I would like to thank all who check in each day, you are an encouragement to me! I'm
going to be taking the rest of December off. I would like to take this opportunity to
remind you to keep Christ in Christmas, after all, He IS the reason for the season! From
my house to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and peaceful New
Year!
Luke 2:11 - 20 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which
is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped
in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men. and it came to pass, as the angels were
gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go
even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath
made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and
the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the
saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered
at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But, Mary kept all these things
and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising
God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKSU9Dbxvrw
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Minute Musings...Fine Dining
I don't have much opportunity to enjoy "Fine Dining," however since my move to live with
my son and daughter-in-law, they have taken me out a couple of times to restaurants that
would fall into this category. The food is the highest quality, tastes delicious, and the whole
dining experience was delightful. In contrast...MacDonald's. Well, the food is somewhat
greasy, and while tasting good, you know that you are eating food that will raise your blood
sugars, and leave you with many unwanted calories. And, eating in a crowded, noisy booth,
or your car, doesn't have the same ambiance as a fine restaurant would give you! Given the
choice, I'm sure I know which dining experience you would probably choose.
Song Of Solomon 2:4 "He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over
me was love."
How many of us choose spiritual fast food to spiritual fine dining? God has prepared for
us the finest of His bounty to enjoy, yet we again and again turn to the world, and eat the
rot from its dung hills. The world offers the believer nothing that will make us spiritually
strong. When we feast from the offerings of the world, we will become weak and fruitless
Christians. We will become like the prodigal son we read about in Luke 15:16 - 17 "And
he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man
gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of
my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger."
The Heavenly Father's table has plenty for all! How dare we turn our backs on the good
that the Father has provided for us, thinking that the world can offer better! Luke 15:20,
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father
saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." His
father was watching for him!
Jesus provides everything we need to be spiritually strong! We read in John chapter 6
and verse 35, "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to
Me shall never hunger: and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." Why do we
repeatedly return to the world to try and satisfy ourselves? When we are dining on the
"bread of life" we shall never hunger! Jesus completely satisfies.
Our Heavenly Father is watching for us today. Waiting for us to grow tired of the garbage
we are feasting on, ready to welcome us home. Stop eating the fast food of this world, and
return to the banqueting house of your Heavenly Father, He has a heavenly feast waiting
for you! Psalms 19:7 - 11 "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the
testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statues of the LORD are
right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the
eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD
are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than
much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is
thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sxdBqeIiHo
my son and daughter-in-law, they have taken me out a couple of times to restaurants that
would fall into this category. The food is the highest quality, tastes delicious, and the whole
dining experience was delightful. In contrast...MacDonald's. Well, the food is somewhat
greasy, and while tasting good, you know that you are eating food that will raise your blood
sugars, and leave you with many unwanted calories. And, eating in a crowded, noisy booth,
or your car, doesn't have the same ambiance as a fine restaurant would give you! Given the
choice, I'm sure I know which dining experience you would probably choose.
Song Of Solomon 2:4 "He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over
me was love."
How many of us choose spiritual fast food to spiritual fine dining? God has prepared for
us the finest of His bounty to enjoy, yet we again and again turn to the world, and eat the
rot from its dung hills. The world offers the believer nothing that will make us spiritually
strong. When we feast from the offerings of the world, we will become weak and fruitless
Christians. We will become like the prodigal son we read about in Luke 15:16 - 17 "And
he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man
gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of
my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger."
The Heavenly Father's table has plenty for all! How dare we turn our backs on the good
that the Father has provided for us, thinking that the world can offer better! Luke 15:20,
"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father
saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." His
father was watching for him!
Jesus provides everything we need to be spiritually strong! We read in John chapter 6
and verse 35, "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to
Me shall never hunger: and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." Why do we
repeatedly return to the world to try and satisfy ourselves? When we are dining on the
"bread of life" we shall never hunger! Jesus completely satisfies.
Our Heavenly Father is watching for us today. Waiting for us to grow tired of the garbage
we are feasting on, ready to welcome us home. Stop eating the fast food of this world, and
return to the banqueting house of your Heavenly Father, He has a heavenly feast waiting
for you! Psalms 19:7 - 11 "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the
testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statues of the LORD are
right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the
eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD
are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than
much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is
thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sxdBqeIiHo
Come And Dine
Jesus has a table spread, where the saints of God are fed,
He invites His chosen people, "Come and dine;"
With His manna He doth feed, and supplies our every need,
Oh, 'tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time!
The disciples came to land, thus obeying Christ command,
For the Master called to them, "Come and dine."
There they found their hearts desire, bread and fish upon the fire;
Thus He satisfies the hungry every time.
Soon the Lamb will take His bride, to be ever at His side,
All the host of Heaven will assembled be;
Oh, 'twill be a glorious sight, all the saints in spotless white,
And with Jesus they will feast eternally!
"Come and dine," the Master calleth, "Come and dine."
You may feast at Jesus' table all the time.
He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now, "Come and dine."
C. B. Widmeyer
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Minute Musings...In My Heart There Rings A Melody!
Have you ever met that special child of God who is always humming or singing to
themselves. They have an inner peace and joy that cannot be contained; the pressure
of gratitude to their beloved Heavenly Father for all that He has bestowed upon them,
causes that praise in their hearts to bubble over. This should be the hallmark of every
believer, but unfortunately for many the cares and burdens of this weary life dull that
praise. They walk around with their faces dragging, proclaiming to all, just by their
outward appearance, that it is a waste of time to trust in the Father's love and care...
they have nothing to sing about!
We are instructed by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:19 & 20, "Speaking to yourselves
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart
to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ." These verses are not a suggestion as to how to pass
our time; this is specific instruction on how to live. It tells us in Psalms 116 verse 17,
"I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of
the LORD." When we have a thankful heart for what the LORD has done for us, He
is pleased with our worship.
You might be arguing right now, that there are days when you are down, when it seems
impossible to find anything to thank God for! I'm going to tell you right now that you are
wrong! When we have new life in Christ, there is always something to be thankful for.
When we focus on the Lord and who He is, we already have a long list of thank worthy
things.
His love, protection, care, faithfulness, righteous judgements, promises, mercy, grace,
salvation, majesty, power, comfort, peace. He is our hope, rock, defender, refuge, leader,
hiding place, helper. He is the Great I Am, the King of Glory, the only True God, Lord of
all the earth, our Maker, the Everlasting God, the Potter, Great Shepherd, Author of our
salvation, Alpha and Omega, Ancient of days, Bread of life, our Bridegroom, the Corner
stone, the Spring of Living Water, our Redeemer, the Great High Priest, our Mediator,
the Holy One of God, the Hope of Israel, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Lamb of God,
Light of the world, Lord of the Harvest, the Morning Star, our Peace, our foundation,
the Word of Life, our friend. There are many more titles of our wonderful Savior, many
more things that we can be thankful and praise Him for.
What is the song that is ringing in your heart today? Is it a song burdened down with
the drudgery of this life? Or is it a melody of sacrifice to our wonderful God? I want to
encourage you today to stop looking at yourself, your problems, and start gazing upon
your precious Lord. With our eyes properly focused, it won't be long until a song of
thanksgiving begins to bubble up in your heart, and find its way to your lips!
Psalms 118: 28 & 29 "Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee; Thou art my
God, I will exalt Thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His
mercy endureth for ever."
themselves. They have an inner peace and joy that cannot be contained; the pressure
of gratitude to their beloved Heavenly Father for all that He has bestowed upon them,
causes that praise in their hearts to bubble over. This should be the hallmark of every
believer, but unfortunately for many the cares and burdens of this weary life dull that
praise. They walk around with their faces dragging, proclaiming to all, just by their
outward appearance, that it is a waste of time to trust in the Father's love and care...
they have nothing to sing about!
We are instructed by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:19 & 20, "Speaking to yourselves
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart
to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ." These verses are not a suggestion as to how to pass
our time; this is specific instruction on how to live. It tells us in Psalms 116 verse 17,
"I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of
the LORD." When we have a thankful heart for what the LORD has done for us, He
is pleased with our worship.
You might be arguing right now, that there are days when you are down, when it seems
impossible to find anything to thank God for! I'm going to tell you right now that you are
wrong! When we have new life in Christ, there is always something to be thankful for.
