapter of I Corinthians:
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth . . . ."
I am very blessed and thankful for the love of family and friends, but, most of all, I am so thankful that "Jesus Loves Me."
"Anna and Susan Warner lived in a lovely townhouse in New York City where their father was a successful lawyer. But the Panic of 1837 wrecked the family's finances, forcing them to move into a ramshackle Revolutionary War-era home on Constitution Island on the Hudson, right across from the military academy at West Point.
Needing to contribute to the family income, Anna and Susan began writing poems and stories for publication. One of their most successful joint projects was a novel titled "Say and Seal" in which a little boy is dying. His Sunday School teacher comforts him by taking him in his arms, rocking him, and making up a little song: "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so . . ." The novel became a best-seller, and "Jesus Loves Me" soon became the best known children's hymn on earth.
And on this Valentine's Day, let us remember the words of Jesus:
"By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."
The song-writer said, "Love is a many splendored thing"! God's Word says---"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it."
We see a beautiful picture of perfect love in the 13 chapter of I Corinthians:
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth . . . ."
I am very blessed and thankful for the love of family and friends, but, most of all, I am so thankful that "Jesus Loves Me."
"Anna and Susan Warner lived in a lovely townhouse in New York City where their father was a successful lawyer. But the Panic of 1837 wrecked the family's finances, forcing them to move into a ramshackle Revolutionary War-era home on Constitution Island on the Hudson, right across from the military academy at West Point.
Needing to contribute to the family income, Anna and Susan began writing poems and stories for publication. One of their most successful joint projects was a novel titled "Say and Seal" in which a little boy is dying. His Sunday School teacher comforts him by taking him in his arms, rocking him, and making up a little song: "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so . . ." The novel became a best-seller, and "Jesus Loves Me" soon became the best known children's hymn on earth.
And on this Valentine's Day, let us remember the words of Jesus:
"By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Monday, February 10, 2020
For Us All Today!
The First Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians is a wonderful book! The last chapter, chapter 5, gives us wonderful exhortations concerning practical duties of the Christian life, ending with a closing charge and benediction.
"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it."
Oswald Chambers wrote a wonderful little devotional on these last two verses which he entitled, "The Cost of Sanctification."
"Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God. The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him."
When I read that quote, I thought of this wonderful song, written by L. L. Pickett, over a hundred years ago, but, praise the Lord, it still blesses my heart today --
"Have you ever felt the power of the Pentecostal fire
Burning up all carnal nature, cleansing out all base desire,
Going thro' and thro' your spirit, cleansing all its stain away?
Oh, I'm glad, so glad to tell you it is for us all today.
Jesus offers this blest cleansing unto all His children dear,
Fully, freely purifying, banishing all doubt and fear;
It will help you, O my brother, when you sing and when you pray;
He is waiting now to give it -- it is for us all today.
Some have thought they could not live it while they dwell on earth below,
But in this they were mistaken, for the Bible tells us so;
And the Spirit now is with us, He can keep us all the way;
Then by faith why not receive it? It is for us all today.
You may now receive the Spirit as a sanctifying flame,
If with all your heart you seek Him; having faith in Jesus' name;
On the Cross He bought this blessing, He will never say us Nay;
He is waiting now to give it -- why not claim it, friend, today?
It is for us all today if we trust and truly pray;
Consecrate to Christ your all, and upon the Saviour call;
Bless God, it is for us all today!" Amen!
"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it."
Oswald Chambers wrote a wonderful little devotional on these last two verses which he entitled, "The Cost of Sanctification."
"Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God. The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him."
When I read that quote, I thought of this wonderful song, written by L. L. Pickett, over a hundred years ago, but, praise the Lord, it still blesses my heart today --
"Have you ever felt the power of the Pentecostal fire
Burning up all carnal nature, cleansing out all base desire,
Going thro' and thro' your spirit, cleansing all its stain away?
Oh, I'm glad, so glad to tell you it is for us all today.
Jesus offers this blest cleansing unto all His children dear,
Fully, freely purifying, banishing all doubt and fear;
It will help you, O my brother, when you sing and when you pray;
He is waiting now to give it -- it is for us all today.
Some have thought they could not live it while they dwell on earth below,
But in this they were mistaken, for the Bible tells us so;
And the Spirit now is with us, He can keep us all the way;
Then by faith why not receive it? It is for us all today.
You may now receive the Spirit as a sanctifying flame,
If with all your heart you seek Him; having faith in Jesus' name;
On the Cross He bought this blessing, He will never say us Nay;
He is waiting now to give it -- why not claim it, friend, today?
It is for us all today if we trust and truly pray;
Consecrate to Christ your all, and upon the Saviour call;
Bless God, it is for us all today!" Amen!
