Gladly I Will Suffer These Things, Unashamed

It has only been the last few years that I have made "New Year's resolutions" for myself.  It started two years ago when I Resolved to Resolve.  Then last year to Grow Deeper, Richer, Fuller.  Before that I was unimpressed with the concept.  The premise faulty, the promise flippant, the proposition trite.  Maybe not always, but far too often, anyway. Long ago I determined that's not for me.  Then I acquired Jonathan Edwards' resolutions.  I liked what I saw, and what I read.  He was a man who sought to stay true to what he believed, and used his resolutions toward that end.  Not only that, but they were also continuous.  They didn't end at year's end, but were to the end of his life from that day forward.  Which brings me to my last point: They didn't necessarily have to start at the commencing of a new year; they were established the day he finished contemplating them.  And I realized I really liked that.  So far, I've been establishing my own around the beginning of the year, and this year is no exception, or so it seems... But, you know, there's always tomorrow for me to recognize something else needs changing!  The type of tomorrow that actually becomes today, that is.

So that leads me to what I've been thinking in the here and now.  I also like the idea of a clean slate at the new year's arrival, although any day is a good day to start anew technically.  So I've been considering how I'd like to kick-start the new year...  Then Pastor gave a fabulous message this morning.  For some background, our theme for this year, 2011, is Striving Together (part 2, if you will, of last year's theme Choosing God First).  This morning's sermon was based on Philippians 1:27, the context from verses 1-30.  We considered many things, one specifically being the word conversation, this specific Greek word appearing only one other time.  It was all quite fascinating!  Being one to always contemplate how to apply the truths of Scripture in my own life, that was also something I was considering throughout the message as well.

Well, the message hit its mark.  Most of the things I had been considering were rather general things, until the conclusion that is.  Really, it was a connection I had made of what my life needed to better become more like Christ, but it was just the chord that needed to be touched.  Something the Apostle Paul had down pat.

The invitation wasn't long in coming after that, and the invitational hymn was Close to Thee.  It's a beautiful song, a favorite of mine.  Solemn & sincere, and so very, very heartfelt.  There's always something that catches my heart when I sing it, this time it was a line from the second stanza that stood out, the second line to be precise.  Even before that verse, I had wanted to go forward, but I couldn't leave my duties with the sound system to go to the altar.  I knew something else, though, besides the need to take care of these things humbly before my Lord.  My heart could take a moment to pause in prayer, even if I couldn't leave my station.  And when I had finished, then I thought on what the song must have meant to the composer and what it had meant in her own life.

At the same time that all those thoughts were swirling around in my head, I knew exactly what my new resolve would be.  Interestingly enough, one of the verses of Scripture I think of when I consider this topic had become a cherished favorite last year, but I want to fully embrace it starting today.  "For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (II Timothy 1:12)  And that leads me to the conclusion, my resolve:

Willingly suffering for Christ.

Oh, sure, in some way or another I've suffered for Him before.  Maybe not to great extents, but suffering in one way or another.  But lately, it hasn't been all that willingly.  Any recent suffering, I've "suffered" through it all right... but not with the right attitude.  Not as Jesus Christ would have me to suffer - willingly and meekly... for Him - and yet, that's the very attitude I should have had all along.

So, lastly, I'd like to close with the special hymn of invitation that continues to touch my heart's chords.

Close to Thee
 Fanny J. Crosby

Thou my everlasting Portion, more than friend or life to me,
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee,
All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.

Not for ease or worldly pleasure, nor for fame my prayer shall be;
Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee,
Gladly will I toil and suffer, only let me walk with Thee.

Lead me through the vale of shadows, bear me over life’s fitful sea;
Then the gate of life eternal may I enter, Lord, with Thee.
Close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee, close to Thee,
Then the gate of life eternal may I enter, Lord, with Thee.

Thanks For It All

King David obviously loved to praise & worship the Lord in psalm, and we must admit he wrote quite a few.  Among those many Psalms, one theme that occurs again and again is thanksgiving.  Since David, a man after God's own heart, loved to praise in song and singing happens to be a favorite pastime of mine, I'd like to share a few verses of a psalm and then song.

Psalm 136 is a medium-length psalm that has been a favorite of mine for many years, ever since my youth group went over it verse by verse.  It has become special to me over the years because each verse lists the mighty power Jehovah has.  It's a direct reminder of who He is and all He has done, which should remind us of all He still can do.  And I love its uniqueness.  Every verse ends with "for His mercy endureth for ever."  Not only did He do these things, but He did them because His mercy endures forever.  The verses I've chosen to highlight extol a few of Jehovah's wonderful names and describe the creative power that He, our Maker, has.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:1-9, 26

The song I'd like to share with you today carries on with the theme of our Maker.  It is one I haven't heard in at least 10 years.  In fact, I'm not even sure if I'm correctly guessing its title.  I hadn't even thought of it for years, but then one day I tried to recall the lyrics.  Since then I've been trying to track it down.  After many months of searches, I was absolutely thrilled to discover it on a tape I didn't even know existed, let alone packed away in the basement below!  I'm still not sure who to credit as the author or composer, but at least now the lyrics are sure.

