My Redeemer Liveth!

It is such a blessing to have a radio station committed to furthering the Gospel and strengthening the walk of believers, and Sunday morning is a time I especially love to tune in. It's so encouraging to go through my morning preparations listening to "Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs", God-honoring music interspersed with verses of Scripture. Being Easter Day, the focus was especially on Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection. What a beautiful reminder of how merciful it was that He would give His life a ransom for me!

One of the verses from this morning was Job 19:25. "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:" When I think of Job, I not only think of how he lost everything all at once, but also how the Bible says that in all this "sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (Job 1:22). What a trust he had in God! Later, he proclaimed his confidence again. That is, he knew his redeemer liveth!

From the time of Jesus' birth, it was declared that the forgiveness He came to offer would be for everyone - "a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel" (Luke 2:32).

After His death, His disciples went back to their occupations, still not fully understanding just what it had to cost Him to be the Saviour He said He was, nor how He would yet accomplish it to the fullest.

Then He rose again! O glorious morning! How marvelous it would have been to experience seeing Him alive again! But blessed are they who believe without seeing (John 20:29), and truly we do experience His resurrection when He restores the soul of one who looks to Him for redemption because He liveth in him. And just as Job knew his Redeemer liveth, so can we!

I have so many songs I enjoy for each special commemoration, and more besides for the days in between (although, those around me might hear me break into song from any occasion at any given moment), so I have yet another hymn I'd like to share with you for this magnificent day... one that captures the triumph we have in Jesus Christ.

He Lives

Alfred H. Ackley

I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today;

I know that He is living, whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer

And just the time I need Him He's always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way!

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!

In all the world around me I see His loving care,

And tho' my heart grows weary I never will despair;

I know that He is leading thro' all the stormy blast,

The day of His appearing will come at last.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way!

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,

None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way!

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Who'll Be Like Gideon?

This has been a month of remembrances for many people, including myself, as we looked back upon the years of service of two faithful couples: a pastor and his wife serving 40 years at a local church, and a missionary husband & wife who, after 40 years service in the Amazon, are transitioning to ministry here. I thank the Lord for their wonderful examples, for they have taught me so much: how to exhibit Christ's love by caring for and helping others, being a missionary wherever you are (whether called to a foreign field or not, you can win souls to Christ), trust in God's provision, just to name a few ... and they still have so much more to share.

It was delightful to have special services and fellowships to rejoice with them in their ministries. Even in the celebrations, all the glory pointed to Jesus Christ because He is the reason for their ministering and also because He gives the grace to continue on. It's a blessing to have such examples, and it's also a challenge. Now that we've reflected on what God has done in the last 40 years, what are we going to be doing for Him for next 40 years (and beyond)? Their ministries aren't over, and neither are ours! Someday, those who are faithful will look back and be able to say "Jesus led me all the way", but for now, are we going to be like Gideon ... are we stepping up to the plate, doing all that we can for the One Who gave His all for us?

Where is a Gideon?

This is a day when idols are worshiped,
Even God's people are trapped in their snares.
Good men have fallen, standards have shaken -
Where is the answer? Who even cares?

Where is a Gideon? Where is the man
Who'll be a leader, and follow God's plan?
Where is God's champion? Who'll be the one
To stand like Gideon? I'll be that man!

Where is a man who gives up ambition,
Worldly desires are all set aside!
Where is the man, though lowly be service,
Who's satisfied only in Him to abide?

Where is a Gideon? Where is the man
Who'll be a leader and follow God's plan?
Where is God's champion? Who'll be the one
To stand like Gideon? I'll be that man!

Who'll be a Gideon? I'll be that man!
That man!

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (I Thessalonians 5:24, Matthew 28:19-20)

What Love Is

It's Valentine's Day, and love is back on display. When we observe the world around us, we see the secular definitions of love. When we read the Scriptures, however, we see that mankind's definition doesn't even compare to what God describes as love. Indeed, the Bible speaks very clearly about the meaning of real love, and we are to love one another not only as we love ourselves, but also as He has loved us (Matthew 22:39, John 15:12). Since we are commanded to love, we ought to be clear what is expected of us. I Corinthians 13 is often referred to as "The Love Chapter" because it unmistakably describes what love is ...and isn't, too.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

When we examine what love is, as well as the reciprocal of what it isn't, we see that the rest of the Fruit of the Spirit - joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance - is woven throughout the passage and are all used as part of the description for the first fruit in Galatians 5:22-23: love.

