The last day of the month has arrived, and for the majority of people in our nation, October 31 means Halloween with tricks and treats.
To others, this day is remembered as "All Saints' Day" by commemorating all the saints of the church. The origin cannot be traced with certainty, and has been observed on various days in different places.
And for our family, it means it is time to sing "Happy Birthday" to my daughter-in-law, Mandy, with our best wishes for a lovely day!
As we begin the month of November and look ahead to the Thanksgiving season, may we take time to often "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." Praise the Lord!
"Thank you, Lord, for your blessings on me."
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Monday, October 29, 2018
COME ---
"O come, let us SING unto the Lord -- let us GIVE unto the Lord -- let us WORSHIP the Lord!"
It is a beautiful Monday morning -- the sun is brightly shining and glistening on the beautiful leaves in their fall colors, making me want to cry out with the Psalmist: "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker."
The book of Psalms is a glorious book! It seems like no matter what difficulty, problem, trial or sorrow we may find ourselves in, we can find guidance, consolation, encouragement or whatever we might be in need of at any particular time in this wonderful "prayer and praise book of Israel"!
As I was reading in the Psalms last week, my heart was very blessed as I read Psalm 120 through 130. None of these wonderful little Psalms are over eight verses, and they all have some wonderful verses to bless and encourage your heart through the week. I thought I would pick out one phrase or verse from each Psalm to begin your week today, and maybe that will whet your appetite to read each Psalm and meditate on them through the week.
120 -- "In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me." (I am so very thankful His ear is always open to my cry!)
121 -- "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Praise the Lord!
122 -- "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." Amen! Let us be faithful in our attendance!
123 -- "Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens."
124 -- "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (And He never fails!)
125 -- "They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever."
126 -- "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." (I am thankful for this sweet promise.)
127 -- "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward." (Amen)
128 -- "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in His ways."
130 -- "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."
May God bless you as you live in His Word through the week! Jesus never fails!
It is a beautiful Monday morning -- the sun is brightly shining and glistening on the beautiful leaves in their fall colors, making me want to cry out with the Psalmist: "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker."
The book of Psalms is a glorious book! It seems like no matter what difficulty, problem, trial or sorrow we may find ourselves in, we can find guidance, consolation, encouragement or whatever we might be in need of at any particular time in this wonderful "prayer and praise book of Israel"!
As I was reading in the Psalms last week, my heart was very blessed as I read Psalm 120 through 130. None of these wonderful little Psalms are over eight verses, and they all have some wonderful verses to bless and encourage your heart through the week. I thought I would pick out one phrase or verse from each Psalm to begin your week today, and maybe that will whet your appetite to read each Psalm and meditate on them through the week.
120 -- "In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me." (I am so very thankful His ear is always open to my cry!)
121 -- "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Praise the Lord!
122 -- "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." Amen! Let us be faithful in our attendance!
123 -- "Unto Thee lift I up mine eyes, O Thou that dwellest in the heavens."
124 -- "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (And He never fails!)
125 -- "They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever."
126 -- "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." (I am thankful for this sweet promise.)
127 -- "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward." (Amen)
128 -- "Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord, that walketh in His ways."
130 -- "I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."
May God bless you as you live in His Word through the week! Jesus never fails!
Friday, October 26, 2018
God's Benefits
In Psalm 103:2, we read: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."This Psalm of David is a very blessed Psalm, and such a comfort to my soul as I meditate on the wonderful truth in these verses. As we think about the great and marvelous benefits of the Lord, may our gratitude and appreciation for them be enhanced and strengthened.
In a little devotional booklet I have, the writer listed these seven benefits:
1. Forgiveness. "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities" (v. 3)
2. Healing. "Who healeth all thy diseases" (v. 3)
3. Redemption. "Who redeemeth thy life from destruction" (v. 4)
4. Glorification. "Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies" (v. 4)
5. Provision. "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things" (v. 5)
6. Strength. "Thy youth is renewed like the eagle's" (v. 5)
7. Protection. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed" (v. 6)
Of course, the greatest benefit of all is the wonderful gift of salvation, and as we read on in this great Psalm, we see the lovingkindness and tender mercies of our Lord which seem to climax in verse 17 when the Psalmist declares -- "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him." It is easy to understand why this great and lovely Psalm begins and ends with --
"Bless the Lord O my soul!"