Thanks to Your Maker

Did you ever say "thanks" to your Maker?
Did you ever say "thanks" for your sight?
There are many who never see flowers,
There are those who know nothing but night.
There are many who never see springtime
Nor the change of the leaves in the fall
So when you see the dawn of morning
To your Maker say "thanks" for it all.

Did you ever say "thanks" while you listen?
There are those who cannot hear a sound.
Never hear children’s voices and laughter,
For the silence is ever so long.
Never hear the whispering wind in the treetops,
Nor the sound of the leaves in the fall;
So when you hear the voice of your loved one,
To your Maker say "thanks" for it all.

What I love about this song is that it thanks the Lord, who is rightly called our Maker, for the things we so easily take for granted.  It doesn't just mention our senses, but also describes what those senses allow us to enjoy.  The song could even be expanded to encompass other pleasures as well!

On this day of thanksgiving, I hope you truly are giving thanks to whom it is due -  the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who fainteth not, neither grows weary, of whom there is no searching of His understanding (Isaiah 40:28).  Not just today, but every day & always.

Happy Thanksgiving!

My Soul's Sunshine

It's been a good summer for us so far, even though it hasn't been an easy summer. I know that it might even seem odd to some that I can walk around with a smile on my face and a song spilling forth from my heart.

(For those who may not know, my parents, siblings, and I have lived with my dad's mom for almost the past 10 years, taking care of the needs she has had due to Alzheimer's Disease. But Grandma [or "Grammy" as my littlest siblings call her] has not had an easy time physically for quite some time, especially since early summer. Soon, yet oh-so-slowly, August was upon us. On the 24th her suffering ended when she went to be with her Saviour Jesus Christ ... and so peacefully too, without any pain or agitation, not even needing any medications to assist her comfort level.)

So, in the midst of a time of pain & grief, I can see why others might not understand. But it's because we have so much to thank & praise the Lord for, that I can carry on as I do. As I alluded to in the paragraph above, our greatest comfort & confidence is knowing that Grammy is now with our Lord, because there was a time when she put her personal trust in Jesus Christ alone. It's also wonderful to know that she's now reunited with my grandfather & other loved ones as well, including her twin sister, and no longer confused nor mostly blind & deaf. Also, there are so many answered prayers to think back upon, and the way we have already been able to reach out to family & friends has been a joy. Now, our greatest desire & prayer is that all glory & honor would go to our Lord Jesus Christ, and that our friends & loved ones would come to know His saving grace.

I know we'll all miss her. Indeed, we already do! There have already been so many times I've thought of her, anticipating her needing something, or expecting to hear her clear her throat to get our attention. And yet, if you could see me now, you'd also know that I'm not sorrowing my days away. Instead, you would see my heart is full with a deep, resounding, peace-filled joy ... and yes, a smile to fill my face.

With that in mind, I'd like to share a hymn that I've always enjoyed, and now has become extra special to me over the summer.

Sunshine in My Soul

Eliza Hewitt

There's sunshine in my soul today, more glorious and bright

Than glows in any earthly way, for Jesus is my light.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's music in my soul today, a carol to my King,

And Jesus, listening can hear the songs I cannot sing.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's springtime in my soul today, for when the Lord is near

The dove of peace sings in my heart, the flowers of grace appear.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

There's gladness in my soul today, and hope and praise and love,

For blessings which He gives me now, for joys "laid up" above.

Oh, there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

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?

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!

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!

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.

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

Counting Our Blessings

Thanksgiving Day is here again! I love having a day set aside for the giving of thanks! It's something we should take time to do every day, yet to dedicate an entire day is also a special thing. When we give thanks we usually take the time to stop, reflect, and count our blessings. So why don't we take a moment to do just that as we also think about the words to this beautiful hymn.

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,

And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;

Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,

Do not be disheartened, God is over all;

Count your many blessings, angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

Count your blessings, see what God hath done!

Count your blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

One thing that I think makes this song so lovely is that it expresses "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18) Each verse begins with something that doesn't seem all that great and concludes with a reason to give praise. It doesn't matter where you are in life, or what your circumstances might be, because if you know the Lord as your Saviour, there's nothing that can take that away from you. And that's worth more than the world!

So, may we give thanks to Whom it is due. ... Not just today, however, but every day and always.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Matchless Love

It's Valentine's Day! Isn't it nice to have a special day for the express purpose of telling those who are dear to you that you love them?

As our thoughts are fixed on love, it's a fine time to contemplate God's love for mankind and how much greater it is than what mankind's love for one another will ever be. In light of that, I would like to share with you a hymn written with the vastness of God's matchless love for us in mind.

The Love of God

The love of God is greater far

Than tongue or pen can ever tell;

It goes beyond the highest star,

And reaches to the lowest hell;

The guilty pair, bowed down with care,

God gave His Son to win;

His erring child He reconciled,

And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure,

The saints’ and angels’ song.

