Daniel was a Jewish captive in Babylon! Little children (adults too) always thrill to hear the stories of Daniel and his three friends in the lions den -- the fiery furnace -- refusing to bow down to the image of gold, etc. In the first chapter of Daniel, we read about the king speaking unto the master of his eunuchs that he should bring certain of the children of Israel -- of the king's seed -- and of the princes -- "Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank."
Then in verse 8, we read -- "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself." The beginning phrase of this verse is so very important if we are going to live a victorious Christian life. We must purpose in our heart, as Daniel did, remembering the scripture -- "We ought to obey God rather than men."
Daniel realized that he had the responsibility of maintaining a godly standard as a testimony for the true God after he and his friends had been carried into captivity. Daniel knew that the king's wine would surely be harmful if he were to partake of it. Also, the king's meat would no doubt include pork and be cooked with blood, which would be unlawful for him, as a Jew, to eat. He determined in his heart to take a stand against it.
Daniel requested -- "Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants."
We admire the steadfastness of Daniel through the lion's den and the firey furnace, and God honored him. The Lord honored his courage and faithfulness, and it is a sweet assurance to know that he will do the same for us today! I love this wonderful scripture in the 3rd chapter of I Peter --
"The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: --- But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
Let's keep this little chorus in our hearts as we live for Jesus in these troubled times --
"Safe am I! Safe am I -- in the hollow of His hand!
Sheltered o'er! Sheltered o'er -- with His love for evermore!
No foe can harm me -- no ill alarm me, for He keeps both day and night!
Safe am I! Safe am I -- in the hollow of His hand!"
Friday, May 29, 2020
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
God Leads Us Along!
This beautiful hymn is one of my favorites! When I sit down at the piano and play it, my heart is always blessed, comforted and encouraged as I meditate on the message of the song. When I found the story behind the inspiration for the song, it became even more meaningful. I trust it will be a blessing and encouragement to you today!
"George Young, a carpenter, and his wife dedicated their lives to following the Lord, wherever He would lead. 'He does the leading', they often said, 'and we do the following.' God led them to the rural Midwest and they traveled from church to church in revival efforts. Their finances were always tight, but 'through the many years we never went hungry!' Mrs. Young said years later --'Oh, sometimes we didn't have too much of this world's goods, but we always had so much of Jesus!'
Finally they saved enough to buy a small piece of land on which George built a cottage. Though small, it was the fulfillment of a life's dream, and when they moved in they dedicated the house to God, and sang the Doxology. But some time later, when they were away on a ministry trip, a thug who had been offended by George's preaching set the house afire. Returning home, the Young's found a heap of ashes. All their worldly goods and cherished possessions were gone.
As George gazed at the ruins, he recounted the precious possessions fire could never destroy -- his family, his relationship with Jesus, his ministry, his eternal home. There and then, the words to "God leads us Along" began forming in his mind. Within a few days, he had written all four stanzas.
Years later, Dr. Haldor Lillenas, seeking to track down George's widow, drove to the small Kansas town where she resided. Stopping for directions, he was alarmed to hear that Mrs. Young was living in the run-down County Poor House. Lillenas was deeply troubled that the widow of the author of such a hymn about God's guidance should spend her final days in the Poor House. But when he finally found her, Mrs. Young explained -- 'One day God took my sweet husband home. Oh, how I missed him for we had always served the Lord together. In my heart, I wondered --- where will God now lead me? Dr. Lillenas, God led me here! I'm so glad He did, for you know, about every month someone comes into this place to spend the rest of their days, and so many of them don't know my Jesus. I'm having a blessed time introducing them to my Jesus! Dr. Lillenas, isn't it wonderful how God leads?'"
"In shady green pastures so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet, God leads His dear children along.
Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright, God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night, God leads His dear children along.
Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose, God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes, God leads His dear children along.
Away from the mire and away from the clay, God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity's day, God leads His dear children along.
Some thru the waters, some thru the flood,
Some thru the fire, but all thru the blood;
Some thru great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season, and all the day long."
"George Young, a carpenter, and his wife dedicated their lives to following the Lord, wherever He would lead. 'He does the leading', they often said, 'and we do the following.' God led them to the rural Midwest and they traveled from church to church in revival efforts. Their finances were always tight, but 'through the many years we never went hungry!' Mrs. Young said years later --'Oh, sometimes we didn't have too much of this world's goods, but we always had so much of Jesus!'
Finally they saved enough to buy a small piece of land on which George built a cottage. Though small, it was the fulfillment of a life's dream, and when they moved in they dedicated the house to God, and sang the Doxology. But some time later, when they were away on a ministry trip, a thug who had been offended by George's preaching set the house afire. Returning home, the Young's found a heap of ashes. All their worldly goods and cherished possessions were gone.
As George gazed at the ruins, he recounted the precious possessions fire could never destroy -- his family, his relationship with Jesus, his ministry, his eternal home. There and then, the words to "God leads us Along" began forming in his mind. Within a few days, he had written all four stanzas.
