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Kate

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Word of God - Day 6 - The Shepherd

In yesterday's devotional, we saw how God uses the medium of speech for His Word to be communicated to His people. Is it any wonder then that the Lord would compare Himself to a shepherd? Many years ago, I did a study on the job of a shepherd in biblical times. This comparison of the shepherd to our Lord is an absolute blessing! I pray you will receive a blessing today.

Did you know that the shepherd speaks to his sheep? The sheep actually recognize their own shepherd's voice and won't respond to another shepherd's voice. (Joh 10:27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: I don't know about you, but this brings me great comfort. A good part of Christ's earthly ministry was spent teaching His disciples. They sat at His feet listening to His lessons and parables. He spoke to them and shared with them His Father's will. (Mar 6:34) And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Jesus knew they were without a shepherd and He became their Shepherd and taught them. He taught them from the Scriptures. How can the Christian hear Jesus' voice today? Christ is known as the Word of God, therefore, it is through God's Word that we can hear His voice! In fact, without the Word in our lives, we will make mistakes. (Mat 22:29) Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. The Word is God's power in our lives. (Joh 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

The shepherd not only speaks to his sheep, he leads his sheep and he knows each one of them, watching over them day and night. He knows each one of sheep personally - he knows each one of their markings. In fact, shepherds would name their sheep to pass the time. (Joh 10:3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. Does this not bring you comfort, dear Christian? Your Shepherd, Jesus Christ, calls you by name! When I was being wooed by the Holy Spirit to be saved, Jesus was saying, "Kate, come to Me"! Praise His Holy Name! After salvation, I instantly heard my Shepherd's voice as I read the Word! The Word of God lit up like a neon sign and the Shepherd's message was loud and clear to me. The pages of my Bible were no longer dry reading but they were alive!

Being a shepherd was was a very responsible job. The shepherd had to keep count of his sheep and give an account for any that were lost. The owner would demand to be paid for each one that was lost. (Mat 18:12) How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? In today's mind set, one wonders why so much time would be spent looking for one lost sheep. But when a price is attached to that sheep, one can clearly understand because that lost sheep is of value to the shepherd. Christ paid for each of us with a great price, my friend - with His own life. Our Shepherd gave up His life for each one of us. As the shepherd would bring his sheep in at night, he would count them as they passed by under his hand. Each one was touched by him. Christ touches each one of us through His Word.

The shepherd also anointed his sheep's heads with oil. The Shepherd in Psalm 23:5 anoints His sheep's head with oil. (Psa 23:5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. The oil symbolizes receiving God's anointing - receiving God's grace to live the Christian life. The oil was used for medicinal purposes - being placed on a sheep's head kept the sheep from getting sun stroke. It would also heal the bramble scratches. As Moses anointed the tabernacle (Lev. 8:10-12) and sanctified it, so should the Christian anoint himself (2 Pet. 1:14) to sanctify himself daily to serve the Lord. As we read the Word, we hear God speaking to us. As we apply what we have been taught by the Word, we become more and more set apart from the world.

As the shepherd spoke, he would lead his sheep daily to rest at noon in a quiet pasture and to a safe drinking place in the evening. Our Shepherd leads us to quiet pastures in His Word - we need to make time to graze there and be fed spiritually. We also are led to a safe drinking place in the Word of God. It is in our Bibles that we find everlasting water - we do not thirst when we live by the Word. The Bible is a living Book - bringing conviction and direction for the believer. (Joh 4:14) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Not only does salvation come from the blessed pages of our Bible but when we hear the Shepherd's voice, we follow and receive eternal life.

At dusk, when the shepherd can no longer be easily seen by his sheep, he taps the rocks with his staff to assure them he is near. This brought a whole new meaning to me as to why David said that God's rod and staff comforted him. (Psa 23:4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. The shepherd's staff guides the sheep and his rod, or club, protects them from attacks of wild beasts. The sheep are comforted by the sound of the staff on the rocks - they know the shepherd is near and ready to protect them. When we are in the Word, we are being guided by our Shepherd, the Word of God, Jesus Christ. We can hear His staff hitting the rock because we recognize Him throughout the Bible. When we are in the Word, we are protected from the enemy. We recognize false doctrine when we read it and hear it because we have seen and heard the true Shepherd. It is said that bank tellers are trained to catch counterfeit money by having them handle and touch real money. We will recognize false doctrine because we are hearing and reading true doctrine. The more we are in the Word of God, the easier it will be for us to recognize false gospels and heresy.

The job of a shepherd was considered to be an abomination to Egyptians. (Gen 46:34) That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians. Since Egypt is considered to be a type of the world, the world will consider Christ to be an abomination. (Joh 1:10) He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. Why? Jesus is an abomination to the world because He exposes their sin. (Joh 7:7) The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Our Shepherd will expose our sin so that we can remove it from our lives.

What a blessed comparison this has been indeed! Our Shepherd speaks to us in His Word. His words guide us, feed us and anoint us to do His work. How beautiful are the words of our Saviour as we read the Bible each day! How can we survive without them?

Word of God - Day 5 - The Word of God

(1 John 5:7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. There is no way one could misinterpret this verse. The Trinity is clearly depicted here. Therefore, the only way the devil could cause doubt and division over this verse would be to either change the words or remove it altogether.

Except for the King James Bible, none of the 20 different versions I checked contained this verse in its entirety. They say something like "For there are three that testify" and then they jump into verse 8. Why would the devil attack this particular verse, do you think? The devil's primary goal is to exalt himself to be God. He hates Christ and everything about Him. Therefore, the only way he can discredit Christ and His redemptive work is to remove key verses depicting Him and His work of the cross.

It is interesting that the only verse in the Bible that actually comes out and defines the Trinity refers to Jesus Christ as the Word! The Word is of vital importance to God's nature. The Father provides us salvation through His Word (through Christ) and teaches and moves us spiritually through the Spirit (His Holy Spirit). All three Persons of the Trinity are essential to draw us to salvation and all Three are essential to the Christian's growth. Is it any wonder that the devil would attack the very word of God? It began in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1) with "Yea, hath God said," and it has continued to this day. I found it interesting that his words are documented in chapter 3 verse 1. The number three symbolizes "the Trinity and Godhead" and the number one symbolizes "the beginning and one God." The Trinity is One God. If Satan can successfully remove credibility from God's Word, then he can cause people to doubt salvation through Christ.

How can Satan do this? The one source that points man to salvation through Christ is the Word of God, the Bible. (Rom 10:17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The phrase, "the Word of God" can be found 45 times in the Bible. Three times in the Old Testament and 42 times in the New Testament.

1. God's Word can be shown:

(1Sa 9:27) And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.

2. God's Word can be heard:

(1Ki 12:22) But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

(1Ch 17:3) And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

(Luk 3:2) Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

(Luk 5:1) And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

(Luk 8:21) And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.

(Luk 11:28) But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

(Act 11:1) And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

(Rom 10:17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

3. God's Word can be minimized by tradition:

(Mar 7:13) Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

4. God's Word is considered a seed:

(Luk 8:11) Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

(1 Pe 1:23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

5. God's Word cannot be broken:

(Joh 10:35) If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

6. God's Word is spoken:

(Act 4:31) And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

(Act 6:2) Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

(Act 13:5) And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

(Act 13:7) Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

(Act 13:44) And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

(Act 13:46) Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

(Act 17:13) But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.

(Heb 13:7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

7. God's Word saves:

(Act 6:7) And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

(Act 8:14) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

(Act 12:24) But the word of God grew and multiplied.