When years of time shall pass away,

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,

When men, who here refuse to pray,

On rocks and hills and mountains call;

God’s love, so sure, shall still endure,

All measureless and strong;

Redeeming grace to Adam’s race-

The saints’ and angels’ song.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure,

The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,

Were every stalk on earth a quill,

And every man a scribe by trade;

To write the love of God above,

Would drain the ocean dry;

Nor could the scroll contain the whole,

Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!

How measureless and strong!

It shall forevermore endure,

The saints’ and angels’ song.

The song reminds me of some verses of Scripture. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 37-39)

It really is an awesome thought that a love of such magnitude is bestowed upon us. "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (I John 4:9-10)

My prayer will be that you will discover even more of God's great love for you.

Hope for a New Year

Throughout grade school, we learned many a poem as a class. Some of them were silly and fun; others were pleasant and nice. One particular poem, which I still enjoy and remember to this day, is not only nice but there's a sense of hope in the words, too.

The Arrow and the Song
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I shot an arrow into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For, so swiftly it flew, the sight
Could not follow it in it's flight.

I breathed a song into the air,
It fell to earth, I knew not where;
For who has sight so keen and strong
That it could follow the flight of a song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.

The lyrics of a popular carol were also penned by this famous poet. Perhaps, you may have even heard or sang it during this recent Christmas. Henry W. Longfellow, who had been grieving his wife's death following a tragic accident with fire, wrote,

"I heard the bells on Christmas day.
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

In the midst of the Civil War, a time when brother fought against brother, he continued his poem,

"And in despair I bowed my head:
'There is no peace on earth,' I said,
'For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men!'"

As applicable as it is today, he saw beyond the circumstances to the true hope offered in Christ Jesus,

"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."

So, as this new year begins, may you truly know the peace and hope that comes from knowing Christ as your Saviour.

"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

Giving Thanks

When I was young girl, I knew an elderly gentleman who always sang a special hymn around this time of year. He is no longer here on earth to sing this song of praise for us, but his life has left a lasting impact because it evidenced the words he sang. He truly was thankful to God for all of the pleasures as well as through the pains that come along life's journey. When I hear the words to the following song, the memories I have of this dear man whose life was sincere and strong in character because he walked closely with the Lord remind 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.

Thanks to God

Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!

Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!

It is Thanksgiving Day here in the United States (and our Canadian neighbors also had a day set aside for giving thanks just a month ago). Truly every one of us has something to be thankful for - even life itself! Most of us have other good things for which we can be thankful, too - family and friends, shelter, food, and other comforts in life.

But have you ever considered that we can also be thankful for the "bad" things? Trials may come our way, and there may be times of grief or pain, but with those things a strength of character comes when we trust God to work it out. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18) Even in hard times we can find something for which to give thanks.

So, let us look at all that is around us with grateful hearts. "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful to him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100)

May we truly be thankful to Him for the many ways He shows us His love each day. "Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:1-5) To me, just the wondrous thought of knowing my sins are forgiven fills my heart with gratitude.

I hope you are thankful and that you realize from Whom it all comes. "O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." (Psalm 107:1)

"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Psalm 150:6)

Divine Love

During this time of year when "love" is in the forefront, I would like to encourage you all to think on the greatest love-gift of all time.  God offers everyone salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.  It took His death on the cross to pay the price for our sin and His resurrection from the grave to conquer death.  He willingly did this for you, and He willing did this for me.

Several weeks ago I had the honor of singing a couple of songs at a dear lady's funeral who passed away at the age of 90.  Her countenance had been so bright and joyful, even when her health was far from its best.  Yet as joyful as she was on a daily basis, you could always tell when she was thinking or speaking of her loved ones and her (our) loving Lord because her countenance glowed.  When she asked me over a year ago to sing on the day of her funeral, she spoke of how she wanted the songs to reflect her happiness in going home to be with Jesus, of all that He did for her, and what He can do for anyone who accepts Him as their Lord.  And, truly, the joy she had in her daily life came from Jesus Christ her Lord.  The following is one of the songs she chose.  It's a song that clearly speaks of God's love for all of mankind.

 

 

              He the Pearly Gates Will Open

Love divine, so great and wondrous,

Deep and mighty, pure, sublime!

Coming from the heart of Jesus,

Just the same through tests of time.

He the pearly gates will open,

So that I may enter in;

For He purchased my redemption

And forgave me all my sin.

Like a dove when hunted, frightened,

As a wounded fawn was I;

Brokenhearted, yet He healed me,

He will heed the sinner’s cry.

He the pearly gates will open,

So that I may enter in;

For He purchased my redemption

And forgave me all my sin.

Love divine, so great and wondrous,

All my sins He then forgave!

I will sing His praise forever,

For His blood, His power to save.

He the pearly gates will open,

So that I may enter in;

For He purchased my redemption

And forgave me all my sin.

In life’s eventide, at twilight,

At His door I’ll knock and wait;

By the precious love of Jesus

I shall enter Heaven’s gate.

He the pearly gates will open,

So that I may enter in;

For He purchased my redemption

And forgave me all my sin.

 

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

~Romans 6:23