He Shall be Light and Glory

In recent years, I have been struck by a portion at the end of the most commonly read Christmas passage. Interestingly enough, this part of the passage that isn't always read, but it pauses me every time I read it. Jesus is born, and just shortly after is seen by Simeon, of whom we read:

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.

~ Luke 2:25-32

Jesus, the Promised One, the Messiah of Israel was finally born! Yet this Anointed One is proclaimed "a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel." I am stilled by Simeon's proclamation which announces that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies in yet another way, specifically the prophecy in Isaiah 49:6 foretelling that the Messiah is to be the Saviour of the whole world, not only Israel. All the love, peace, and comfort Jesus offers is for everyone. He was promised to the Chosen People, a promise that is spoken of over and over in the Old Testament, but the rest of the world was no after thought.

How marvelous that God's plan included a Way for everyone, most especially His people, but also all other nations as well! How wondrous that Jesus would choose to leave heaven and all its glory to come here to a sin-filled earth, all the while knowing the suffering He had ahead of Him! And He really thinks we're worth it. What an amazing thought, and a what an tremendous love the Lord God must have for us! His purpose for coming to earth was to give redemption and eternal life to all who ask, and that is something money cannot buy and death cannot take away. What a truly indescribable gift God has given us through His Son!

Let us not forget that, while it is His birth we celebrate at this time, the reason He came is because of His love for us. As you contemplate this precious Gift, I hope that your heart will truly be filled with the wonder of all that the Lord Jesus Christ has done for you.. just as the wonder of it all has filled mine.

So, 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.
...
And may you never forget the Christ in Christmas.
...

In My Heart, He's Lord of All

So much has touched my heart this Christmas season, and it's not nearly over yet. One, specifically, was a favorite hymn that has become all the more dear. This year, the words seem so much deeper. As I contemplate the words, the love of the Lord Jesus is very clear even though my mind could never fully comprehend the greatness of it, and my heart soars at the chorus.

I was rather surprised to see that it was from the mid-1800s. For some reason, I thought it might have been a little later, maybe much later. Although this hymn I am about to share is typically sung around Christmas, it could be sung any time of the year, and I just might request it on a "favorite hymns night" during a summer service.

Who Is He in Yonder Stall?

Benjamin R. Hanby

Who is He in yonder stall, At whose feet the shepherds fall?

Who is He in deep distress, Fasting in the wilderness?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!

'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!

At His feet we humbly fall;

Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless For His words of gentleness?

Who is He to whom they bring All the sick and sorrowing?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!

'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!

At His feet we humbly fall;

Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He that stands and weeps At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?

Who is He the gathering throng Greet with loud triumphant song?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!

'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!

At His feet we humbly fall;

Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Lo! at midnight, who is He Prays in dark Gethsemane?

Who is He on yonder tree Dies in grief and agony?

Who is He that from the grave Comes to succour, help, and save?

Who is He that from His throne Rules through all the world alone?

'Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!

'Tis the Lord! the King of glory!

At His feet we humbly fall;

Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

I find myself thinking on how, during the time Jesus Christ was on earth, the people wanted Him for what He could do for their earthly state, but so many refused Him for their eternal state. And still today, people continue to refuse Him.

He's done so much for us. His compassion is a beautiful thing, something that ought to be cherished. Do we give Him the place in our heart He deserves? Do we crown Him and allow Him to rule our lives? I have been finding out that the more that I love Him, the more that room in my heart is made to love Him more. The more room is made to love Him, the more there is room on the throne of my heart to crown Him as my Lord of all - all that I am, all that I have, all that there is to come.

How about you? Is He your Lord as well?

Abounding Thanks

On Thursday I said that I have so much to be thankful for, and I truly do. I went into this month intent on it being a month of thanks, and through it, I saw just how often I can be thankful for things. I didn't limit myself to one thing to be thankful for a day - that would be contrary to the point - so when I thought of something, I took a moment to be thankful.

Some of the things I thought on are the typical things to list, others things were something I realized I have been taking for granted, others still were things that have been a major blessing or helped shape me into what I am today.

