"Paganini, the great violinist, came out before his audience one day and made the discovery just as they ended their applause that there was something wrong with his violin. He looked at it a second and then saw that it was not his famous and valuable one.
He felt paralyzed for a moment, then turned to his audience and told them there had been some mistake and he did not have his own violin. He stepped back behind the curtain thinking it was still where he had left it, but discovered that someone had stolen his and left that old secondhand one in its place. He remained back of the curtain a moment, then came out before his audience and said:
"Ladies and Gentlemen: I will show you that the music is not in the instrument, but in the soul." And he played as he had never played before; and out of that secondhand instrument, the music poured forth until the audience was enraptured with enthusiasm and the applause almost lifted the ceiling of the building, because the man had revealed to them that music was not in the machine but in his own soul."
And so it is our mission, when we are tested and tried, to reveal to all that the music of our life is not in conditions, not in things, not in externals, but the music of life is in our own soul!
I like this little poem by Charles Richardson --
"If peace be in the heart, the wildest winter storm is full of beauty,
The midnight flash but shows the path of duty,
Each living creature tells some new and joyous story,
The very trees and stones all catch a ray of glory, if peace be in the heart."
So, today, if you feel like you have lost your "valuable violin" through the trials, difficulties, heartaches, loss of jobs, etc. plaguing our nation and world right now--just take a little time to be still-- quiet your heart--and have a little talk with Jesus! You will soon rise above the cares of life, and sense the sweet peace of God flooding your soul! God bless you!
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Monday, April 13, 2020
HE LIVES!!
Praise the Lord for the glory and wonder of the Resurrection that lingers in my heart today! No, it was not the "normal" Easter Sunday celebration that we have probably thought we would always have, but I trust we were able to realize a little of the reality that "where Jesus is, it's heaven there!"
I am so very thankful on this Monday morning that our blessed Saviour conquered death, hell, and the grave; He is alive forevermore, and I am so thankful He lives in my heart this morning!
One of the beautiful hymns that is probably sung in most churches on Easter Sunday is the beautiful, soul-stirring hymn, "He Lives" by Alfred Ackley. I trust a little of the story behind it will be a blessing to you today.
"Why should I worship a dead Jew? That question -- and a dreadful sermon -- inspired this hymn.
Alfred Ackley was born in Pennsylvania in 1887. He showed great promise as a child, and his musician father personally tutored him before sending him to New York to study music. Later he attended Westminster Seminary in Maryland, and was ordained into the Presbyterian ministry in 1914. In 1932, while pastoring in California, Alfred met a Jewish man to whom he began witnessing.
But the man resisted the Christian faith, saying, "Why should I worship a dead Jew?
That statement played on Alfred's mind as he prepared his Easter Sunday message. Rising early to prepare for the day, Alfred turned on the radio and was astonished to hear a famous liberal preacher in New York say: "Good morning---it's Easter! You know, folks, it really doesn't make any difference to me if Christ be risen or not! As far as I am concerned, his body could be as dust in some Palestinian tomb. The main thing is, His truth goes marching on!"
Alfred wanted to fling the radio across the room. "It's a lie!" he exclaimed. His wife rushed into the bathroom , asking, "Why are you shouting so early in the morning"? "Didn't you hear what that good-for-nothing preacher said?" Alfred replied. That morning, Ackley preached with great vigor on the reality of Christ's Resurrection, and he did the same at the evening service. But later that night, he was still agitated. "Listen here, Alfred Ackley", his wife said at last. "It's time you did that which you can do best. "Why don't you write a song about it and then maybe you'll feel better."
Alfred went to his study, opened the Bible, and re-read the Resurrection account from Mark's gospel. A thrill went through him, and he began writing the words to "He Lives"! A few minutes later, he was at the piano putting it to music, not dreaming it would become one of the church's most
triumphant Easter hymns."
"I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today.
I know that He is living; whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy. I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him -- He's always near.
In all the world around me I see His loving care;
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair.