Years later, Dr. Haldor Lillenas, seeking to track down George's widow, drove to the small Kansas town where she resided. Stopping for directions, he was alarmed to hear that Mrs. Young was living in the run-down County Poor House. Lillenas was deeply troubled that the widow of the author of such a hymn about God's guidance should spend her final days in the Poor House. But when he finally found her, Mrs. Young explained -- 'One day God took my sweet husband home. Oh, how I missed him for we had always served the Lord together. In my heart, I wondered --- where will God now lead me? Dr. Lillenas, God led me here! I'm so glad He did, for you know, about every month someone comes into this place to spend the rest of their days, and so many of them don't know my Jesus. I'm having a blessed time introducing them to my Jesus! Dr. Lillenas, isn't it wonderful how God leads?'"
"In shady green pastures so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet, God leads His dear children along.
Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright, God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night, God leads His dear children along.
Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose, God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes, God leads His dear children along.
Away from the mire and away from the clay, God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity's day, God leads His dear children along.
Some thru the waters, some thru the flood,
Some thru the fire, but all thru the blood;
Some thru great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season, and all the day long."
Monday, May 25, 2020
Memorial Day!
Memorial Day in our United States is observed every year on the last Sunday of May. It is a Federal Holiday when our nation pauses to remember those who have died in military service to their country and given their lives for our freedom! In Psalm 33:12, we read -- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"! And in Proverbs 14:34, we see -- "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
When we think of patriotism, we often think of this beautiful patriotic hymn, "My Country 'Tis of Thee". It was written by Samuel Francis Smith, a native of Boston, and born on October 21, 1808. Samuel was proficient in German, and one afternoon was struck by the words of "Gott Segne Sachsenland" (God bless our Saxon Land). Samuel said --
"I instantly felt the impulse to write a patriotic hymn of my own, adapted to this tune. Picking up a scrap of paper which lay near me, I wrote at once, probably within half an hour. A friend took a copy to the pastor of Boston's Park Street Congregational Church. There, "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
was first sung by the Juvenile Choir at a Sunday School Rally on July 4, 1831.
In the years that followed, became a Samuel became a college professor, hymnist, linguist, writer, and missionary advocate. His son became a missionary to Rangoon. Samuel remained active till the end. He died suddenly in his late 80's, but he has always been revered for this patriotic hymn he wrote as a 23 year-old student. His friend and classmate, Oliver Wendell Holmes, said at a class reunion --
"And there's a nice youngster of excellent pith, -- fate tried to conceal him by naming him Smith;
But he shouted a song for the brave and the free, -- just read on his medal, 'My country, of thee!"
"My country, 'tis of thee -- sweet land of liberty -- of thee I sing
Land where my fathers died -- land of the pilgrim's pride --
From every mountain side -- let freedom ring!
My native country, thee -- land of the noble, free -- thy name I love:
I love thy rocks and rills -- thy woods and templed hills --
My heart with rapture thrills -- like that above.
Let music swell the breeze -- and ring from all the trees -- sweet freedom's song:
Let mortal tongues awake -- let all that breathe partake --
Let rocks their silence break -- the sound prolong.
Our fathers' God, to Thee -- author of liberty -- to Thee we sing --
Long may our land be bright -- with freedom's holy light --
Protect us by Thy might -- Great God, our King!"
When we think of patriotism, we often think of this beautiful patriotic hymn, "My Country 'Tis of Thee". It was written by Samuel Francis Smith, a native of Boston, and born on October 21, 1808. Samuel was proficient in German, and one afternoon was struck by the words of "Gott Segne Sachsenland" (God bless our Saxon Land). Samuel said --
"I instantly felt the impulse to write a patriotic hymn of my own, adapted to this tune. Picking up a scrap of paper which lay near me, I wrote at once, probably within half an hour. A friend took a copy to the pastor of Boston's Park Street Congregational Church. There, "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
was first sung by the Juvenile Choir at a Sunday School Rally on July 4, 1831.
In the years that followed, became a Samuel became a college professor, hymnist, linguist, writer, and missionary advocate. His son became a missionary to Rangoon. Samuel remained active till the end. He died suddenly in his late 80's, but he has always been revered for this patriotic hymn he wrote as a 23 year-old student. His friend and classmate, Oliver Wendell Holmes, said at a class reunion --
"And there's a nice youngster of excellent pith, -- fate tried to conceal him by naming him Smith;
But he shouted a song for the brave and the free, -- just read on his medal, 'My country, of thee!"
"My country, 'tis of thee -- sweet land of liberty -- of thee I sing
Land where my fathers died -- land of the pilgrim's pride --
From every mountain side -- let freedom ring!
My native country, thee -- land of the noble, free -- thy name I love:
I love thy rocks and rills -- thy woods and templed hills --
My heart with rapture thrills -- like that above.
Let music swell the breeze -- and ring from all the trees -- sweet freedom's song:
Let mortal tongues awake -- let all that breathe partake --
Let rocks their silence break -- the sound prolong.
Our fathers' God, to Thee -- author of liberty -- to Thee we sing --
Long may our land be bright -- with freedom's holy light --
Protect us by Thy might -- Great God, our King!"
Friday, May 22, 2020
Wonderful Words!