When we focus on the Lord and who He is, we already have a long list of thank worthy
things.
His love, protection, care, faithfulness, righteous judgements, promises, mercy, grace,
salvation, majesty, power, comfort, peace. He is our hope, rock, defender, refuge, leader,
hiding place, helper. He is the Great I Am, the King of Glory, the only True God, Lord of
all the earth, our Maker, the Everlasting God, the Potter, Great Shepherd, Author of our
salvation, Alpha and Omega, Ancient of days, Bread of life, our Bridegroom, the Corner
stone, the Spring of Living Water, our Redeemer, the Great High Priest, our Mediator,
the Holy One of God, the Hope of Israel, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Lamb of God,
Light of the world, Lord of the Harvest, the Morning Star, our Peace, our foundation,
the Word of Life, our friend. There are many more titles of our wonderful Savior, many
more things that we can be thankful and praise Him for.
What is the song that is ringing in your heart today? Is it a song burdened down with
the drudgery of this life? Or is it a melody of sacrifice to our wonderful God? I want to
encourage you today to stop looking at yourself, your problems, and start gazing upon
your precious Lord. With our eyes properly focused, it won't be long until a song of
thanksgiving begins to bubble up in your heart, and find its way to your lips!
Psalms 118: 28 & 29 "Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee; Thou art my
God, I will exalt Thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His
mercy endureth for ever."
In My Heart There Rings A Melody
I have a song that Jesus gave me,
It was sent from Heav'n above;
There never was a sweeter melody,
'Tis a melody of love.
I love the Christ who died on Calv'ry,
For He washed my sins away;
He put within my heart a melodoy,
And I know it's there to stay.
'Twill be my endless theme in glory,
With the angels I will sing;
'Twill be a song with glorious harmony,
When the courts of heaven ring.
In my heart there rings a melody,
There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;
In my heart there rings a melody,
There rings a melody of love.
Elton M. Ruth
Minute Musings...Anticipation
What do you look forward too? I recently had a visit from my daughter whom I hadn't
seen in five months! The weeks before her visit were filled with planning what I would
make for her...her favorite meals were a must of course! My heart ached to finally see
her again...anticipation. What makes your heart beat a little faster, cause the tears to
flow? Birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, family reunions? I know we would all say
"yes" to any of these occasions.
Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the
great God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ:" Does this cause your heart to stir? I
sincerely hope so, for this is the hope of every believer, the coming of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. I often wonder what that day will be like, the day when the veil
shall be lifted, and we shall see Him in all His splendor! There is a chorus to a song
that goes like this; "O what a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see; when I
look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the
hand and leads me through the promised land. What a day, glorious day, that will be."
Is this a glorious day that you are anticipating, or are you dreading the appearing of
the Lord? There are two reasons why you would be dreading this day. The first one
would be that you are not saved; you have never asked Jesus into your heart, and you
are facing an awful eternity with Christ in Hell. The second reason that is causing
concern is that you are saved, but not living for the Lord...you are backslidden. Both
of these problems have simple solutions.
If you have never accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can rectify that
right now. It tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For He (God) hath made Him (Jesus)
to be sin for us, who (referring to Jesus) knew no sin: that we might be made the
righteousness of God in Him (Jesus)." What this verse is simply saying, is that
God sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay the price that was demanded for our sin, death.
Jesus willing gave Himself as our sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. When we humbly
come to Him, repentant of our sin, we become a child of God. 2 Corinthians 6:2b
tells us that "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Don't put off this decision, you are not promised tomorrow!
If you find yourself in a backslidden condition today, your heart has grown cold to
the Holy Spirit's working in your life, this is also easily remedied. God stands always
ready to welcome His erring child back into fellowship. Jeremiah 3:22a, "Return, ye
backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings," God's heart is grieved
when we allow the things of this world to take the place that is rightfully His in our
lives. He yearns for us, as we would yearn for our wandering erring child. 1 John 1:9
was written by John to fellow believers, "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Don't
make your Father wait any longer, confess your backsliding and be welcomed back
into the joy of your Lord and Savior right this moment!
1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear
what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him;
for we shall see Him as He is." What a glorious hope we share as children of God!
We shall see Him as He is...in all His glory, all His magnificent power, His splendor,
His love, faithfulness and majesty...we shall see Him! What a day, glorious day that
shall be!
seen in five months! The weeks before her visit were filled with planning what I would
make for her...her favorite meals were a must of course! My heart ached to finally see
her again...anticipation. What makes your heart beat a little faster, cause the tears to
flow? Birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, family reunions? I know we would all say
"yes" to any of these occasions.
Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the
great God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ:" Does this cause your heart to stir? I
sincerely hope so, for this is the hope of every believer, the coming of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. I often wonder what that day will be like, the day when the veil
shall be lifted, and we shall see Him in all His splendor! There is a chorus to a song
that goes like this; "O what a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see; when I
look upon His face, the One who saved me by His grace. When He takes me by the
hand and leads me through the promised land. What a day, glorious day, that will be."
Is this a glorious day that you are anticipating, or are you dreading the appearing of
the Lord? There are two reasons why you would be dreading this day. The first one
would be that you are not saved; you have never asked Jesus into your heart, and you
are facing an awful eternity with Christ in Hell. The second reason that is causing
concern is that you are saved, but not living for the Lord...you are backslidden. Both
of these problems have simple solutions.
If you have never accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can rectify that
right now. It tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21, "For He (God) hath made Him (Jesus)
to be sin for us, who (referring to Jesus) knew no sin: that we might be made the
righteousness of God in Him (Jesus)." What this verse is simply saying, is that
God sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay the price that was demanded for our sin, death.
Jesus willing gave Himself as our sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. When we humbly
come to Him, repentant of our sin, we become a child of God. 2 Corinthians 6:2b
tells us that "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Don't put off this decision, you are not promised tomorrow!
If you find yourself in a backslidden condition today, your heart has grown cold to
the Holy Spirit's working in your life, this is also easily remedied. God stands always
ready to welcome His erring child back into fellowship. Jeremiah 3:22a, "Return, ye
backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings," God's heart is grieved
when we allow the things of this world to take the place that is rightfully His in our
lives. He yearns for us, as we would yearn for our wandering erring child. 1 John 1:9
was written by John to fellow believers, "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Don't
make your Father wait any longer, confess your backsliding and be welcomed back
into the joy of your Lord and Savior right this moment!
1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear
what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him;
for we shall see Him as He is." What a glorious hope we share as children of God!
We shall see Him as He is...in all His glory, all His magnificent power, His splendor,
His love, faithfulness and majesty...we shall see Him! What a day, glorious day that
shall be!
When He Shall Come
When He shall, resplendent in His glory.
To take His own from out this vale of night,
O may I know the joy at His appearing,
Only at morn to walk with Him in white!
When I shall stand within the court of heaven,
Where white-robed pilgrims pass before my sight,
Earth's martyred saints and blood-washed overcomers,
These then are they who walk with Him in white!
When He shall call, from earth's remotest corners,
All who have stood triumphant in His might.
O to be worthy then to stand beside them,
And in that morn to walk with Him in white!
Alameda J. Pearce
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Minute Musings...What Will You Give?
With the start of the Christmas season at hand, many of us find ourselves wondering if
there will be time to get everything done. There's the presents to buy, all the cards to
write, address and then get in the mail. There is the big job of decorating the house,
both inside and out. Then you must make sure that all the holiday baking is done, and
all the traditional candy and treats are bought, stored and ready to bring out when the
time is right. There are the concerts, cantatas, Sunday School programs, work parties,
family get-togethers, and...well you get the picture! The next month can wear you out
if you let it. While all this is fun, I wish to encourage you this year, that amidst all the
hustle and bustle of the season, you make it a priority to find the time to quiet your spirit
and thank God for His blessings.
Psalms 105:1 - 3 "O give thanks unto the LORD: call upon His name: make known
His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him: talk ye of all His
wondrous works. Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek
the LORD."
What are you going to be seeking this Christmas? Are you going to be seeking more
"things" that will just take up more room in the basement or closet? When we possess
a spirit of thanksgiving towards the Lord, then our heart will seek Him more and more!
We get so caught up in what to give to people for Christmas, but have you ever stopped
to wonder what you can give to the Lord Jesus? After all, it is His birthday we are
celebrating! John 1:14 "And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among
us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full
of grace and truth."