I know that He is leading through all the stormy blast.
The day of His appearing will come at last.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian. lift up your voice and sing.
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King.
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find.
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."
I am so very thankful on this Monday morning that our blessed Saviour conquered death, hell, and the grave; He is alive forevermore, and I am so thankful He lives in my heart this morning!
One of the beautiful hymns that is probably sung in most churches on Easter Sunday is the beautiful, soul-stirring hymn, "He Lives" by Alfred Ackley. I trust a little of the story behind it will be a blessing to you today.
"Why should I worship a dead Jew? That question -- and a dreadful sermon -- inspired this hymn.
Alfred Ackley was born in Pennsylvania in 1887. He showed great promise as a child, and his musician father personally tutored him before sending him to New York to study music. Later he attended Westminster Seminary in Maryland, and was ordained into the Presbyterian ministry in 1914. In 1932, while pastoring in California, Alfred met a Jewish man to whom he began witnessing.
But the man resisted the Christian faith, saying, "Why should I worship a dead Jew?
That statement played on Alfred's mind as he prepared his Easter Sunday message. Rising early to prepare for the day, Alfred turned on the radio and was astonished to hear a famous liberal preacher in New York say: "Good morning---it's Easter! You know, folks, it really doesn't make any difference to me if Christ be risen or not! As far as I am concerned, his body could be as dust in some Palestinian tomb. The main thing is, His truth goes marching on!"
Alfred wanted to fling the radio across the room. "It's a lie!" he exclaimed. His wife rushed into the bathroom , asking, "Why are you shouting so early in the morning"? "Didn't you hear what that good-for-nothing preacher said?" Alfred replied. That morning, Ackley preached with great vigor on the reality of Christ's Resurrection, and he did the same at the evening service. But later that night, he was still agitated. "Listen here, Alfred Ackley", his wife said at last. "It's time you did that which you can do best. "Why don't you write a song about it and then maybe you'll feel better."
Alfred went to his study, opened the Bible, and re-read the Resurrection account from Mark's gospel. A thrill went through him, and he began writing the words to "He Lives"! A few minutes later, he was at the piano putting it to music, not dreaming it would become one of the church's most
triumphant Easter hymns."
"I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today.
I know that He is living; whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy. I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him -- He's always near.
In all the world around me I see His loving care;
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair.
I know that He is leading through all the stormy blast.
The day of His appearing will come at last.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian. lift up your voice and sing.
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King.
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find.
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."
Friday, April 10, 2020
Holy Week Meditations
Today we see Jesus, the King of Glory, crowned with thorns and led away to the mount of His crucifixion!
"Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto Him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head. And after that they had mocked Him, they took the robe off from Him, and put His own raiment on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him."
Truly, His cross, and the events surrounding it, spoke of great suffering and great shame! And, sadly, much of the world today still despises the cross, and the One on the cross who gave His life that we might live!
As we take time to meditate today, and try to grasp even a fraction of the price that Jesus paid on Calvary to purchase our salvation, my heart is always drawn to this blessed song by Avis Christiansen.
"Up Calvary's mountain one dreadful morn
Walked Christ, my Saviour, weary and worn;
Facing for sinners death on the Cross,
That He might save them from endless loss.
"Father, forgive them!" thus did He pray,
Even while His lifeblood flowed fast away.
Praying for sinners while in such woe ---
No one but Jesus ever loved so.
Oh, how I love Him, Saviour and Friend!
How can my praises ever find end!
Through years unnumbered on Heaven's shore,
My tongue shall praise Him for-ever-more.
Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading ---
Blind and un-heeding --- dying for me!"
I am so very thankful this Holy Week does not end here --- for Sunday is coming!! HALLELUJAH!!!
"Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto Him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head. And after that they had mocked Him, they took the robe off from Him, and put His own raiment on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him."
Truly, His cross, and the events surrounding it, spoke of great suffering and great shame! And, sadly, much of the world today still despises the cross, and the One on the cross who gave His life that we might live!
