What occupies your mind throughout the day?
Someone has said: "A mind stayed on God produces a sound mind for daily living."
The epistle of Paul to the Philippians is a wonderful book! I especially love verses 8 and 9 in chapter 4. Paul has been talking about the peace of God and the God of peace. He ends with these words:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
How wonderful it would be if we would build a habit of thinking on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lowly and of good report! Perhaps it was these verses that inspired Henry Van Dyke to write:
"It is only by thinking about great and good things that we come to love them, and it is only by loving them that we come to long for them, and it is only by longing for them that we are impelled to seek after them; and it is only by seeking after them that they become ours."
Friday, April 29, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Just A Sparrow?
When I think of birds, I never think of the drab little sparrow! I might think of the robin singing so happily to tell me that Spring is coming; or I might think of the haughty woodpecker wanting me to notice him as he pecks loudly on my tree outside the kitchen window.
I love to see the little humming birds hovering in mid-air with their tiny wings going so fast you can hardly see them. In New Guinea, I greatly enjoyed seeing the very beautiful "Bird of Paradise", (the only place in the world this bird is found)!
And up above, in the trees, sits the wise old Owl carefully surveying the many, many beautiful birds our Creator made. I wonder if he wonders why the Lord made the plain little sparrow?
I have read that of all the birds used for food in the first century, sparrows were the cheapest on the market. The "farthing", a tiny copper coin, was of such small value that a sparrow would be considered as all but worthless! And yet, Jesus said that God knows and cares about every single sparrow! He went on to say in Luke 12:6-7 that we are of more value than many sparrows.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."
So perhaps, Mr. Owl, our loving Master made the simple little sparrow to give us humans another lesson about His great love and care for us. He wants us to remember we are valuable in His sight, and He even takes the time to number all the hairs of our head!
I love to see the little humming birds hovering in mid-air with their tiny wings going so fast you can hardly see them. In New Guinea, I greatly enjoyed seeing the very beautiful "Bird of Paradise", (the only place in the world this bird is found)!
And up above, in the trees, sits the wise old Owl carefully surveying the many, many beautiful birds our Creator made. I wonder if he wonders why the Lord made the plain little sparrow?
I have read that of all the birds used for food in the first century, sparrows were the cheapest on the market. The "farthing", a tiny copper coin, was of such small value that a sparrow would be considered as all but worthless! And yet, Jesus said that God knows and cares about every single sparrow! He went on to say in Luke 12:6-7 that we are of more value than many sparrows.
"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."
So perhaps, Mr. Owl, our loving Master made the simple little sparrow to give us humans another lesson about His great love and care for us. He wants us to remember we are valuable in His sight, and He even takes the time to number all the hairs of our head!
Monday, April 25, 2016
"Make thee an ark . . ."
Genesis 6:6 is such a sad verse -- "And it repented the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart." In fact, the Lord was so grieved that He said in verse 7 -- "I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth . . ." Then, in the midst of despair, come the sweet words of verses 8 and 9: "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. . . . Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God."
God told Noah that He was going to destroy all flesh, told him to build an ark, and also told him exactly how to do it. I wonder what Noah thought---it had not yet rained upon the earth, and God was asking him to build a monstrous boat that would float! However, it seems that Noah began immediately to do God's bidding, and this faithful man of God preached righteousness to the people for 120 years (Genesis 6:3). And God's Word says in Genesis 6:22, ". . . according to all that God commanded him, so did he."
But it seems, in spite of Noah's faithful preaching, the people paid no attention to him -- probably made fun of him, thinking him quite stupid for endeavoring to build such a huge boat when it had never even rained a single drop! Perhaps Noah felt like he was a failure, because after preaching for 120 years, not even one person heeded his message! But then God spoke to him in chapter 7:1 and said, "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." What a thrill it must have been for Noah to hear those wonderful words -- 'Come in, and all the family with you!'
After Dad retired from the pastorate, he spoke often about building an Ark, wanting to make sure that all the family were safe within. But one year ago yesterday, the death angel came in to his hospital room and immediately he was present with the Lord. Since that day, I have often prayed and thought about building the Ark and wanted to close with this prayer from my heart.
"Dear Heavenly Father -- Yesterday was a 'bitter-sweet' day as we recalled happy times with Dad.
Thank You for giving Bro. Thornton the wonderful message on Heaven.
Thank You for the children and precious grandchildren who have been so sweet and thoughtful throughout the year.