In Psalm 119:129, we read -- Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them." How very thankful we should be for God's Holy Word! I don't think it is possible to place the Bible on too high a pedestal. The Scriptures were written in the heart of God even before the creation, for Psalm 119:89 tells us -- "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven." What a wonderful verse, and what a blessed assurance to know that Forever, God's Word is settled in heaven!! Praise the Lord! Then, in the first three verses of the book of Hebrews, we read --
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Finally, when God's Word was complete, He concluded it with a somber warning in the last chapter of Revelation, verses 18-19 --
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
God's Word will be our judge some day, and if we tamper with it, we are on dangerous ground. The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:60 -- "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." And Jesus said -- "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." All we shall ever need for our guidance is to be found in God's wonderful Word! II Timothy 3:16-17 tell us --
"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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Praise the Lord! As far as I'm concerned, it is not possible to have too high a view of God's Word--our roadmap for the way to heaven--and I am thankful today that I am "Standing on the Word"!
"Sure is my foundation, for I stand today on the living Word that faileth never.
Earth with all its glory soon must pass away, but the Word of God shall stand forever.
Fearful are the storms that may around me beat; many are the foes that would assail me.
I have found a never failing, sure retreat in the Word of God that cannot fail me.
Faith is resting on the promise strong and sure; hope is anchored safe and cannot falter;
Peace has found a haven from the storms secure in the Word of God that cannot alter.
Like a beacon star to lead me thro' the night, like a light upon my pathway streaming,
Is the Word of God to guide my steps aright to my homeland with its portals gleaming.
Standing on the Word, standing on the Word,
Standing on the never failing Word of God;
Though many foes assail, His promise cannot fail,
For I'm standing on the never failing Word"!
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Finally, when God's Word was complete, He concluded it with a somber warning in the last chapter of Revelation, verses 18-19 --
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
God's Word will be our judge some day, and if we tamper with it, we are on dangerous ground. The Psalmist said in Psalm 119:60 -- "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." And Jesus said -- "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." All we shall ever need for our guidance is to be found in God's wonderful Word! II Timothy 3:16-17 tell us --
"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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Praise the Lord! As far as I'm concerned, it is not possible to have too high a view of God's Word--our roadmap for the way to heaven--and I am thankful today that I am "Standing on the Word"!
"Sure is my foundation, for I stand today on the living Word that faileth never.
Earth with all its glory soon must pass away, but the Word of God shall stand forever.
Fearful are the storms that may around me beat; many are the foes that would assail me.
I have found a never failing, sure retreat in the Word of God that cannot fail me.
Faith is resting on the promise strong and sure; hope is anchored safe and cannot falter;
Peace has found a haven from the storms secure in the Word of God that cannot alter.
Like a beacon star to lead me thro' the night, like a light upon my pathway streaming,
Is the Word of God to guide my steps aright to my homeland with its portals gleaming.
Standing on the Word, standing on the Word,
Standing on the never failing Word of God;
Though many foes assail, His promise cannot fail,
For I'm standing on the never failing Word"!
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Little Is Much ---
Sometimes, in the middle of the week, we just need a song to lift our spirits and remind us that "Little is Much When God is In It!" I trust this song, and the story behind it, will bless and encourage your heart today!
"One snowy night, Canadian Fred Suffield awoke to an urgent pounding on his door. A half-frozen man reported that a train had stalled in the blizzard, and the passengers were in danger of freezing to death. Lighting a lantern, Fred followed the man to the site and led the travelers back to his house. One of the passengers, Kittie, wrote a thank you note. Fred replied, and Kittie wrote back. Their correspondence led to courtship and marriage.
Some time later, Fred and Kittie attended a church in Ottawa pastored by Rev. A. J. Shea, and there they gave their lives to the Lord. As the couple grew in Christ, they entered the ministry of evangelism. One summer they invited Shea's teen-age son, George Beverly, to spend a month with them in Westport, Ontario, holding evangelistic meetings. One night, accompanied by Kittie on the piano, Bev attempted to sing, but his voice cracked on the high notes, and he sat down mortified, vowing never to sing again.
Kittie wouldn't hear of it, suggesting he sing in a lower key. He did, and he kept on singing, and singing, and singing.
In June of 2000, Billy Graham came to Nashville, Tennessee, for a four-night mission. George Beverly Shea, 92 at the time, rose to sing. His rich baritone voice broke into a song that had been written 73 years before by Fred and Kittie -- "Little is Much When God is In It."
I thought it a strange choice of hymn. We were on the verge of the greatest evangelistic effort in Nashville's history, headlined by the most famous evangelist in the world. And Bev Shea's song was about the littleness of our efforts. But later I realized how perfectly the song fit. Compared to this great mission to untold multitudes, our own individual ministries seemed small and insignificant. But God uses little things in great ways. A tiny acorn may produce a forest. A spark may ignite a revival. A small church might produce the next far-famed evangelist.
Don't be discouraged if your place seems small. You're doing more good than you know."
"In the harvest field now ripened, there's a work for all to do;
Hark, the voice of God is calling, to the harvest calling you.
Does the place you're called to labor seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it and He'll not forget His own.
When the conflict here is ended and our race on earth is run;
He will say if we are faithful, Welcome home, My child well done.
Little is much when God is in it, labor not for wealth or fame;
There's a crown and you can win it -- if you go in Jesus' name."