(Rom 9:6) Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

8. God's Word must be taught:

(Act 18:11) And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

(Act 19:20) So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

9. God's Word is not confined to a certain few:

(1Co 14:36) What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

10. God's Word can be corrupted by the unsaved:

(2Co 2:17) For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

(2Co 4:2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

11. God's Word convicts:

(Eph 6:17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

(Heb 4:12) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

12. God's Word is to be taught/preached by the Man of God:

(Col 1:25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

13. God's Word is Truth:

(1 Th 2:13) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

14. God's Word sanctifies the believer:
(1 Ti 4:5) For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

15. God's Word is not bound:

(2Ti 2:9) Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

16. God's Word is blasphemed when we disobey it:

(Tit 2:5) To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

17. God's Word framed the worlds:

(Heb 11:3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

18. God's Word holds the unbeliever accountable:

(2Pe 3:5) For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

19. God's Word abides in us and makes us strong:

(1Jn 2:14) I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

20. God's Word was confirmed by men of God:

(Rev 1:2) Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

21. God's Word causes enmity with the world:

(Rev 1:9) I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

(Rev 6:9) And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

(Rev 20:4) And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

22. God's Word is Jesus Christ:

(Rev 19:13) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

(1 John 5:7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

The devil can try to remove Christ from the Bible but he won't be able to. The Son of God - the Lamb of God - the Word of God has spoken through the Bible. To trivialize the Bible or to change it is a very dangerous thing. Is it any wonder that the devil would be busy trying to discredit the Word of God?

(Psa 119:89) LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

(Psa 119:160) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Word of God - Day 4 - The Light

(Luk 18:16-17) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (16) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. (17) As I meditated on these verses this morning, I wondered why the Lord would compare heaven to a kingdom filled with those who received salvation like a child. What is it about a child that would lead our Saviour to encourage us to be like them when it comes to salvation? A child does not complicate an issue - he sees things simple. When my son was little, I asked him how the stars stay up in the heavens; he answered that "God holds them up there" and he believed that without any hesitation. If I were to ask an adult, on the other hand, I would be given scientific reasons.

You can be laid off from work and in the middle of a financial crisis in your home. But if your child asked you if everything was O.K., you would respond with reassurance that all was well and your child would believe you and would not question it. Correct? I believe that when Jesus used this analogy, He wanted to communicate to us that salvation is not a complicated issue. Nicodemus complicated it in John 3 - this Pharisee could not accept Christ's words by exercising his faith. He had to put an intellectual twist to it. A child can see simplicity because he is simple. Life has not had a chance to take its toll in that young heart. A child clearly sees the light of the Gospel when an adult cannot.

Jesus Himself, The Word, compares Himself to the light of the world. His Word is what will light salvation's message. Every believer can clearly look back on his salvation testimony and see God's hand along the way. God lit up a path and that path led to Him. Even after salvation, God's Word continues to be a light that directs us. (Psa 119:105) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Jesus is the Light of the world. His salvation is evident throughout the precious pages of the Bible. (Joh 9:5) As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. The Word was in the beginning and with that Word He brings light. The light has many uses:

1. The believer does not remain in darkness:

(Joh 12:46) I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

The believer no longer has to live in the darkness of sin and be blinded. He has the Truth of the Word in his Bible and is able to see the light of Truth.

(Joh 1:9) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

2. The Light directs the believer:

(Psa 119:105) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Our path is no longer in darkness. We are able to search the Scriptures and determine God's will for us. Knowing God's will lights our way and we don't have to wonder. As long as we are in the Word, the enemy cannot fool us because the Word is a light and we will be able to see the enemy's tactics and recognize what he is trying to do to us.

(Joh 8:12) 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.


3. The Light alerts us to false doctrine:

(Isa 8:20) To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

If someone comes to us preaching another gospel, we are able to discern their lies because the Word reveals the Truth to us. We must be diligently reading the Word to be able to discern deception. We cannot trust man or the doctrines of man.

(2 Pe 1:19) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

(2 Co 4:4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Does a child understand thoroughly the concept of a flashlight? I challenge you to ask a six year old to explain to you how a flashlight works. You will be amused by the different answers you get. He does not need to know the complexities of batteries or the switch. Although a child cannot explain the concept, he has absolute trust that the light will shine when the flashlight is switched on. It is this same simple faith of a child that Christ encouraged in a person who is seeking salvation. The religions of the world would have you to keep the sacraments or join their church. But Christ did not have such stipulations. He made salvation so simple that even a child could obtain it. The child does not need to know the entire law to recognize his own sins. He knows he sinned and he is quick to accept the free gift through Christ.

That is why it is easier to win a child to Christ than an adult. The older a person gets, the less and less chance he will accept the free gift of salvation. He no longer sees the light of the Word because the father of lies has darkened his heart. (Joh 8:44) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. The devil wants you to believe that salvation is complicated and involves more than Christ's complete sacrifice on the cross. He wants you to believe that you must contribute something toward your salvation, like works or being good. That is not what the Gospel is. (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

You can minimize the importance of God's Word all you want, my friend. But there is a reason why Christ is called so many names. We will cover a few of those names in this series as they compare to the Word. This particular one, the Light of the world, is especially meaningful because without light, we stumble in darkness. Would you want your child to live in a dark room? You would do all you could to provide a lighted room for your child, wouldn't you? God is no different. He has given us His very Word to light our way. He did so in the time of Moses and He continues to do so today. (Exo 13:21) And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: Of Christ, Zacharias prophesied: (Luk 1:77-79) To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, (77) Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, (78) To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (79)

Let the Light shine in you so others may recognize that you are different that those religious people who visit their doorstep. To the one who does not believe that God's Word is final and that church tradition is equal to the Bible, I challenge you to read God's Word only for a while. Its truths will open up to you and the glorious light will be revealed to you!

Father in Heaven...
Shed Your blessed Light before me
So I clearly see my way
Keep me from the traps of sin
As I read Your Word each day.

Word of God - Day 3 - Thy Word

(Luk 6:47-48) Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: (47) He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. (48)

What sayings are being spoken of by Jesus? The sayings that He, Jesus, spoke! These same sayings were Holy Spirit breathed and recorded for our benefit. (2 Pet 1:16-21) For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (16) For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (17) And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. (18) We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (19) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (20 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (21)

Jesus Christ is the Word of God (John 1:1). The Gospel is written in His Word and is the very foundation for the believer. (Joh 6:68-69) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (68) And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (69) The same words of eternal life that Jesus had for His apostles are found in the Bible. Jesus was laying a foundation for us.

(1 Cor 3:11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. That very foundation was the Rock of Ages! (1 Cor 10:4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. When we build our faith on Jesus Christ and His Word, we will be grounded in our faith. (Luk 6:48) He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

Jesus Christ, the Word of God, has given us His Word throughout the ages for us to come to know Him. He can be found within the pages of our Bible - whether the Jew is searching in the Old Testament or the unbeliever is searching in the New Testament. Jesus can be found there. Why is the Word so important? It is the path to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, my friend.

David, the apple of God's eye, knew this. He cherished God's Word. He communicated this quite beautifully in Psalm 119. This beautiful Psalm has 176 verses and each are divided into 22 stanzas and each stanza has eight lines. Each stanza represents a letter of the Hebrew alphabet and each line within the stanza begins with the corresponding letter of the alphabet. This is known as an acrostic poem. For example, in Ps. 119:1-8, each verse begins with the Hebrew letter Aleph. Verses 9-16 begin with the Hebrew letter Beth, etc. The beauty of this Psalm is not thoroughly appreciated in English but David's words are still very poignant.

Just in Psalm 119 alone, David refers to "Thy word" 38 times! David loved God's word and he realized just what kind of an impact God's word had upon him. So much so, he penned it so we would be able to know what God's word can do for us:

1. It can keep us from sin:

(Psa 119:11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

(Psa 119:101) I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.

