Sing His Praises

I read this quote today on Facebook, "A heart in tune with God can't help but sing His
praises."  It got me thinking on what my heart is in tune with.  There are many things,
especially at this materialistic time of year that can get you out of tune with the Lord.
I've learned that when you're out of tune with God, you become dissatisfied with the
things that He has blessed you with.  When we become discontent with what we have,
it means that we've stopped being thankful for what we have.  It is a wise man that can
thank God for what he has, without thinking that he needs more to keep himself happy!

Proverbs 2:10 & 11  "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is
pleasant unto thy soul;  Descretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep
thee."

When we have wisdom, it will keep our hearts in tune with God and the wonderful
blessings from His hand that daily are bestowed upon us.  The songs of praise will
flow from our thankful hearts at God's goodness. 

This time of the year tends to be hard for some of us.  We feel the emptiness of those
that are not with us anymore.  Maybe family are not able to come home and celebrate
with us.  Perhaps its the memories of the way things use to be and aren't anymore
that brings our spirits low.  If we spend our time praising God instead of letting
ourselves get depressed, it will be time well spent.  What do we have to praise God
for...well, lets take a look at just a few.

1.  For giving us life.

Job 33:4  "The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty
hath given me life."

Our very existence comes from the breath of God.  He willed us into being.  He also
gives us spiritual life.  Ephesians 2:1  "And you hath He quickened (made alive)
who were dead in trespasses and sins;"  Just think, the Almighty God of Heaven
and earth cares enough about us to give us physical and spiritual life!  Now that's
something to sing about!

2.  For loving us.

1 John 4:8 - 10  "He that loveth not knoweth not God;  for God is love.  In this
was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten
Son into the world, that we might live through Him.  Herein is love, not that we
loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our
sins."

There is no nicer feeling then knowing that you are loved, that you mean something
to someone, you are special to them.  Regardless of earthly relationships that are not
perfect, we have someone that loves us from above, He loves us with a perfect love,
that will never diminish or change over time, no matter what we do.  This is not saying
that we take advantage of this love, but we should be thankful for it.  It's something
to sing about!

3.  He provides us with perfect peace.

John 14:27  "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you;  not as the world
giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid."

The day that my dad passed away I had a close friend of mine slip this to me before
class in school.  I still have this little piece of paper, now yellow with age, in my
Bible.  This verse is special to me because I know the truth of the words.  No matter
what the trial or heartbreak, His peace is sufficient for the problem.  This is a world
that is devoid of peace, it is what mankind has been seeking since the beginning of
time.  The Savior provides that peace for the asking.  Now, that's something to sing
about!

4.  He gives Heavenly guidance.

Psalms 32:8  "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go;
I will guide thee with mine eye."

The worst feeling in the world is that of being lost, not knowing which way to turn to
get home.  Our Heavenly Father knows the way home, and when we put our faith in
His divine guidance, we will bring us safely home to Heaven.  There are times when
we think we know better than God which way to take, but the easiest way is not always
the right way.  God knows... we need to learn to trust His guidance, we will find no
better guide for our path.  Now, that's something to sing about!

5.  His mercy is new every morning.

Lamentations 3:22 & 23  "It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning:  great is Thy
faithfulness."

These two verses hold a wealth of precious gems.  Have you ever stopped to consider
just where we would be if not for the mercy of God?  It is His great mercy that stands
between us and the just punishment for our sin.  How very thankful we should be that
the Lord has shown His great mercy towards us.  It says above, that the mercies of God
are new every morning, great is His faithfulness!  Now, that's something to sing about!

6.  He supplies our needs.

Philippians 4:19  "But my God shall supply all your need according to His
riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I'm going to point out the obvious here, God supplies our needs, not our wants.  We
can really get our needs and wants mixed up, but God doesn't.  He knows what we
need and He has promised He will supply it.  Sometimes what God see's as a need in
our lives, we have a hard time understanding, because it seems like a trial to us.  But
everything from our Father's hand is needful for us.  He supplies physical needs and
He will supply Spiritual needs.  Both are needful to make us good and faithful servants
of God.  We need to have a heart full of thanks for all He supplies, and to sing about it!

7.  He is coming for us someday.

1 Thessalonians 4:16 & 17  "For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with
a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God:  and the dead
in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air:  and so shall we ever
be with the Lord."

This world is not our home, we just passing through!  When we keep our eyes on the
end of the journey we will have joyful hearts.  Someday those who have gone on before
will be reunited with we that are behind, and we will all be forever with the Lord in the
glories of our eternal home.  When the hardships of the journey become overwhelming
to our homesick hearts, just remember, that this is just for a season...our God is coming
back for us!  Now that's something to sing about!

There is so much to praise our Savior for.  When our feet begin to drag and our weak
hearts break with the hardships of life, look up into the eyes of our dear Lord Jesus, He
will give you something to sing about!

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

Sing O earth, His wonderful love proclaim!

Hail Him!  Hail Him!  Highest archangels in glory;

Strength and honor, give to His holy name!

Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,

In His arms He carries them all day long;

 

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!

For our sins He suffered and bled and died;

He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,

Hail Him!  Hail Him, Jesus the Crucified.

Sound His praises!  Jesus who bore our sorrows,

Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong;

 

Praise Him!  Praise Him!  Jesus our blessed Redeemer!

Heavenly portals loud with hosannas ring!

Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever;

Crown Him!  Crown Him!  Prophet and Priest and King!

Christ is coming!  Over the world victorious,

Power and glory unto the Lord belong;

 

Praise Him!  Praise Him!

Tell of His excellent greatness;

Praise Him!  Praise Him!