It would have been nice to share something every day, but time doesn't allot for that. Since I haven't done that, what better way is there to close this Month of Thanksgiving than with a list of things I'm thankful for? Therefore...

The following list isn't all-inclusive by any means, nor is it numbered because several things might be of equal standing, but the majority are the things most important to me. Although a note or two beside each one will probably make this a bit long, I just can't let it go without doing so.

• El Shaddai (Almighty God), Jehovah-Elyon (The Living God), The LORD God - The One Who created us even though He knew we would choose to go against Him; Who never fails nor changes but is always triumphant, always just, always true, & always the same; and Who loves us enough to have made the way for us:

• Salvation - There has never and will never be a more precious gift than the one given to us through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. He gave His own life so that those who trust in Him alone would not just know real life on this earth, but that we shall live eternally... with Him!

• His Written Word, the Bible - There are possessions that are important to me (family keepsakes, photo albums, letters), but if everything else had to go (never to be replaced!), my Bible would be the one thing I would hold tight. His Letter can never be read enough that we could exhaust what He has to tell us, nor will the promises therein ever be broken.

• My Family of 7 - What a blessing it is to be part of a loving, Christian family! To have Christian parents who strive to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; a younger brother who is one of my closest friends; little "tag-a-long" siblings who love me even when I am "upset" or "out-of-sorts" (pretty names for what God calls "sin"); and a grandmother who, although suffers with Alzheimer's Disease, can love us still even when other things are forgotten is a marvelous privilege.

• Extended Family - Aunts, uncles, and cousins, those special people I may not see all the time, but whom I still dearly love.

• Friends - When I think of friendship Proverbs 27:17 comes to my mind: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Of course, the opposite is true, too - if you keep company with people who are a bad influence, it is as if they dull the countenance of those around them. I'm thankful that my friends are such wonderful people; when I'm around them, I do walk away feeling sharpened, and thankful for the time we had to come together before the Lord. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)

• My Church and the Bond of Believers - I'm blessed to be in a church that has God-fearing pastors who preach God's Word as it He has given it to us, and such caring people who give real meaning to the phrase "church family". The bond we have as believers in Christ is such a precious thing, the fellowship between one another is so sweet ... and not only does it apply to those in your church, but it carries over to when you meet other Christians as well.

• Faithful Men & Women - I have known quite a few saints in the Lord in my life who serve as good examples of what it means to live a life devoted to God. Now I have only memories of many of them, but their lives still have left an impact on me today. Their lives are and were sincere and strong in character because they walked closely with the Lord, and thinking of them reminds me of how sweet life can be when my focus remains on Christ and when I am truly thankful to Him no matter what the circumstances.

• Christian Schools (& Christian Homeschools) - Although I finished my schooling by homeschool and my younger two siblings are being homeschooled, too, I'm thankful that I also attended Faith Baptist Christian School for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Christian schools are more than just an alternative to the public schools. They provide a higher education along with, and even more importantly, training in God's Word so that today's young people will have a strong foundation in tomorrow's world. Those same things are true of many Christian homeschools, too.

• Conservative Christian Radio - Christian radio has become an important thing in my life. At our house you don't have to check which station we are tuned into; no doubt, you would see the dial is on our favorite station. WCTS is a wonderful station with staff dedicated to making the station live up to being our "Christian Companion." Their programming is filled with Christ-centered music, Biblical exhortation in preaching, morning and evening Scripture reading, as well as moments throughout the day being devoted to reflecting on verses of Scripture, plus programs for all ages. Based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, they can be found at 1030 AM on the radio dial in local areas or streaming online at wctsradio.com.

• Being Made in God's Image - What a special thing to be chosen by God Himself to be made in His very own likeness! The list here is limitless to the things we could include. From logic & common sense to creativity & expression, there are so many things that are unique to mankind than all the rest of creation.

• Neighbors - Nice neighbors are something wonderful to have, and we have some very sweet neighbors. Our "Queen of the Hill" (as my mom calls her because she has lived all of her 80+ years here in her house on the hill and seems to have connections with everyone through someone) is caring enough to keep us all informed. Another dear lady is always ready to talk or lend a helping hand. And who would have thought that a backyard neighbor would be the answer to our prayers for stringed instrument lessons, or that we would be the answer to his prayer to find someone with whom to share his talent?!