2. It reveals sin to us:

(Psa 119:158) I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.

3. It convicts us:

(Psa 119:9) BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

(Psa 119:65) TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.

(Psa 119:67) Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

4. It is a guide to us:

(Psa 119:105) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

(Psa 119:133) Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

5. It teaches us to remember it:

(Psa 119:16) I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

(Psa 119:38) Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

6. It must be kept:

(Psa 119:17) GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.

7. It should be read and mediated upon:

(Psa 119:148) Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.

8. It is to be feared (reverential):

(Psa 119:161) SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

9. It rejuvenates us:

(Psa 119:25) DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

(Psa 119:50) This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

(Psa 119:107) I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

(Psa 119:154) Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

10. It strengthens us:

(Psa 119:28) My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

11. It brings mercy:

(Psa 119:41) VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

(Psa 119:58) I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.

(Psa 119:170) Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.

12. It brings hope:

(Psa 119:49) ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

(Psa 119:81) CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.

(Psa 119:116) Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

(Psa 119:147) I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.

13. It brings comfort:

(Psa 119:76) Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

(Psa 119:82) Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

(Psa 119:114) Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

14. It brings joy:

(Psa 119:162) I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

15. It brings understanding:

(Psa 119:169) TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.

16. It brings judgment:

(Psa 119:43) And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.

16. It is to be trusted:

(Psa 119:42) So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

(Psa 119:89) LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

(Psa 119:140) Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

(Psa 119:160) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

17. It is to be shared:

(Psa 119:74) They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.

(Psa 119:172) My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.

18. It is to be magnified:

(Psa 138:2) I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Surely God's Word is considered so important that David repeatedly stressed it in this particular Psalm! David is emphasizing that God's Word was important to him and that God's Word - the Bible - is to be an important part of our lives. Don't take God's Word lightly, my friend. If God Himself magnifies His Word above all, what do you think He expects of us?

His very Words bring life. (Joh 6:33) For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Jesus is our bread of life. Christ, Himself, told us that it is God's Word that we should live by - not man's words - not man's traditions. We are to live by EVERY word of God. Jesus was quoting, (Deu 8:3) And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. when He said, (Luk 4:4) And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

I tremble thinking of what awaits the lost. I tremble thinking what awaits the misguided who have been led astray by church traditions, dogmas and doctrines. I tremble thinking what awaits the leaders of any church who has added to God's words or has taken away from God's words. Christ emphasized that we are to live by every word of God! If Christ gave us such an important commandment, then how can man live by every word of God if man does not know the word of God? It's not rocket science, my friend. God would not command us to live by His every word and yet not provide us with His words to live by. I love this analogy:

A man spit on the street and a policeman saw him do it. The policeman came to him and began to write him a ticket. The man was stunned. "What have I done to deserve this?" he said. The policeman told him it was against the law in this state and he would have to receive a ticket for breaking the law. The man claimed that he did not know that this was a law. The policeman's response was, "Not knowing the law does not exempt you from the law. It is your responsibility to know the laws so you can keep them. The laws are all kept in the books and I must enforce them."

Do not be deceived. Do not let the devil penetrate your heart so that you also say, (Gen 3:1b) ... Yea, hath God said...?" God has given us His Word to follow - it is in written form and has been preserved for us throughout the years. To say that we do not have the true Word of God is to put God in a box and say that He is not able to keep His Word preserved.

(Psa 111:7-9) The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure. (7) They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. (8) He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. (9)

Word of God - Day 2 - In a Book

From the beginning, God has desired to have His Word recorded in a book of some kind. I believe that it was so important to have God's Words written in a book that He stated in His Word 12 times! The first historical record of God's desire for His Word in written form can be found in the oldest book of the Bible, Job: (Job 19:23) Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

Why do you think God would want us to have His Word in written form?

(1) For an on-going memorial:

(Exo 17:14) And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

What was so important about this this first recorded war with Israel? Why did God request it be recorded in a book as a memorial? Matthew Henry's comment is a precious blessing:

It was great encouragement to the people to see Joshua before them in the field of battle, and Moses above them on the hill. Christ is both to us; our Joshua, the Captain of our salvation, who fights our battles, and our Moses, who ever lives, making intercession above, that our faith fail not. Weapons formed against God's Israel cannot prosper long, and shall be broken at last. Moses must write what had been done, what Amalek had done against Israel; write their bitter hatred; write their cruel attempts; let them never be forgotten, nor what God had done for Israel in saving them from Amalek. Write what should be done; that in process of time Amalek should be totally ruined and rooted out. Amalek's destruction was typical of the destruction of all the enemies of Christ and his kingdom.

What a blessing! I also noticed that it was to be rehearsed - repeated. Noah Webster defines the word as:

1. To recite; to repeat the words of a passage or composition; to repeat the words of another.

God's Word was not to be put away on a shelf or interpreted only by "certain" people. (2Pe 1:20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. It was to be repeated over and over. That is how we get to know God's Word so completely that we no longer stumble. We have it committed to memory. (Deu 6:6-8) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: (6) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (7) And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. (8) What was to be a sign and as frontlets between our eyes? Verse six says God's Words! Noah Webster defines frontlets as:

[from front.] A frontal or browband; a fillet or band worn on the forehead. Deu 6.

God wants us to keep His Word ever present in our hand and in our heads, as well as in our hearts (verse 6). We are to teach our children and others diligently in every aspect of our lives (verse 7). Why?

2. To point to Christ:

(Deu 31:24-26) And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, (24) That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, (25) Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee. (26)

The priesthood (the Levites) was charged with baring the ark. The ark symbolizes the Lord Jesus Christ. The Ark was made of shittim wood, an extremely strong and durable wood which represents our Saviour's incorruptibility. It was covered with a gold in and out to represent Christ's complete deity together with His humanity. The golden crown represents Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Ten Commandments were kept inside the Ark showing us that Christ kept these Commandments. The books of the Law were kept on the side of the Ark. Since Jesus is the Word of God, the Law (the books) were kept on the side of the Ark. The Law is made perfect through Him. (Mat 5:17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. The Law is what makes us realize that we are sinners. (Gal 3:24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Gal 3:25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. The book of the Law shows mankind that it is impossible to keep the whole Law (James 2:10). I love how the Law was kept on the side of the Ark. It reminded me that Christ's side was pierced at His death. (Joh 19:34) But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

What a beautiful picture of the Ark and Christ! The Ark is permanent - everlasting. Christ is everlasting - His Word is everlasting. God pointed that out in His Word as well. (Psa 119:144) The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

3. To make it permanent:

(Isa 30:8) Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

God's Word does not expire - it does not become outdated - it is forever and ever. I was excited to find that there are seven occurrences in Scripture that contain the words "word, for ever"! Seven symbolizes perfection - God's perfect number! The Word is perfect.

(2Sa 7:25) And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish it for ever, and do as thou hast said.

(Psa 105:8) He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.

(Psa 119:89) LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

(Psa 119:160) Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

(Isa 40:8) The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

(1 Pe 1:23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

(1 Pe 1:25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

For the Word to be everlasting, never ending, we must have it in its entirety.

4. To make it complete:

(Jer 30:2) Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

(Jer 36:2) Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day.


Notice that God told Jeremiah to write ALL the words. God said this twice! What good is just some words? What good is a story without a beginning or an end? What good is a contract without the signature line? God's Word is complete and God's Word will come to pass.

(Num 11:23) And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.

(Isa 55:11) 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.

(Jer 1:12) Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

(Mat 5:18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

The written Word of God in a Book, complete and perfect without error, points us to Christ and His coming judgment.

5. To warn us about what is to come:

(Jer 51:60) So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon.