Ever in joyful song!

 

                                               Fanny J. Crosby

One Day At A Time

One day at a time sweet Jesus,

That's all I'm asking from You,

Just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do.

Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus,

And tomorrow may never be mine;

Lord help me today, show me the way,

One day at a time.

 

                           Marijohn Wilkin

 

 

I love this song.  I heard it the first time in my teens and there hasn't been a week since

that it hasn't come to mind and I've found myself singing the above chorus to it.  I don't

know about you, but I tend to worry a lot about what is coming tomorrow.  The cares and

concerns for my tomorrows sometimes suppress the blessings of today.  God has promised

us strength for today, not for tomorrow.  If we use up our allotted strength for today in

worrying about tomorrow, we are not only foolish, but in trouble, for we've left ourselves

without strength for today!  God knows that it is best for us to take one day at a time.  We
live today and let God take care of tomorrow.

Isaiah 33:2  "O LORD, be gracious unto us:  we have waited for Thee:  be Thou
their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble."

God knows that it is best that we can't see our tomorrows.  What we learn today will
help us with our tomorrows;  if we see tomorrow before we learn the lesson of today,
we could become overwhelmed.  Learning to live by faith day by day builds our
spiritual strength to endure tomorrow.

I have learned from experience that the problems of tomorrow are never as bad as what
you think they are when you view them from today.  God has never let me down, His
faithfulness will be the same tomorrow as it was yesterday.  When we put our trust in
man is when we get into trouble.  Even the best intensions of others can fail us.

So why can we trust God with our tomorrows?

1.  Because He has never let us down in the past.

Deuteronomy 7:9  "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the
faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and
keep His commandments to a thousand generations:"

God not only is faithful to us, but He IS Faithful...it is who He is, it's one of His attributes,
His very character.  When God promises something to His child, you can be absolutely
positive that promise will stand forever! 

The more trials that we go through, the more that we have the blessing of seeing the
faithfulness of God at work in our lives.  Psalms 119:90 tells us "Thy faithfulness is
unto all generations:  Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth."  What a
wonderful Heavenly Father we have.

2.  Because He only has our good in mind.

Romans 8:28  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

We do not have the mind of God to know why things happen the way that they do, but
we can trust what He has in mind for us.  It is only those that love God, that can claim
this promise in Romans 8:28.  If you will look closely, it says that all things work together
FOR good...  Our idea of what good is differs from Gods.  It doesn't say that things WILL
be good.  The will of God could be a life full of pain...where's the good in this you might
wonder.  It draws that child of God into a unique, closer relationship with their Savior
because of the particular trial they are living.  It works for good in their life, producing
a deeper faith, a stronger testimony and a sweeter spirit of trust. 

James 1:2 & 3 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations
(trials) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

God allows everything into our lives for a reason.  Have faith that your loving Heavenly
Father knows best.

3.  Because He wants to make us more Christ-like.

Malachi 3:3  "And He (God) shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:...and purge
them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in
righteousness."

Our Great God is the refiner of our souls.  He purges the undesirable and sinful from
our lives through the refining fire of trials and tribulations.  He knows that the fire
is uncomfortable and at times even hurts, but it is needful to have a purified vessel
in the end, that is useful to the Lord and His service. 

If you think on the job of a refiner, he is very careful with what he is holding over
the heat of that fire.  He knows just how much heat to apply to do away with the dross
that is hanging on.  He never takes his eyes off that vessel and He never leaves it over
the fire any longer then necessary.  When he can see his image reflected back in that
vessel, he knows the work is complete.

Our lives should be lived reflecting the Lord Jesus Christ to all we come in contact
with!  Philippians 1:21 says;

Philippians 1:21  "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

I can trust God with all my tomorrows because it is only through Him that I live.  If
He desires that our lives reflect Him, then we can trust Him to complete the work that
is needed in them. 

Don't worry about tomorrow, God knows all about it.  When we commit our way unto
Him, we have no need of concern, for He cares for us.  "One day at a time sweet Jesus,
that's all I'm asking from You."

Psalms 48:14  "For this God is our God for ever and ever:  He will be our guide
even unto death."

Father, lead me day by day,

Ever in Thy loving way.

May my life be pure and true,

Show me what I ought to do.

 

When I'm tempted to do wrong,

Make me steadfast, wise, and strong;

And when all alone I stand,

Shield me with Thy mighty hand.

 

As I travel on life's sea,

Help me to remember Thee.

Happy most of all to know,

That my Father loves me so.

 

May I do the good I know,

Be Thy loving child below,

Then at last go home to Thee,

Evermore Thy child to be.

 

                                                 John Page Hopps

 

 



The Old Paths

Matthew 7:13 & 14  "Enter ye in at the strait gate:  for wide is the gate, and broad
is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 
Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few
there be that find it."

It seems more and more these days that all you hear is watered down, good works based
"religion."  We are told in the last days that there will be false teachers.  These false teachers
are here and spreading a false gospel that omits sin, hell, the blood, and the resurrection.
They are leading people along in the broad way...straight to hell. 

2 Timothy 4:3 & 4  "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;
but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears;
And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

It is so easy to be carried along with the crowd, to go along with what is popular and
pleasant.  Why do I say "pleasant" you might wonder.  Well the Gospel doesn't pull any
punches.  The true Gospel of Christ shows man for what he is, a sinner.

1.  Man is a sinner.

Romans 3:10 & 11  "As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one:  There
is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."