May God bless you today as you love and serve Him!!
In a little devotional booklet I have, the writer listed these seven benefits:
1. Forgiveness. "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities" (v. 3)
2. Healing. "Who healeth all thy diseases" (v. 3)
3. Redemption. "Who redeemeth thy life from destruction" (v. 4)
4. Glorification. "Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies" (v. 4)
5. Provision. "Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things" (v. 5)
6. Strength. "Thy youth is renewed like the eagle's" (v. 5)
7. Protection. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed" (v. 6)
Of course, the greatest benefit of all is the wonderful gift of salvation, and as we read on in this great Psalm, we see the lovingkindness and tender mercies of our Lord which seem to climax in verse 17 when the Psalmist declares -- "But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him." It is easy to understand why this great and lovely Psalm begins and ends with --
"Bless the Lord O my soul!"
May God bless you today as you love and serve Him!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
CONSOLATION!
I love this beautiful exhortation in II Thessalonians 2:15-17:
"Therefore brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
Praise the Lord! This wonderful scripture seems to fit the following poem by an unknown author and entitled, "Consolation".
"There is never a day so dreary but God can make it bright,
And unto the soul that trusts Him, He giveth songs in the night.
There is never a path so hidden, but God can lead the way,
If we seek for the Spirit's guidance and patiently wait and pray.
There is never a cross so heavy but the nail-scarred hands are there
Outstretched in tender compassion, the burden to help us bear.
There is never a heart so broken, but the loving Lord can heal.
The heart that was pierced on Calvary doth still for His loved ones feel.
There is never a life so darkened, so hopeless and unblessed,
But may be filled with the light of God and enter His promised rest.
There is never a sin or sorrow--there is never a care or loss,
But that we may bring to Jesus and leave at the foot of the Cross."
Remember ---
"No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; Cast your every care on Him."
"Therefore brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
Praise the Lord! This wonderful scripture seems to fit the following poem by an unknown author and entitled, "Consolation".
"There is never a day so dreary but God can make it bright,
And unto the soul that trusts Him, He giveth songs in the night.
There is never a path so hidden, but God can lead the way,
If we seek for the Spirit's guidance and patiently wait and pray.
There is never a cross so heavy but the nail-scarred hands are there
Outstretched in tender compassion, the burden to help us bear.
There is never a heart so broken, but the loving Lord can heal.
The heart that was pierced on Calvary doth still for His loved ones feel.
There is never a life so darkened, so hopeless and unblessed,
But may be filled with the light of God and enter His promised rest.
There is never a sin or sorrow--there is never a care or loss,
But that we may bring to Jesus and leave at the foot of the Cross."
Remember ---
"No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim.
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; Cast your every care on Him."
Monday, October 22, 2018
"The Calm Before the Storm"
It is a beautiful fall morning here in Indiana where I live. I saw the farmer across the road bringing his huge combine a few days ago getting ready to harvest his corn. Today, my little world is full of joy and peace as I count my many blessings and reflect upon the beautiful music and good messages of my pastor yesterday on the Lord's Day!
But yesterday, I also thought of a song that my daughter sang years ago when she was in High School. I don't recall ever hearing anyone else sing this song, but along life's way we will all face some storms. If you are facing a storm in your life today, I trust that this song by Mark Lanier will minister to your heart.
"Sometimes the way gets too hard to handle --
The storms of life keep heading your way;
The strong winds and rain keep bringing the pain,
Till you lose hope for a better day.
But I know a peace that passes all understanding,
And a shelter to keep you from harm;
Before the winds come your way -- look to Jesus today;
He's the calm before the storm!
When you need some peaceful assurance --
He's the Rock you can hold on to;
Don't wait till the winds start blowing --
Never doubt what my Father can do!