There is only one thing that you can give Jesus, one thing that He desires above all else.
Psalms 51:16 & 17 "For Thou desirest not sacrifice: else would I give it: Thou
delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken
and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise." God wants us. When we present
a broken and contrite heart before Almighty God, He is pleased. This is the only sacrifice
that is acceptable to Him. It says in Proverbs 23:26, "My son, give me thine heart, and
let thine eyes observe my ways."
Does He have your heart today? Are you observing His ways? Don't get caught up this
year in all the materialistic trappings of this world. With your eyes on your Savior, you
will keep the empty, hollow bustle of this world at bay, and instead you will be singing
and worshiping Him, glorying in His holy name, just as He desires that you do! Psalms
71:23 & 24a "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee; and my soul,
which Thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the
day long:"
there will be time to get everything done. There's the presents to buy, all the cards to
write, address and then get in the mail. There is the big job of decorating the house,
both inside and out. Then you must make sure that all the holiday baking is done, and
all the traditional candy and treats are bought, stored and ready to bring out when the
time is right. There are the concerts, cantatas, Sunday School programs, work parties,
family get-togethers, and...well you get the picture! The next month can wear you out
if you let it. While all this is fun, I wish to encourage you this year, that amidst all the
hustle and bustle of the season, you make it a priority to find the time to quiet your spirit
and thank God for His blessings.
Psalms 105:1 - 3 "O give thanks unto the LORD: call upon His name: make known
His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him: talk ye of all His
wondrous works. Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek
the LORD."
What are you going to be seeking this Christmas? Are you going to be seeking more
"things" that will just take up more room in the basement or closet? When we possess
a spirit of thanksgiving towards the Lord, then our heart will seek Him more and more!
We get so caught up in what to give to people for Christmas, but have you ever stopped
to wonder what you can give to the Lord Jesus? After all, it is His birthday we are
celebrating! John 1:14 "And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among
us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full
of grace and truth."
There is only one thing that you can give Jesus, one thing that He desires above all else.
Psalms 51:16 & 17 "For Thou desirest not sacrifice: else would I give it: Thou
delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken
and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise." God wants us. When we present
a broken and contrite heart before Almighty God, He is pleased. This is the only sacrifice
that is acceptable to Him. It says in Proverbs 23:26, "My son, give me thine heart, and
let thine eyes observe my ways."
Does He have your heart today? Are you observing His ways? Don't get caught up this
year in all the materialistic trappings of this world. With your eyes on your Savior, you
will keep the empty, hollow bustle of this world at bay, and instead you will be singing
and worshiping Him, glorying in His holy name, just as He desires that you do! Psalms
71:23 & 24a "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee; and my soul,
which Thou hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the
day long:"
In The Bleak Mid-Winter
Heaven cannot hold Him, Nor the earth sustain;
Heav'n and earth shall vanish when He comes to reign:
God Himself became a man - born to pay sin's price;
He's the great Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ.
What can I give Him, needy as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a nobleman, I would do my part;
What can I give Him? Give Him my heart.
Christina Rossetti
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Minute Musings...Forgiveness
I know that turning the other cheek is not as easy as it sounds. It is very hard to take the
lies, unfairness, maliciousness, bullying and not to retaliate back against it. Yet this is
exactly what the Christian is suppose to do.
Matthew 6:27 - 29 "But I (Jesus) say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do
good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also
the other: and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also."
The phrase, "to turn the other cheek" does not in any means imply pacifism. It is not
saying that we put ourselves in any danger. This is not referring to criminal or military
action either. What is being talked about in this passage is personal retaliation against
someone that has done something against you as an individual. As a child of God we
are to respond to hatred with love. This is hard isn't it! Our old nature rears up inside,
demanding justice for the injustice done against us. The world would respond back with
hatred, but this is not the way of God.
Matthew 6:35 & 36 "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for
nothing again: and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the
Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful
as your Father also is merciful."
The only reason we need to return hatred with love and kindness is because it is the
example of our Lord and Savior, Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them,
for they know not what they do." These words were spoken by the crucified Lord, just
before He died on the cross of Calvary. We as well, have been shown this same mercy and
love by God when we deserved death because of our sin. We, in turn need to show this same
love and mercy to those who sin against us.
I struggled with this for a few years. Someone had been malicious to me for years, and
my bitterness and anger at the way I had been treated had slowly turned into hate for this
person. One day I was thinking about Jesus on the cross and how He could forgive those
who had so viciously beaten Him, and then nailed Him to that old rugged cross. I finally
saw that forgiveness against this person really had nothing to do with what they had done
to me; in fact it had nothing to do with them. Forgiveness was simply my obedience to
what Christ was asking of me. When I took that person out of the equation, forgiveness
came swiftly. I also started praying for this person, and the Lord delivered me from anger
and bitterness that had corrupted my heart and soul for years.
Our response to these kinds of situations can either draw a person to Christ or push them
away. What kind of testimony are you being? Are you following the Lord's example of
forgiveness, or are you harboring these hurts and letting them fester and turn into anger
and bitterness in your life? When you focus on what the Lord has done for you, it's easy
to reflect it to others. Colossians 3:13 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one
another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also
do ye."
lies, unfairness, maliciousness, bullying and not to retaliate back against it. Yet this is
exactly what the Christian is suppose to do.
Matthew 6:27 - 29 "But I (Jesus) say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do
good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also
the other: and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also."
The phrase, "to turn the other cheek" does not in any means imply pacifism. It is not
saying that we put ourselves in any danger. This is not referring to criminal or military
action either. What is being talked about in this passage is personal retaliation against
someone that has done something against you as an individual. As a child of God we
are to respond to hatred with love. This is hard isn't it! Our old nature rears up inside,
demanding justice for the injustice done against us. The world would respond back with
hatred, but this is not the way of God.
Matthew 6:35 & 36 "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for
nothing again: and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the
Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful
as your Father also is merciful."
The only reason we need to return hatred with love and kindness is because it is the
example of our Lord and Savior, Luke 23:34 "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them,
for they know not what they do." These words were spoken by the crucified Lord, just
before He died on the cross of Calvary. We as well, have been shown this same mercy and
love by God when we deserved death because of our sin. We, in turn need to show this same
love and mercy to those who sin against us.
I struggled with this for a few years. Someone had been malicious to me for years, and
my bitterness and anger at the way I had been treated had slowly turned into hate for this
person. One day I was thinking about Jesus on the cross and how He could forgive those
who had so viciously beaten Him, and then nailed Him to that old rugged cross. I finally
saw that forgiveness against this person really had nothing to do with what they had done
to me; in fact it had nothing to do with them. Forgiveness was simply my obedience to
what Christ was asking of me. When I took that person out of the equation, forgiveness
came swiftly. I also started praying for this person, and the Lord delivered me from anger
and bitterness that had corrupted my heart and soul for years.
Our response to these kinds of situations can either draw a person to Christ or push them
away. What kind of testimony are you being? Are you following the Lord's example of
forgiveness, or are you harboring these hurts and letting them fester and turn into anger
and bitterness in your life? When you focus on what the Lord has done for you, it's easy
to reflect it to others. Colossians 3:13 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one
another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also
do ye."
Show me how to love the unlovable,
Show me how to reach the unreachable,
Help me now to do the impossible,
Forgiveness, forgiveness;
Help me now to do the impossible,
Forgiveness, forgiveness.
Matthew West
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Minute Musings...How Great Thou Art
There are still many people today that believe that all life on earth, and even the existence
of the earth and galaxies, can be traced back 3.5 billion years ago, to a single celled
micro-organism! They believe that all the complexities of biochemicals, DNA sequences,
chemistry, and genetics result from this one cell. There is a reason why evolution is called
a "theory." Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
Genesis 1:31 "And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very
good." Understand please, that it takes more faith to believe in the absurdity of the unproven
theory of evolution, then it does in Biblical creation. True science backs up the Bible account
of creation, it does not discredit it. Almighty God spoke...and it was so!
Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth
by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee:"
God's greatness is not only proclaimed in all of creation, but in the heart of a sinner, who
has been saved by His great grace. Salvation is the greatest miracle of all. This great and
mighty God, who said in Isaiah 66:1, "The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My
footstool:" loved us enough to give His own Son for our redemption. What a awesome
God we have, and yet our simple minds cannot fathom His total greatness. Job 37:5
"God thundereth marvellously with His voice: great things doeth He, which we
cannot comprehend."