Romans 3:23  "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

No one likes to hear that they are a sinner.  But the truth of the matter is that we are
all born sinners, we are all born with the sin nature.  And as good as you think you are,
you fall far short of any goodness whatsoever.  We find the prophet Isaiah stating this
very thing in Isaiah 64:6  "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our
righteousnesses are as filthy rags;  and we all do fade as a leaf;  and our iniquities,
like the wind, have taken us away."  We cannot become a child of God, saved, until
we recognize that there is nothing that we can do to help ourselves.  We don't like to
admit that we are helpless, but when it comes to the state of our souls, we stand helpless
and condemned before a holy God.

The only help available for our lost condition is the Lord Jesus Christ, and until we
recognize this vital point, we will remain lost in our sin, doomed to an eternity in hell,
separated from God.

2.  Jesus paid the price for our redemption.

Romans 6:23  "For the wages of sin is death:  but, the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 5:8  "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us."

The only way to be cleansed from our sin and made righteous before a holy God is
for the price of our redemption to be paid.  The verse above says that the wages, or
the price of sin is death.  Well, you can't pay for sin with sin, that just doesn't make
sense...you see, we couldn't pay the price that was needed for our redemption, because
we are sinners!  There was only one person who was holy, who was willing to shed
His righteous blood for us, and that was God's only Son, Jesus Christ.  John 3:16 & 17
tells us what happened to assure our salvation;  "For God so loved the world, that
He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life.  For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn
the world;  but that the world through Him might be saved."

Holy blood was the only atonement (price) for our sin.  Hebrews 9:22b  "And
without the shedding of blood is no remission."  Hebrews 10:12  "But this
man ((Jesus) after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on
the right hand of God."

There are many churches today as well as Bible Schools that are going along with
the newer versions of the Bible and doing away with the blood.  But without the
blood of Christ, we would all be condemned, lost forever, with no hope for any
redemption of our souls.  There's a song by John W. Peterson that I love.  The
chorus goes like this:

O He's filling up Heaven with sinners,

With sinners, with sinners.

Yes, He's filling up Heaven with sinners,

Who've been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

Ephesians 1:7  "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of sins, according to the riches of His grace."

3.  Jesus rose from the grave.

Matthew 28:6  "He is not here:  for He is risen, as He said, Come, see the place
were the Lord lay."

Acts 13:30  "But God raised Him from the dead."

Many today believe that the resurrection is just a fable.  You cannot choose and pick
which parts of the Bible you believe and which you don't!  My Bible tells me that I have
a risen and glorified Savior, who is sitting on the right hand of God at this very moment.
My Lord was born for me, died for me and is risen for me.  Many so called religions
today mark the burial sites of their "saviors," and make pilgrimages there to honor the
dead.  I can't do that because my Saviors grave is empty, He's not there!  Acts 13:37
tells us, "But He, (Jesus) whom God raised again, saw no corruption." 

Jesus Christ did all this for us, so that we could be redeemed, made fit to be in the
presence of God for all eternity. 

Hebrews 2:9  "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for
the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour:  that He by the grace of
God should taste death for every man." 

This is not saying that we will never physically die.  This is talking about spiritual
death, the death that separates from God.  Jesus went through this so that we never
have to.  He has put in place the plan of salvation for every man, we just have to
receive it.

Acts 4:12  "Neither is there salvation in any other:  for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

This is the narrow way that is talked about in Matthew 7, that we started with.  There
are not many today that want to line up with the Bible and the way of salvation.  They
accuse the Bible of being out dated and old fashioned.  Well, in that case, so am I, for
I choose to believe what God has said in the Holy Word as true. The narrow way is the
only way.

Jeremiah 6:16  "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask
for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find
rest for your souls,"

They call me old-fashioned because I believe

That the Bible is God's Holy Word,

That Jesus, who lived among men long ago,

Is divine, and the Christ of God.

 

Old-fashioned, because I believe and accept

Only what has been spoken from Heaven;

Old-fashioned because at the cross I was saved,

At the cross had my sins forgiven.

 

Old-fashioned, because I am bound to do right,

To walk in the straight narrow way;

Because I have given my whole life to God,

Old-fashioned because I pray.

 

Old-fashioned, because I am looking above

To Jesus, my glorified Lord;

Because I believe He is coming again,

Fulfilling His Holy Word.

 

My sin was old-fashioned,

My guilt was old-fashioned,

God's love was old-fashioned I know;

And the way I was saved was the old-fashioned way,

Through the blood that makes whiter than snow.

 

                                                              Civilla D. Martin

Others

Did you ever stop to wonder why things happen like they do?  This life is not easy, some
days it seems like the problems just keep coming faster then you can deal with them.  I've
learned over the years that there is a reason for each trial that comes our way.  They are
to teach us a lesson, make our faith stronger.  Perhaps its the consequences of decisions
made without the Lord's direction.  However there is one thing that all problems have in
common, the ability to help someone else that later goes through the same thing.  If we
could always have the ability to see our lives as God does, we could see the positives in
the negatives.

2 Corinthians 1:4  "Who comforteth us in all our tribulations (speaking of God) that
we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith
we ourselves are comforted of God."

So, what do we do when we are faced with tribulations?  Do we sit and cry?  Pout and
complain?  Give up?  As a child of God, our first course of action should be to go to our
Heavenly Father for the help that He has promised would always be available to us.  Sad
to say, that most of the time this is the last course of action that is taken.  Its the last ditched
effort to avoid complete catastrophe. 

If we can see each trial as a learning experience to prepare us to help others in the future,
it sure makes our whole outlook different!  The best counselors are those who have already
experienced the pain you are going through.  They can enter into your situation with a
clearer insight into your emotions and needs.  Those who have sorrowed are much better
at meeting the needs of the sorrowing.  Someone who has experienced the heartache of
a miscarriage is much better at understanding the hurt another is going through. 