So, let us not be weary in well-doing, and let us bloom wherever God plants us!
"A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I the Lord will hasten it in his time."
---Isaiah 60:22
"One snowy night, Canadian Fred Suffield awoke to an urgent pounding on his door. A half-frozen man reported that a train had stalled in the blizzard, and the passengers were in danger of freezing to death. Lighting a lantern, Fred followed the man to the site and led the travelers back to his house. One of the passengers, Kittie, wrote a thank you note. Fred replied, and Kittie wrote back. Their correspondence led to courtship and marriage.
Some time later, Fred and Kittie attended a church in Ottawa pastored by Rev. A. J. Shea, and there they gave their lives to the Lord. As the couple grew in Christ, they entered the ministry of evangelism. One summer they invited Shea's teen-age son, George Beverly, to spend a month with them in Westport, Ontario, holding evangelistic meetings. One night, accompanied by Kittie on the piano, Bev attempted to sing, but his voice cracked on the high notes, and he sat down mortified, vowing never to sing again.
Kittie wouldn't hear of it, suggesting he sing in a lower key. He did, and he kept on singing, and singing, and singing.
In June of 2000, Billy Graham came to Nashville, Tennessee, for a four-night mission. George Beverly Shea, 92 at the time, rose to sing. His rich baritone voice broke into a song that had been written 73 years before by Fred and Kittie -- "Little is Much When God is In It."
I thought it a strange choice of hymn. We were on the verge of the greatest evangelistic effort in Nashville's history, headlined by the most famous evangelist in the world. And Bev Shea's song was about the littleness of our efforts. But later I realized how perfectly the song fit. Compared to this great mission to untold multitudes, our own individual ministries seemed small and insignificant. But God uses little things in great ways. A tiny acorn may produce a forest. A spark may ignite a revival. A small church might produce the next far-famed evangelist.
Don't be discouraged if your place seems small. You're doing more good than you know."
"In the harvest field now ripened, there's a work for all to do;
Hark, the voice of God is calling, to the harvest calling you.
Does the place you're called to labor seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it and He'll not forget His own.
When the conflict here is ended and our race on earth is run;
He will say if we are faithful, Welcome home, My child well done.
Little is much when God is in it, labor not for wealth or fame;
There's a crown and you can win it -- if you go in Jesus' name."
So, let us not be weary in well-doing, and let us bloom wherever God plants us!
"A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I the Lord will hasten it in his time."
---Isaiah 60:22
Monday, May 18, 2020
A New Week!
Yesterday morning, how wonderful it was to prepare for the first service back in our church since the Virus began weeks ago! And what a special blessing it was to enter the sanctuary and worship with the family of God in person, after meeting online for a number of weeks! I'm sure we all agreed with the Psalmist when he said in Psalm 122:1 -- "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord."
And now--it is Monday -- so how shall we begin this new week of living for Jesus? Well, I think it might be good for us to begin by meditating on this wonderful poem by Margaret Bogart, entitled, "Is Anything Too Hard for Me?"
"Just last week as I was praying, I opened up God's Word--
And saw the biggest question there that I had ever heard.
For right in my opened Bible---in letters black and bold---
I read the greatest challenge that a Christian heart could hold!
'Is there any thing too hard for Me?' That's what My Bible said,
And now, ever since I read it--it's been going through my head.
'Is anything too difficult---or is it too severe---
That I, the Lord, can't work it out if you will persevere?'
And now, no matter what comes up, I can't get on my knees
And say -- 'Dear Lord, this is too hard.' Will you excuse me, please?'
No, nothing is too hard for Him, for there hasn't been a need--
That wasn't fully answered as my faith took hold indeed!"
I am thankful today that there is Nothing too hard or impossible for our God, but I am also challenged by the fact that -- "without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Praise the Lord!!
"Faith is still the Victory that Overcomes the World!!"
And now--it is Monday -- so how shall we begin this new week of living for Jesus? Well, I think it might be good for us to begin by meditating on this wonderful poem by Margaret Bogart, entitled, "Is Anything Too Hard for Me?"
"Just last week as I was praying, I opened up God's Word--
And saw the biggest question there that I had ever heard.
For right in my opened Bible---in letters black and bold---
I read the greatest challenge that a Christian heart could hold!
'Is there any thing too hard for Me?' That's what My Bible said,
And now, ever since I read it--it's been going through my head.
'Is anything too difficult---or is it too severe---
That I, the Lord, can't work it out if you will persevere?'
And now, no matter what comes up, I can't get on my knees
And say -- 'Dear Lord, this is too hard.' Will you excuse me, please?'
No, nothing is too hard for Him, for there hasn't been a need--
That wasn't fully answered as my faith took hold indeed!"
I am thankful today that there is Nothing too hard or impossible for our God, but I am also challenged by the fact that -- "without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Praise the Lord!!
"Faith is still the Victory that Overcomes the World!!"
Friday, May 15, 2020
No Regrets!
Today is Friday, and it seems like there are many questions and concerns that try to find lodging in our heart and minds -- things that would try to disturb our inner peace and rob us of our joy -- so I just thought it would be a great blessing and encouragement as we look to the coming Lord's Day if we would take time to read and meditate again on the wonderful Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7 of Matthew) from the lips of Jesus, the Master Teacher and our perfect example!