Until the day he is thrown into the everlasting lake of fire, Satan will continue to try and
discredit God and His precious Word. Evolution was just one of the many fiery darts this
wicked one has thrown. However, God and His Word still stands true. Isaiah 40:8 "The
grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever."
Look around you today. Take in the beauty of creation...yes, even the cold and snow! All
of creation shouts to the greatness of our God! From the towering Rockies to the pounding
waves of the deep, the raging volcanos to the grassy prairie, thundering waterfalls to the
gently flowing brooks...God is great! 1 Chronicles 29:11 "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness,
and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven
and in the earth is thine: thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as head
above all." AMEN!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCQbvBbNXaI Let your heart swell in praise to
our great and mighty God!
of the earth and galaxies, can be traced back 3.5 billion years ago, to a single celled
micro-organism! They believe that all the complexities of biochemicals, DNA sequences,
chemistry, and genetics result from this one cell. There is a reason why evolution is called
a "theory." Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
Genesis 1:31 "And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very
good." Understand please, that it takes more faith to believe in the absurdity of the unproven
theory of evolution, then it does in Biblical creation. True science backs up the Bible account
of creation, it does not discredit it. Almighty God spoke...and it was so!
Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth
by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee:"
God's greatness is not only proclaimed in all of creation, but in the heart of a sinner, who
has been saved by His great grace. Salvation is the greatest miracle of all. This great and
mighty God, who said in Isaiah 66:1, "The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My
footstool:" loved us enough to give His own Son for our redemption. What a awesome
God we have, and yet our simple minds cannot fathom His total greatness. Job 37:5
"God thundereth marvellously with His voice: great things doeth He, which we
cannot comprehend."
Until the day he is thrown into the everlasting lake of fire, Satan will continue to try and
discredit God and His precious Word. Evolution was just one of the many fiery darts this
wicked one has thrown. However, God and His Word still stands true. Isaiah 40:8 "The
grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever."
Look around you today. Take in the beauty of creation...yes, even the cold and snow! All
of creation shouts to the greatness of our God! From the towering Rockies to the pounding
waves of the deep, the raging volcanos to the grassy prairie, thundering waterfalls to the
gently flowing brooks...God is great! 1 Chronicles 29:11 "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness,
and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven
and in the earth is thine: thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as head
above all." AMEN!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCQbvBbNXaI Let your heart swell in praise to
our great and mighty God!
How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made:
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
When thru the woods and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze.
And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in.
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Stuart K. Hine
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Minute Musings...That Good Part
Joshua 7:13 "There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel:"
We read in the Old Testament book of Joshua the account of the falling of the city of
Jericho to the Israelites, who were now under the leadership of Joshua after the death
of Moses. One of the commands given to the Israelites before attacking Jericho, was
that they were not to take any of the spoils from the battle, for Jericho had been cursed
by God. After this victorious battle, Joshua sent his men to the city of A-i, but he did
not know that God's anger had been kindled against the Israelites because of one mans
disobedience. They suffered a grave defeat at the hands of the Amorites as a result.
Joshua found out about the sin of Achan and the situation was dealt with. Achan had
been enticed with the spoils of the world.
1 John 2:15 & 16 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world,
if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not
of the Father, but is of the world."
Living in this materialistic world, it is so easy to get caught up in the "want, want, want"
mentality. Especially with Christmas on the horizon, this becomes even more common
place. However, the life of the true believer should not be on worldly possessions, on
the accumulation of wealth and things. Our heart should be set on the eternal, not the
temporal. Everything we have in this life will disappear when we enter glory, except
what we have done for Christ!
Achan (whose name means "trouble") fell into sin because of the "lust of the eyes."
Joshua 7:21 "When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and
two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then
I coveted them, and took them:" Anything that takes the place of God in our lives,
is to Him, the accursed thing. God wants first place in our lives; Colossians 1:18b
"That in all things, He might have the pre-eminence." Does He have it?
In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6, we find these words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break
through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Is your heart entangled with the so called treasures of this earth? The treasures of the
world will not last, they will only lead you into sin. Achan, lost all he had stolen, plus his
own life. Sin has consequences. But the life that is immersed in Christ will be blessed of
God. In Luke chapter 10 we find Jesus rebuking Martha for her complaint, that all her
sister Mary was doing, was sitting at His feet listening to Him, instead of helping her;
"Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing
is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from
her."
What about you, is your heart taken up with the things of this world, or have you chosen
that "good part," which will not be taken away from you? Achan choose the things of this
world, and he lost all; Mary choose Christ, that "good part"...what will you chose today?
We read in the Old Testament book of Joshua the account of the falling of the city of
Jericho to the Israelites, who were now under the leadership of Joshua after the death
of Moses. One of the commands given to the Israelites before attacking Jericho, was
that they were not to take any of the spoils from the battle, for Jericho had been cursed
by God. After this victorious battle, Joshua sent his men to the city of A-i, but he did
not know that God's anger had been kindled against the Israelites because of one mans
disobedience. They suffered a grave defeat at the hands of the Amorites as a result.
Joshua found out about the sin of Achan and the situation was dealt with. Achan had
been enticed with the spoils of the world.
1 John 2:15 & 16 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world,
if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in
the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not
of the Father, but is of the world."
Living in this materialistic world, it is so easy to get caught up in the "want, want, want"
mentality. Especially with Christmas on the horizon, this becomes even more common
place. However, the life of the true believer should not be on worldly possessions, on
the accumulation of wealth and things. Our heart should be set on the eternal, not the
temporal. Everything we have in this life will disappear when we enter glory, except
what we have done for Christ!
Achan (whose name means "trouble") fell into sin because of the "lust of the eyes."
Joshua 7:21 "When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and
two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then
I coveted them, and took them:" Anything that takes the place of God in our lives,
is to Him, the accursed thing. God wants first place in our lives; Colossians 1:18b
"That in all things, He might have the pre-eminence." Does He have it?
In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6, we find these words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break
through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Is your heart entangled with the so called treasures of this earth? The treasures of the
world will not last, they will only lead you into sin. Achan, lost all he had stolen, plus his
own life. Sin has consequences. But the life that is immersed in Christ will be blessed of
God. In Luke chapter 10 we find Jesus rebuking Martha for her complaint, that all her
sister Mary was doing, was sitting at His feet listening to Him, instead of helping her;
"Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing
is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from
her."
What about you, is your heart taken up with the things of this world, or have you chosen
that "good part," which will not be taken away from you? Achan choose the things of this
world, and he lost all; Mary choose Christ, that "good part"...what will you chose today?
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Helen H. Lemmel
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Minute Musings...Telephone To Glory
I saw this post on a friends Facebook page this morning, "When life gives you more than
you can stand, kneel." I really like this! If you're honest with yourself and God...how much
importance do you place on your prayer life? You quickly grab onto it when troubles land
in your lap; but other than a quick..."Lord bless so and so and be with me today..." how
much do you pray? Prayer is not a quick fix for sudden trials, it's not a sookie blanket when
you are scared. Prayer is our lifeline to Heaven, it is our line of communication with our
Heavenly Father.
Psalms 55:17 "Evening and morning and at noon will I pray and cry aloud: and He
shall hear my voice."
Back in 1919, Frederick M. Lehman wrote a song with a cute twist. He compared prayer
to the telephone which was invented in the late 19th century. When my children were still
living at home, we used to sing this as a family in church quite often; this is one of the first
songs that we sang, and continued to sing over the years. Here is just a little bit of it along
with a link if you care to listen to the whole song.
you can stand, kneel." I really like this! If you're honest with yourself and God...how much
importance do you place on your prayer life? You quickly grab onto it when troubles land
in your lap; but other than a quick..."Lord bless so and so and be with me today..." how
much do you pray? Prayer is not a quick fix for sudden trials, it's not a sookie blanket when
you are scared. Prayer is our lifeline to Heaven, it is our line of communication with our
Heavenly Father.
Psalms 55:17 "Evening and morning and at noon will I pray and cry aloud: and He
shall hear my voice."