If we look at our lives with the intent of helping others, it helps us also deal with the hurts
we have experienced.  My Pastor told me once that we "Learn from the lives of others and
we heal by the help we render."  I really like this saying, and I've proven its truth in my own
life.  There is a lot more peace that comes through helping then pouting.

So, how does God comfort us?  There are three ways, through other believers, through
His presence, and through His Holy Word.

1.  Through other believers.

Galatians 6:2  "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

I am sure that everyone reading this today has been in a situation where you were
just completely overwhelmed with a problem.  It is a pretty lonely place to be, in the
middle of a trial, all alone.  I have been in this situation, and had it play out two
different ways.  One, I stayed alone in my hurt and problem.  The other way was
having a friend come alongside of me to help.  Perhaps there is not much that they
can actually do to solve a problem, but their presence was the difference between
overwhelming depression and victory.  A word of encouragement, a hug, sometimes
just the presence is all I needed.  This is what helps us, it is the way we should help
others.  Don't try to go marching in with all kinds of direction and plans to make
things right, just come alongside of them and let them know you care.  It will become
apparent if more concrete help is needed.

2.  Through God's presence.

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."

As a child of God we have the wonderful presence of our Heavenly Father with us
all the time.  We do however have the tendency of forgetting Him when the clouds
of adversity overshadow and the storms of life descend upon us...but He is always
there!  When we come through to the other side of these times of testings and trials
we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He walked with us through those hard
times.  We can in turn testify to others that are in the midst of tribulations that their
Heavenly Father will never leave them.  He has promised His strength and help to
His child, and what God promises, He will deliver.

3.  Through God's Holy Word.

Psalms 34:17 - 19  "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth
them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is nigh unto them that are of broken
heart:  and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.  Many are the afflictions of the
righteous:  but the LORD delivereth him out of them all."

The Bible is full of verses that tell us of the Lord's help in the midst of trouble.  When
you are overwhelmed with life, open up your Bible to the Psalms and read of King
David and how the Lord delivered him out of many troubles.  David praises God over
and over again for His protection, mercy, love, guidance and care.  These verses
will encourage you tremendously.  You then can turn around and urge others to get
into the Word of God to find the comfort they need for their souls.

No one is beyond becoming downcast, depressed and dejected.  The strongest Christians
face times in their lives when they wonder how they can go on.  When you are in these
times, go to the Lord, read His Word and surround yourself with other believers.  We
weren't meant to travel this hard road alone.  Yes, our problems are uniquely ours, but
that doesn't mean that we have to be alone.  The Apostle Paul had Silas, David had
Jonathon, Peter and John traveled together, Paul also traveled with Barnabas for a
while.  We are to help, strengthen and encourage each other.

Today, try to focus on others.  When you focus on others, your burdens seem to become
lighter!

Lord, help me live from day to day,

In such a self-forgetful way,

That even when I kneel to pray,

My prayer shall be for others.

 

Help me, in all the work I do,

To ever be sincere and true,

And know that all I do for You,

Must needs be done for others.

 

Let self be crucified and slain,

And buried deep: and all in vain.

May efforts be to rise again,

Unless to live for others.

 

Others, Lord, Yes others,

Let this my motto be,

Help me to live for others,

That I may live like Thee.

 

                                             Charles D. Meigs

Time To Change!

Those of you who know me well, know that I love hanging clothes out on the line and then
watching them blow in the breeze!  And the smell...there is nothing like the freshness of
the clothes that have been dried in the sun and wind.  Putting your dirty clothes in the
hamper and putting on freshly washed and dried clothes...ummm, so nice!

Do you stink spiritually?  Are you still wearing the old clothes that belong to the old
nature?  If you're a child of God, those clothes should have been thrown out and fresh
new ones put on.  We find a list in Colossians of what should have been taken off.

Colossians 3:8 - 10  "But now ye also put off all these:  anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.  Lie not one to another,
seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds:  And have put on the new
man, which is renewed in knowledge, after the image of Him that created him:"

This is quite a list that is associated with the old nature.  All of these things would come
from an unregenerated heart.  However when you remove the old you have to replace
it with new.

Colossians 3:12 - 14  "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel
against any:  even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  And above all these
things, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness."

Don't we have a lovely array of heavenly clothes to adorn!  If we wore what we were
suppose to, there would certainly be no guessing as to who were the real Christians
were.  It is a shame that people don't know that we are the King's children.  They don't
know because we are "dressed" the same way as the world is.  We blend in when we
should be standing apart.  The worlds ways are the exact opposite of what a Christian
should be like. 

As a Christian we should be exhibiting:

Mercy                    NOT                    Harshness 
Kindness                                           Cruelty
Humbleness                                      Conceit
Meekness                                          Fierceness
Longsuffering                                   Impatience
Forbearance                                    Wrath
Forgiveness                                     Unforgiveness
Charity                                             Hatred

How does the world view you?  Most peoples reputations are made from what they put
forth...what are you known for?  Are you known for being impatient with people?  Maybe
people know you because of your conceit, or perhaps for the harsh way you deal with
others.  If you are a child of God and this is how the world knows you...shame on you!
You are not only a disgrace to your earthly family, but you are bringing a reproach upon
God's family.  As a child of God you should be known by His characteristics, He is
your Father after all, you should take after Him.  If you will notice carefully, the above
left sided list ARE the characteristics of God.  That is why we are told to "put on" the
new man, "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after
the image of Him that created him:" vs 10.  Are you dressing correctly, or are you
taking the clothes out of the dirty clothes hamper to wear?

