"Train up a child in the way he should go --- but be sure you go that way yourself."
When I read this sobering quote of Charles Spurgeon's, I thought of this little poem that I found in my Mother's things after she passed away a number of years ago. She had copied it on a little card, now yellowed with age.
I have read it many times, and it always stirs and challenges my heart!
I pray that it will speak to every parent, grandparent, and great grandparent who reads this little blog, and will burn deep into our hearts what the Master knows we need to see and understand about His Eternal Investment!
"God made an investment when He gave us a babe;
He said: 'Here, my children, I give him to thee.
Love him---enjoy him---but return him to Me!
Don't give him away to the enemy, Sin---
For he is too lovely, and worthwhile, and sweet---
To walk anywhere but on Heavenly Street.
He'll watch you, my children, to point him the road;
Whatever You do---and You teach---and You say---
He'll look to his parents to show him the way.
And when I have come to call in my loan --
When, together, you stand before the White Throne --
Will you offer with interest---or losses---My Own?'"
Friday, March 10, 2017
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Women!
They tell us that today is International Women's Day! I didn't know that there was such a day until I saw it on Facebook this morning. But it is true that women have had great influence (either for good or evil) since the beginning of time.
The courage of Queen Esther brought deliverance to her people, while the wickedness of Queen Jezebel brought disgrace and ruin to King Ahab.
The Bible has quite a bit to say about women, and some of it is not good like this verse in Proverbs 25:24: "It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house."
But I prefer to think about lovely women--gracious women--godly women like the beautiful word picture in Proverbs 31:
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Strength and honour are her clothing.
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 thank Thee, Heavenly Father, on this International Women's Day, for women of God who have shown me the beauty of Living for Jesus!!
The courage of Queen Esther brought deliverance to her people, while the wickedness of Queen Jezebel brought disgrace and ruin to King Ahab.
The Bible has quite a bit to say about women, and some of it is not good like this verse in Proverbs 25:24: "It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house."
But I prefer to think about lovely women--gracious women--godly women like the beautiful word picture in Proverbs 31:
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Strength and honour are her clothing.
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 thank Thee, Heavenly Father, on this International Women's Day, for women of God who have shown me the beauty of Living for Jesus!!
Monday, March 6, 2017
I'd Rather Have Jesus!
When I read the title of this wonderful song, I'm so thankful that my heart says a big "Amen!" It is wonderful to know that "there's no thirsting for life's pleasures, nor adorning rich and gay; for I've found a greater treasure, one that fadeth not away."
In John 6:35, we read: "Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." What a sweet promise! If you don't know Jesus, remember that Today is the day of salvation, and Jesus said: "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out."
I trust the story behind this beautiful song will be a special blessing and encouragement to you today!
"In Binghamton, New York, in 1912, the Superintendent of a mission said to his 18 year old daughter: "Rhea, you've written a little music. Why not give us a song entitled, 'I'd Rather Have Jesus'?
That's a rather unpoetic name for a song, she thought, but she could not shake the idea. Finally Rhea Ross sat down and wrote the words and melody. Ten years later her husband suggested she publish the composition to make it available to others. Church and camp-meeting singers in New York state and in the New England area found it useful. When she copyrighted the song, she promised to give half its earnings to foreign missions. Little did she dream she would be able to contribute to a number of missionary projects.
In 1935, Mrs. Adam Shea became concerned for her unhappy son, George Beverly. He, like many another, was being pulled in two directions: He wanted to be a Christian, but the world called for his talents. Mother Shea knew of her son's turmoil; she also knew the remedy. She put the words of 'I'd Rather Have Jesus' where her son would discover them when he played the family piano.
George Beverly Shea himself tells about it. "The music I wrote for the words came to me in my parents home in New Jersey when I was 23 years of age. This experience of coming across these beautiful words and writing music for them became very precious to me. It proved to be a time of complete dedication to the Lord, to be used of Him in any way, in His work." Later that morning in the Wesleyan Church where his father was pastor, George Beverly Shea, accompanied by a little reed organ, sang the song which had brought him to a place of full surrender to God's will.
In May, 1980, George Beverly Shea heard 900 Japanese students sing 'I'd Rather Have Jesus!'
In his words -- "It was a moving experience for me, you may be sure"!!!
"I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands; I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause; I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than world wide fame; I'd rather be true to His holy name.
