I like this excellent quote by Rev. Billy Graham:
"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost.
When health is lost, something is lost.
When character is lost, all is lost."
We have seen miracles in our recent election, and now God is looking for men, women, and young people of sterling character whom He can use to pray and be His witnesses in these post election days of great challenge!!
Can He depend on You?
Friday, November 11, 2016
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
To God Be The Glory!
The world was watching our nation last night, and we witnessed a miracle! It proved to us once again that "None are ever too low for God to lift up, or too high for God to cast down."
But along with Victory comes great responsibility! We, who profess to belong to Christ must not sit down and enjoy the victories of election night.
We must begin to pray faithfully and earnestly for our newly elected President, Vice President, Senate and House.
Then we must humble ourselves and begin to pray earnestly for our nation so in need of a real Holy Ghost, heaven-sent Revival. It must begin in the professing church with soul-searching obedience. Listen to the words of our Lord in the third chapter of Revelation:
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
What a sad, sad picture! I am thankful that the Lord went on to say a few verses later:
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Yes, the world knows that the Lord has worked a political miracle in our nation; I believe He would like to work a spiritual one, too --- will we let Him?
"Obedience brings the blessing"!
But along with Victory comes great responsibility! We, who profess to belong to Christ must not sit down and enjoy the victories of election night.
We must begin to pray faithfully and earnestly for our newly elected President, Vice President, Senate and House.
Then we must humble ourselves and begin to pray earnestly for our nation so in need of a real Holy Ghost, heaven-sent Revival. It must begin in the professing church with soul-searching obedience. Listen to the words of our Lord in the third chapter of Revelation:
"I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked."
What a sad, sad picture! I am thankful that the Lord went on to say a few verses later:
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Yes, the world knows that the Lord has worked a political miracle in our nation; I believe He would like to work a spiritual one, too --- will we let Him?
"Obedience brings the blessing"!
Monday, November 7, 2016
Come Closer!
Yesterday was a beautiful Fall day! My little grand-daughter, recently turned three, loves to be outside. While we were finishing dinner, she went outside to walk in the fallen leaves and hear them crunch under her little feet.
There is a big tree just outside my kitchen window. The trunk of the tree has an opening pretty far up where my son could lift her up and she could stand in this spot by herself; her little arms stretched out, balancing herself, her hands on the trunk of the tree. He would step back a way and tell her to jump! She really wanted to, but her little voice would say .... "Come closer!" "Come closer!"
No, he would say -- "I'll catch you; just jump!" He would go through that process several times, until at last she would jump into his arms! Then she was so excited -- she loved it and immediately wanted to do it again! But by the time she got in position to jump again, she became fearful; "Come closer -- come closer!"
While this scenario was transpiring, I suddenly sensed God's Presence, and it seemed the Lord was saying to me --- "Why are ye often fearful to take that leap of faith? Have I ever failed you? Have you forgotten my promise in Deuteronomy 33:27 -- 'The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...'."
Sometimes, perhaps, we need to be reminded that God wants us to trust Him -- to take that leap of faith when it seems impossible; He will never fail to "catch" us, and we will be encouraged to climb to higher heights!
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the privilege of "Living by Faith!"
There is a big tree just outside my kitchen window. The trunk of the tree has an opening pretty far up where my son could lift her up and she could stand in this spot by herself; her little arms stretched out, balancing herself, her hands on the trunk of the tree. He would step back a way and tell her to jump! She really wanted to, but her little voice would say .... "Come closer!" "Come closer!"
No, he would say -- "I'll catch you; just jump!" He would go through that process several times, until at last she would jump into his arms! Then she was so excited -- she loved it and immediately wanted to do it again! But by the time she got in position to jump again, she became fearful; "Come closer -- come closer!"
While this scenario was transpiring, I suddenly sensed God's Presence, and it seemed the Lord was saying to me --- "Why are ye often fearful to take that leap of faith? Have I ever failed you? Have you forgotten my promise in Deuteronomy 33:27 -- 'The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...'."
Sometimes, perhaps, we need to be reminded that God wants us to trust Him -- to take that leap of faith when it seems impossible; He will never fail to "catch" us, and we will be encouraged to climb to higher heights!
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the privilege of "Living by Faith!"
Friday, November 4, 2016
Watchman ---- What of the Night?
As we approach the election in a few days (if Jesus tarries), I keep thinking of the sobering words in Isaiah: "Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?"
Perhaps the Lord would answer us in the words of II Chronicles 7:14:
"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."
Or would He have to say these very sad words from Ezekiel:
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them. . ."
"Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of Kings!
Rise up, O church of God! From vain ambitions turn.
Christ rose triumphant that your hearts with nobler zeal might burn!
Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom's task embrace.
Redress sin's cruel consequence; give justice larger place!
Lift high the Cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod!
As followers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O church of God!"
--William Merrill
Perhaps the Lord would answer us in the words of II Chronicles 7:14:
"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."
Or would He have to say these very sad words from Ezekiel:
"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. Therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them. . ."
"Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of Kings!
Rise up, O church of God! From vain ambitions turn.
Christ rose triumphant that your hearts with nobler zeal might burn!
Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom's task embrace.
Redress sin's cruel consequence; give justice larger place!
Lift high the Cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod!
As followers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O church of God!"
--William Merrill
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Habakkuk -- I Like Him!