(Rev 1:1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

(Rev 1:11) Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

We are without excuse, my friend. God has not left us without direction. He has given us a Book that contains His Words for mankind! From the beginning there has been an effort to corrupt God's Word because of ole slew foot! (Gen 3:1) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? The devil caused man to question God's Word in the Garden of Eden and it continues today.

God was indeed adamant about recording His Word in a Book and preserving His Words. (Psa 12:6-7) The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (6) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. (7) If God cannot preserve His Word for mankind, then this is a contradiction and we can call God a liar. (Tit 1:2) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; Since God cannot lie, then His Words are just as important as He says they are and they have been recorded in a book for us. How, then, can there be over 100 various versions of His Word? Each version has to be different from the main source or it cannot receive a copyright. Does God want parts of His Word to be removed? Does God want words added to His Words? (Rev 22:18-19) For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (18) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (18) If God took time to point out that severe judgment would come to those who added to or took away from the words of the prophecy of this book, then He most certainly means it. (Mat 5:18) For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

But Satan continues his attacks and tries to corrupt God's Word because he knows that the Truth lies within its pages. (Rom 1:25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. This is Satan's primary goal. If he can succeed in keeping people from reading God's True Word, he can keep people from being saved. He can keep believers from growing and having power through Christ.

Please, Father, don't let me get complacent
When it comes to reading Your blessed Word
May I keep it as frontlets 'tween my eyes
Keeping e'er before me, the Spirit's sword.

Word of God - Table of Contents

Word of God - Day 6 - The Shepherd

Word of God - Day 5 - The Word of God

Word of God - Day 4 - The Light

Word of God - Day 3 - Thy Word

Word of God - Day 2 - In a Book

Word of God - Day 1 - Are You Reading?

Word of God - Day 1 - Are You Reading?

How many hours a week (not counting church services) do you spend in God's Word? Do you read a paragraph here and there? Or do you have a structured reading time? Are you one of those who reads a page from a little devotional booklet and call that your Bible reading time? Do you have the Word of God boxed down to a five-minute time slot? If you are not a born-again child of God, then it is understandable. However, to the born-again Christian, this is a crucial topic in today's world. We are in the age of i-Pods, the Internet, cell phones, etc. One can get free Bible software with the Strong's Concordance and Noah Webster's Dictionary right at their fingertips on their cell, PDA and PC. The art of studying the Word of God with opened books has now been made available in electronic format. However, with all this technology, does the Christian really spend more time in the Word? Do you?

It is so important for the Christian to be in God's Word! (Psa 119:11) Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Being in the Word keeps us from sin! Compromise has set into the heart of the believer in today's church. We see it all around us. The world has come into the church through music, various "versions" of the Bible, manner of dress, etc. These compromises could only have entered because the believer was not prepared. If being in the Word keeps us from sin, then what does this mean of those who have allowed compromise to settle into their hearts and, as a result, into their churches? Compromise is sin, therefore, it means that the believer is not in the Word of God the way he ought to be.

The next 30 days will be spent encouraging you to be in the Word - whether you are saved or not, you cannot build your faith unless you have the Word of God as the main part of your life. To the lost, my goal is to encourage you to get into the Word so that you may be saved. To the born-again Christian, my goal is to renew that zeal to be in God's Word, and enjoy it like we once had when we were first saved.

There are many names for Jesus recorded in the Bible: the Good Shepherd, the King of Kings, the Word of God, etc. Why do you think Jesus called Himself the Word of God? The Word of God draws us to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (Rom 10:17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. The Word brings salvation to the unbeliever! The unbeliever does not instinctively go to the Bible on a daily basis. His faith cannot be built because he is not in the Word. It is not until he is led to the Word or he hears the Word being preached by a preacher or soul winner that he comes to a saving knowledge of Christ.

However, if the devil can hinder someone from being in the Word, then he can stunt his spiritual growth or keep him from getting saved. Just as you would start suffering from various illnesses if you were undernourished, you will suffer at the hands of the devil if you are spiritually undernourished. To the unbeliever, this means you will suffer burning in hell for all eternity along with the devil. To the believer, this means you will encounter problem after problem and live a defeated life because you will no strength to endure your fiery trials.

If we are not growing in the Lord by reading and studying the Bible, we open ourselves up to false doctrine. Going to church or having a ministry does not keep the devil from attacking you. The devil wants to devour us, my friend. Peter was speaking to believers when he said, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (1 Pet 5:8) Peter could have used any other analogy but chose to use roaring lion. Why, do you think? Have you ever watched a nature show on lions and the way they hunt for food? If their prey is a larger animal, they go immediately for a leg to take them down and then they go straight for the throat. Satan is no different. If you are not in your Bible, arming yourself, ole slew foot will take you down - slowly but surely. Then he will go for your throat. The Christian who is in his Bible is prepared for the unexpected. He is armed with verses in his heart ready to meditate on when they are needed. He knows what to do when a difficult situation comes up. He does not have to run to his Pastor or his best friend to find out what to do because God already gave him what he needed through His Word. (Eph 6:11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. This verse does not say to gather your Christian friends around you to be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. It says to put on the whole armour of God.

1 Peter 5:8 is a beautiful verse and it is quoted frequently. However, when you read the two verses before it, you find that God does not intend for us to be prey for Satan. Our Shepherd is watching and caring for us. (1 Pet 5:6-7) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (6) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (7) The flesh is what keeps one from the Word of God. A humble Christian submits to God and what the Word commands of him. Noah Webster defines humble as:

Lowly; modest; meek; submissive; opposed to proud,haughty, arrogant or assuming. In an evangelical sense, having a low opinion of one's self, and a deep sense of unworthiness in the sight of God

You may not think you are prideful but you are if you are not spending time in the Word. You are making a statement: "I can live today without the help of God - I can do it on my own!" That's exactly what the devil wants you to do. That is why Satan can attack the believer like a roaring lion! When we submit to the Lord and spend time in His Word, He guards us from the enemy, He gathers us to Him and hides us under His wing for protection, and He guides us in the path that we should go. His guidance can be found in His Word - He promises us that He will not leave us in the dark. (Psa 119:105) NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Your path will be a dark one if you don't spend any time in your Bible. This is when you will begin to wonder where God is. You will begin to doubt that you are His child. You will begin to fret over life's problems and you will waiver in your faith.

So why do you think spending time in the Word is one of the hardest areas for a Christian? The roaring lion does not want you in the Word because he knows that this is where your power from on high lies. (Eph 6:17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Your Sword (the Bible) is what will keep temptation at bay. Prayer is another area that Satan tries to hinder in the believer's life, but that's a whole other devotional series! Satan will do his best to keep you from your power, the Word of God. How has he succeeded in his efforts? Some of you don't believe that you have the true Word of God in your possession. If you knew that you were to receive a letter directly from God in the mail, wouldn't you run to your mailbox to retrieve it? You do have letters from God right there in the pages of your Bible! Right in front of you! The devil has managed to have over 100 different "versions" on the shelves so the believer doesn't know which one to choose. Words have been twisted and removed to form a watered-down version of God's Word - one without power. The devil's minions have managed to convince man that there is no "true" Bible.

Also, by attacking God's Word, the devil has succeeded in convincing many that Christ is not God. This is nothing new. He started his attack in the Garden of Eden with "Yea, hath God said" Gen. 3:1 If he can cause people to question the very Word of God, then he can remove the focus on salvation through Christ, the Son of God, the second in the Trinity. That is why it is so important for you to be in the Word, my friend. Christ knew just how important the Word was to us that He made certain that it was recorded in a Book for us to have. We are so blessed to be able to have a Bible in each household today - some households have several! It was not so in the days prior to the printing press. We ought to be grateful!