Back in 1919, Frederick M. Lehman wrote a song with a cute twist. He compared prayer
to the telephone which was invented in the late 19th century. When my children were still
living at home, we used to sing this as a family in church quite often; this is one of the first
songs that we sang, and continued to sing over the years. Here is just a little bit of it along
with a link if you care to listen to the whole song.
Telephone To Glory
Central's never "busy," always on the line;
You may hear from Heaven almost anytime;
"Tis a royal service, free for one and all,
When you get in trouble, give this royal line a call.
There will be no charges, telephone is free,
It was built for service, just for you and me;
There will be no waiting on this royal line,
Telephone to glory always answers just in time.
Telephone to glory, O what joy divine!
I can feel the current moving on the line;
Built by God the Father for His loved and own,
We may talk to Jesus thru this royal telephone.
I love the truth contained in this song, Jesus is always within reach! The Apostle Paul
penned this verse through the Holy Spirit, in Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come
boldly unto the throne of grace, that ye may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
in time of need." To come "boldly" does not mean that we come proudly, or with the
mindset that we deserve this access to God because of anything we have done. It means
that we can have access to God through the blood of Jesus Christ; our access to God
is because of what Jesus did. Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we
have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Grace and mercy are just a prayer away. So why
do we struggle along, overburdened with trials and tribulations? It is simply because we
do not take the time to come to God in prayer.
have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost." Grace and mercy are just a prayer away. So why
do we struggle along, overburdened with trials and tribulations? It is simply because we
do not take the time to come to God in prayer.
It states in verse 15 of Hebrews chapter 4, that "We have not an high priest which
cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted
like as we are, yet without sin." Jesus knows what we are going through. He has
experienced every hurt, heartache, pain, loneliness, and need that we go through, and
what is more, He cares. Isn't that what we all yearn for, someone who can enter into
our feelings, and even more, that truly cares? Yet, He can do more than just care, He
can help...if we just ask!
experienced every hurt, heartache, pain, loneliness, and need that we go through, and
what is more, He cares. Isn't that what we all yearn for, someone who can enter into
our feelings, and even more, that truly cares? Yet, He can do more than just care, He
can help...if we just ask!
I encourage you today to take your heartaches, burdens, struggles, failures, temptations
and fears to the Lord. He loves, cares, and He has promised to help. Philippians 4:6 &
7 "Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus."
and fears to the Lord. He loves, cares, and He has promised to help. Philippians 4:6 &
7 "Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus."
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O, what peace we often forfeit, O, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged - take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge - take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield thee - thou wilt find a solace there.
Joseph Scriven
Minute Musings...Shine On
Have you ever studied how a light bulb works? We know that it produces light, but how?
It's a very complicated explanation, but I'm just going to break it down very simply. In-
side the bulb there is a flow of both positive and negative atoms. Both the positive and
negative terminals are needed to create light. It is the same thing for us spiritually speaking.
What we see as negative things that happen to us, are as needful in our lives as the good
things...they both serve the same purpose, making us more like Christ.
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The light that our lives are to make in this sin darkened world, should point men to the
Savior. Sometimes though, our lights aren't working properly. Sin can dim our light in
this world. If our lives are glorifying ourselves and not our Father in heaven, then it's
time to check the light, because something is not working correctly. It's frustrating to
turn a light on and not have it work; so too, God must get frustrated with us when our
light is not working.
Mark 12:30 & 31 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first
commandment, and the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
How do we get our light into good working order? We love our God with all our
heart, soul, mind and strength. These four things encompass our whole being. God
is to have pre-eminence in every area of our lives. When He does, we will be able
to love our neighbour the way we should, our light will be in good working order.
What is illuminated by our light? Our good works, which point to our Heavenly
Father. (I love to see scripture supporting scripture! God is a God who does every-
thing decently and in order! 1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of
confusion,")
How is your light today? If your battery needs recharging, then take the time in the
Word of God and in prayer! Keep your light shining brightly!
It's a very complicated explanation, but I'm just going to break it down very simply. In-
side the bulb there is a flow of both positive and negative atoms. Both the positive and
negative terminals are needed to create light. It is the same thing for us spiritually speaking.
What we see as negative things that happen to us, are as needful in our lives as the good
things...they both serve the same purpose, making us more like Christ.
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The light that our lives are to make in this sin darkened world, should point men to the
Savior. Sometimes though, our lights aren't working properly. Sin can dim our light in
this world. If our lives are glorifying ourselves and not our Father in heaven, then it's
time to check the light, because something is not working correctly. It's frustrating to
turn a light on and not have it work; so too, God must get frustrated with us when our
light is not working.
Mark 12:30 & 31 "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and
with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first
commandment, and the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these."
How do we get our light into good working order? We love our God with all our
heart, soul, mind and strength. These four things encompass our whole being. God
is to have pre-eminence in every area of our lives. When He does, we will be able
to love our neighbour the way we should, our light will be in good working order.
What is illuminated by our light? Our good works, which point to our Heavenly
Father. (I love to see scripture supporting scripture! God is a God who does every-
thing decently and in order! 1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of
confusion,")
How is your light today? If your battery needs recharging, then take the time in the
Word of God and in prayer! Keep your light shining brightly!
Lord keep me shining for Thee, O keep me shining for Thee,
In a world wrapt in night, keep me pure, keep me white.
Lord, keep me shining for Thee, O keep me shining for Thee,
Until I behold Thy face.
Chalvar A. Gabriel
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Minute Musings...The Battle Is The Lords
Romans 12:21 "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
I do not have to tell you that this world is an evil place! All you need to do is listen to
the news, pick up a paper, or even go to the mall. This world is evil because it is ruled
by Satan, the Prince of Darkness. Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Until the Lord
returns to rule, this world will not be a place of peaceful habitation for the child of
God. But it is not all doom and gloom! Those that have read the Bible know that God
will be victorious, Satan's reign of sin has an end, hallelujah!
So, the question is, how do we overcome evil with good? There is only one way and
that is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has already won the victory. When we live for Jesus,
we are victorious over Satan and evil. It's hard though isn't it, to be kind to those that
unkind to us, to be forgiving to the wicked, to have compassion for the conceited and
high-minded, to be humble before the proud and self-righteous...but this is the life of
the believer who wants to live victoriously in Christ, the one who desires to overcome
evil with good.
I have learned over the years that in order to live this way it requires one thing, and
that is to keep your eyes on Jesus. When you are looking at the Savior, drinking in His
goodness, focusing on His righteousness, you will not be seeing the unkind, wicked,
conceited, high-minded, proud, self-righteous people in your way; you will see sinners
for whom the Prince of Peace shed His precious blood for...you will see a picture of
who you were before you were saved. Ephesians 5:8 "For ye were sometimes
darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." You can
love these souls, you can do good to them, show kindness...through Christ! Your
response to their sinful ways can be a means of shining the love of Jesus into their
dark hearts.
Remember, that to biblically over come evil with good, you must elevate the Lord
Jesus to His rightful place in your own life. John 3:30 "He must increase, but I
must decrease." Don't try to fight the evil of this world in your own strength, you
will fail, the battle is the Lords. Many times in the Old Testament we read the words,
"The battle is not yours, it is the LORDS."
As we begin another week, remember, the battle is not yours, it is the Lords. Everything
in life has a domino effect; when we do what God asks, good wins. It might not seem
like good has the upper hand all the time, but bare in mind, that we don't understand
the workings of God. All that He has asked of us is that we be faithful and do what is
right.
I do not have to tell you that this world is an evil place! All you need to do is listen to
the news, pick up a paper, or even go to the mall. This world is evil because it is ruled
by Satan, the Prince of Darkness. Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Until the Lord
returns to rule, this world will not be a place of peaceful habitation for the child of
God. But it is not all doom and gloom! Those that have read the Bible know that God
will be victorious, Satan's reign of sin has an end, hallelujah!
So, the question is, how do we overcome evil with good? There is only one way and
that is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has already won the victory. When we live for Jesus,
we are victorious over Satan and evil. It's hard though isn't it, to be kind to those that
unkind to us, to be forgiving to the wicked, to have compassion for the conceited and
high-minded, to be humble before the proud and self-righteous...but this is the life of
the believer who wants to live victoriously in Christ, the one who desires to overcome
evil with good.