As we take time to meditate today, and try to grasp even a fraction of the price that Jesus paid on Calvary to purchase our salvation, my heart is always drawn to this blessed song by Avis Christiansen.
"Up Calvary's mountain one dreadful morn
Walked Christ, my Saviour, weary and worn;
Facing for sinners death on the Cross,
That He might save them from endless loss.
"Father, forgive them!" thus did He pray,
Even while His lifeblood flowed fast away.
Praying for sinners while in such woe ---
No one but Jesus ever loved so.
Oh, how I love Him, Saviour and Friend!
How can my praises ever find end!
Through years unnumbered on Heaven's shore,
My tongue shall praise Him for-ever-more.
Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading ---
Blind and un-heeding --- dying for me!"
I am so very thankful this Holy Week does not end here --- for Sunday is coming!! HALLELUJAH!!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Holy Week Meditations
As we continue our journey to the Cross, today we see Jesus sending Peter and John to prepare the Passover. In the 22nd chapter of Luke, we read:
"And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. And He said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with Me on the table." -- I wonder what Judas thought and felt at that awful moment!
After supper, the scripture says -- "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of olives." It is hard to walk with Jesus to the Garden and see Him agonizing there. God's Holy Word says: "And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done. And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.
And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
This scene grips my heart as I see Jesus, in His humanity, agonizing in prayer until the Scripture says "He was in such travail of soul that an angel from heaven came and strengthened Him" as He pled with His Father to remove the cup if it be possible, but then He adds the blessed words of complete surrender to the Father's will -- "nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done."
He rose up from prayer, went to the disciples and found them sleeping. There must have been great sadness in Jesus' heart and voice when He said---"Could you not watch with me one hour"?
The scene moves ahead to this Holy Week of 2020. The Master sees me and you just like He saw Judas so long ago. As we journey with Jesus through this Holy Week, may these words from the 139th Psalm be the longing of our hearts and the prayer on our lips:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Amen.
"And when the hour was come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. And He said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you. But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth Me is with Me on the table." -- I wonder what Judas thought and felt at that awful moment!
After supper, the scripture says -- "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of olives." It is hard to walk with Jesus to the Garden and see Him agonizing there. God's Holy Word says: "And He came out, and went, as He was wont, to the mount of Olives; and His disciples also followed Him. And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done. And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.
And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground."
This scene grips my heart as I see Jesus, in His humanity, agonizing in prayer until the Scripture says "He was in such travail of soul that an angel from heaven came and strengthened Him" as He pled with His Father to remove the cup if it be possible, but then He adds the blessed words of complete surrender to the Father's will -- "nevertheless not My will, but Thine be done."
He rose up from prayer, went to the disciples and found them sleeping. There must have been great sadness in Jesus' heart and voice when He said---"Could you not watch with me one hour"?
The scene moves ahead to this Holy Week of 2020. The Master sees me and you just like He saw Judas so long ago. As we journey with Jesus through this Holy Week, may these words from the 139th Psalm be the longing of our hearts and the prayer on our lips:
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Amen.
Monday, April 6, 2020
Holy Week Meditations
Praise the Lord for this lovely Monday morning! I trust that you are feeling well, and your heart is still rejoicing and over-flowing with Palm Sunday Praises! But this morning, the thrilling scene of the crowd waving their Palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna" is behind us and we continue on our journey to the Cross.
As we walk with Jesus on this journey to the Cross today, He seems very quiet. I wonder---what is He thinking? Is He looking ahead to the agony in the Garden--the mob coming to arrest Him with swords and staves---mocking Him--smiting Him--striking Him on the face? Is He thinking of Peter (one of the inner circle) who was going to deny Him, saying, "I know Him not"!! Or, was He looking beyond Calvary --- looking way in the future to 2020 --- looking at me and you!! We, too, are faced with the question -- "What then, will ye do with Jesus which is called Christ?" We must make our choice between the world and God's dear Son!