Let's go back to why Christ was referred to as the Word of God. He was the mouthpiece of God the Father while He was on earth. When He left to go back to Heaven, His words were then recorded in a Book, our blessed Bible. This was not a new thing. Recording God's words in a Book is seen throughout the Old Testament as well. Christ lives on in His Word. Salvation was from Him in the Old Testament (Jonah 2:9) and it is still from Him in the New Testament. (Act 4:12) His Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us at the moment of salvation and reveals what the Word of God has to say to us. (Joh 14:26) But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Why would Christ leave His Holy Spirit with the born again believer if it weren't important to remember what He had said? The Word is important! Don't let the devil fool you!

Do not take this lightly, dear Christian. Having God's holy Word in our possession is not an insignificant matter - He left us His Word in Book form for a reason. (Exo 17:14) And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. and (Rev 1:11) Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. God is a firm believer of having His Word in book form. He knew how important it would be for us!

Christ left us with the very armour that will help us through our pilgrimage here on earth. To trivialize our Bible reading time into a 5-minute devotional, or "one minute with God," is to allow Satan access to our very throats! He is not out there waiting to devour unbelievers! After all, he already has them. However, if he can cause Christians to have no power or strength, he can bring them down - then he can go for their throats! Our power and strength lie with the Word of God. The more you are in the Word, the less you will fall to temptation. Satan knows this and that is why he attacks the Christian's Bible reading time. The better you eat and exercise, the healthier you are and the better your body functions as a whole - your mind is even clearer and you feel as though you have purpose and direction. It is the same with the Word of God. The better you are at your Bible reading and exercising what you are taught, the healthier you will be spiritually as a Christian - your mind will be clearer, no doubts, and you will have clear direction.

In closing, here are a few verses that describe Christ as the Word. This should compel you to read and to study, knowing that His Word is vital in your life. Please, Christian, ask yourself why God would put this particular description of Christ in His Word. It is because He knows how important it is for His children to read, study and grow. (2 Ti 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. He did not say that you should study to show yourself approved to yourself, your Pastor, or to others but to show yourself approved unto God!

(Joh 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

(Joh 1:14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

(1 Jn 1:1) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

(1 Jn 5:7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

(Rev 19:13) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

(Rev 19:16) And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

You will have to stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords one day and explain why you were spiritually weak. It won't be because He did not leave you with the tools to be a strong Christian. My friend, you can't build a car engine with a Q-tip. God did not leave you here on earth with a Q-tip. He left you here with the Sword of the Lord - His Holy Word - through Christ Jesus! You have no excuse, my friend. If you are not born again, it's not because there isn't a preacher or a Bible everywhere you turn. If you are saved and defeated, it's not because you don't have the tools. God has left you His very words breathed onto every page of the blessed King James Bible.

Hymns - Day 30 - Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord

(Joh 8:12) 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. Today's song ends our series on hymns with another beautiful hymn by my favorite composer Fanny Crosby. I've only heard this particular song sung a couple of times a long time ago. Please go to Cyberhymnal and listen along while you read the words. The words bring joy to a weary heart and encourage one to press on until His return. This is what God honoring music should do, my friend. Today's music may have great words or even a nice melody, but does the song move you toward righteousness? Does it draw you to the Word? Does it cause you to run to the Saviour's side and to His Word so you can fellowship with Him? If it does not, you should contemplate changing your listening habits.

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord
Fanny Crosby

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord!
Sing, O ye people, gladly adore Him;
Let the mountains tremble at His word;
Let the hills be joyful before Him;
Mighty in wisdom, boundless in mercy,
Great is Jehovah, King over all.

Refrain

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord!
Let the hills be joyful before Him.

Praise Him, praise Him! shout aloud for joy,
Watchman of Zion, herald the story;
Sin and death His kingdom shall destroy;
All the earth shall sing of His glory;
Praise Him, ye angels, ye who behold Him,
Robed in His splendor, matchless, divine.

Refrain

King eternal, blessèd be His Name!
So may His children gladly adore Him;
When in Heav’n we join the happy strain,
When we cast our bright crowns before Him;
There in His likeness joyful awaking,
There we shall see Him, there we shall sing:

Refrain

(Rev 4:8) And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

(Psa 98:8) Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together

(Psa 98:9) Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

(Job 36:5) Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.

(Psa 132:16) I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.

(Isa 52:8) Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the LORD shall bring again Zion.

(Rom 8:2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

(Psa 66:4) All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.

(Isa 6:3) And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

(Job 1:21) And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

(Psa 113:2) Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

(Dan 2:20) Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:

(Rev 4:10) The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

(Rev 4:11) Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

(Rev 1:7) Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Do you think Fanny knew her Bible? Here was a lady without sight yet when you read her hymns, you can tell that she had much of the Bible in her mind's eye. She penned the Word of God throughout each of the verses. When you sing this hymn or merely read its words, you are drawn to the Word of God.

So this concludes our series on hymns - hymns we've loved throughout the years and hymns we have never heard although they were hymns of old. I pray that this series was as much of a blessing to you as it was to me!

(Psa 106:48) Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.

The Ten Commandments of Christmas

1. Thou shalt not leave "Christ" out of Christmas.

2. Thou shalt not value thy gifts by their cost, for many shall signify love that is more blessed and beautiful than silver and gold.

3. Thou shalt give thyself with thy gifts. Thy love, thy personality, and thy service shall increase the value of thy gifts a hundred fold and he that receiveth them shall treasure them forever.

4. Thou shall not let Santa Claus take the place of Christ, lest Christmas should become a fairy tale, rather than a sublime reality in the spiritual realm.

5. Thou shalt not burden thy servants, the salespersons, the mail carrier and the merchants. They all shall have thy consideration.

6. Thou shalt not neglect the Church. Its Christmas services are planned to help spiritualise the Christmas season for thee, thy family and thy friends.

7. Thou shalt not neglect the needy. Let they bountiful blessings be shared with the many who will go hungry and cold unless thou art generous at Christmas.

8. Thou shalt be as a little child. Christmas is the day of the Christ Child; not until thou have become in spirit as a little child art thou ready to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

9. Thou shalt prepare thy soul for Christmas. Verily most of us spend much time and money getting gifts ready, but few seconds in preparing our souls.

10. Thou shalt give thy heart to Christ. Let thy Christmas list have Christ in thy heart at the top as thy gift to Him this Christmas.

Author Unknown

A Baby's Hug

We were the only family with children in the restaurant. I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and talking.

Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment. I looked around and saw the source of his merriment.

It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed. His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map.

We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. 'Hi there,baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik. My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?' Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo.'

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot.

The old man sat poised between me and the door. 'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed.

As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position.

Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the arms of the old man.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder.

The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back.

No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, 'You take care of this baby.' Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift.'

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks. With Erik in my arms,
I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God, forgive me.'

I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.

I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, 'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?' when He shared His for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, 'To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children.'

Author Unknown

Hymns - Day 29 - Sweetly the Holy Hymn

(Psa 123:1) [A Song of degrees.] Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. This photo was taken by Carol Meyer at Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. Isn't it beautiful? Carol has given me permission to use her beautiful photographs and so many of them (actually most of them) are of nature - God's beauty! Thank you, Carol for allowing me to use your beautiful work!

This photograph reminds me of the condition of my heart when I come to meet with the Lord. I look to the heavens to see my God and I prepare my heart to meet Him there. (Psa 113:5) Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

Today's hymn is one that I have never heard before. But I love Charles Spurgeon and knew that anything that he wrote had to be beautiful! Sure enough, I was not disapponted in the least. Brother Spurgeon was born June 19, 1834, in Kelvedon, Essex, England and passed away on January 31, 1892, in Montone, France. Although he was a well known preacher, he wrote several hymns which were collected into a work called "A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Public, Social, and Private Worship, 1866." By the time Spurgeon reached the age of 21, he was the most popular preacher in London! He had no formal education yet he preached to thousands in his life time. God used him mightily.