It says in verse 14 from above, that above all these things we are to put on charity, or
love. 

1 John 4:7 - 11  "Beloved, let us love one another:  for love is of God:  and every
one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not, knowth not
God;  for God is love.  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because
that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through
Him.  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son
to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to love
one another."

I want you to take a close look at who John is speaking to here...it is the beloved, in
other words other Christians.  Yes, we are to love the unsaved, for that is how they will
first experience God's love, is through us.  However, this passage is written for believers.
Why is John telling Christians to love each other, wouldn't that seem to be obvious?  If
you take a close look at the churches around today, you will find that there is a lot of
backbiting and fighting among God's children!  This should not be so.  As children of
God we need to be holding each other up and loving each other in these uncertain days.
We get plenty of hatred and judgement from the world, our churches should be a place
of refuge for us. 

It is also a way that the unsaved know who we are!

John 13:34 & 35  "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another;
as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that 
ye are my disciples, if have love one to another."

Love is opposite to the working of this world.  There is a chorus that goes, "They will
know we are Christians by our love, by our love;  they will know we are Christians by
our love." 

Does the world know that you are a Christian?  What about your co-worker, neighbors,
perhaps even your family and friends...do they know?  Are you actions different because
you are saved?  If you are still wearing the same old worldly clothes that you always did,
may I suggest that it's time you put on the new clothes that come with being in the family
of God!  Why would you still want to wear those stinky old rotten clothes of the world,
when what God offers is so much nicer!

 Ephesians 5:1 & 2  "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children:  And walk
in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and
a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour."

Lost in the darkness I stumbled alone,

Far from the sunlight of day,

Then Jesus found me and made me His own;

He drove my darkness away.

 

Chilled in the shadows, I wandered in sin,

Far from the warmth of the light.

Then Jesus found me and changed me with in,

Kindled His love in the night.

 

Now in the sunlight I follow His Word

Through every trial and test.

He is my Savior and He is my Lord,

Gladly I give Him my best.

 

Before I loved Him, He loved me,

Before I found Him, He found me.

Before I sought Him He sought me,

Yes, Jesus cares for me.

 

                                      Ron Hamilton

Lord Take The Wheel

I spent the weekend in the city visiting my sweet daughter.  When I left Sunday to come home,
I left in the bright sunshine.  After about driving for an hour I started to notice a few flurries,
and it wasn't long before I was driving in miserable weather.  The winds began gusting harder
and soon the roads were covered and I was experiencing white out conditions.  Anyone who
knows me well, knows that when there is even a forecast of snow I stay home.  As I've gotten
older I've learned that nothing is so important that its worth risking my life for.  A four hour
drive turned into a nerve wracking five plus hour drive.  By the time I got home the steering
wheel cover pattern was imprinted on the palms of my hands!  There was a point going over
the mountain between Bridgetown and Digby that I started praying, and I ended up just
saying, "Lord, please take the wheel, I can't drive in this."  God drove me home.

After I prayed that, I started wondering why it is that in our lives we want control until we
hit a sudden storm of trials, then we finally pray, "Lord take the wheel?"  You see, the Lord
should be "driving" all the time.  As I was reminded of again today, the road can be clear
and the skies sunny, then the next minute you're in the midst of a sudden storm.  You lose
sight of the road, and you become overwhelmed with the danger that you find yourself in.

We find in Mark chapter 14 that the disciples thought all was well.  They were with the
Lord and although He had tried to tell them of the coming events surrounding His death,
burial and resurrection, they did not comprehend.  They did not see the coming storm.

Mark 14:27 - 31  "And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of
Me this night:  for it is written, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be
scattered.  But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.  But Peter
said unto Him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.  And Jesus saith unto
him, Verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night, before the cock crow
twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.  But he spake the more vehemently, If I should
die with Thee, I will not deny Thee in any wise.  Likewise also said they all."

We know what happens next...all the disciples fled in fear that night, and Peter denied
the Lord three times before the cock crowed twice.

Mark 14:50  "And they all forsook Him, and fled."

Mark 14:68  "But he (Peter) denied, saying, I know not, neither understand I
what thou sayest.  And he went out into the porch;  and the cock crew."

Mark 14:70  "And he (Peter) denied again..."

Mark 14:71  "But he (Peter) began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this
man of whom ye speak."

Mark 14:72  "And the second time the cock crew.  And Peter called to mind the
word that Jesus said unto him, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me
thrice.  And when he thought thereon, he wept."

Peter had been told, warned, but then the storm of fear descended and he and all
the disciples forsook the Lord and ran, and Peter even denied knowing Him.  What
an awful mess they had gotten themselves into.  They were doing things in their own
strength.  Peter had said, "I" won't forsake You;  "I" won't deny You."  Whenever you
tell the Lord, "I", you're in trouble.  The disciples were suddenly in a storm of fear
and uncertainty.  All that they thought they knew was in question and they didn't know
which way to turn in the "white out" conditions they found themselves in.

In the sudden white outs today on the highway, I had no idea where on the road I was,
where the other cars where...I could see nothing!  But the Lord could.  He knew where
I was.  And the Lord knew just where Peter was when he had denied Him, for He looked
right into his eyes.

Luke 22:61& 62  "And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.  And Peter
remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, Before the cock
crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.  And Peter went out, and wept bitterly."

The Lord was there in the same courtyard as Peter, but Peter was overtaken with
fear and didn't see the Lord until it was too late, he had already sinned.  Isn't that
just like us?  We try to drive our way through the storms, unaware that the Lord is
right there beside us!