Thank You, dear Master, for the sweet nearness of Your Presence in my heart and life.
And now, as we begin another year without Dad as the head of our family, I feel very keenly my great responsibility to the family that You have placed in my hand. Please help me to continue building the Ark for the saving of our house. Help me to understand the pattern; teach me to pray in the Holy Ghost; grant me the wisdom, knowledge and understanding that I need. I don't have Dad as the leader of our home anymore, so I humbly ask Thee to be my Teacher, and help me to live so that the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren can always see the love of Jesus shining through me, and will make sure they are safe in the Ark.
This I humbly ask in Jesus Name, Amen."
God told Noah that He was going to destroy all flesh, told him to build an ark, and also told him exactly how to do it. I wonder what Noah thought---it had not yet rained upon the earth, and God was asking him to build a monstrous boat that would float! However, it seems that Noah began immediately to do God's bidding, and this faithful man of God preached righteousness to the people for 120 years (Genesis 6:3). And God's Word says in Genesis 6:22, ". . . according to all that God commanded him, so did he."
But it seems, in spite of Noah's faithful preaching, the people paid no attention to him -- probably made fun of him, thinking him quite stupid for endeavoring to build such a huge boat when it had never even rained a single drop! Perhaps Noah felt like he was a failure, because after preaching for 120 years, not even one person heeded his message! But then God spoke to him in chapter 7:1 and said, "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." What a thrill it must have been for Noah to hear those wonderful words -- 'Come in, and all the family with you!'
After Dad retired from the pastorate, he spoke often about building an Ark, wanting to make sure that all the family were safe within. But one year ago yesterday, the death angel came in to his hospital room and immediately he was present with the Lord. Since that day, I have often prayed and thought about building the Ark and wanted to close with this prayer from my heart.
"Dear Heavenly Father -- Yesterday was a 'bitter-sweet' day as we recalled happy times with Dad.
Thank You for giving Bro. Thornton the wonderful message on Heaven.
Thank You for the children and precious grandchildren who have been so sweet and thoughtful throughout the year.
Thank You, dear Master, for the sweet nearness of Your Presence in my heart and life.
And now, as we begin another year without Dad as the head of our family, I feel very keenly my great responsibility to the family that You have placed in my hand. Please help me to continue building the Ark for the saving of our house. Help me to understand the pattern; teach me to pray in the Holy Ghost; grant me the wisdom, knowledge and understanding that I need. I don't have Dad as the leader of our home anymore, so I humbly ask Thee to be my Teacher, and help me to live so that the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren can always see the love of Jesus shining through me, and will make sure they are safe in the Ark.
This I humbly ask in Jesus Name, Amen."
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Let Us Pray!
On this day of preparation for the Lord's Day tomorrow, I wanted to share this little poem by an unknown author. May God bless you today as you prepare your heart for His holy day.
"The day was long, the burden I had borne seemed heavier than I could longer bear;
And then it lifted -- but I did not know someone had knelt in prayer!
They had taken me to God that very hour, and asked the easing of the load, and He,
in infinite compassion, had stooped down and lifted the burden from me.
We cannot tell how often as we pray for some bewildered one, hurt and distressed,
the answer comes, but many times these hearts find sudden peace and rest.
Someone had prayed in faith. A lifted hand reached up to God, and He reached down that day.
So many, many hearts have need of prayer . . . then, let us, let us pray."
"The day was long, the burden I had borne seemed heavier than I could longer bear;
And then it lifted -- but I did not know someone had knelt in prayer!
They had taken me to God that very hour, and asked the easing of the load, and He,
in infinite compassion, had stooped down and lifted the burden from me.
We cannot tell how often as we pray for some bewildered one, hurt and distressed,
the answer comes, but many times these hearts find sudden peace and rest.
Someone had prayed in faith. A lifted hand reached up to God, and He reached down that day.
So many, many hearts have need of prayer . . . then, let us, let us pray."
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Needed: Women of Prayer!
God's Word is filled with examples of prayer, answers to prayer, and the power of prayer. In fact, the apostle Paul admonishes us in I Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. Of course we can't be on our knees continually or be engaged in constant prayer, but it is wonderful to live in the spirit of prayer---with our hearts lifted to God throughout the day, meditating in His law day and night.