He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom; He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs; I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead
Than to be the king of a vast domain and be held in sin's dread sway.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today!"
In John 6:35, we read: "Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst." What a sweet promise! If you don't know Jesus, remember that Today is the day of salvation, and Jesus said: "Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out."
I trust the story behind this beautiful song will be a special blessing and encouragement to you today!
"In Binghamton, New York, in 1912, the Superintendent of a mission said to his 18 year old daughter: "Rhea, you've written a little music. Why not give us a song entitled, 'I'd Rather Have Jesus'?
That's a rather unpoetic name for a song, she thought, but she could not shake the idea. Finally Rhea Ross sat down and wrote the words and melody. Ten years later her husband suggested she publish the composition to make it available to others. Church and camp-meeting singers in New York state and in the New England area found it useful. When she copyrighted the song, she promised to give half its earnings to foreign missions. Little did she dream she would be able to contribute to a number of missionary projects.
In 1935, Mrs. Adam Shea became concerned for her unhappy son, George Beverly. He, like many another, was being pulled in two directions: He wanted to be a Christian, but the world called for his talents. Mother Shea knew of her son's turmoil; she also knew the remedy. She put the words of 'I'd Rather Have Jesus' where her son would discover them when he played the family piano.
George Beverly Shea himself tells about it. "The music I wrote for the words came to me in my parents home in New Jersey when I was 23 years of age. This experience of coming across these beautiful words and writing music for them became very precious to me. It proved to be a time of complete dedication to the Lord, to be used of Him in any way, in His work." Later that morning in the Wesleyan Church where his father was pastor, George Beverly Shea, accompanied by a little reed organ, sang the song which had brought him to a place of full surrender to God's will.
In May, 1980, George Beverly Shea heard 900 Japanese students sing 'I'd Rather Have Jesus!'
In his words -- "It was a moving experience for me, you may be sure"!!!
"I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands; I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.
I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause; I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than world wide fame; I'd rather be true to His holy name.
He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom; He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs; I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead
Than to be the king of a vast domain and be held in sin's dread sway.
I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today!"
Friday, March 3, 2017
"Small Ones"
My grandchildren and great grandchildren are such a blessing to me and I am so very thankful for each of them! I'm especially glad that Jesus loves them too!! He said in the gospel of Luke: "Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."
I read the following sweet story some years ago. The author is anonymous, but I pray that it will challenge every young mother to often seek God's face as you endeavor to train your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
"A mother was packing a box to send with missionaries to India. Her young son insisted on putting in a leaflet titled, "Come to Jesus." He wrote his name and a little prayer on it. "I pray that the one who sees this will come to love Jesus."
The leaflet was eventually given to a Hindu priest who had been hired to teach the missionaries their language. The man took the leaflet, but did not bother to read it until he was on his way up the mountain to his home. Suddenly he remembered it and began reading it.
The prayer touched him deeply, and he kept on reading. Soon he gave his heart to God, and became a devoted missionary to his own people.
Many years later, some American missionaries visited his village, and found that he was ministering to a congregation of at least fifteen hundred people who had become followers of Christ, all because a little child was devoted to Christ!
When little children kneel by their beds; fold their hands and bow their heads,
and shut their eyes and start to pray---God isn't far away.
He listens with very deep intent to every message being sent
by little ones who kneel at night.
Our God answers what is right---
responding to prayers that small ones make in His Son's name, for His Son's sake."
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for my own precious "small ones". May they early learn to pray, to love your Word and your Holy day that they might know the wonderful Joy and sweet Peace of Living for Jesus!" In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!!
I read the following sweet story some years ago. The author is anonymous, but I pray that it will challenge every young mother to often seek God's face as you endeavor to train your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
"A mother was packing a box to send with missionaries to India. Her young son insisted on putting in a leaflet titled, "Come to Jesus." He wrote his name and a little prayer on it. "I pray that the one who sees this will come to love Jesus."
The leaflet was eventually given to a Hindu priest who had been hired to teach the missionaries their language. The man took the leaflet, but did not bother to read it until he was on his way up the mountain to his home. Suddenly he remembered it and began reading it.
The prayer touched him deeply, and he kept on reading. Soon he gave his heart to God, and became a devoted missionary to his own people.
Many years later, some American missionaries visited his village, and found that he was ministering to a congregation of at least fifteen hundred people who had become followers of Christ, all because a little child was devoted to Christ!