He'll be the shelter through the hard times --
And thru the good times He'll keep you from harm;
Just trust Him today---He won't go away,
He's the calm before the storm!"
Remember these beautiful words from the from the 43rd chapter of Isaiah:
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour!"
But yesterday, I also thought of a song that my daughter sang years ago when she was in High School. I don't recall ever hearing anyone else sing this song, but along life's way we will all face some storms. If you are facing a storm in your life today, I trust that this song by Mark Lanier will minister to your heart.
"Sometimes the way gets too hard to handle --
The storms of life keep heading your way;
The strong winds and rain keep bringing the pain,
Till you lose hope for a better day.
But I know a peace that passes all understanding,
And a shelter to keep you from harm;
Before the winds come your way -- look to Jesus today;
He's the calm before the storm!
When you need some peaceful assurance --
He's the Rock you can hold on to;
Don't wait till the winds start blowing --
Never doubt what my Father can do!
He'll be the shelter through the hard times --
And thru the good times He'll keep you from harm;
Just trust Him today---He won't go away,
He's the calm before the storm!"
Remember these beautiful words from the from the 43rd chapter of Isaiah:
"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour!"
Friday, October 19, 2018
My Whole Heart!
In Psalm 119:145-146, we read these wonderful words: "I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord: I will keep Thy statutes. I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies."
What a blessed privilege it is to come before the Lord, our Maker, and pour out our heart unto Him!
How wonderful to know that His ear is always open to our cry!
It is interesting to note that this was not a half-hearted prayer -- the Psalmist prayed with his whole heart! His prayer was not just a little routine utterance. In the next two verses, he said: "I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in Thy Word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy Word." Whatever drove him to his knees to seek God's face had kept him awake all night!
Perhaps these verses in Psalm 119 are what inspired the songwriter, Mosie Lister, to write these words:
"How long has it been since you talked with the Lord
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed, how long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through?"
Jeremiah gives us a wonderful promise in Jeremiah 29:13 --"Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."
"Not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give All to Thee!"
What a blessed privilege it is to come before the Lord, our Maker, and pour out our heart unto Him!
How wonderful to know that His ear is always open to our cry!
It is interesting to note that this was not a half-hearted prayer -- the Psalmist prayed with his whole heart! His prayer was not just a little routine utterance. In the next two verses, he said: "I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in Thy Word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy Word." Whatever drove him to his knees to seek God's face had kept him awake all night!
Perhaps these verses in Psalm 119 are what inspired the songwriter, Mosie Lister, to write these words:
"How long has it been since you talked with the Lord
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed, how long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through?"
Jeremiah gives us a wonderful promise in Jeremiah 29:13 --"Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."
"Not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give All to Thee!"
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
"Sunrise In Canaan"
I was so excited when my son found a couple of boxes containing some of my favorite books! The little book, "Sunrise in Canaan" has a holiness scripture verse and comments for every day in the year. I hope to share some of them from time to time.
In Acts 5:29, we read: "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
"Peter and John had been in prison. An angel had delivered them. At once, they returned to the Temple and commenced anew to preach Jesus. The rulers asked the reason why, when they had been "straitly charged not to teach this Name?" This was their heroic answer: "We must obey God rather than men." Pentecost gives loyalty to God, which is proof against unholy authorities and prison rigors. Let us be clad in Pentecostal armor!"
--George Hughes
Give me Thy strength, O God of power,
Then let winds blow, and thunders roar --
Thy faithful witness will I be:
'Tis fixed; I can do all through Thee.
In Acts 5:29, we read: "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
"Peter and John had been in prison. An angel had delivered them. At once, they returned to the Temple and commenced anew to preach Jesus. The rulers asked the reason why, when they had been "straitly charged not to teach this Name?" This was their heroic answer: "We must obey God rather than men." Pentecost gives loyalty to God, which is proof against unholy authorities and prison rigors. Let us be clad in Pentecostal armor!"
--George Hughes
Give me Thy strength, O God of power,
Then let winds blow, and thunders roar --
Thy faithful witness will I be:
'Tis fixed; I can do all through Thee.
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