In the storms of life, we are blinded by the trials and heartaches that take us unaware;
but the Lord knows all about it.  He knows just how to get you through each problem
that arises.  Wouldn't it be so much easier to let the Lord steer your life all the time,
instead of just calling to Him in emergencies to take over?  He has the power over all
that happens in our lives, the calm times and the stormy gales that rage.

Psalms 89:9  "Thou rulest the raging of the sea:  when the waves thereof arise
Thou stillest them."

Psalms 94:18  "When I said, My foot slippeth, Thy mercy, O LORD, held me up."

I am so thankful for the mercy of the Lord that holds me up!  We will not know until
we reach Glory just how many times the Lord has diverted disaster from our pathways
that we were unaware of!  Can you imagine how much more we have to thank the
Lord for!  After I got home I heard on the news that the RCMP were warning people
to stay off the highways;  and the 101 that I had been driving on had reported multiple
accidents..."Lord take the wheel!" 

Psalms 73:26  "My flesh and my heart faileth:  but God is the strength of my
heart, and my portion forever."

Psalms 63:7 & 8  "Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of
Thy wings will I rejoice.  My soul followeth hard after Thee:  Thy right hand
upholdeth me."

I was so happy and relieved when I finally saw the Yarmouth sign, and I knew that I
had made it home in one piece.  I can only imagine what it will be like the day I step
over into Glory and know that I have made it home in one piece...that my God had
brought me safely home. 

How about you, are you struggling at the wheel, trying to see through the blinding
storms and fighting against the winds that are trying to blow you off the pathway.
Why don't you quit the struggle and hand the wheel over to the Lord?  He's just
sitting silently by waiting for you to surrender and say, "Lord, take the wheel!"

 

Some day life's journey will be o'er,

And I shall reach that distant shore;

I'll sing while entering heaven's door,

"Jesus led me all the way."

 

If God should let me there review,

The winding paths of earth I knew,

It would be proven clear and true,

"Jesus led me all the way."

 

And hitherto my Lord hath led,

Today He guides each step I tread;

And soon in Heaven it will be said,

"Jesus led my all the way!"

 

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burdens down,

"Jesus led me all the way."

 

                                            John W. Peterson

More Like The Master

Psalms 51:10  "Create in me a clean heart, O God;  and renew a right spirit within
me."

Can we honestly say what the Psalmist David said in this verse?  When we pray a prayer
like this, we are giving the Lord free reign to do what must be done to clean our hearts and
renew that right spirit within us.  This should be our daily prayer, must many of us shy away
from taking this step of complete commitment to the Master.  To be renewed, refined is not
a pleasant thing.  The old dross has to be taken away.  The way this is done is through the
fire.  We learn patience through testing, learn to be compassionate through sorrow, humbling
comes through unpleasant experiences, faith is increased through trials.  When we ask God
to make us more like Him, we can expect life to take us in a new direction.

As God begins to shape us into the vessel that He can use for His glory, we will come face
to face to the wretchedness of our hearts.  Our flaws will become more apparent to us and
be a constant reminder of how much we need the Lord's forgiveness and cleansing each
day.

Psalms 51:1 - 3  "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness:
according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I
acknowledge my transgressions:  and my sin is ever before me."

The prophet Jeremiah was known as the "Weeping Prophet."  He spent years preaching
repentance to the Children of Israel.  His weeping and pleading fell on deaf ears.  His
heart was broken over the unrepentance that he sees in the land.  He weeps over the sin
and cannot be comforted. 

How does sin affect us?  Do we run from it, abhor it, or do we tolerate it as something
that we have to live with?  I received a call from my son today which made me very proud.
He had started a new job a couple of weeks ago.  Initially it had sounded great, but once
there he was surrounded with foul language and told to lie to the customers to make sales.
He couldn't do it.  He put God first, quit and God provided him his old job back.  How do
we react to sin?  It should affect us like it did Jeremiah, and we should take a stand against
it.

My Pastor has said many times that there are things we don't need to pray about.  If it's
sin...don't;  if it's right...do!  It really can't get any more simple than that.  Don't waste
the Lord's time asking if something is ok, if you know that the Bible takes a stand against
it.  Is it ok to lie...no;  is it ok to steal...no;  is it ok to cheat...no;  is it ok to curse...no. 

Are you willing to take a stand against sin?  It might cost you a job, friends, family.  It is
always right to do right even if you're doing it alone. 

Jeremiah 50:2  "...And set up a standard:  publish, and conceal not:"

If we truly desire to be more like the Master, then we will gladly take a stand against sin,
in our lives, work place, amongst family and friends, and yes, even in the church.  Satan
is deceitful, and sin can work it's way into the most unlikely places.  We need to be on
guard.  This doesn't mean that we spend our time in judgement of others!  We have a full
time job keeping sin out of our own lives.

Matthew 7:3  "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but
considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

How tender is your heart to the things of God?  We have a tendency to harden our hearts
so that we don't have to deal with the things in our lives that are painful.  Change is hard,
and really, who wants to look for more hard things to have to deal with in our lives.  But
unconfessed sin is a poison to our souls.  It spreads and will deaden our hearts even more
to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

We sit in church on Sundays and sing, "More Love To Thee O Christ," but don't mean it.
"Standing On The Promises" we sing without thinking on the words.  What about other
hymns like, "Revive Us Again," "Living For Jesus,"  "I Would Be Like Jesus."  We, our
families and churches would be completely different if we really meant the words that
so easily come out of our mouths.  If people only sang what was really true in their lives
our churches would be very quiet!