For such an endeavor, there's no one better to look to for an example of such unconditional love than Jesus Christ. Jesus had one purpose in mind when He came to earth, and He wouldn't return Home until it was complete. His purpose was to provide the sole means of redemption for mankind, and that could only be accomplished through the shedding of His blood. He came even though He knew how great His suffering would be, and He came because of love. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 Through Jesus' finished work of the cross, God offers everyone salvation. It took His death on the cross to pay the price for our sin and His resurrection from the grave to conquer death. Jesus Christ is God's valentine to you.

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." I Corinthians 13:13

Happy Valentine's Day!

I Resolve to Resolve

The new year is a wonderful time to reflect. There are other good times for that, of course, but with a fresh year ahead it can give a different outlook.

So with a clean slate before us, so to speak, I think of 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 haven't been one to make New Year's resolutions in the past because many of the examples I've heard were made so flippantly, and there seem to be so few taken seriously that the resolution isn't kept. Perhaps, that's because in our own strength, we simply fall short like an arrow dropping before the target. Recently I've acquired the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, who was one of the well-known evangelists of the 18th century. The key resolution, written as a preface to the 70 resolutions to follow, is this: "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will for Christ's sake." With Mr. Edwards quote in mind, I have one goal for the coming year for which I'll strive for more than previous years. My resolution, my goal for 2009 is Romans 1:16 & Philippians 1:20. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Looking back at the entries of this past year, I realized that most included a song. For the start of this new year, I am going to and yet another one. One that accurately reflects the verses on my heart today, of proclaiming Christ's love, growing closer to Him, and looking for His coming.

I'll Tell the World

Baynard L. Fox

I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian;

I’m not ashamed, His name to bear.

I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian;

I’ll take Him with me anywhere.

I’ll tell the world, how Jesus saved me,

And how He gave me a life brand new;

And I know that if you trust Him

That all He gave me, He’ll give to you.

I’ll tell the world, that He’s my Saviour;

No other one, could love me so.

My life, my all is His forever,

And where He leads me I will go.

I'll tell the world that He is coming;

It may be near or far away.

But we must live as if His coming

Would be tomorrow or today.

For when He comes, and life is over,

For those who love Him there’s more to be;

Eyes have never seen the wonders

That He’s preparing, for you and me.

O tell the world, that you’re a Christian;

Be not ashamed, His name to bear.

O tell the world, that you’re a Christian,

And take Him with you everywhere.

The Birthday of a King

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 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.
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

~ Luke 2:1-33

This passage is a favorite among believers this time of year. And with due reason: it is Christ's birth that we celebrate. As is the well-known saying, Jesus is the reason for the season! And He is. Why is Jesus the reason for the season? Because we needed a Saviour, and only He could be the one to redeem mankind. That's why verses 30-32 have been especially dear tome in recent years... because this is His reason for the season. "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." Jesus came to earth for one reason: to be our salvation.

As we commemorate the birth of Christ today,
may the light of His Word shine in your hearts
and the glory of His presence be very real to you.

Merry Christmas!

Light the Brightest Candle!

One of my favorite songs when I was a little girl was a sweet little Christmas song called Happy Birthday, Jesus. It's always been a reminder to me off the preciousness of Christ's birth, the very essence of this celebrative season.

Happy birthday, Jesus!
Happy birthday to the Lord.
Happy birthday, happy birthday,
Happy birthday to the Lord!

Let the earth cry out, "Hallelujah!"
Let the people shout for joy.
Let the starburst light the brightest candle,
And the celebrate the birthday of God's baby boy!

Happy birthday, Jesus!
Happy birthday to the Lord.
Happy birthday, happy birthday,
Happy birthday to the Lord!

It's quite common to receive gifts on our birthday. However, His birth day is a gift to us. Because of His birth the gift of eternal life is yours for the taking by placing your trust exclusively in Him and His finished work on the cross, and that's a gift so great that it could never be matched! Truly, Christmas is this love gift of everlasting life being commemorated.

So as we look forward to a day of festivities, may your focus be on the things with greater than earthly value, and may you never lose sight of the Christ in Christmas.

Happy birthday, Jesus!