I like this poem by Helen Steiner Rice --
He carried the cross to Calvary -- carried its burden for you and me,
There on the cross He was crucified, and because He suffered and bled and died,
We know that whatever "Our Cross" may be, it leads to God and Eternity.
For who can hope for a 'crown of stars' unless it is earned with suffering and scars,
For how could we face the living Lord, and rightfully claim His promised reward,
If we have not carried our cross of care, and tasted the cup of bitter despair---
Let those who yearn for the pleasures of life, and long to escape all suffering and strife,
Rush recklessly on to an "empty goal", with never a thought of the spirit and soul . . .
But if you are searching to find the way to life everlasting and eternal day ---
With Faith in your heart, take the path He trod,
For the WAY OF THE CROSS is the WAY TO GOD."
As we walk with Jesus on this journey to the Cross today, He seems very quiet. I wonder---what is He thinking? Is He looking ahead to the agony in the Garden--the mob coming to arrest Him with swords and staves---mocking Him--smiting Him--striking Him on the face? Is He thinking of Peter (one of the inner circle) who was going to deny Him, saying, "I know Him not"!! Or, was He looking beyond Calvary --- looking way in the future to 2020 --- looking at me and you!! We, too, are faced with the question -- "What then, will ye do with Jesus which is called Christ?" We must make our choice between the world and God's dear Son!
I like this poem by Helen Steiner Rice --
He carried the cross to Calvary -- carried its burden for you and me,
There on the cross He was crucified, and because He suffered and bled and died,
We know that whatever "Our Cross" may be, it leads to God and Eternity.
For who can hope for a 'crown of stars' unless it is earned with suffering and scars,
For how could we face the living Lord, and rightfully claim His promised reward,
If we have not carried our cross of care, and tasted the cup of bitter despair---
Let those who yearn for the pleasures of life, and long to escape all suffering and strife,
Rush recklessly on to an "empty goal", with never a thought of the spirit and soul . . .
But if you are searching to find the way to life everlasting and eternal day ---
With Faith in your heart, take the path He trod,
For the WAY OF THE CROSS is the WAY TO GOD."
Friday, April 3, 2020
Palm Sunday!
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday! How thrilling it must have been to be among the crowd that day in Jerusalem when they heard that Jesus was coming! I wonder if they were thinking the anticipated King would be riding on a magnificent white horse!! But, no, He comes riding on a colt---not high and mighty, but meek and lowly.
The Bible records in the 11th chapter of Mark's gospel that Jesus sent two of His disciples into the village to bring a colt that no man had sat upon:
"And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on Him; and He sat upon him.
And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest."
I wasn't in the crowd that day so long ago --- and, sadly, I cannot be in the crowd of worshipers today; but on this Palm Sunday I plan on being in my home --- waving a little branch of some kind and singing from my heart, "In the New Jerusalem"---
"When the toils of life are over and we lay our armor down,
And we bid farewell to earth with all its cares,
We shall meet and greet our loved ones, and our Christ we then shall crown
In the new Jerusalem.
There'll be singing, there'll be shouting when the saints come marching home,
In Jerusalem, In Jerusalem;
Waving palms with loud hosannas as the King shall take His throne,
In the new Jerusalem!"
Then I look forward to hearing the special Palm Sunday message from my pastor before I close my service by singing -- "Then palms of victory, crowns of glory, Palms of victory I shall wear."
The Bible records in the 11th chapter of Mark's gospel that Jesus sent two of His disciples into the village to bring a colt that no man had sat upon:
"And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on Him; and He sat upon him.
And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest."
I wasn't in the crowd that day so long ago --- and, sadly, I cannot be in the crowd of worshipers today; but on this Palm Sunday I plan on being in my home --- waving a little branch of some kind and singing from my heart, "In the New Jerusalem"---
"When the toils of life are over and we lay our armor down,
And we bid farewell to earth with all its cares,
We shall meet and greet our loved ones, and our Christ we then shall crown
In the new Jerusalem.