He not only preached but he pastored, he founded churches, Sunday schools, and an orphanage, he also founded the Pastor's College, and he also edited a monthly church magazine! He was definitely busy for the Lord. Today, many of us read the daily devotionals by Spurgeon. He continues to touch the lives of people and will continue to do so even after we're gone.

There were two things I read in his biography that impressed me about this man: (1) He was not timid about calling out error in the Church of England or amongst his own Baptist circles and (2) he absolutely grieved over the trend of the day toward biblical criticism.

Today's hymn shares with us a desire to meet with the Lord in prayer and song. Spurgeon spoke of his walk each day as a battle and the need to prepare for this battle by meeting with His God!

Sweetly the Holy Hymn
Charles H. Spurgeon

Sweetly the holy hymn
Breaks on the morning air;
Before the world with smoke is dim
We meet to offer prayer.

While flowers are wet with dews,
Dew of our souls, descend:
Ere yet the sun the day renews,
O Lord, Thy Spirit send.

Upon the battlefield,
Before the fight begins,
We seek, O Lord, Thy sheltering shield,
To guard us from our sins.

Ere yet our vessel sails
Upon the stream of day
We plead, O Lord, for heavenly gales
To speed us on our way!

On the lone mountain side,
Before the morning’s light,
The Man of sorrows wept and cried,
And rose refreshed with might.

Oh, hear us then, for we
Are very weak and frail,
We make the Savior’s Name our plea,
And surely must prevail.

Our Saviour's name will surely prevail! It was interesting to find three verses in the Word that described how every knee would bow at the name of Jesus! The number three symbolizes the Trinity in the Word.

(Isa 45:23) I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

(Rom 14:11) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

(Phil 2:10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Praise the Lord!

Hymns - Day 28 - A New Name in Glory!

This beautiful picture was taken by my son, Adam, when we were touring Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home). A storm was coming through and we could see the lightning in the distance. Adam caught this picture just before the storm reached us. When I look at it, I am reminded that our Saviour will one day return for His sheep! (Act 1:9-11) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (9) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (10) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (11) Aren't you excited?

As we celebrate the time of His birth, let us not forget that His was not an ordinary birth. Jesus Christ's life was no ordinary life! His death was no ordinary death! (Mat 28:6) He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Christ conquered death and took on our punishment so that we may one day live with Him for all eternity. (1 Cor 15:55-57) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (55) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (56) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (57)

Because of this wonderful act of love from our Saviour, we are able to sing today's hymn and rejoice! We covered this author yesterday so I won't repeat myself and will just continue on with this blessed hymn!

A New Name in Glory
Charles Austin Miles

I was once a sinner, but I came
Pardon to receive from my Lord:
This was freely given, and I found
That He always kept His word.

Refrain

There’s a new name written down in glory,
And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
And the white robed angels sing the story,
“A sinner has come home.”
For there’s a new name written down in glory,
And it’s mine, O yes, it’s mine!
With my sins forgiven I am bound for Heaven,
Never more to roam.

I was humbly kneeling at the cross,
Fearing naught but God’s angry frown;
When the heavens opened and I saw
That my name was written down.

Refrain

In the Book ’tis written, “Saved by Grace,”
O the joy that came to my soul!
Now I am forgiven, and I know
By the blood I am made whole.

Refrain

Is your name written down in glory? For every born-again believer, singing this song is an encouragement to a weary spirit! Christ gave Himself for you and for me! Does that not touch you to the core?

(Gal 1:4) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

(Gal 2:20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

(Tit 2:14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

(1 Jn 5:10) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

Why did Jesus do this for us? Why would He give Himself for us? Oh the blessed love of God! When I read these two verses, I am drawn to tears that my Lord would love us so much that He would do this for us! (Heb 2:17-18) Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (17) For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (18)

Jesus Christ, the Perfect Lamb of God and our Saviour, voluntarily came to earth for the sole purpose of being tempted, living a sinless life and then dying so that He could take on our penalty of sin so we would not burn for all eternity! He stands before the Father as our High Priest always making intercession for us! (Heb 7:25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. We are saved to the uttermost! Noah Webster defines this word as:

UT'TERMOST, a. [utter and most.] Extreme; being in the furthest, greatest or highest degree; as the uttermost extent or end; the uttermost distress.

Strong's Concordance says:

G3838
παντελής
pantelēs
pan-tel-ace'
From G3956 and G5056; full ended, that is, entire (neuter as noun, completion): - + in [no] wise, uttermost.

Can one be partially saved? If you are drowning and a rescuer comes to save you, does he save you then allow you to start drowning again and then save you again - so on and so forth? If you are burning in a fire, does the fire fighter save you, throw you back in only to save you again? If you are lost in your sin, does the Saviour die on the cross for your sins only to have to go die again because your salvation was lost? It sounds absurd when put it in this light, doesn't it? But the definitions are awesome - they are clear to me! The Lord wants you to know that you have been saved to the uttermost - to completion - entirely. That means your sins from the past, present and future have been paid for, entirely, by Christ Himself! Glory! This does not give you the right to continue living your old sinful life and not change. For the Word says (2 Cor 5:17) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Anyone who is grateful for being saved from eternal punishment burning in a lake of fire will not remain the same. They will allow the Holy Spirit of God to change them out of appreciation to Christ for what He has done!

What a lovely thought for today! (Phil 4:3) And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. My name is written in the book of life - Jesus knows my name and my name is written down in glory! (Joh 10:3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

(Psa 100:4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Twas the Month Before Christmas

Twas the month before Christmas
When all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.

Why the Politically Correct Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit.
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod.
Something was changing, something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift o f Christmas was exchangednd discarded
The reason for the season, stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully, choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !

Author Unknown

Hymns - Day 27 - In the Garden

(Rev 3:20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. I absolutely love this verse! The Lord could have picked a different word than sup here. He could have said, "I will talk with him," or "I will sit with him." Instead, Christ picked the word sup. There's nothing more intimate than a meal together. Family meal time is a precious time for me. I look forward to sitting down with my family after a long day and reconnecting with one another. I love to hear the chatter and laughter - it's music to my ears.

One of Jesus' names is "the Word of God." I truly believe that Christ picked every word written in the Bible and chose each word very carefully. I believe He had every intention to use the word sup here. The Lord desires to make entrance into our lives and meet with us. Not just to talk, but to actually have an intimate time - a meal, if you will. He desires to sit with us for more than just a few minutes but for the time it takes to have a meal. He desires to have that chatter and laughter, and sometimes even tears, in our time with Him.

Today's hymn is also one of my favorites. It really should be accompanied with Revelation 3:20 whenever it is sung, don't you think? The songs we sing should stir our hearts and bring the Scriptures to life, stirring our hearts. This beautiful hymn was written by Charles Austin Miles. Mr. Miles was born on January 7, 1868, and passed away on March 10, 1946. He started out his career as a pharmacist but left it to write Gospel music. His first song was "List 'Tis Jesus' Voice." I loved this quote by him,

It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire.

His desires were fulfilled, I would say! We sing a few of his songs in our own church.

In the Garden
Charles Austin Miles

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

Refrain

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

Refrain

(Psa 5:3) My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

(Joh 10:27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

(Psa 128:1) [A Song of degrees.] Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

(Joh 10:29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

(Mar 4:39) And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

(Php 4:6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

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

When I sing this song, my heart is stirred to the Word. I think of my Saviour's voice calling to me to get saved - Praise the Lord! I think of how I was placed into the Saviour's care by the Father and no one can remove me from that care. I can meet with Him any time I want - any where I want and He is there. The One who created me and all that is around me can still any storm in my life and provide the peace which passes all understanding.