It Is Well With My Soul

In recent weeks there has been a song that has been on my mind quite a bit. It was encouraging to think on its lyrics when we received the news that my grandma's twin sister was failing. Those last days were filled with precious times to remember. The special moments we had alone with her, reading comforting Bible verses to her, praying together, and, although my great-aunt was unable to speak, her gestures were telling us what she had been trying to communicate yet couldn't say in words: that she was trusting in nothing else, no one else, only Jesus as her Saviour. Trusting in Jesus removes the penalty of sin, the fear of death & eternal suffering of hell, and gives the assurance of God's promise of eternal life to believers. She is now with her Lord! The week following her promotion to glory, the hymn was sung at the funeral for the son of my father's good friend.

One thing that makes this song so dear to me, and seems to draw people especially during suffering, is that the author himself had trials of great sorrow within just a few years time. In this beautiful hymn, the writer attests that no matter the circumstances of life, with Jesus Christ as your Saviour, all can still be well with your soul. The history behind a song is always of interest to me, so, with the families of these dear ones in mind, I thought I'd share this one with you with the hope that all who read it will be comforted on their life's journey, too.

Horatio Spafford, a successful lawyer who invested heavily in real estate, and his wife, Anna, along with their five children, lived in Chicago, Illinois. With the help of Biblical teaching and preaching of his close friend Dwight L. Moody, he learned to live a life surrendered to God, and from that time forward, he committed everything he had into the Lord's care - his life, his family, and his earthly possessions.

A major time of grief came when their son passed away. His death was followed closely by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which left the Spaffords' financial state in ruins. Thereafter, he and his family made plans for an extended time in England, corresponding with Mr. Moody's evangelistic endeavors there (with whom they intended continuing their close friendship). However, last minute business hindered Horatio from leaving alongside his family. His wife and four daughters continued on ahead to England while he would follow shortly after to join them.

Anna and the girls set sail on the passenger liner Ville du Havre from New York. In mid-ocean, disaster struck when the Lochearn, an iron clipper, collided with their ship in the early morning hours on November 22, 1873. The Ville du Havre sank in just twelve minutes. That day 226 lives were lost at sea; the survivors of both vessels, totaling 172, were brought to Cardiff, Wales.

News reports reached the States of the tragedy, yet Horatio heard nothing about his family. Finally, nine days after the collision, Horatio received a brief message from his wife. "Saved alone. What shall I do..."

On the ocean voyage to be reunited with his wife, the vessel's captain approached Horatio to notify him that they were nearing the area where the Ville du Havre went down. As they passed through those mid-Atlantic waters where his four daughters left this earthly home, he penned the words to this well-known hymn, which no doubt was a comfort his wife also needed. Soon after he said, "On Thursday last we passed over the spot where she went down, in mid-ocean, the waters three miles deep. But I do not think of our dear ones there. They are safe, folded, the dear lambs."

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well, (it is well)

With my soul, (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trails should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, (it is well)

With my soul, (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul.

My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought -

My sin, not in part, but the whole -

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, (it is well)

With my soul, (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,

The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,

"Even so" - it is well with my soul.

It is well, (it is well)

With my soul, (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Sometime later, he added verses that aren't commonly known, but still just as beautiful. When placed in their proper succession, these are considered the fourth and fifth verses:

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

The rest of the story: Mr. & Mrs. Spafford returned to Chicago where they raised 2 more daughters and another son, Horatio, Jr., whom they lost to scarlet fever in his childhood. The Spaffords journeyed to Jerusalem, and it was there that Mr. Horatio Spafford, Sr., passed on to his heavenly home.

Each and every verse of It Is Well With My Soul illustrates a little bit more of the comfort we have in Christ. The second and third verses clearly state why we can have that comfort and assurance.

Oh, this glorious, blessed assurance! Christ has seen our sinful condition. He willingly left His home in heaven to live a perfect life on earth, all with the purpose to shed His blood on the cross for us, then rise from the dead to conquer death. So if we will trust only in Him, all our sin is nailed to the cross for us to bear no more because He will save us. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

This hymn is also a reminder to me of another precious truth. It is comforting to know that others who have experienced similar circumstances as our own understand what we are going through. Yet how much more so to know that Jesus Christ understands all that we are going through and more besides! He knows the pain, the suffering, the grief. We can take all our burdens and sorrows to Him, and He will take them upon Himself and sustain us.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. ...who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 42:5, 11b