It is very comforting to know that God's eye is continually upon us and His ear continually open to our cry. (Psalm 34:15) He even knows the very thoughts and intents of our heart. (Hebrews 4:12) We can tell Jesus everything -- I love the verse in Psalm 62:8 -- "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us."
There are many types of prayer. Psalm 100:4 says: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." (We can't stay depressed very long when we are thanking and praising our wonderful Lord!)
There is Prayer for physical and temporal needs.
There is Prayer for guidance---seeking God's will and direction.
There is Prayer for those in authority---our state and national leaders.
There is Prayer for church leaders---missionaries, pastors, evangelists, Bible College presidents, etc.
These are all important, but I believe our greatest need is that of intercessory prayer---pleading with God for the souls of men. In Isaiah 66:8 it says ...as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.
The prophet Jeremiah was so burdened for his nation that he prayed in Jeremiah 9:1: "Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night . . ."
In Ezekiel 22: 30, God spoke such sad words through the prophet -- "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."
I think of Esther, Moses, the prophet Joel, the apostle Paul and others whom God used mightily!
I believe God wants to use you and me today if we will let Him.
Let's purpose to be women (men, too) of prayer so that the Lord won't have to say, "I looked for a man--a woman to be faithful in prayer, but I couldn't find any." Paul tell us in Ephesians 3:20 that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
Let us say with the Psalmist, "...I give myself unto prayer."
It is very comforting to know that God's eye is continually upon us and His ear continually open to our cry. (Psalm 34:15) He even knows the very thoughts and intents of our heart. (Hebrews 4:12) We can tell Jesus everything -- I love the verse in Psalm 62:8 -- "Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us."
There are many types of prayer. Psalm 100:4 says: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." (We can't stay depressed very long when we are thanking and praising our wonderful Lord!)
There is Prayer for physical and temporal needs.
There is Prayer for guidance---seeking God's will and direction.
There is Prayer for those in authority---our state and national leaders.
There is Prayer for church leaders---missionaries, pastors, evangelists, Bible College presidents, etc.
These are all important, but I believe our greatest need is that of intercessory prayer---pleading with God for the souls of men. In Isaiah 66:8 it says ...as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.
The prophet Jeremiah was so burdened for his nation that he prayed in Jeremiah 9:1: "Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night . . ."
In Ezekiel 22: 30, God spoke such sad words through the prophet -- "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."
I think of Esther, Moses, the prophet Joel, the apostle Paul and others whom God used mightily!
I believe God wants to use you and me today if we will let Him.
Let's purpose to be women (men, too) of prayer so that the Lord won't have to say, "I looked for a man--a woman to be faithful in prayer, but I couldn't find any." Paul tell us in Ephesians 3:20 that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
Let us say with the Psalmist, "...I give myself unto prayer."
Monday, April 11, 2016
What Does God Require .....
In a recent blog, I mentioned the importance of the little word "all" in scripture! Notice it in this verse in Deuteronomy 10:12:
"And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in All His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with All thy heart and with All thy soul." Moses seems to be wanting the children of Israel to see and understand that God's commandments are not grievous. Rather, it is a great privilege to give Jesus everything -- to love and serve Him with All our heart, soul, mind and strength!
It is wonderful to know that All of God's commandments are for our good and His glory!
It makes me think of the beautiful scripture in Micah 6:6-8: "Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Truly, "It is Glory just to Walk with Him!"
"And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in All His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with All thy heart and with All thy soul." Moses seems to be wanting the children of Israel to see and understand that God's commandments are not grievous. Rather, it is a great privilege to give Jesus everything -- to love and serve Him with All our heart, soul, mind and strength!
It is wonderful to know that All of God's commandments are for our good and His glory!
It makes me think of the beautiful scripture in Micah 6:6-8: "Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Truly, "It is Glory just to Walk with Him!"
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Have Thine Own Way...
This song, by Adelaide Pollard, is a beautiful prayer of surrender. I trust that the blessed Holy Spirit can use it to speak to the need of your heart today.
"Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Thou art the potter; I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Search me and try me, Master, today. Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now. As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Wounded and weary, help me, I pray. Power--all power--surely is Thine. Touch me and heal me, Saviour divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Hold o'er my being absolute sway. Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me!"
"Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Thou art the potter; I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Search me and try me, Master, today. Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now. As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Wounded and weary, help me, I pray. Power--all power--surely is Thine. Touch me and heal me, Saviour divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord. Have Thine own way. Hold o'er my being absolute sway. Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me!"
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