There'll be singing, there'll be shouting when the saints come marching home,
In Jerusalem, In Jerusalem;
Waving palms with loud hosannas as the King shall take His throne,
In the new Jerusalem!"
Then I look forward to hearing the special Palm Sunday message from my pastor before I close my service by singing -- "Then palms of victory, crowns of glory, Palms of victory I shall wear."
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Crown Him!
Palm Sunday! What a beautiful Sunday it is as we look back in time and imagine ourselves among the crowd that day in Jerusalem when they heard that Jesus was coming! I wasn't in the crowd that day so long ago, and -- strangely enough -- I won't be in the crowd this coming Palm Sunday either!
I've never worshiped by myself on Palm Sunday before, but I won't be in the crowded throng, waving a Palm Branch and shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
No, this Palm Sunday, if Jesus tarries and gives me breath, I will be sitting alone in my home. Most of the churches will be empty, for the members and friends will be forbidden to enter because of the dreaded virus that is hovering over our world. But then I remember -- "I won't be alone! I am never alone, for Jesus walks with me down through this valley, and I will be worshiping with my church family online! My heart is already full of Thanksgiving and Praise as I anticipate joining with thousands of Palm Sunday worshipers all over the world, waving our Palm branches, and shouting "Hosanna" to our King!
Why don't we start worshiping right now as we join in singing this beautiful song by Mrs. C. H. Morris --
"Behold one day a wondrous scene: there rode a Man of lowly mien
Along the dusty way -- along the dusty way.
The people thronged Him as He passed; Palm branches in His way they cast,
And cried, 'Hosanna to the King, today'!
He's passing by, just as of yore, and great and small and rich and poor
Today their Lord deny -- Today their Lord deny.
Oh, make of Him supremest choice, and with uplifted heart and voice,
Hosanna to the King of Kings, still cry!
Soon He is coming back again, a thousand years on earth to reign.
We'll see Him by and by; we'll see Him by and by.
All the redeemed with Him He'll bring, who in their hearts have crowned Him King,
And they shall live and reign with Him on high.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Crown the Saviour King of Kings!
In your hearts enthrone Him; Lord and Master own Him!
Crown Him! Crown Him! While heaven exultant rings,
Crown the blessed Saviour King of Kings!"
I've never worshiped by myself on Palm Sunday before, but I won't be in the crowded throng, waving a Palm Branch and shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
No, this Palm Sunday, if Jesus tarries and gives me breath, I will be sitting alone in my home. Most of the churches will be empty, for the members and friends will be forbidden to enter because of the dreaded virus that is hovering over our world. But then I remember -- "I won't be alone! I am never alone, for Jesus walks with me down through this valley, and I will be worshiping with my church family online! My heart is already full of Thanksgiving and Praise as I anticipate joining with thousands of Palm Sunday worshipers all over the world, waving our Palm branches, and shouting "Hosanna" to our King!
Why don't we start worshiping right now as we join in singing this beautiful song by Mrs. C. H. Morris --
"Behold one day a wondrous scene: there rode a Man of lowly mien
Along the dusty way -- along the dusty way.
The people thronged Him as He passed; Palm branches in His way they cast,
And cried, 'Hosanna to the King, today'!
He's passing by, just as of yore, and great and small and rich and poor
Today their Lord deny -- Today their Lord deny.
Oh, make of Him supremest choice, and with uplifted heart and voice,
Hosanna to the King of Kings, still cry!
Soon He is coming back again, a thousand years on earth to reign.
We'll see Him by and by; we'll see Him by and by.
All the redeemed with Him He'll bring, who in their hearts have crowned Him King,
And they shall live and reign with Him on high.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Crown the Saviour King of Kings!
In your hearts enthrone Him; Lord and Master own Him!
Crown Him! Crown Him! While heaven exultant rings,
Crown the blessed Saviour King of Kings!"
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