"Your life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you can spend it only once."
--Lillian Dickson
"Only one life -- 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last!"
Friday, June 3, 2016
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
"The Good Way". . .
I have heard my husband say that of all the people in the Bible, he would not have wanted to be the prophet Jeremiah. He was called "the weeping Prophet" and was called to prophesy in very dark times. Some scholars say that he was only about 14 years of age when the word of the Lord came to him! In the first chapter of Jeremiah, God spoke to him and said:
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces; they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee."
Wow! What an assignment! No wonder he is known as "one of the greater prophets"! During his ministry, he was rejected by his neighbors, by his own family, by the priests and prophets, by his friends, by all the people and by the King! At one point, Jeremiah became discouraged and said he was not going to speak any more in the Lord's Name, "but His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones", and the faithful prophet could not keep silent!
I titled this little devotional, "The Good Way" because of Jeremiah's second message to backslidden Judah. In chapter 6, verse 16, we read: "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."
I love this verse, and thank the Lord for the privilege of walking with Him in this 'Good Way' of Faith and Obedience.
As we think about the call of Jeremiah, I wonder if there is a young man today---maybe around 14 years of age--- whom God wants to lay His hand upon and call into His service! If so, I trust that you will answer, "Here am I, Lord, send me!"
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces; they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee."
Wow! What an assignment! No wonder he is known as "one of the greater prophets"! During his ministry, he was rejected by his neighbors, by his own family, by the priests and prophets, by his friends, by all the people and by the King! At one point, Jeremiah became discouraged and said he was not going to speak any more in the Lord's Name, "but His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones", and the faithful prophet could not keep silent!
I titled this little devotional, "The Good Way" because of Jeremiah's second message to backslidden Judah. In chapter 6, verse 16, we read: "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."
I love this verse, and thank the Lord for the privilege of walking with Him in this 'Good Way' of Faith and Obedience.
As we think about the call of Jeremiah, I wonder if there is a young man today---maybe around 14 years of age--- whom God wants to lay His hand upon and call into His service! If so, I trust that you will answer, "Here am I, Lord, send me!"
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
"He's The One"
I trust that these words from this blessed old song of comfort and consolation will speak to the need of your heart today.
"Is there anyone can help us, one who understands our hearts, when the thorns of life have pierced them till they bleed;
One who sympathizes with us, who in wondrous love imparts just the very, very blessing that we need?
Yes, there's One, only One, the blessed, blessed Jesus, He's the One;
When afflictions press the soul, when waves of trouble roll,
And you need a friend to help you, He's the One."
"Is there anyone can help us, one who understands our hearts, when the thorns of life have pierced them till they bleed;
One who sympathizes with us, who in wondrous love imparts just the very, very blessing that we need?
Yes, there's One, only One, the blessed, blessed Jesus, He's the One;
When afflictions press the soul, when waves of trouble roll,
And you need a friend to help you, He's the One."
Monday, May 23, 2016
A Vapour . . .
In the little book of James, it tells us we know not what shall be on the morrow, for our life is a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Our hearts are sad today by the tragic news of the sudden death of a young man very close to some of our family. At a time like this, there seem to be no words that can ease the breaking hearts, but I trust that this poem by Helen Steiner Rice will be a blessing and comfort.
"Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair
I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer . . .
I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely, too,
That my mind is deeply burdened and I don't know what to do . . .
But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea
And I humbly ask if in His love He'll do the same for me . . .
And then I just keep Quiet and think only thoughts of Peace
And if I abide in Stillness, my 'restless murmurings' cease."
In the time of sorrow, we are thankful for the kindness and thoughtfulness of neighbors and friends, but I am especially thankful that we have a Friend in Jesus who cares and understands.
"No one understands like Jesus; He's a Friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy; He is waiting for you there.
No one understands like Jesus; every woe He sees and feels.
Tenderly He whispers comfort, and the broken heart He heals.
No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; cast your every care on Him."
Our hearts are sad today by the tragic news of the sudden death of a young man very close to some of our family. At a time like this, there seem to be no words that can ease the breaking hearts, but I trust that this poem by Helen Steiner Rice will be a blessing and comfort.
"Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair
I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer . . .
I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely, too,
That my mind is deeply burdened and I don't know what to do . . .
But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea
And I humbly ask if in His love He'll do the same for me . . .
And then I just keep Quiet and think only thoughts of Peace
And if I abide in Stillness, my 'restless murmurings' cease."
In the time of sorrow, we are thankful for the kindness and thoughtfulness of neighbors and friends, but I am especially thankful that we have a Friend in Jesus who cares and understands.
"No one understands like Jesus; He's a Friend beyond compare.
Meet Him at the throne of mercy; He is waiting for you there.
No one understands like Jesus; every woe He sees and feels.
Tenderly He whispers comfort, and the broken heart He heals.
No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; cast your every care on Him."
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Grow in Grace . . .
I like this little quote from T. Watson.
"Such as do not grow in grace, decay in grace. There is no standing at a stay in religion, either we go forward or backward; if faith does not grow, unbelief will; if heavenly mindedness doth not grow, covetousness will."
"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." II Peter 3:18
"Such as do not grow in grace, decay in grace. There is no standing at a stay in religion, either we go forward or backward; if faith does not grow, unbelief will; if heavenly mindedness doth not grow, covetousness will."
"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." II Peter 3:18
Monday, May 16, 2016
Graduation!
I have enjoyed going to the mailbox the last week or so and finding graduation announcements from relatives and friends! I can almost feel the excitement oozing out of the announcement as each young person anticipates turning their tassel! Each one is excited about beginning a new chapter in their life. Perhaps our best graduation gift to them would be to let them know we will be praying for them as they place their hand in God's and let Him direct their paths!
Special Congratulations to my sweet granddaughter, Kaylee. I love you!!
Special Congratulations to my sweet granddaughter, Kaylee. I love you!!
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Come and Worship . . .
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." (Psalms 122:1)
"Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." (Psalms 100:4-5)
" O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker." (Psalms 95:6)
"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints. (Psalm 149:1)
"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God: for it is pleasant; and praise is comely." (Psalm 147:1)
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalms 150:1,6)
"Dear Heavenly Father, help us to prepare our hearts today so that when we go to church in the morning, if Thou dost give us the light of another day, we will be ready to 'Worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love; Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.' In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen."
"Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." (Psalms 100:4-5)
" O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker." (Psalms 95:6)
"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints. (Psalm 149:1)
"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God: for it is pleasant; and praise is comely." (Psalm 147:1)
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord." (Psalms 150:1,6)
"Dear Heavenly Father, help us to prepare our hearts today so that when we go to church in the morning, if Thou dost give us the light of another day, we will be ready to 'Worship the King, all glorious above, and gratefully sing His wonderful love; Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.' In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen."
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