Friday, February 7, 2020
When Your Heart Hurts!
There have been hurting hearts and suffering since sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden so long ago. I don't think anyone enjoys suffering, but we all experience it at times (some more than others) as we journey through this life. Yesterday I ran across this little article, written by Fletcher Spruce, that I had kept from an old Sunday School paper.
If you are going through a time of suffering in your life, I trust that some of these 17 little thoughts will be an encouragement to your heart today!
1. Suffering is universal. Everyone is exposed. Salvation is not an insurance policy against trouble.
2. God permits it. He could have prevented it, but He didn't.
3. Why do you suffer? Perhaps only God knows. Perhaps He is not in a hurry to answer your "Why"? Learn patience, then, in suffering.
4. Do not blame God for your suffering. He suffered too! Blame sin! God made a world free from suffering because it was free from sin. But when sin came, suffering came. When there is no more sin, there will be no more suffering.
5. Do not blame yourself as you suffer.
6. Do not indulge in self-pity.
7. Do not advertise your suffering. God knows and cares.
8. You may suffer innocently, through no fault of your own.
9. The scoundrel who deserves to suffer often goes scot-free. Do not let this shake your faith, for you do not know all the facts -- nor all the future.
10. Have a forgiving spirit toward those who may have caused your undeserved suffering -- even if they do not deserve forgiveness.
11. Let God punish those who deserve to be punished. Let Him be their Judge -- and yours. Should He be merciful with your enemies, remember He was also merciful with you.
12. Avoid resentment in your suffering.
13. If you suffer innocently, let God vindicate you. He is better able to do this than you are.
14. Let God talk to you through your suffering. It's time to listen.
15. Time is in your favor. Let time help heal your hurt.
16. Suffering is temporary. You are immortal. God is eternal.
17. Suffering, like rain, will make roses or mud, depending on how it is received."
May we be able to say with Job --
"He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held His steps, His way have I kept, and not declined."
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
God Bless America!
In Proverbs 29:2 we read these words: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.:
In I Timothy 2:1-2, we find these challenging words -- "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
Proverbs 33:12 says: "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Psalm 33:12 says -- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance."
I trust that you were able to listen last night as our President delivered his State of the Union address to the nation! It was excellent, and I'm sure that many of God's people were praying for him as he spoke! It is certainly a great blessing to have a President that wants us to have religious freedom and liberty in this republic that was founded on Christianity!
I thought again of this song written by John Peterson over 50 years ago, but still so needed today!
"Enemies increase around us threatening constantly,
Much there is that would confound us, so it's plain to see --
It's time to pray to the God who watches o'er us,
It's time to seek His help without delay;
The world is dark, for the clouds of war still threaten --
It's time for all America to pray!
If we would keep the flag of freedom flying,
Secure the peace for which we all are crying --
It's time to pray -- our sin and wrong confessing,
It's time for all America to pray!"
"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)
In I Timothy 2:1-2, we find these challenging words -- "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
Proverbs 33:12 says: "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Psalm 33:12 says -- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance."
I trust that you were able to listen last night as our President delivered his State of the Union address to the nation! It was excellent, and I'm sure that many of God's people were praying for him as he spoke! It is certainly a great blessing to have a President that wants us to have religious freedom and liberty in this republic that was founded on Christianity!
I thought again of this song written by John Peterson over 50 years ago, but still so needed today!
"Enemies increase around us threatening constantly,
Much there is that would confound us, so it's plain to see --
It's time to pray to the God who watches o'er us,
It's time to seek His help without delay;
The world is dark, for the clouds of war still threaten --
It's time for all America to pray!
If we would keep the flag of freedom flying,
Secure the peace for which we all are crying --
It's time to pray -- our sin and wrong confessing,
It's time for all America to pray!"
"If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)
Monday, February 3, 2020
Blessed Assurance!
How wonderful it is, as we begin another week, not knowing what lies ahead -- not knowing what challenges, or tests, or trials, or difficulties lie ahead----that there are some things we can KNOW, beyond doubt! I'm so thankful we can say with the Apostle Paul -- ". . .I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."
This wonderful hymn by Fanny Crosby came to my mind this morning. It has been a blessing to many, and I trust it will comfort and encourage your heart today!
"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood!
Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight!
Angels descending bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long."
May our wonderful Lord bless you and keep you as you walk with Him this week!
This wonderful hymn by Fanny Crosby came to my mind this morning. It has been a blessing to many, and I trust it will comfort and encourage your heart today!
"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood!
Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight!
Angels descending bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long."
May our wonderful Lord bless you and keep you as you walk with Him this week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)