How much of your life are you willing to consecrate to the Lord?  He wants all of us.
It would be terribly hard to say to God, "You take this much, but I want this for me."
We are going to have to give an account to God some day of what we did for Him, of
how much we let Him control in our lives.  Matthew 12: 36: 37 says, "But I say unto
you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in
the day of judgement.  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words
thou shalt be condemned." 

God wants all of us.  Are you willing today to see the sin that you are holding unto for
what it is?  This sin is keeping you from being wholly the Lords, it's ruining your
testimony and compromising your stand for God.  Your sin breaks the Father's heart.
His Son died for the sin that you are stubbornly holding onto.  Why don't you repent
of it, give it over to the Lord, forsake it and get on with living the consecrated life in
Christ that you were meant too.

Isaiah 55:7  "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts;  and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon
him:  and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."

 

More like the Master I would ever be,

More of His meekness, more humility.

More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,

More consecration for work He bids me do.

 

More like the Master is my daily prayer,

More strength to carry crosses I must bear.

More earnest effort to bring His kingdom in,

More of His Spirit, the wanderer to win.

 

Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine alone;

Take Thou my heart, and make it all Thine own.

Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now implore;

Wash me and keep me, Thine forevermore.

 

                                                                 Charles H. Gabriel

Our Daily Bread

There is much attention these days around nutrition.  I noticed a new ad on FB today about
what is in chicken nuggets (I choose not to read it!).  There are always new diets being
advertised.  And have you noticed that one day eggs and butter are not good for you, then
you turn around and all you hear are the praises of consuming eggs and butter!  Our culture
is inundated constantly with nutritional facts, charts and medical guidelines for our health. 
To be honest I get tired of all the constant changing rhetoric that is forced down our throats
on a daily basis through the different media...I just wish that they agreed!

Jeremiah 15:16  "Thy words were found, and I did eat them:  and Thy word was
unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:  for I am called by Thy name, O LORD
God of hosts."

There is no calorie counter for the Word of God, you can never overeat the precious
food found within its covers.  As a diabetic, I am constantly aware of the sugar content
in the foods that I eat.  As an on again, off again Weight Watchers member, I can tell
you the approximate point value for most foods.  I know the Canada Guideline for
proper nutritional daily intake.  But there are no restrictions on the Bible, for ALL
scripture is profitable!

1 Timothy 3:16 & 17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the
man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Just as the daily intake of food and water is essential for our physical bodies to function
normally, daily intake of the Word of God is essential for our spiritual bodies to function
normally.  Food contains vitamins that give our body strength, it boosts our immune
system and keeps our body running efficiently.  The Word of God provides the same
benefits to our spiritual body.  Neglecting food will weaken us physically, and neglecting
the Word of God will cause our spiritual man to wither up and be weak and useless.

Matthew 4:4  "But He (Jesus) answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live
by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

We take the time and money to make sure that our vehicles are running properly.  We
take them for regular maintenance, belts checked, oil and filters changed, tires rotated. 
Why?  So that the vehicle will run efficiently.  When we grocery shop, we buy fresh
fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, yogurt and dairy.  We try to stay away from the over
processed foods, the sweets and ice-cream...why?  Because we want to feed our loved
ones foods that are good for them, that will keep them strong and healthy.

Where is our concern over our spiritual lives.  Opening our Bibles on Sundays and
glancing at the passage where the sermon is coming from is not enough to keep us
spiritually healthy.  We must be getting into the Word of God daily, reading and letting
the Holy Spirit guide us into the truth that is contained within its precious pages.  We
cannot expect to become spiritually strong if we do not eat the "proper food."

Psalms 119:130  "The entrance of Thy word giveth light;  it giveth understanding
unto the simple."

If we are not daily reading and studying the Word of God, where will we know where
to turn to when the storms of life descend upon us?  You see, whatever happens to us,
there is guidance, comfort, help and hope to be found in the Bible.  Do you know where
to turn when life becomes unbearable?

When you are in trouble:

Nahum 1:7  "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble;  and He
knoweth them that trust in Him."

When you are burdened down:

Psalms 55:22  "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee:  He
shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

When you are in need of guidance:

Psalms 37:23 & 24  "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:  and he
delighteth in His way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:  for the
LORD upholdeth him with His hand."

When you are in need of forgiveness:

Psalms 86:5  "For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive:  and plenteous in
mercy unto all them that call upon Thee."

When you are overwhelmed:

Psalms 61:2  "From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is
overwhelmed;  lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

When you are sorrowing:

1 Thessalonians 4:14  "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so
them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him,"

When you feel lonely and forsaken:

Matthew 18:20b  "And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Amen"

When you feel fearful:

2 Timothy 1:7  "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear:  but of power, and
love, and of a sound mind."

God's Word has the answer for any problem that we find ourselves dealing with.  But
this Book is not just for problems.  We can turn to it to praise and adore our wonderful
Lord and Savior!  I love to just open up the Bible to the Psalms and spend time in praise;
a lot of the Psalms have actually been made in chorus's, which I love to just sit and sing;
I incorporate this into my devotions each day.  Singing the word of God is an excellent
way to memorize it and hide it away in your heart.

Psalms 68:19  "Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the
God of our salvation, Selah."

Psalms 150:6  "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD,  Praise ye the
LORD."

How do you view the Bible?  Is is just a book that sits on a certain table in your home?
Or, it's just the book that you pick up and take to church on Sundays.  Maybe you just
have a Bible so that you can have a place to record births and deaths in the family.  May
I tell you that this "Book" is a living book!  "Hebrews 4:12  "For the word of God is
quick (living) and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even
to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."  We already read the scripture
from Psalms 119:130 which said that "Thy words giveth light:  it giveth under-
standing..."  Only a book which has life can give life. 