I also want to share this little story by Mildred Duncan --
"Running to me through the warm spring sunshine, my daughter, Ann, held out a feather in her dirty little hand. It was a soft, beautiful blue --- unmistakably a bluebird's feather.
'Mama, which bird does this belong to?' she asked. I took it in my hand and we looked at it together. Then I explained that while we couldn't tell which individual bird had dropped it, we surely knew his kind.
Ann was satisfied. But I thought about it a long time after she had gone back to her play. Even if a bluebird flew over that very moment and dropped a feather, he would be so high and so fleeting I couldn't know what he was like. But the part of himself he'd left, still belonging to him, named him.
Our lives are like that, I thought. The part of ourselves that we leave behind -- an act of compassion, a difficult job well done, a thoughtless word spoken in anger -- these are the things that the world sees and measures. The days that drop behind are always part of us -- our fallen feathers. How important to live each one of them with love and faith if we are to have no regrets!"
May God bless you today, and may you be able to say with the songwriter --
"Like a bird that's found its nest, so my soul has found its rest, in the center of the will of God!"
I also want to share this little story by Mildred Duncan --
"Running to me through the warm spring sunshine, my daughter, Ann, held out a feather in her dirty little hand. It was a soft, beautiful blue --- unmistakably a bluebird's feather.
'Mama, which bird does this belong to?' she asked. I took it in my hand and we looked at it together. Then I explained that while we couldn't tell which individual bird had dropped it, we surely knew his kind.
Ann was satisfied. But I thought about it a long time after she had gone back to her play. Even if a bluebird flew over that very moment and dropped a feather, he would be so high and so fleeting I couldn't know what he was like. But the part of himself he'd left, still belonging to him, named him.
Our lives are like that, I thought. The part of ourselves that we leave behind -- an act of compassion, a difficult job well done, a thoughtless word spoken in anger -- these are the things that the world sees and measures. The days that drop behind are always part of us -- our fallen feathers. How important to live each one of them with love and faith if we are to have no regrets!"
May God bless you today, and may you be able to say with the songwriter --
"Like a bird that's found its nest, so my soul has found its rest, in the center of the will of God!"
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
"The Closer I Walk"
This morning my heart sings, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow", and I want to share with you this wonderful hymn by Haldor Lillenas that has blessed, comforted, challenged, encouraged and ministered to my heart this week. I have sensed the presence of my wonderful Lord as I have meditated on the blessed reality that the closer I walk, the sweeter He seems! I trust it will minister to your heart today!
"A Saviour have I more precious to me
Than all of earth's friendships ever could be.
His riches of grace more clearly I see
The closer I walk to Him.
If rugged the way that I must pursue,
If dark be the night that I journey through,
My fears all depart, my tears are but few
The closer I walk to Him.
My heart sings a glad and jubilant song,
As onward we go life's pathway along.
My hope is renewed, my faith becomes strong,
The closer I walk to Him.
I feast on His truth, His riches of grace;
And daily His countless mercies I trace,
Beholding the glory light of His face,
The closer I walk to Him.
The closer I walk, the sweeter He seems.
Much fairer is He than all of my dreams.
His love lights my way when pathways are dim,
The closer I walk to Him." Amen and Amen!
And as we strive to walk ever closer to the Master, let us remember these wonderful words of Martin Luther ---
"I have held many things in my hands, and lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."
"A Saviour have I more precious to me
Than all of earth's friendships ever could be.
His riches of grace more clearly I see
The closer I walk to Him.
If rugged the way that I must pursue,
If dark be the night that I journey through,
My fears all depart, my tears are but few
The closer I walk to Him.
My heart sings a glad and jubilant song,
As onward we go life's pathway along.
My hope is renewed, my faith becomes strong,
The closer I walk to Him.
I feast on His truth, His riches of grace;
And daily His countless mercies I trace,
Beholding the glory light of His face,
The closer I walk to Him.
The closer I walk, the sweeter He seems.
Much fairer is He than all of my dreams.
His love lights my way when pathways are dim,
The closer I walk to Him." Amen and Amen!
And as we strive to walk ever closer to the Master, let us remember these wonderful words of Martin Luther ---
"I have held many things in my hands, and lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."
Monday, May 11, 2020
Praying from the heart!
This Monday morning, with sweet memories lingering in my heart from a lovely Mother's Day yesterday, I want to sing -- "I am blessed! I am blessed! Every day that I live I am blessed! When I wake up in the morning until I lay my head to rest, I am blessed! I am blessed!"
As we begin a new week of living for Jesus, let us turn our thoughts to a most interesting little verse in Lamentations 3:41 -- "Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens." What a challenging verse in these days that seem to be filled with the cares of life. It is very easy, if we are not careful, to let our prayers become routine and repetitious. We need to remember that our Heavenly Father listens more closely to our hearts than the words from our lips. Jesus said in Matthew 6:7-8 --
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him."
We can pray in many different positions -- some lift their hands -- some prostrate themselves on the ground -- some stand -- some kneel -- some shout -- some pray silently -- some pray eloquently -- but the thing that counts far more than posture or eloquence is our attitude of heart! If we want God to hear from heaven, then we must lift our hearts to Him, not just our hands or our voices! 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." And I like the verse in Hebrews 10:22 --
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith."