No, I haven't met him in person, but I hope to when I get to heaven, and maybe by then I will have learned to spell his name without looking! :)
His little book, near the end of the Old Testament, has only three short chapters; and about the prophet, himself, nothing is known. But I like him because He is very open and honest with God. The prophet is very perplexed about the sins of Israel and the silence of God. He begins his book with a prayer -- "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto Thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save!"
Then follows a dialogue between Habakkuk and Jehovah. At the end of chapter 0ne, Habakkuk is still questioning, so he ascends his watch-tower (2:1) to look over the world. The Lord answers him, and he is encouraged to wait for the purpose of God to be fulfilled.
He seems content with the new light he has received, and begins chapter 3 with a sublime prayer (or Psalm of praise) which speaks about the majesty and glory of God. He also declares his unwavering trust in the divine plans. --- I like it because he didn't give up --- he persevered until he no more had questions, but answers!
He is now ready to give us the glorious conclusion of his prophecy! I love this benediction of an All Conquering Faith!
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat: the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places."
Praise the Lord!!
His little book, near the end of the Old Testament, has only three short chapters; and about the prophet, himself, nothing is known. But I like him because He is very open and honest with God. The prophet is very perplexed about the sins of Israel and the silence of God. He begins his book with a prayer -- "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and Thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto Thee of violence, and Thou wilt not save!"
Then follows a dialogue between Habakkuk and Jehovah. At the end of chapter 0ne, Habakkuk is still questioning, so he ascends his watch-tower (2:1) to look over the world. The Lord answers him, and he is encouraged to wait for the purpose of God to be fulfilled.
He seems content with the new light he has received, and begins chapter 3 with a sublime prayer (or Psalm of praise) which speaks about the majesty and glory of God. He also declares his unwavering trust in the divine plans. --- I like it because he didn't give up --- he persevered until he no more had questions, but answers!
He is now ready to give us the glorious conclusion of his prophecy! I love this benediction of an All Conquering Faith!
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat: the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places."
Praise the Lord!!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Martin Luther---The Great Reformer!
Yesterday was Reformation Sunday, and today is known as Reformation Day.
Our pastor, Bro. Thornton, preached an excellent message yesterday morning, and he closed the service last night with the congregation singing Martin Luther's majestic hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!"
Bro. Thornton loaned me an old book of his published in 1870 which contains notices of the most eminent reformers. It is most interesting, so I will try to give a very brief highlight.
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483. He seemed destined to be a pillar of the Roman Catholic church, and a patron of all its corruption. However, he had a daring spirit and loved nothing as well as truth. He spoke more boldly when he was assailed by menace and insult. He rejected the despotism of the Pope; he refused obedience to an unlimited and usurped authority.
This was the origin of the Reformation. His friends were few and of no great influence; his enemies were numerous and powerful, and eager for his destruction. He was summoned to plead his cause before the diet at Worms. The assembly soon issued the "Edict of Worms" in which Luther was denounced as an excommunicated heretic, but he allowed no moderation or concession in any matter where Christian truth was concerned.
During the 29 years he was in public life, the principles of the gospel were deeply rooted, so that when he died in 1546, he could depart in peaceful confidence that the objects of his mission were accomplished!
On this Reformation Day, I trust you will take some time to read and meditate again on Martin Luther's powerful hymn, written in 1529 -- eight years after the "Edict of Worms"!!
Our pastor, Bro. Thornton, preached an excellent message yesterday morning, and he closed the service last night with the congregation singing Martin Luther's majestic hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!"
Bro. Thornton loaned me an old book of his published in 1870 which contains notices of the most eminent reformers. It is most interesting, so I will try to give a very brief highlight.
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483. He seemed destined to be a pillar of the Roman Catholic church, and a patron of all its corruption. However, he had a daring spirit and loved nothing as well as truth. He spoke more boldly when he was assailed by menace and insult. He rejected the despotism of the Pope; he refused obedience to an unlimited and usurped authority.
This was the origin of the Reformation. His friends were few and of no great influence; his enemies were numerous and powerful, and eager for his destruction. He was summoned to plead his cause before the diet at Worms. The assembly soon issued the "Edict of Worms" in which Luther was denounced as an excommunicated heretic, but he allowed no moderation or concession in any matter where Christian truth was concerned.
During the 29 years he was in public life, the principles of the gospel were deeply rooted, so that when he died in 1546, he could depart in peaceful confidence that the objects of his mission were accomplished!
On this Reformation Day, I trust you will take some time to read and meditate again on Martin Luther's powerful hymn, written in 1529 -- eight years after the "Edict of Worms"!!
Saturday, October 29, 2016
PSALM 100!
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His
people, and the sheep of His pasture.
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."
I love this lovely little Psalm of praise!! It is so good to serve the Lord with gladness and keep a song in our hearts. How wonderful to know that He hath made us and we belong to Him.
May God bless you today as you take a little time to meditate on this blessed Psalm of Praise in preparation for God's Holy Day tomorrow!
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His
people, and the sheep of His pasture.
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."
I love this lovely little Psalm of praise!! It is so good to serve the Lord with gladness and keep a song in our hearts. How wonderful to know that He hath made us and we belong to Him.
May God bless you today as you take a little time to meditate on this blessed Psalm of Praise in preparation for God's Holy Day tomorrow!
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