It is a joy being saved, amen?! It is a joy to meet with the Saviour in our "garden"!

Hymns - Day 26 - Just As I Am

(Psa 121:1-2) [A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (1) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (2) These two verses have been my encouragement and my prayer so many times. In fact, I have probably used Psalm 121 more than any other Scripture in my writings.

The unbeliever cannot claim such a verse because he does not have a relationship with the God who provides such promise. In order for a person to be heard of God, he must be saved. (Psa 66:18) If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: We all regard iniquity in our hearts. (Rom 3:10) As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Therefore, God does not hear the sinner's prayers until he has accepted Christ as his Saviour and is now clothed in the righteousness of His own Son.

(Eze 33:13) When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it. It's not by our own righteousness that we are able to gain entrance into the Holy of Holies to commune with our God. God regards our righteousness as a filthy rag! (Isa 64:6) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Because Christ's blood covers the born-again believer, our sins are no longer seen by the Father. (Psa 103:12) As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Since our own righteousness is not acceptable in God's eyes, then neither are our own works. We have to come to God knowing that there is nothing in our lives that can be allowed in Heaven. We deserve eternal punishment because of our sinful nature. We must come to him broken and humble knowing that there is nothing that we can do for salvation. God is the one who is in charge of salvation - salvation through Christ Jesus! (Jon 2:9) But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.

With that in mind, I was drawn to the "invitational" song, Just As I Am, this morning, written by Charlotte Elliott. Miss Elliott was born March 18, 1789, and died September 22, 1871.

Just as I am, without one plea,
Charlotte Elliott

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Hath broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

This beautiful song shows the humbleness of heart of its author. Miss Elliott became an invalid when she was around 30. I loved reading what she wrote about her severe physical condition (very similar to that of chronic fatigue):

My Heavenly Father knows, and He alone, what it is, day af­ter day, and hour af­ter hour, to fight against bodily feelings of almost over­pow­er­ing weak­ness and lang­uor and ex­haust­ion, to re­solve, as He en­a­bles me to do, not to yield to the sloth­ful­ness, the de­press­ion, the ir­ri­ta­bil­i­ty, such as a bo­dy caus­es me to long to in­dulge, but to rise ev­ery morn­ing de­term­ined on tak­ing this for my mot­to, “If any man will come af­ter me, let him de­ny him­self, take up his cross dai­ly, and fol­low me.”

In my readings, I discovered that when Dr. Cesar Malan (of Geneva) came to her father's house to visit, he caused her to think about her salvation. Because of her illness, she was irritable toward Dr. Malan and told him she did not wish to discuss religion. Dr. Malan's humble response to her was that he would not continue the discussion but would pray that she accept Christ as her Saviour. The Holy Spirit used this to convict her and she apologized to Dr. Malan a few weeks later. She asked him how she could be saved and his response was to come to Jesus "just as you are." She was saved and later was moved to write this beautiful hymn.

She is a testimony to those who suffer from chronic illness. Her life since her salvation was devoted to writing. This hymn was published in the "Invalid's Hymn Book." Despite her ailment, she made herself useful - she edited the Religious Remembrancer magazine and wrote 31 hymns, according to Cyberhymnal. What a blessing it is to read about how God used her despite her illness. She replaced her bitterness with a servant's humble heart. This heart was reflected in today's hymn, wasn't it?

I hope Charlotte's testimony was a blessing to you today. If you are suffering from a chronic illness or you are dying from an illness, please take heart today. Your service for Christ does not need to end. In fact, you need His comfort in your life even more now than ever! There is joy and peace that comes with serving Him - a peace which goes past any understanding you will ever have. (Php 4:7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. When our hearts and minds are fixed on Christ and His will for our lives, we receive blessed peace. The world looks a Christian who is going through such a trial and witnesses a person who is not eaten up with bitterness but one that is glorifying the Lord in his work for Him!

Hymns - Day 25 - Behold, the Grace Appears!

I thought it fitting to include a Christmas hymn in our series. According to Cyberhymnal's list, Isaac Watts has 518 hymns attributed to him. In all of my devotionals, I have quoted Isaac Watts at least five or six times. One of my favorites of his is "Alas and Did My Saviour Bleed?"!

Behold, the Grace Appears!
Isaac Watts

Behold, the grace appears!
The promise is fulfilled;
Mary, the wondrous virgin, bears,
And Jesus is the Child.

The Lord, the highest God,
Calls Him His only Son;
He bids Him rule the lands abroad,
And gives Him David’s throne.

O’er Jacob shall He reign
With a peculiar sway;
The nations shall His grace obtain,
His kingdom ne’er decay.

To bring the glorious news
A heav’nly form appears;
He tells the shepherds of their joys,
And banishes their fears.

“Go, humble swains,” said he,
“To David’s city fly;
The promised Infant born today
Doth in a manger lie.”

“With looks and hearts serene,
Go visit Christ your King;
And straight a flaming troop was seen:
The shepherds heard them sing:

“Glory to God on high!
And heav’nly peace on earth;
Goodwill to men, to angels joy,
At the Redeemer’s birth!”

In worship so divine,
Let saints employ their tongues;
With the celestial hosts we join,
And loud repeat their songs:

“Glory to God on high!
And heav’nly peace on earth;
Goodwill to men, to angels joy,
At our Redeemer’s birth!”

As a writer, I love to see the motivation behind a person's writing. To me, it is easy to see what motivated Isaac Watts. His love for the Lord is evident in every piece I've ever read. I also enjoy his style of writing. Each verse is tied into Scripture. I can easily read his writings and a verse comes to mind to go along with that particular verse.

Verse 1:

(Tit 2:11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

(Heb 9:15) And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

(Mat 1:18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Verse 2:

(Luk 1:32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Verse 3:

(Luk 1:33) And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Verse 4:

(Luk 2:10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Verse 5:

(Luk 2:15) 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.

Verse 6:

(Luk 2:13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Verse 7:

(Luk 2:14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Verse 8:

(Psa 30:4) Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Verse 9:

(Luk 2:14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

My favorite hymn is one that draws me to the Bible. Today's Christian music may have good words - the melody may be beautiful - but do the words draw me to the Word? At times, the music stirs me but the words do not cause me to think of a Bible verse. The hymns of old do, however. Especially those of Mr. Watts. I believe that music that glorifies the Lord is music that brings His Word to mind and moves you to serve Him better.

Hymns - Day 24 - He Lives on High

I love to sing songs about Christ's reign, His coming, His grace and His mercy. There are so many good hymns which can lift my spirit in time of need. This is one of them, written by Baylus Benjamin McKinney. Mr. McKinney was born July 22, 1886, and died September 7, 1952. He attended Southwestern Baptist Seminary and taught there between 1919 and 1932. He pastored in Fort Worth, TX from 1931 to 1935 and afterwards became the music editor for the Baptist Sunday School Board in Nash?ville, Tennessee.

He Lives on High
Baylus Benjamin McKinney

Christ the Savior came from Heaven’s glory,
To redeem the lost from sin and shame;
On His brow He wore the thorn-crown glory,
And upon Calvary He took my blame.

Refrain

He lives on high, He lives on high,
Triumphant over sin and all its stain;
He lives on high, He lives on high,
Some day He’s coming again.

He arose from death and all its sorrow,
To dwell in that land of joy and love;
He is coming back some glad tomorrow,
And He’ll take all His children home above.