Our prayers must also come from a believing heart, for we read in the 1st chapter of James -- "Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." What a blessed privilege to come boldly unto the throne of grace -- to lift up our heart with our hands unto God whose ear is Always open to our cry, and to know that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." And one of my favorite verses, which has been a wonderful encouragement and comfort to my heart many times, is Jeremiah 33:3 -- "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou
knowest not."
And don't forget -- "If your day is hemmed with prayer, it will be less likely to unravel."
As we begin a new week of living for Jesus, let us turn our thoughts to a most interesting little verse in Lamentations 3:41 -- "Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens." What a challenging verse in these days that seem to be filled with the cares of life. It is very easy, if we are not careful, to let our prayers become routine and repetitious. We need to remember that our Heavenly Father listens more closely to our hearts than the words from our lips. Jesus said in Matthew 6:7-8 --
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him."
We can pray in many different positions -- some lift their hands -- some prostrate themselves on the ground -- some stand -- some kneel -- some shout -- some pray silently -- some pray eloquently -- but the thing that counts far more than posture or eloquence is our attitude of heart! If we want God to hear from heaven, then we must lift our hearts to Him, not just our hands or our voices! 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." And I like the verse in Hebrews 10:22 --
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith."
Our prayers must also come from a believing heart, for we read in the 1st chapter of James -- "Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." What a blessed privilege to come boldly unto the throne of grace -- to lift up our heart with our hands unto God whose ear is Always open to our cry, and to know that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." And one of my favorite verses, which has been a wonderful encouragement and comfort to my heart many times, is Jeremiah 33:3 -- "Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou
knowest not."
And don't forget -- "If your day is hemmed with prayer, it will be less likely to unravel."
Friday, May 8, 2020
Mother's Day, 2020!
Good morning to each of you--especially every Mother--as we anticipate celebrating Mother's Day this Sunday! It is interesting to think about what creatures of habit we are! It seems very strange not to be celebrating Mother's Day the way we always have --- anticipating a little gift for each Mother present at church -- beautiful flowers for the oldest mother, the youngest mother, the mother with the most family members, etc., and a wonderful Mother's Day message from the pastor! For most of us, it will be very different this year; but it thrills my heart to know that our God is ever the same, and His Holy Word assures us -- "I am the Lord; I change not"!
So this morning as we turn our hearts to Mother's Day, I trust you will take a little time to meditate again on the very lovely word picture we see in Proverbs 31of a gracious woman, for this kind of woman is invaluable -- her price is far above rubies, and no quantity of precious stones can be equal to her worth! "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."
I like this poem by Helen Steiner Rice --
"A Mother's love is something that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion -- and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish -- and enduring, come what may
For nothing can destroy it, or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking---
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems---
It is far beyond defining; it defies all explanation---
And it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation---
A many splendored miracle man cannot understand---
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand."
"Dear Heavenly Father, what a sweet and blessed comfort it is to know that you see every mother in the whole, wide world today! You share in our joys and our sorrows -- you see our children and precious grandchildren -- and in these uncertain days, you want us to remember the power of prayer!
We think of Hannah as a great example of a praying mother. In half of all the verses about her in I Samuel, she is praying! I humbly ask Thee, dear Father, to help each of us mothers on this Mother's Day to remember that the most important work we have to do is that which must be done on our knees, alone with Thee -- and may you help us, dear Master, to so live that when we stand before Thee, we will have the family in our hand." In Jesus' name, Amen.
So this morning as we turn our hearts to Mother's Day, I trust you will take a little time to meditate again on the very lovely word picture we see in Proverbs 31of a gracious woman, for this kind of woman is invaluable -- her price is far above rubies, and no quantity of precious stones can be equal to her worth! "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."
I like this poem by Helen Steiner Rice --
"A Mother's love is something that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion -- and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish -- and enduring, come what may
For nothing can destroy it, or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking---
It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems---
It is far beyond defining; it defies all explanation---
And it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation---
A many splendored miracle man cannot understand---
And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand."
"Dear Heavenly Father, what a sweet and blessed comfort it is to know that you see every mother in the whole, wide world today! You share in our joys and our sorrows -- you see our children and precious grandchildren -- and in these uncertain days, you want us to remember the power of prayer!
We think of Hannah as a great example of a praying mother. In half of all the verses about her in I Samuel, she is praying! I humbly ask Thee, dear Father, to help each of us mothers on this Mother's Day to remember that the most important work we have to do is that which must be done on our knees, alone with Thee -- and may you help us, dear Master, to so live that when we stand before Thee, we will have the family in our hand." In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Mother's Day, 2020!
Adam was lonely!! Oh, yes, he was in the midst of paradise---a beautiful garden that the Lord had made for him with lovely flowers and foliage, luscious fruits -- actually, everything his heart could desire-- and there were no weeds to mar its loveliness and beauty! He had named all the animals, and probably enjoyed watching them there in the garden, but something was still missing! Adam didn't understand what this underlying need was, but the Lord knew exactly what he needed, so he put Adam to sleep, took out one of his ribs, made a beautiful creature and brought her to Adam! And strangely enough, Adam knew immediately that he was now complete and said, "she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of man."