When little children kneel by their beds; fold their hands and bow their heads,
and shut their eyes and start to pray---God isn't far away.
He listens with very deep intent to every message being sent
by little ones who kneel at night.
Our God answers what is right---
responding to prayers that small ones make in His Son's name, for His Son's sake."
"Thank you, Heavenly Father, for my own precious "small ones". May they early learn to pray, to love your Word and your Holy day that they might know the wonderful Joy and sweet Peace of Living for Jesus!" In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!!
Monday, February 27, 2017
The Old Rugged Cross!
Yesterday in church, we sang this beautiful hymn! This wonderful song always touches my heart deeply, and I am so thankful that Jesus was willing to humble Himself, and become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
I recently read an account by Wayne Stahl of circumstances that led to the writing of this beloved hymn by George Bennard.
Bro. Bennard said he had been making a special study of the cross and the thought came to him--"Why doesn't someone write a song bringing out these mighty truths?" Then, "the old rugged cross" came into his mind. The words of the first stanza came immediately, but further stanzas would not come. Something seemed to say to him, "Wait"!
Later, he was holding revival services in the central West. He encountered satanic opposition! Ridicule, hatred, and vituperation were his daily portion from the adversary. It was a time of crucifixion. And when those meetings were over (with a glorious harvest of souls), he wrote the remaining three stanzas of "The Old Rugged Cross."
He said: "I had to learn the deeper meaning of the cross in my personal experience before I could complete that song." Out of the black soil of the anguish of persecution bloomed the roses and lilies of an immortal hymn.
(Perhaps that is a lesson we need to learn -- from the trials and heartaches of our lives--Jesus wants to teach us to bloom with the beauty and fragrance of roses and lilies.)
Bro. Bennard said the melody for this wonderful hymn came to him in a moment of time before he had written the song. The first time the song was sung, he was the singer. His audience numbered two persons -- a preacher and his wife as he sat with them at their kitchen table. When he had finished, the preacher said: "Bro. Bennard, this is a song that will live. Though I have little in the way of funds, I will contribute money to help publish what you have written."
That minister's prophecy has been fulfilled. The song has been translated into many languages. In a nationwide poll as to what was the favorite hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" received by far the greatest number of votes.
"On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
O the old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me!
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear.
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away, where His glory forever I'll share!
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown!"
My friend, have you been to the Cross? This Love---so Amazing -- so Divine -- demands our soul, our life, our all.
I recently read an account by Wayne Stahl of circumstances that led to the writing of this beloved hymn by George Bennard.
Bro. Bennard said he had been making a special study of the cross and the thought came to him--"Why doesn't someone write a song bringing out these mighty truths?" Then, "the old rugged cross" came into his mind. The words of the first stanza came immediately, but further stanzas would not come. Something seemed to say to him, "Wait"!
Later, he was holding revival services in the central West. He encountered satanic opposition! Ridicule, hatred, and vituperation were his daily portion from the adversary. It was a time of crucifixion. And when those meetings were over (with a glorious harvest of souls), he wrote the remaining three stanzas of "The Old Rugged Cross."
He said: "I had to learn the deeper meaning of the cross in my personal experience before I could complete that song." Out of the black soil of the anguish of persecution bloomed the roses and lilies of an immortal hymn.
(Perhaps that is a lesson we need to learn -- from the trials and heartaches of our lives--Jesus wants to teach us to bloom with the beauty and fragrance of roses and lilies.)
Bro. Bennard said the melody for this wonderful hymn came to him in a moment of time before he had written the song. The first time the song was sung, he was the singer. His audience numbered two persons -- a preacher and his wife as he sat with them at their kitchen table. When he had finished, the preacher said: "Bro. Bennard, this is a song that will live. Though I have little in the way of funds, I will contribute money to help publish what you have written."
That minister's prophecy has been fulfilled. The song has been translated into many languages. In a nationwide poll as to what was the favorite hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" received by far the greatest number of votes.
"On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame;
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
O the old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see;
For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me!
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear.
Then He'll call me someday to my home far away, where His glory forever I'll share!
So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down.
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown!"
My friend, have you been to the Cross? This Love---so Amazing -- so Divine -- demands our soul, our life, our all.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
TELL JESUS!
Are you feeling overwhelmed with the cares of life today? You don't need to -- just spend a little time in God's Book and your heart will soon be singing as you feast on a few of His precious promises!