I have learned over the years that in order to live this way it requires one thing, and
that is to keep your eyes on Jesus. When you are looking at the Savior, drinking in His
goodness, focusing on His righteousness, you will not be seeing the unkind, wicked,
conceited, high-minded, proud, self-righteous people in your way; you will see sinners
for whom the Prince of Peace shed His precious blood for...you will see a picture of
who you were before you were saved. Ephesians 5:8 "For ye were sometimes
darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." You can
love these souls, you can do good to them, show kindness...through Christ! Your
response to their sinful ways can be a means of shining the love of Jesus into their
dark hearts.
Remember, that to biblically over come evil with good, you must elevate the Lord
Jesus to His rightful place in your own life. John 3:30 "He must increase, but I
must decrease." Don't try to fight the evil of this world in your own strength, you
will fail, the battle is the Lords. Many times in the Old Testament we read the words,
"The battle is not yours, it is the LORDS."
As we begin another week, remember, the battle is not yours, it is the Lords. Everything
in life has a domino effect; when we do what God asks, good wins. It might not seem
like good has the upper hand all the time, but bare in mind, that we don't understand
the workings of God. All that He has asked of us is that we be faithful and do what is
right.
Rescue the Perishing
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o'er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.
Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently,
He will forgive if they only believe.
Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,
Feelings like buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that are broken will vibrate once more.
Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way, patiently win them,
Tell the poor wand'rer a Savior has died.
Rescue the perishing, care for the dying:
Jesus is merciful, Jesus will save.
Fanny J. Crosby
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Minute Musings...Check List
I'm leaving soon to go have some tests done on my heart. I'm not looking forward to it,
but at the same time I'm thankful that there are tests available that can detect a problem,
and then action that can be taken to rectify the situation. It is only those with a problem
that seek a solution. My mind went to my spiritual health this morning. What is available
to detect spiritual health problems, and what is the course of action required to obtain
the solutions?
There is only One that is qualified to diagnose our spiritual problems and that is the Great
Physician. Jesus said in Mark 2:17, "They that are whole have no need of the physician,
but they that are sick:" Just as with our physical health there are guidelines, for our blood
pressure, weight and so on, spiritually there are guidelines to watch to make sure that we
are in ultimate spiritual health.
Matthew 5:2 - 12 "And He (Jesus) opened His mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they
that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit
the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the
pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness
sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you,
and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding
glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you."
This is a long passage, but I want you to take note of a few things. These verses are known
as the Beatitudes. Beatitudes means the highest form of heavenly happiness; blessings
that are received due to particular virtues. These 8 Beatitudes of Christ can help determine
our spiritual health. Where do we need to devote more work and prayer?
1. Poor in spirit. This involves humility. To have poverty of spirit means that we are
completely empty of self and open to the blessed Word of God.
2. They that mourn. This is a deep sorrow over our individual sins. We shall be comforted
by the promised Comforter - the Holy Spirit of God.
3. To be meek. You've heard the saying, "Meek does not mean weak." Godly meekness
in our lives is the promoter of obedience to Him.
4. Hunger and thirst after righteousness. This is a continual desire for God, His Word
and fellowship and communion through prayer.
5. The merciful. This is a loving disposition toward all those that are suffering distress.
6. Pure in heart. This is to be free of selfishness. Pride is abased and Christ is glorified.
7. The peacemakers. One must first experience the inner peace that only comes from God
in order to pass it on to others.
8. Persecuted for righteousness sake. Those that live Godly lives will be persecuted by
the world.
So how do you measure up? I'm sure that if you are honest with yourself before God, you
will admit that each of these need to be worked on. We need God's help daily as we strive
to live for Him. All 8 of these Beatitudes are impossible to attain with His divine help. If
you look carefully, each one builds on the previous; we first need to be completely open
to God and to let Him work in our lives. When we do this we will have the proper view
of sin, and repentance will follow. Next we will be obedient to His Word. As we grow in
Him, our hunger and thirst for His word will deepen and we will become spiritually stronger.
The closer we get to Him the more we will experience His love for others. We will strive
more to glorify Him through our lives. His peace will be evident to others. And finally,
because of our testimony, we will be persecuted.
Take some time to honestly study your life. God will never dismiss an honest desire to
live for Him!
but at the same time I'm thankful that there are tests available that can detect a problem,
and then action that can be taken to rectify the situation. It is only those with a problem
that seek a solution. My mind went to my spiritual health this morning. What is available
to detect spiritual health problems, and what is the course of action required to obtain
the solutions?
There is only One that is qualified to diagnose our spiritual problems and that is the Great
Physician. Jesus said in Mark 2:17, "They that are whole have no need of the physician,
but they that are sick:" Just as with our physical health there are guidelines, for our blood
pressure, weight and so on, spiritually there are guidelines to watch to make sure that we
are in ultimate spiritual health.
Matthew 5:2 - 12 "And He (Jesus) opened His mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they
that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit
the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the
pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness
sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you,
and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding
glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you."
This is a long passage, but I want you to take note of a few things. These verses are known
as the Beatitudes. Beatitudes means the highest form of heavenly happiness; blessings
that are received due to particular virtues. These 8 Beatitudes of Christ can help determine
our spiritual health. Where do we need to devote more work and prayer?
1. Poor in spirit. This involves humility. To have poverty of spirit means that we are
completely empty of self and open to the blessed Word of God.
2. They that mourn. This is a deep sorrow over our individual sins. We shall be comforted
by the promised Comforter - the Holy Spirit of God.
3. To be meek. You've heard the saying, "Meek does not mean weak." Godly meekness
in our lives is the promoter of obedience to Him.
4. Hunger and thirst after righteousness. This is a continual desire for God, His Word
and fellowship and communion through prayer.
5. The merciful. This is a loving disposition toward all those that are suffering distress.
6. Pure in heart. This is to be free of selfishness. Pride is abased and Christ is glorified.
7. The peacemakers. One must first experience the inner peace that only comes from God
in order to pass it on to others.
8. Persecuted for righteousness sake. Those that live Godly lives will be persecuted by
the world.
So how do you measure up? I'm sure that if you are honest with yourself before God, you
will admit that each of these need to be worked on. We need God's help daily as we strive
to live for Him. All 8 of these Beatitudes are impossible to attain with His divine help. If
you look carefully, each one builds on the previous; we first need to be completely open
to God and to let Him work in our lives. When we do this we will have the proper view
of sin, and repentance will follow. Next we will be obedient to His Word. As we grow in
Him, our hunger and thirst for His word will deepen and we will become spiritually stronger.
The closer we get to Him the more we will experience His love for others. We will strive
more to glorify Him through our lives. His peace will be evident to others. And finally,
because of our testimony, we will be persecuted.
Take some time to honestly study your life. God will never dismiss an honest desire to
live for Him!
The Beauty of Jesus
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity:
O Thou Spirit divine, may I truly be Thine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Let my wonderful Savior be seen in me,
His amazing compassion and constancy:
His great love is my goal, by His Spirit's control,
Till my wonderful Savior be seen in me.
Let the fruit of the Spirit be seen in me,
Grant me grace all sufficient that I may be:
True and faithful each day, every step of the way,
Pointing souls to the Savior on Calvary.
Tom M. Jones
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Minute Musings...Joy In Serving Jesus
Where do you look for joy? Do you look to your spouse, children, perhaps your job or
hobbies? May I tell you today that you might find happiness in these things, but that's
all. Happiness is temporal, joy is eternal. Temporal means that it is libel to changes
associated with mood, eternal means that it is ceaseless. Lets look at the dictionary
definitions of joy and happiness. Joy is the "exhilaration of the spirit" and happiness
is, "glad, content, lucky, fortunate." Can you see the difference, joy stems from the
"new man," happiness from the "old man."
Psalms 16:11 "In Thy presence is fullness of joy:" In the presence of the eternal
God we find eternal joy. Therefore it goes without saying that serving Jesus brings
eternal joy. When we are serving the Lord we are working with the eternal in view,
not the temporal. What we do for Jesus will last forever.