The Lord must have been thrilled with His creation of woman! He created her to be feminine with lovely charms and graces. He knew that she, to a great degree, would make man what he is in this world, and God wanted her to labor with Him to help man reach his highest potential in this world --- to love him, boost him, encourage him, and conduct herself so that he could trust her and praise her, and her children would know that she feared and honored the Lord!
Sadly, I wonder what God thinks today! What does He think as he looks down on womanhood that He created so beautiful, so pure and clean, so holy and lovely? I believe that He weeps, that His heart is broken when He sees the awful depths to which His most lovely of creation has fallen.
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day! It's a special day -- a lovely day! But along with the joys of being a mother comes great responsibility! The Lord gave us our children to nurture and train for Him. I, personally, don't believe this responsibility ever ends until we arrive safely to heaven and home! I often think of the pleading entreaty of Judah to Joseph for his brother, Benjamin, when he said -- "How shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me"?
Yes, there are wonderful joys that come with being a mother. I love the happy times shared with the family, but there are some storms too---some heartaches and tears. If we are going to see the entire family safe in the ark, it will take some sacrifice and self-denial. We will have to pour out our hearts to God, and keep the children and grand-children "bathed" in prayer. There are hardships, but it will be worth whatever it takes to make it to heaven with the family in our hand!
I realize that these are difficult days for our mothers with little ones. Because of the present crisis in our nation, they have suddenly become the school teacher, along with the restrictions of being pretty well confined and not being able to enjoy the normal activities, etc. But I trust the Lord will help you to make every stumbling block a stepping stone to draw your sweet little family closer to God and each other. Never forget, dear Mother, that you are the heart of home! May God bless you and encourage you, and help you to live so that your children can see Jesus in you, and want to know the God that mama loves and serves!
God bless you and Best Wishes for a very special and blessed Mother's Day!
The Lord must have been thrilled with His creation of woman! He created her to be feminine with lovely charms and graces. He knew that she, to a great degree, would make man what he is in this world, and God wanted her to labor with Him to help man reach his highest potential in this world --- to love him, boost him, encourage him, and conduct herself so that he could trust her and praise her, and her children would know that she feared and honored the Lord!
Sadly, I wonder what God thinks today! What does He think as he looks down on womanhood that He created so beautiful, so pure and clean, so holy and lovely? I believe that He weeps, that His heart is broken when He sees the awful depths to which His most lovely of creation has fallen.
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day! It's a special day -- a lovely day! But along with the joys of being a mother comes great responsibility! The Lord gave us our children to nurture and train for Him. I, personally, don't believe this responsibility ever ends until we arrive safely to heaven and home! I often think of the pleading entreaty of Judah to Joseph for his brother, Benjamin, when he said -- "How shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me"?
Yes, there are wonderful joys that come with being a mother. I love the happy times shared with the family, but there are some storms too---some heartaches and tears. If we are going to see the entire family safe in the ark, it will take some sacrifice and self-denial. We will have to pour out our hearts to God, and keep the children and grand-children "bathed" in prayer. There are hardships, but it will be worth whatever it takes to make it to heaven with the family in our hand!
I realize that these are difficult days for our mothers with little ones. Because of the present crisis in our nation, they have suddenly become the school teacher, along with the restrictions of being pretty well confined and not being able to enjoy the normal activities, etc. But I trust the Lord will help you to make every stumbling block a stepping stone to draw your sweet little family closer to God and each other. Never forget, dear Mother, that you are the heart of home! May God bless you and encourage you, and help you to live so that your children can see Jesus in you, and want to know the God that mama loves and serves!
God bless you and Best Wishes for a very special and blessed Mother's Day!
Monday, May 4, 2020
Stand Up!!
Praise the Lord for the beautiful sunshine streaming in my windows this Monday morning! And I want to praise the Lord for the Sunshine in my soul today! What a blessed privilege it is to be a Child of the King!! I have been thinking about Faith and how we read in God's Word that without faith it is impossible to please Him, so I thought I would share these wonderful words by William Ellis that I found in an old Sunday School paper from 1956.
"This is not quicksand. Go ahead---jump up and down, rest your whole weight, for you will not sink---this is solid ground. What is? Faith!! 'The substance of things hoped for' ---- 'the evidence of things not seen' --- the framer of worlds --- the channel of justification --- the climax of sanctification --- the roadway of the pilgrim --- the bedrock of prayer. Stand up, man, stand up---faith is the victory over sin, hell, and the grave!
By faith ---
Abel presented a bleeding sacrifice,
Enoch disappeared into the skies,
Noah hammered until an ark was built,
Abraham sought a city not made with hands.
By faith ---
Moses forsook Egypt,
Rahab perished not,
David slew Goliath,
Samuel faced Saul.
By faith ---
Flames of violence were extinguished,
Armies were put to crying flight,
Weaklings were made champions,
Mouths of lions were closed.
They stand taller than the Empire State Building, these men of faith, and they form the greatest galaxy of stars this old sod-filled earth has ever known. Some might have lost their heads like ripened wheat, but they held their faith. Lifting their holy hands skyward, they beckon the followers of the Master to march onward with flaming swords and burning hearts. To stand among these faithful stalwarts is our splendid privilege.