• Freedom - The freedom in America is unique to America, and I'm so thankful that the forefathers of this nation cared enough about those who would come after them to put laws, such as the Bill of Rights, in place. I'm also thankful for the many who gave their time, effort, & lives to make it so, and the many to then uphold it.

• Christian Literature, Music, & Poetry - In a passage of Scripture, and between two particular verses, about the contrast of unsaved life to new life in Christ is Ephesians 4:23, which says, "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;" Romans 12 also talks about living a life acceptable unto God, where renewing your mind is mentioned once again. Our mind and thoughts are pretty important; indeed, it's a major part of our very beings. So I'm thankful for Christian authors who seek to please God with their writings, who want to strengthen fellow-believers.

• Housing, Clothing, Food, et cetera - As I've gotten older, I realize more and more just how much of a blessing it is to have the basic necessities. When I was younger, I didn't really think of what it would be like not to have these things - and if things were a bit lacking, I still never went without. Looking back, I can see how the Lord as provided! He has promised to provide for our needs in the future, too. And now I am beginning to understand just what a blessing that is.

• Modern Appliances & Luxuries - We don't need many of the things we have, but they sure can make our jobs easier... and how nice it is to have the extra time those useful things "add" to our day! These little things that we often take for granted can be a blessing if we use them wisely.

We all have so much to be thankful for - even life itself! - and there are so many more blessings besides. I hope you truly are thankful to Whom it is due because we could never begin to thank Him enough!

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught,
abounding therein with thanksgiving.
~ Colossians 2:6-7 ~

With Grateful Praise

These past few weeks have reminded me just how much I truly do have to be thankful for, and it was such a blessing to have our midweek service dedicated to praising the Lord. Testimony after testimony of God's wonderful goodness were shared, and it was a delight to come before the Lord as one heart in gratitude.

We also lifted up our voices in song, and one hymn that we recently sang really caught my attention. Written in 1864, with a tune composed in 1838, these words of sincere praise bid its readers to raise their hearts in thanksgiving. While I contemplated the words, my heart was indeed stirred with gratitude for the many things that are listed that I so dear to me. And maybe that was part of what caught my attention - the things I have been thanking the Lord for were right there in a song so sweet I could raise my voice in prayer.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Folliot S. Pierpoint

For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth over and around us lies;

Lord of All, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night,

Hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light:

Lord of All, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child;

Friends on earth and friends above; for all gentle thoughts and mild:

Lord of All, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thy Church that evermore lifteth holy hands above,

Offering up on every shore her pure sacrifice of love:

Lord of All, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thyself, best gift divine, to our race so freely given:

For that great, great love of Thine, peace on earth and joy in heaven:

Lord of All, to Thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. Psalm 147:1

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Month of Thanksgiving

In a way, it's almost hard to believe that November is already here. There are many things that I like about this month, but one that is extra special to me is a day of thanksgiving. It's especially important to me because, even though we could and ought to pause to give thanks quite often throughout each day, just how often do we make the effort? (Too often the Holy Spirit convicts my own heart for not giving thanks nearly as much as I should.) Our thanksgiving should never cease, but it's something that can easily be neglected. It's also something I have been thinking on quite a bit....

The words "thanks" and "thank you" imply that there is someone to whom such sentiment is due. To whom are we thankful for the many things we could list? There is only One Who could and should receive credit for such things: the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who by him and for him were all things made, and by whom all things consist (Isaiah 40:28, Colossians 1:16,17).

With all of the above in mind, this year I've decided that I'm not going to set aside just a single day. No, indeed! This year thanksgiving will be the focus of this whole month with the intent that, at the end of November, it will carry over into the months to come. So I'd like to dedicate this month with a little one-stanza song. Its sweet melody is one of complete reverence, yet so full of joy and peace that it causes me to reflect and give Him praise & thanks every time I hear it.

Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul!
Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation, so rich and free!

We truly do have so much for which to be thankful. We may not always have everything we want, but He will supply everything we truly need. And what more could we ask for than an everlasting life with Him? Having that is worth more than the world!