I would like to quote something that John Wesley said about serving God. "One of
the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since He
is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve Him in our neighbour; which He receives as
if done to Himself in person, standing visibly before us." This statement is further
backed up in Matthew 25:35-40 "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat; I
was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked,
and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came
unto me. Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee
an hungred, and fed Thee? Or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee
a stranger, and took Thee in? Or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we
Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say
unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
What a spiritual truth is contained in these verses! When we serve others, we are in
fact serving God! This gives new meaning to kindness doesn't it. We are reminded
in Ephesians 13:16, "But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with
such sacrifices God is well pleased." Did you catch the key word in this verse...
"sacrifices." Our service to God, which is worked out in our service to others, should
involve a sacrifice on our part. Whether we sacrifice money, goods or time, this "doing
good," is our sacrifice of love to our Lord. Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workman-
ship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained
that we should walk in them."
Are you walking in "good works" today? Don't confuse our good works with obtaining
salvation. Good works are the evidence of a regenerated life, not the means to a
regenerated life! There is a joy that is created when we serve the Lord, are you
experiencing this joy today?
hobbies? May I tell you today that you might find happiness in these things, but that's
all. Happiness is temporal, joy is eternal. Temporal means that it is libel to changes
associated with mood, eternal means that it is ceaseless. Lets look at the dictionary
definitions of joy and happiness. Joy is the "exhilaration of the spirit" and happiness
is, "glad, content, lucky, fortunate." Can you see the difference, joy stems from the
"new man," happiness from the "old man."
Psalms 16:11 "In Thy presence is fullness of joy:" In the presence of the eternal
God we find eternal joy. Therefore it goes without saying that serving Jesus brings
eternal joy. When we are serving the Lord we are working with the eternal in view,
not the temporal. What we do for Jesus will last forever.
I would like to quote something that John Wesley said about serving God. "One of
the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since He
is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve Him in our neighbour; which He receives as
if done to Himself in person, standing visibly before us." This statement is further
backed up in Matthew 25:35-40 "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat; I
was thirsty and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked,
and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came
unto me. Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee
an hungred, and fed Thee? Or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee
a stranger, and took Thee in? Or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we
Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say
unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
What a spiritual truth is contained in these verses! When we serve others, we are in
fact serving God! This gives new meaning to kindness doesn't it. We are reminded
in Ephesians 13:16, "But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with
such sacrifices God is well pleased." Did you catch the key word in this verse...
"sacrifices." Our service to God, which is worked out in our service to others, should
involve a sacrifice on our part. Whether we sacrifice money, goods or time, this "doing
good," is our sacrifice of love to our Lord. Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workman-
ship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained
that we should walk in them."
Are you walking in "good works" today? Don't confuse our good works with obtaining
salvation. Good works are the evidence of a regenerated life, not the means to a
regenerated life! There is a joy that is created when we serve the Lord, are you
experiencing this joy today?
Joy In Serving Jesus
There is joy in serving Jesus,
As I journey on my way,
Joy that fills the heart with praises,
Every hour and every day.
There is joy in serving Jesus,
Joy that triumphs over pain;
Fills my soul with heavens music,
Till I join the glad refrain.
There is joy in serving Jesus,
As I walk alone with God;
Tis the joy of Christ my Savior,
Who the path of suffering trod.
There is joy in serving Jesus,
Joy amid the darkest night;
For I've learned the wondrous secret,
And I'm walking in the light.
There is joy, joy, joy in serving Jesus,
Joy that throbs within my heart;
Every moment, every hour, as I draw upon His power,
There is joy, joy, joy that never shall depart.
Oswald J. Smith.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Minute Musings...Onward
2 Timothy 2:3 "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day here in Canada. It is a day when we stop and pay tribute
to those who have died in the service of our Country. We honor those who have endured
unimaginable horrors, so that we might enjoy the freedom we have today. My father was
in the military, and my Great-Grandfather died from complications he received in WW1.
Those in the military have been trained to endure hardness, they have been trained to
persevere to the end in the defense of their homeland.
As a child of God, we are soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in a spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places." This has been a battle of the ages. We often think of those
that are on the front-lines of this battle such as missionaries, preachers, evangelists, as
the only ones enduring hardness. The truth of the matter is that anyone that takes a stand
for Christ will endure hardness. From the co-operate businessman, to the housewife, to
the child on the school ground. If we take a stand for the Lord we will suffer for it.
You might be wondering how you can take a stand for the Lord. Do you speak up when
His name is taken in vain? Do you laugh or smile at off-colored jokes? Are you honest
in your business deals when you are being pressured to lie? If your life is reflective of
your regenerated condition, then you will suffer persecution in this world. This is not
something that should alarm us, for we are told in 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that
will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." The Lord Jesus Himself spoke
of this in John 15:18 & 19 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it
hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye
are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world
hateth you."
Are you going through a difficult time today of persecution because you are a child of
God? If so, take courage and keep on. Our brave soldiers that see conflict in other
countries are faced with hatred and attacks; yet they keep on, they are enduring hardness
for the good of their homeland. We are pilgrims here on this earth, this world is not our
home, we are fighting for another country, for the King of Kings. And remember we are
not fighting alone! Take your place beside your brothers and sisters in Christ, keeping
your eyes on the Lord, where all your strength will come from! Psalms 18:32 "It is God
that girdeth me with strength," Take heart and dig in for the long haul. Someday this
battle will end, we will enter victoriously through Heavens gates, and will see the Lord
face to face. How wonderful it will be to hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful
servant."
Tomorrow is Remembrance Day here in Canada. It is a day when we stop and pay tribute
to those who have died in the service of our Country. We honor those who have endured
unimaginable horrors, so that we might enjoy the freedom we have today. My father was
in the military, and my Great-Grandfather died from complications he received in WW1.
Those in the military have been trained to endure hardness, they have been trained to
persevere to the end in the defense of their homeland.
As a child of God, we are soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are in a spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places." This has been a battle of the ages. We often think of those
that are on the front-lines of this battle such as missionaries, preachers, evangelists, as
the only ones enduring hardness. The truth of the matter is that anyone that takes a stand
for Christ will endure hardness. From the co-operate businessman, to the housewife, to
the child on the school ground. If we take a stand for the Lord we will suffer for it.
You might be wondering how you can take a stand for the Lord. Do you speak up when
His name is taken in vain? Do you laugh or smile at off-colored jokes? Are you honest
in your business deals when you are being pressured to lie? If your life is reflective of
your regenerated condition, then you will suffer persecution in this world. This is not
something that should alarm us, for we are told in 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that
will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." The Lord Jesus Himself spoke
of this in John 15:18 & 19 "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it
hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye
are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world
hateth you."
Are you going through a difficult time today of persecution because you are a child of
God? If so, take courage and keep on. Our brave soldiers that see conflict in other
countries are faced with hatred and attacks; yet they keep on, they are enduring hardness
for the good of their homeland. We are pilgrims here on this earth, this world is not our
home, we are fighting for another country, for the King of Kings. And remember we are
not fighting alone! Take your place beside your brothers and sisters in Christ, keeping
your eyes on the Lord, where all your strength will come from! Psalms 18:32 "It is God
that girdeth me with strength," Take heart and dig in for the long haul. Someday this
battle will end, we will enter victoriously through Heavens gates, and will see the Lord
face to face. How wonderful it will be to hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful
servant."
Onward, Christian Soldiers
Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before!
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, see His banners go!
At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee;
On, then Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, Loud your anthems raise!
Like a mighty army, moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod;
We are not divided; All one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng.
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song:
Glory, laud and honor, unto Christ the King:
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
Onward Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war;
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Sabine Baring-Gould
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Minute Musings...Dust Bunnies
Every once in a while I get in a decluttering mood. Anything and everything that has not
had a use in the past few months is in real danger of being tossed out! We are a generation
of "things." Much that we think we need ends up sitting unused, collecting dust and taking
up space that could be put to much better use. There is a feeling of freedom to rid your home
of these useless things. I love to see the cleared space after a day of decluttering!
Our homes are not the only place that we need to clean out every once in a while.
1 Timothy 2:20 & 21 "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of
silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified,
and meet for the maser's use, and prepared unto every good work."
