Yesterday, we enjoyed a blessed Mother's Day -- challenging messages from the pastor, lovely family meals together, beautiful cards and gifts, many hugs, pictures, and loving messages! I was blessed and spoiled beyond measure!! But now it is time to return to our daily duties as we begin another week of walking with Jesus.
In Exodus 29:45, we read: "And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God." What a blessed promise for the people of God! God is ever to be found in His church to enlighten, quicken, comfort, and support it. He wants to be our God -- the sole object of our worship -- the One to whom we can turn in all our difficulties and distresses.
This mighty God, creator of the universe, wants to dwell in us if we will acknowledge Him, love Him, and obey Him. Nothing short of a holy heart will support us through the rugged travels in this wilderness of life, comfort us in death, and give us boldness in the day of judgment! An old writer once said -- "He who has pardon may look his judge in the face." I am so thankful that "Jesus signed my pardon, this I surely know; took my place at Calvary, now I don't have to go."
He wants to dwell among us today! Will you let Him be your God?
Monday, May 15, 2017
Friday, May 12, 2017
M - O - T - H - E - R
How can you define a Mother's Love? It is Sweet; it is Comforting; it is Encouraging; it is Tireless; it is Unselfish; it is Kind; it is Understanding; it is Peaceful; it is Christ-like!
It is tender, but it is also tenacious! It is forgiving, but it also insists on obedience!
It seems impossible to me to adequately define a Mother's Love! I think it must have been implanted in a Mother's heart by our Heavenly Father!
In honor of our Mothers, I wanted to share this old song by Howard Johnson, copyrighted in 1915!
M - is for the million things she gave me,
O - means only that she's growing old,
T - is for the tears she shed to save me,
H - is for her heart of purest gold,
E - is for her eyes with love-light shining,
R - means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell MOTHER,
A word that means the world to me!
A very special "Happy Mother's Day" to the mothers of my wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren:
Paula, Barb, Jessica, Mandy and Brittany!!
It is tender, but it is also tenacious! It is forgiving, but it also insists on obedience!
It seems impossible to me to adequately define a Mother's Love! I think it must have been implanted in a Mother's heart by our Heavenly Father!
In honor of our Mothers, I wanted to share this old song by Howard Johnson, copyrighted in 1915!
M - is for the million things she gave me,
O - means only that she's growing old,
T - is for the tears she shed to save me,
H - is for her heart of purest gold,
E - is for her eyes with love-light shining,
R - means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell MOTHER,
A word that means the world to me!
A very special "Happy Mother's Day" to the mothers of my wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren:
Paula, Barb, Jessica, Mandy and Brittany!!
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
MOTHER'S DAY!
The word "Mother" is one of the sweetest (and one of the first) words we learn to speak as a little child.
A few years ago, I read the following challenge to the mothers present in the Sunday morning church service on Mother's Day. I felt like I wanted to share it on my little Blog today, and I trust that it will challenge and humble every Mother who reads it.
Many years ago, God spoke to Moses and said, "What is that in thine hand?" Thousands of years have passed since God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, but He is still speaking today. I believe that God is speaking and asking us -- "Mother, what is that in thine hand?" And should we hesitate to answer, I believe God would answer for us -- "it is the children that I have given you to train for Me so that I can use them for My honor and glory and the upbuilding of My kingdom. I fashioned your children when they were yet in your womb, and then I placed them in your hand and entrusted them to your care. I asked you to teach your children diligently, and to talk of Me and My laws when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up."
I suppose there has never been a day when Mother's faced a greater challenge than we do today. We are living on the brink of eternity, and the devil is doing everything he can to destroy the children that God has placed in our hand. Are we going to live our lives of ease and pleasure and let our children slip out of our hands, or will we stand firm and refuse all of the devil's compromises, saying like Moses did -- "the entire family is going and everything we possess; we're not leaving even a hoof behind." Praise the Lord!! God wants the entire family safe in the ark, but there is a price for us to pay, dear Mother, just like there was for Moses and Noah.
I read the story of a merchant ship named the "Star of India" which survived collision, a mutiny, and a terrible cyclone on 21 trips around the world. Her cargo included coal, timber, sugar, and salmon; but more significant than these was the human cargo she bore carrying immigrants to New Zealand. Over 400 people would pack the airless steerage compartments and tiny wooden berths for four months on the tossing sea. Those brave souls that sailed on the Star of India risked everything to begin a new life. They were committed to facing the dangers and enduring the hardships in hope of making a safe harbor.