Are you spiritually healthy?  Or are you weak and undernourished, spiritually anorexic! 
You spend time, energy and thought on keeping physically healthy...put all that into your
spiritual life! I guarantee the benefits will be out of this world!

  Jesus made each star in Heaven;  He created earth and sea.

He's the keeper of all knowledge, What is past and what will be.

Yet He offers His great wisdom, so you will not lose your way.

Like a lamp it glows;  every step it shows, You can know His will each day.

 

He is not a distant stranger;  He can be your closest friend.

And He'll always listen closely when you share your heart with Him.

Jesus walks the path beside you;  He has been there all along.

And He'll guide your feet when your step is weak, and your strength is almost gone.

 

Trust His Word!  Trust His Word!

All God's promises are true.  Trust His Word!

When your pathway disappears, when your joy gives way to tears,

When you're plagued with doubts and fears, trust His Word!

 

                                             Ron Hamilton

Sycamore Tree Experience

There are certain Bible stories that I remember being taught to me when I was just little.
There is one in particular that children just seem to love listening too, and that's the story
of Zacchaeus.  Grown-ups sometimes just seem to pass over these stories, thinking that
they are just for children...but they would not have been included in the Bible unless God
wanted us to learn from them.

We don't know a lot about Zacchaeus.  We do know that he was a very important man, he
held a superior position in his town, he was chief among the publicans.  We are also told
that he was very rich.  But what he is most known for, is being a man of very small stature.

We do know that the publicans were best known for being tax collectors.  Publicans worked
under a person called the Magister, or "Master Collector" who lived in Rome.  Publicans
also had the position of being the public contractor, often being the ones supplying the
Roman legions and military what they needed.  They managed the collection of the port
duties and were in charge of the Roman public building projects.  They had a reputation
of being dishonest in their dealing, therefore were not respected or liked.  When Jesus was
accused of being friends with the publicans and sinners, it was meant as an insult, for no
one wanted to be associated with them.

We find that Zacchaeus however had a desire to see Jesus.  He had heard that Jesus was
going to be passing by.  I'm sure that he had heard the stories going around about the
miracles that Jesus was doing.  There must have been must talk about Jesus coming, 
excitement was building and the crowds were starting to gather, but we find that Zacchaeus
was having problems.

Luke 19: 3 & 4  "And he (Zacchaeus) sought to see Jesus who He was;  and could not
for the press, because he was little of stature.  And he ran before, and climbed up
into a sycamore tree to see Him:  for He was to pass that way."

Zacchaeus was curious about Jesus. Zacchaeus was not going to be stopped in his
mission to see Jesus.  At this point he just wanted to catch a glimpse of him, he had
no idea that Jesus was coming that way just for him!

Luke 19:5  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and
said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste and come down;  for to day I must abide
at thy house."

Jesus knew that Zacchaeus was going to be in that sycamore tree that day.  The Savior
looked up into the eyes of a searching soul.  When I look back at the night I was saved, 
I didn't know I was going to personally meet the Savior that night, but Jesus came just
for me.  It says in Luke 19:6 that "He made haste, and came down, and received him
joyfully."  Zacchaeus got saved that day.  He went up that tree for just a glimpse, but
came down a changed man, having met the Savior.

Salvation is a personal thing.  Jeremiah 29:13 says, "And ye shall seek me, and find
me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."  Zacchaeus went up into that
sycamore tree with a seeking heart, and Jesus met him there. 

Have you had the sycamore tree experience...have you met the Savior?  Jesus went out
of His way many times to meet people that needed Him.  He met the woman of Samaria
at the well;  He went by the Sea of Galilee to meet Peter and Andrew when they were
fishing; He went to Matthews place of work (he was a tax collector!);  He went to the
Country of the Gadarenes and met the man who was possessed with an unclean spirit.
These people all met Jesus in different ways, but all came away from the experience
the same...with a new life in Christ.

Salvation is for all. 

Ecclesiastes 7:20  "For there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good and
sinneth not."

Romans 3:10  "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one:"

Romans 3:23  "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God:"

There were witnesses that day when Zacchaeus came down from the tree.  There will
always be those who find fault.

Luke 19:7  "And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That He was gone
to be guest with a man that is a sinner."

These people had followed Jesus, listened to Him teach, yet still did not understand why
He had come to earth.  Luke 19:10  "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save
that which was lost." 

Jesus is still seeking those who are lost, and we are told that there is joy in Heaven
when a lost soul receives the free gift of salvation.  Luke 15:10  "Likewise, I say unto
you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

The angels rejoiced the day Zacchaeus came down from the tree;  they rejoiced when
the lady at the well got saved;  when Peter, Andrew and Matthew left all and followed
Christ;  there was rejoicing the day the man possessed with the devils got delivered.
Have you been the cause of rejoicing in Heaven?

Romans 10:9  "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and
shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt
be saved."

Ephesians 1:7  "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness
of sins, according to the riches of His grace."

Jesus is passing by today.  Do more then just catch of glimpse of Him;  come down from
your self-made tree, where you are hiding in pride, self-sufficiency, fear, doubt and meet
the Savior...He's waiting just for you!

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart,

Why don't you let Him come in?

There's nothing in this world to keep you apart,

What is your answer to Him?

 

If you'll take one step toward the Savior my friend,

You'll find His arms open wide;

Receive Him, and all of your darkness will end,

Deep in your heart He'll abide.

 

Time, after time, He has waited before,

And now He is waiting again

To see if you're willing to open the door,

O how He wants to come in.

 

                                                 Ralph Carmichael