You see, when we are saved, the Holy Spirit indwells us, we become the "home" of God on
earth 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the
Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" When you are expecting company, what do you do? Are
the dishes left unwashed in the sink, dirty clothes on the floor, a layer of dust covering
everything? No, you clean. The sinks are empty and gleaming spotless, beds are made,
clothes put away, vacuuming and dusting have made your home presentable and welcoming
to your guests. So, why do we not take the same care in preparing our hearts for the in-
dwelling of the Holy Spirit of God? We expect the Lord God to inhabit a place that is
already filled with the garbage from this world! Envy, bitterness, anger, pride, conceit,
are just a few of the spiritual dust bunnies that are filling the corners of our hearts. The
verse above from 1 Timothy talks about purging ourselves from the dishonourable vessels
that are in our spiritual homes, so that we might be found fit for the Master's use.
Romans 12:1 & 2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove, what is that good, and acceptable
and perfect will of God." I would be embarrassed to death to welcome someone into
my home and present to them a dirty place to stay. In the same manner, why are we not
ashamed to let the Holy God of the universe dwell in a body that is still conformed to
this evil world?
Are you willing today to start a major spiritual housecleaning? It's time to declutter the
living space of God! Get rid of those pesky dust bunnies that are rolling around in your
heart! Are you willing to pray the prayer of the Psalmist in Psalms 51:7 & 10 today?
If you are, you will be able to present to the Lord God, a clean and sanctified heart,
ready for His use and prepared unto every good work! "Purge me with hyssop, and
I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean
heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me."
had a use in the past few months is in real danger of being tossed out! We are a generation
of "things." Much that we think we need ends up sitting unused, collecting dust and taking
up space that could be put to much better use. There is a feeling of freedom to rid your home
of these useless things. I love to see the cleared space after a day of decluttering!
Our homes are not the only place that we need to clean out every once in a while.
1 Timothy 2:20 & 21 "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of
silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified,
and meet for the maser's use, and prepared unto every good work."
You see, when we are saved, the Holy Spirit indwells us, we become the "home" of God on
earth 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the
Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" When you are expecting company, what do you do? Are
the dishes left unwashed in the sink, dirty clothes on the floor, a layer of dust covering
everything? No, you clean. The sinks are empty and gleaming spotless, beds are made,
clothes put away, vacuuming and dusting have made your home presentable and welcoming
to your guests. So, why do we not take the same care in preparing our hearts for the in-
dwelling of the Holy Spirit of God? We expect the Lord God to inhabit a place that is
already filled with the garbage from this world! Envy, bitterness, anger, pride, conceit,
are just a few of the spiritual dust bunnies that are filling the corners of our hearts. The
verse above from 1 Timothy talks about purging ourselves from the dishonourable vessels
that are in our spiritual homes, so that we might be found fit for the Master's use.
Romans 12:1 & 2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove, what is that good, and acceptable
and perfect will of God." I would be embarrassed to death to welcome someone into
my home and present to them a dirty place to stay. In the same manner, why are we not
ashamed to let the Holy God of the universe dwell in a body that is still conformed to
this evil world?
Are you willing today to start a major spiritual housecleaning? It's time to declutter the
living space of God! Get rid of those pesky dust bunnies that are rolling around in your
heart! Are you willing to pray the prayer of the Psalmist in Psalms 51:7 & 10 today?
If you are, you will be able to present to the Lord God, a clean and sanctified heart,
ready for His use and prepared unto every good work! "Purge me with hyssop, and
I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean
heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me."
Search Me, O God
Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.
I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy Word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.
Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill all my heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.
J. Edwin Orr
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Minute Musings...Celebration Time
Today marks the day that we celebrate my sweet little grandsons first birthday! The day
ahead will be marked with noise, family, laughter and love. We will focus on the blessing
this little person has brought into all our lives. We like to celebrate happy occasions
don't we. We celebrate births, graduations, new jobs, engagements, weddings, retirements,
we love to mark special events with a time of gaiety and fun.
Heaven is a place of celebration as well. Heaven is a place focused on the Lord Jesus
Christ and is filled with praise and glory directed at Him. There is also another type of
celebration that takes place within the Courts of Glory.
Luke 15:10 "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of
God over one sinner that repenteth." What joy there is in Heaven when another name
is added to the Lambs Book of Life. We rejoice when a precious little baby is born into
our families, we feel the excitement and joy this little one brings with them. Heaven
rings with celebration when a soul is redeemed, born into the family of God. I would love
to witness the joy that flows through the golden streets of Glory when this event occurs.
I have often wondered at the response of the angels to this good news. The angels are
created beings that have never known the joy of sins forgiven, of being redeemed and
becoming a child of the most High God. Why do they rejoice? The angels have been
witnesses down through the ages of the supreme sacrifice of the Lamb of God. The
great story of redemption has played out before them since time began. They were
participants in the announcement of His birth on earth over 2000 years ago, Luke
2:13 & 14 "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace,
good will toward me.
They watched Him grow as a child. They stood by and ministered to Him when He had
been days without food and water in the wilderness, Matthew 4:11 "Then the devil
leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him." They watched
as He lived, taught and loved. Then came the night of His arrest in the Garden of
Gethsemane, when Jesus reminded His followers, Matthew 26:53 "Thinkest thou
that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He shall presently give me more than
twelve legions of angels?"
Those Heavenly beings, which had spent their existence worshipping, praising and
exalting the Lord, now stood silently and watched Him lifted up on an old rugged cross,
paying the price demanded by a righteous, holy and just God, for your sin and mine. An
angel was the one given the wonderful task of informing the women that Jesus had risen
and was alive! Matthew 28:5 & 6 "And the angel answered and said unto the women,
"Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for
He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay." Is it no wonder then
that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels, the ones who have been a part of the
whole story from the beginning, when they see a sinner becomes part of the family of God!
The next time you hear of someone excepting God's free gift of salvation, just think of
the celebration that is ringing through Glory!
ahead will be marked with noise, family, laughter and love. We will focus on the blessing
this little person has brought into all our lives. We like to celebrate happy occasions
don't we. We celebrate births, graduations, new jobs, engagements, weddings, retirements,
we love to mark special events with a time of gaiety and fun.
Heaven is a place of celebration as well. Heaven is a place focused on the Lord Jesus
Christ and is filled with praise and glory directed at Him. There is also another type of
celebration that takes place within the Courts of Glory.
Luke 15:10 "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of
God over one sinner that repenteth." What joy there is in Heaven when another name
is added to the Lambs Book of Life. We rejoice when a precious little baby is born into
our families, we feel the excitement and joy this little one brings with them. Heaven
rings with celebration when a soul is redeemed, born into the family of God. I would love
to witness the joy that flows through the golden streets of Glory when this event occurs.
I have often wondered at the response of the angels to this good news. The angels are
created beings that have never known the joy of sins forgiven, of being redeemed and
becoming a child of the most High God. Why do they rejoice? The angels have been
witnesses down through the ages of the supreme sacrifice of the Lamb of God. The
great story of redemption has played out before them since time began. They were
participants in the announcement of His birth on earth over 2000 years ago, Luke
2:13 & 14 "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace,
good will toward me.
They watched Him grow as a child. They stood by and ministered to Him when He had
been days without food and water in the wilderness, Matthew 4:11 "Then the devil
leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him." They watched
as He lived, taught and loved. Then came the night of His arrest in the Garden of
Gethsemane, when Jesus reminded His followers, Matthew 26:53 "Thinkest thou
that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He shall presently give me more than
twelve legions of angels?"
Those Heavenly beings, which had spent their existence worshipping, praising and
exalting the Lord, now stood silently and watched Him lifted up on an old rugged cross,
paying the price demanded by a righteous, holy and just God, for your sin and mine. An
angel was the one given the wonderful task of informing the women that Jesus had risen
and was alive! Matthew 28:5 & 6 "And the angel answered and said unto the women,
"Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for
He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay." Is it no wonder then
that there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels, the ones who have been a part of the
whole story from the beginning, when they see a sinner becomes part of the family of God!
The next time you hear of someone excepting God's free gift of salvation, just think of
the celebration that is ringing through Glory!
The Angels Are Singing Again
I once was a seeker, far from the light,
So full of myself, so lost in the night.
Till Jesus cried out, "Take my robe of pure white,
And start Heaven singing again."
He gave me His garment and took all my sin;
He changed life completely and cleansed me within.
Now Christ is my Savior, my Lord, and my Friend,
The angels are singing again.
The angels are singing again,
Ten thousand hallelujahs begin,
The heavens resound, the lost has been found,
The angels are singing again.
Ron Hamilton
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