What about you and me, dear Mother? We are on a journey, too, and our Heavenly Father has placed our children and their never-dying souls in our hand. They, our children, are the only thing we can take to heaven with us -- everything else will be left behind. Our task is not easy, Mother. We will face some storms; sometimes it will mean sacrifice and self-denial; sometimes it may seem almost hopeless, but there is never a place to give up; sometimes we will have to deny ourselves some comforts and pleasures, and pour out our heart unto God. But if we can make it to heaven, and have our family in our hand, it will be more -- yea, a thousand times more, than worth all the hardships of the journey.
Mothers, we are the heart of the home! Let's give Jesus everything, and let Him guide us to heaven with the children in our hand!
God bless you, and Best Wishes for a happy Mother's Day!
A few years ago, I read the following challenge to the mothers present in the Sunday morning church service on Mother's Day. I felt like I wanted to share it on my little Blog today, and I trust that it will challenge and humble every Mother who reads it.
Many years ago, God spoke to Moses and said, "What is that in thine hand?" Thousands of years have passed since God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, but He is still speaking today. I believe that God is speaking and asking us -- "Mother, what is that in thine hand?" And should we hesitate to answer, I believe God would answer for us -- "it is the children that I have given you to train for Me so that I can use them for My honor and glory and the upbuilding of My kingdom. I fashioned your children when they were yet in your womb, and then I placed them in your hand and entrusted them to your care. I asked you to teach your children diligently, and to talk of Me and My laws when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up."
I suppose there has never been a day when Mother's faced a greater challenge than we do today. We are living on the brink of eternity, and the devil is doing everything he can to destroy the children that God has placed in our hand. Are we going to live our lives of ease and pleasure and let our children slip out of our hands, or will we stand firm and refuse all of the devil's compromises, saying like Moses did -- "the entire family is going and everything we possess; we're not leaving even a hoof behind." Praise the Lord!! God wants the entire family safe in the ark, but there is a price for us to pay, dear Mother, just like there was for Moses and Noah.
I read the story of a merchant ship named the "Star of India" which survived collision, a mutiny, and a terrible cyclone on 21 trips around the world. Her cargo included coal, timber, sugar, and salmon; but more significant than these was the human cargo she bore carrying immigrants to New Zealand. Over 400 people would pack the airless steerage compartments and tiny wooden berths for four months on the tossing sea. Those brave souls that sailed on the Star of India risked everything to begin a new life. They were committed to facing the dangers and enduring the hardships in hope of making a safe harbor.
What about you and me, dear Mother? We are on a journey, too, and our Heavenly Father has placed our children and their never-dying souls in our hand. They, our children, are the only thing we can take to heaven with us -- everything else will be left behind. Our task is not easy, Mother. We will face some storms; sometimes it will mean sacrifice and self-denial; sometimes it may seem almost hopeless, but there is never a place to give up; sometimes we will have to deny ourselves some comforts and pleasures, and pour out our heart unto God. But if we can make it to heaven, and have our family in our hand, it will be more -- yea, a thousand times more, than worth all the hardships of the journey.
Mothers, we are the heart of the home! Let's give Jesus everything, and let Him guide us to heaven with the children in our hand!
God bless you, and Best Wishes for a happy Mother's Day!
Monday, May 8, 2017
A Christian Mother!
As we begin another week of living for Jesus, we look forward to honoring our mothers this coming Sunday on Mother's Day! I'm thankful for many wonderful memories of my mother, and now I am blessed and privileged to be a mother---a mother-in-law---a grandmother and a great grandmother!!
How very blessed I am!
I trust that this little anonymous poem will speak to the heart of every mother, especially the young mothers who are endeavoring to train their little ones to love and serve Jesus.
"God gives us many gifts, but far above any other --- the first and best He gives us is the gift of a
Christian mother.
Her head bows over the Scriptures, teaching children from God's Word;
Her hands are always busy doing service for her Lord.
Whenever her children need her, they know she's always there.
Her beauty is in the strength of faith that she daily finds in prayer.
Her children love and bless her, and in their lives we see the lessons of the Saviour
that were learned at Mother's knee!"
"Who taught my infant lips to pray,
To love God's holy Word and day;
And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?
My Mother."
Mother, you are the heart of the home! May you live so that your children will arise up and call you blessed.
--Proverbs 31:28
How very blessed I am!
I trust that this little anonymous poem will speak to the heart of every mother, especially the young mothers who are endeavoring to train their little ones to love and serve Jesus.
"God gives us many gifts, but far above any other --- the first and best He gives us is the gift of a
Christian mother.
Her head bows over the Scriptures, teaching children from God's Word;
Her hands are always busy doing service for her Lord.
Whenever her children need her, they know she's always there.