Meditate a little while on the wonderful words in Isaiah 41:10: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness."
Perhaps the sweet promise in Isaiah 40:31 is just what you need today: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Now, go to the throne of grace, and Jesus will meet you there! Praise the Lord!
I love this sweet poem by Edith Divall. I trust it will be a blessing to you today!
"Tell Jesus when life's burdens seem too great for you to bear;
Go lay it at the feet of Christ, and know that He will care;
And tell Him all the little things that come to cloud your way,
The trials and perplexities that trouble you today.
Tell Jesus all there is to tell about your daily needs --
About the dim uncertainties through which your pathway leads --
About the cherished hopes that lie crushed lifeless at your feet --
The golden dreams left unfulfilled, the labors incomplete.
If you could know how tenderly He makes our cares His own,
You would not stand apart again and bear your load alone;
You would not miss the joy and peace of walking at His side,
Of finding tempest changed to calm, and sorrow sanctified.
I tell Him all the story now; no other friend can be,
In morning light or evening shade, what Jesus is to me.
His human heart is still the same, today as yesterday,
And in His love I find my rest, and in His strength my stay."
Meditate a little while on the wonderful words in Isaiah 41:10: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness."
Perhaps the sweet promise in Isaiah 40:31 is just what you need today: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Now, go to the throne of grace, and Jesus will meet you there! Praise the Lord!
I love this sweet poem by Edith Divall. I trust it will be a blessing to you today!
"Tell Jesus when life's burdens seem too great for you to bear;
Go lay it at the feet of Christ, and know that He will care;
And tell Him all the little things that come to cloud your way,
The trials and perplexities that trouble you today.
Tell Jesus all there is to tell about your daily needs --
About the dim uncertainties through which your pathway leads --
About the cherished hopes that lie crushed lifeless at your feet --
The golden dreams left unfulfilled, the labors incomplete.
If you could know how tenderly He makes our cares His own,
You would not stand apart again and bear your load alone;
You would not miss the joy and peace of walking at His side,
Of finding tempest changed to calm, and sorrow sanctified.
I tell Him all the story now; no other friend can be,
In morning light or evening shade, what Jesus is to me.
His human heart is still the same, today as yesterday,
And in His love I find my rest, and in His strength my stay."
Monday, February 20, 2017
President's Day!
Today is a special day in our nation -- a day set aside to remember and be thankful for, and a day to honor, great men who have served our country! We need to remember that God gave them their authority and will work through them to accomplish His will.
"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will." Proverbs 21:1
"God is the judge: He putteth down one and setteth up another." Psalm 75:7
"There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans 13:1
Those in leadership know that it can be a lonely road. It may look glamorous and exciting to the throng of onlookers, but few understand the tremendous responsibility and pressures that accompany it!
We have a newly elected President who needs wisdom and guidance as he faces tremendous challenges from day to day. Are you (and me) among those who criticize and complain, or do we take time to kneel before the throne of grace and earnestly pray for our nation and its leaders, remembering that "righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
And so, "Today, our Heavenly Father, on this President's Day, I thank Thee for great men who have served our country as President -- men of courage, honesty, humility -- men who have prayed for wisdom and acknowledged their great need of Thee -- men who have echoed the words of Daniel Roberts -- 'Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide, and Stay--Thy Word our law, Thy paths are chosen way.' Help our newly elected leaders to understand that "he who fears God need fear nothing else."
--In Jesus' name, Amen.
"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will." Proverbs 21:1
"God is the judge: He putteth down one and setteth up another." Psalm 75:7
"There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Romans 13:1
Those in leadership know that it can be a lonely road. It may look glamorous and exciting to the throng of onlookers, but few understand the tremendous responsibility and pressures that accompany it!
We have a newly elected President who needs wisdom and guidance as he faces tremendous challenges from day to day. Are you (and me) among those who criticize and complain, or do we take time to kneel before the throne of grace and earnestly pray for our nation and its leaders, remembering that "righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."
And so, "Today, our Heavenly Father, on this President's Day, I thank Thee for great men who have served our country as President -- men of courage, honesty, humility -- men who have prayed for wisdom and acknowledged their great need of Thee -- men who have echoed the words of Daniel Roberts -- 'Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide, and Stay--Thy Word our law, Thy paths are chosen way.' Help our newly elected leaders to understand that "he who fears God need fear nothing else."
--In Jesus' name, Amen.
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