It may appear that carnal men will triumph, but no! Materialism may now cloud the sky, but not forever. Politicians are playing a delightful game, but a whistle will ultimately end the fracas. Ah! how surprised they will be when the final curtain drops, and the men of faith---so long overlooked---
will march with flying banners to the Eternal City of God! Do not be ashamed of your faith. Stand up, man, stand up! Your faith triumphs!"
Praise the Lord!! Let us sing together --
"Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory that overcomes the world!"
"This is not quicksand. Go ahead---jump up and down, rest your whole weight, for you will not sink---this is solid ground. What is? Faith!! 'The substance of things hoped for' ---- 'the evidence of things not seen' --- the framer of worlds --- the channel of justification --- the climax of sanctification --- the roadway of the pilgrim --- the bedrock of prayer. Stand up, man, stand up---faith is the victory over sin, hell, and the grave!
By faith ---
Abel presented a bleeding sacrifice,
Enoch disappeared into the skies,
Noah hammered until an ark was built,
Abraham sought a city not made with hands.
By faith ---
Moses forsook Egypt,
Rahab perished not,
David slew Goliath,
Samuel faced Saul.
By faith ---
Flames of violence were extinguished,
Armies were put to crying flight,
Weaklings were made champions,
Mouths of lions were closed.
They stand taller than the Empire State Building, these men of faith, and they form the greatest galaxy of stars this old sod-filled earth has ever known. Some might have lost their heads like ripened wheat, but they held their faith. Lifting their holy hands skyward, they beckon the followers of the Master to march onward with flaming swords and burning hearts. To stand among these faithful stalwarts is our splendid privilege.
It may appear that carnal men will triumph, but no! Materialism may now cloud the sky, but not forever. Politicians are playing a delightful game, but a whistle will ultimately end the fracas. Ah! how surprised they will be when the final curtain drops, and the men of faith---so long overlooked---
will march with flying banners to the Eternal City of God! Do not be ashamed of your faith. Stand up, man, stand up! Your faith triumphs!"
Praise the Lord!! Let us sing together --
"Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory that overcomes the world!"
Friday, May 1, 2020
May 1
To some people, May 1 is remembered as May Day -- the day you would take a small basket, fill it with flowers or treats, then leave it at someone's door--ring the bell and run away. But for our family, this is the day we take time to remember Dad and his home-going service 5 years ago today! It is hard to believe that five years have passed, but I know if we were searching for him in heaven we wouldn't have to go far, for I am sure he is no doubt still shouting "Glory" just outside his mansion door where he living on "the Hallelujah Side"!
And, I'm quite sure if you asked the children today the top three things Dad insisted upon, they would all probably say:
Faithfulness
Never say, "I'll try" -- just Do It!!
Never quit---never give up---keep going and never stop short of the victory!
I think this illustration fits the character of Dad very well --
Tammerlane used to relate to his friends an anecdote of his early life. "I once was forced to take shelter from my enemies in a ruined building, where I sat alone many hours. Desiring to divert my mind from my hopeless condition, I fixed my eyes on an ant that was carrying a grain of corn larger than itself up a high wall. I numbered the efforts it made to accomplish this object. The grain fell sixty-nine times to the ground; but the insect persevered, and the seventieth time it reached the top! This sight gave me courage at the moment, and I never forgot the lesson." Praise the Lord!
I am thankful today that Dad was a great leader who never cared who got the credit, but would persevere through every difficulty, every heartache and every trial to see the goal accomplished for the glory of God and the upbuilding of His kingdom!
May God bless each of you today, and may we determine anew to keep believing, keep praying, and keep doing the sweet will of God until one day (perhaps much sooner than we think) we will sing and shout forever, and we'll grow in perfect love, in the new Jerusalem!! What a glorious day it will be!!
Come--and go with me to Glory-Land!!
And, I'm quite sure if you asked the children today the top three things Dad insisted upon, they would all probably say:
Faithfulness
Never say, "I'll try" -- just Do It!!
Never quit---never give up---keep going and never stop short of the victory!
I think this illustration fits the character of Dad very well --
Tammerlane used to relate to his friends an anecdote of his early life. "I once was forced to take shelter from my enemies in a ruined building, where I sat alone many hours. Desiring to divert my mind from my hopeless condition, I fixed my eyes on an ant that was carrying a grain of corn larger than itself up a high wall. I numbered the efforts it made to accomplish this object. The grain fell sixty-nine times to the ground; but the insect persevered, and the seventieth time it reached the top! This sight gave me courage at the moment, and I never forgot the lesson." Praise the Lord!
I am thankful today that Dad was a great leader who never cared who got the credit, but would persevere through every difficulty, every heartache and every trial to see the goal accomplished for the glory of God and the upbuilding of His kingdom!
May God bless each of you today, and may we determine anew to keep believing, keep praying, and keep doing the sweet will of God until one day (perhaps much sooner than we think) we will sing and shout forever, and we'll grow in perfect love, in the new Jerusalem!! What a glorious day it will be!!
Come--and go with me to Glory-Land!!
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