May we all truly be thankful for the blessings He sends our way, and for the great salvation He has given to us through Jesus Christ. For the Christian, this is where thankfulness begins.

What God Hath Promised

Throughout our lives there are points in time that will mark the end of something special. With my grandmother's promotion to Glory in the month of June, these past few months hold the last of some precious memories for me. She was so dear to me, one of my most favorite people in the world, and when I recall our special moments from years past, I also see just how blessed I am to have her for a grandmother.

There is much I could tell you about her, about all the times we shared together, and the close relationship we shared. I could tell you about how sweet and caring she was, the hand she had in training up this child in the way I should go, and all she meant to me. Or I could tell you what made her to be everything she was, which is the greatest impact she had on my life. I could list the many titles that describe the special bond we had, just a few of which are my confidante, prayer warrior, encourager, & beloved grandmother whom I called "Grandy". Then I could work my way down the list one by one, recalling memory after memory, and ending with the most important. Or I could offer a glimpse solely at what defined her most, and this is what I shall do.

The thread that binds the tapestry of memories of my Grandy together, whether picking berries from her berry patches, shopping in the grocery store, or going to monthly checkups at the clinic, is the love for her Lord and mine, Jesus Christ our Saviour. No matter where she was, who she was with, or what she was doing... Oh, how much she loved Jesus! She placed her trust exclusively in Him when she was a teen, and it was her deepest desire to live her life fully dedicated to Him. Even to a child, her devotion to Him was evident, for her life was indeed a living testimony of His love. She truly wanted everyone she met to come to know Jesus as their Saviour, too, and indeed a shining light for Him she has been.

As for me, she helped nurture my love for Him, first by telling me of His love and His sacrifice on my behalf, then after I came to know His saving grace by placing my own trust in Him, she encouraged my walk with Him. There was always a verse or passage in the Bible that we could share in as we enjoyed the moments we had together. She was always directing me to the promises and truths He gave to us through His Word, and I often looked to her as an example of a lady striving to be a Proverbs 31 woman because her life was a wonderful example.

In light of her love for Him, I should like to take a look at a poem that was special to her, a copy of which she gave to my mom some 30 years ago.

What God Hath Promised
Annie Johnson Flint

God hath not promised skies always blue
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptations, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labour, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

I love how the poem ends with the things that God has promised! The promises we have in God's Word are so special. Sometimes it takes the hard times to realize just how special. Let's look at the poem again. However, this time let's not focus on just what He has not promised for the first three stanzas, but rather on the promises He has given for all the stanzas with some of the corresponding Scripture verses it brings to my mind. There are some, such as II Corinthians 12:9, that I have looked to time and again over the years, and have shown themselves true once again. Then there are some, such as Philippians 4:7, I am coming to see that their depths are incomprehensible, that I have just scratched their surfaces even now as I am experiencing the promise and feel it in the very depths of my soul.

God Hath Not Promised & What He Hath Said:

Skies always blue: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:27-31

Sun without rain: For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

Joy without sorrow: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21:4

Peace without pain: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

Toil and temptations: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12

Trouble and woe: Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Psalm 91:15

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

Many a burden: Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

Many a care: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7

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

Swift, easy travel, needing no guide: Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24

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

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Never a mountain, rocky and steep: He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places. Psalm 18:33

Never a river turbid and deep: When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2

Strength for the day: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: Isaiah 26:4

Rest for the labour: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Light for the way: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Grace for the trials: Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Help from above: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:5-6

Unfailing sympathy: Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful [extremely compassionate, sympathetic], and of tender mercy. James 5:11

Undying love: The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3

Speaking of promises, this wouldn't be complete without a closer look at greatest promise of all, the one that all the others hinge upon: the promise of salvation. God, in His great love for us, gave us the greatest gift ever when His Son Jesus came to earth to pay the price for our sins. This gift is ours for the asking, and all we have to do is ask. He knows our hearts, so He knows if we truly trust Him. And when we come to Him with a repentant heart, He saves us for all eternity, once for all - past, present, and future - never to be lost.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18

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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Titus 3:5-6

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:9-10, 13

We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4:19

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.