Her beauty is in the strength of faith that she daily finds in prayer.
Her children love and bless her, and in their lives we see the lessons of the Saviour
that were learned at Mother's knee!"
"Who taught my infant lips to pray,
To love God's holy Word and day;
And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?
My Mother."
Mother, you are the heart of the home! May you live so that your children will arise up and call you blessed.
--Proverbs 31:28
Friday, May 5, 2017
A HUG!
Since this is Friday, and you are winding up what has probably been a stressful work week, maybe -- just maybe --someone will give you a hug to lift your spirits! Or, better yet, maybe YOU will be the first one to give a hug!! It will probably do you more good than medicine! In fact -- it just might be what the Doctor ordered!!
"A hug has no moving parts -- no batteries, no monthly payments, no fees! It is inflation proof and non-taxable. In fact, it is quite relaxable!
It can't be stolen, won't pollute, one size fits all, will not dilute!
It uses little energy, but yields results enormously!
Relieves your tension and your stress -- invigorates your happiness!
Combats depression; makes you beam, and elevates your self-esteem!
Your circulation it corrects without unpleasant side effects.
It is the perfect drug!!
There is NOTHING like a perfect hug!!
And, of course, it is fully refundable!!"
--Anonymous
"A hug has no moving parts -- no batteries, no monthly payments, no fees! It is inflation proof and non-taxable. In fact, it is quite relaxable!
It can't be stolen, won't pollute, one size fits all, will not dilute!
It uses little energy, but yields results enormously!
Relieves your tension and your stress -- invigorates your happiness!
Combats depression; makes you beam, and elevates your self-esteem!
Your circulation it corrects without unpleasant side effects.
It is the perfect drug!!
There is NOTHING like a perfect hug!!
And, of course, it is fully refundable!!"
--Anonymous
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Winning Side!
In Exodus 14:25, the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians."
In verse 13 and 14, Moses said unto the people: "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."
Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord gave the assurance of victory unto His people, and Joshua 23:10 records the wonderful promise: "One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, He it is that fighteth for you, as He hath promised you."
It always feels good to be on the winning side!! No matter what kind of competition we are engaged in, it always makes us feel more secure if we have the assurance of being on the winning team!
And, it is always very sad to see someone that is a loser -- just drifting along, not seeming to care whether or not they are on the winning side!
This attitude is treacherous in every aspect of living, but it is especially so in the spiritual realm! The Lord NEVER wants us to be a loser! He has promised to fight for us, and give us the needed grace and strength for every day; and with God fighting for us, we have the guaranteed assurance of complete victory in every battle that confronts us!
The Lord can even cause our enemies to cry out, "let us flee ... for The Lord fighteth for them."
"What a mighty God we serve"!!
In verse 13 and 14, Moses said unto the people: "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."
Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord gave the assurance of victory unto His people, and Joshua 23:10 records the wonderful promise: "One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, He it is that fighteth for you, as He hath promised you."
It always feels good to be on the winning side!! No matter what kind of competition we are engaged in, it always makes us feel more secure if we have the assurance of being on the winning team!
And, it is always very sad to see someone that is a loser -- just drifting along, not seeming to care whether or not they are on the winning side!
This attitude is treacherous in every aspect of living, but it is especially so in the spiritual realm! The Lord NEVER wants us to be a loser! He has promised to fight for us, and give us the needed grace and strength for every day; and with God fighting for us, we have the guaranteed assurance of complete victory in every battle that confronts us!
The Lord can even cause our enemies to cry out, "let us flee ... for The Lord fighteth for them."
"What a mighty God we serve"!!
Monday, May 1, 2017
Elijah's Mantle!
Two years ago today I sat in the sanctuary, not for a church service, but for the funeral service of my husband. I remember again today the wonderful message that Bro. Mitchell preached from the 2nd chapter of II Kings when the Lord was getting ready to take the prophet, Elijah, to heaven.
His servant, Elisha, would not leave his master, so Elijah said (I love these thrilling verses) :
"Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
And he said, thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof, And he saw him no more: And he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest upon Elisha." Praise the Lord!
As the family and I think about Dad today, I also think about several other "Elijah's" who have gone to heaven recently.
And then -- I am praying that their will be some "Elisha's" who will take up their mantles!
His servant, Elisha, would not leave his master, so Elijah said (I love these thrilling verses) :
"Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
And he said, thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.
And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof, And he saw him no more: And he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest upon Elisha." Praise the Lord!
As the family and I think about Dad today, I also think about several other "Elijah's" who have gone to heaven recently.
And then -- I am praying that their will be some "Elisha's" who will take up their mantles!
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