Refrain

Weary soul, to Jesus come confessing,
Redemption from sin He offers thee;
Look to Jesus and receive a blessing,
There is life, there is joy and victory!

Refrain

When I read the words to this hymn, I cannot get past the first verse without tearing up. "And upon Calvary He took my blame"! Jesus Christ, took my blame - my sin upon His shoulders and He paid the price for my much deserved punishment! (1 Cor 6:20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. and (1 Cor 7:23) Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

This time of the year should cause the believer to meditate more thoroughly on Christ's mission. Our blessed Saviour left His Throne on high to take on the form of man. He suffered as we suffered and was tempted as we are tempted. Yet in all of his trials and tests, not once did He sin. He fulfilled Jewish law that a perfect lamb had to be sacrificed. He was the perfect sacrifice, the perfect lamb. He opened the gates of redemption by dying for all of us, not just the Jews! The Gentile now has the opportunity for salvation. Praise the Lord!

Because of Christ's payment for our penalty, we will be able to participate in this beautiful choir after the Rapture, my friend:

(Rev 5:9) And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

(Rev 5:10) And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

(Rev 5:11) And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

(Rev 5:12) Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

What a gift we have been given! Oh praise the Lord with me today!

I retracted Battle Hymn of the Republic

Although the song is beautiful and the words can stir the heart, I removed it because I was alerted to the fact that Julia Ward Howe was a universalist. I apologize to those of you who have read it and led to believe that she was a Christian. How very sad I was to read this. Please accept my apologies. I will post another Day 24 in its place.

Hymns - Day 23 - Will Jesus Find Us Watching?

This is probably the third or fourth Fanny Crosby hymn that I have chosen for this devotional series. She has so many songs that bless the heart. One thing I found interesting about Fanny is that she used many pseudonyms. A pseudonym is a pen name taken by a writer so the writer can remain anonymous for whatever reason. I have read that this was done by women in the early years when it was thought that only men should be writers and composers. Taken from Cyberhymnal, here are the pseudonyms Fanny Crosby wrote under:

Adrienne, Cora
Alstyne, Fannie Jane
Andrews, A. E.
Apple, James
Armstrong, Alice
Atherton, Rose
Bell, Carrie
Bethune, Catherine
Black, James
Black, James L.
Black, James M.
Blair, H. E.
Blair, Henrietta E.
Booth, Florence
Bruce, Charles
Bruce, Robert
Burns, Charles
Carlston, Mary
Carlton, Leah
Church, Fannie
Craddock, Eleanor
Culyer, Lyman G.
Dale, Ella
Dayton, Flora
D. D.
D. D. R.
Eliot, James
Edmonds, Lizzie
Edwards, Lizzie
F. A. N.
F. J. C.
F. J. V. A.
Fannie
Fanny
Forrest, Mrs. Edna
Frances, Carrie
Frances, Grace J.
Frances, Lillian G.
Frances, S. Trevor
Frances, Victoria
Garnet, Jenny
Glen, Jenie
Gould, Frank
Grinley, Mrs. Kate
G. W. W.
Harmon, Ruth
Hawthorn, Carrie
Hope, Frances
Hops, Frances
James, Annie
James, Mary
James, Sarah
J. F. O.
J. W. W.
Judson, Myra
Lankton, Martha J.
Lincoln, H. N.
Lindsay, W. Robert
L. L. A.
Lowry, Minnie B.
Marion, Maude
Martin, S
Martin, Sallie
Martin, Sam
Miller, Laura
Montieth, A
Montieth, Alice
Park, Edna L.
Prentice, Mrs. L.C.
Smiling, Mrs. Kate
Smith, Sallie A.
Smith, Sallie E.
Smith, Sally
Smith, Sam
Sterling, J. L.
Sterling, Julia
Sterling, Rian J.
Sterling, Ryan
Sterling, Victoria
Stewart, Victoria
Taylor, Ida Scott
The Children’s Friend
Tilden, Louise W.
Tilden, Mary
V., Jenny
Van A., Mrs.
Van Alstyne, Fannie
Van Alstyne, Fannie Jane
Van Alstyne, Mrs.
Van Alstyne, Mrs. Alexander
Viola
Wallace, Zemira
Wilson, Carrie
Wilson, Mrs. C. M.
## [yes, she sometimes used these marks instead of a name!]
###
‘*’
***

Isn't that interesting? I have not been able to find out why she chose to write under so many but nonetheless, she surely did a lot of writing!

Today's hymn is a very special one to me. Since the day I was born-again, I have thought of Christ's return every single day. I was born again at noon on April 1st, 1980. I use to laugh and say that I fooled ole slew foot because I was saved on April Fool's Day. But each day since, I have looked forward to Christ's appearing at the Rapture of the Saints! It is the topic of the end times that drew me to the Saviour and it is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I have studied the Rapture of the Church thoroughly and am convinced that Christ will be here at any moment! In the twinkling of an eye, we are told! (1 Cor. 15:52-58) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (52) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (53) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (54 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (55) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (56) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (57) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (58) Oh Glory!

Fanny Crosby must have taken verse 58 very seriously, in my opinion. She was steadfast - she was unmoveable in the work of the Lord. Despite her blindness, she held no resentment in her heart and she moved forward in her work for the Lord. I wonder how many of her songs are sung throughout the world on any given Sunday during church services? Her songs have even been translated into different languages! Today's hymn is a blessing because it exhorts the believer to be steadfast as well.

Will Jesus Find Us Watching?
Fanny Crosby

When Jesus comes to reward His servants,
Whether it be noon or night,
Faithful to Him will He find us watching,
With our lamps all trimmed and bright?

Refrain

O can we say we are ready, brother?
Ready for the soul’s bright home?
Say, will He find you and me still watching,
Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?

If, at the dawn of the early morning,
He shall call us one by one,
When to the Lord we restore our talents,
Will He answer thee—“Well done”?

Refrain

Have we been true to the trust He left us?
Do we seek to do our best?
If in our hearts there is naught condemns us,
We shall have a glorious rest.

Refrain

Blessèd are those whom the Lord finds watching,
In His glory they shall share;
If He shall come at the dawn or midnight,
Will He find us watching there?

Refrain

Whenever I sing this song, I fall under conviction. It actually should be my song every morning when I sit to do my devotions. If I were to adopt this as my daily song, I dare say I would not be so quick to look away but would keep my eyes fixed on the Lord's return. When I read through the words this morning, my thoughts were fixed on my work for the Lord. What I have done for Jesus that would answer me - Well done! (Mat 25:23) His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

We cannot earn our way to Heaven by the work that we do here on earth. That is clear in (Eph 2:8-9) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (8) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (9) The Lord made sure to put these two verses in the Word so that man would not able to boast of his accomplishments. He would not be able to say, "Look at me! Look at all I have done or money I have given so that I can enter those pearly gates!"

However, after we are saved, the born-again believer's actions and works should be such that an unbeliever sees Christ through our works. Our good works and our actions should draw the unbeliever and should attract him. These works should speak volumes without a word uttered! (Tit 2:14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Before I was saved, my works were impeccable. I taught catechism - I helped the poor - I volunteered for good causes. However, none of these brought me assurance that I would go to Heaven when I died. You can purchase a gift to give to someone. However, you cannot purchase a gift that is given to you. The Word is clear about the Father's gift to us. It cannot be purchased - it cannot be earned. If it could be, it would not be a gift at all. Along with Eph. 2:8-9, the Lord has given to us three more verses which teach us this fact:

(Joh 4:10) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

(Act 8:20) But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

(Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Where are your works today? Are you working for God because you believe that you will be rewarded by entering Heaven? Or are you working for God because you are a born-again child of the King and you want to please Him? The believer has peace knowing that he is a child of God and does not have to question his place in God's family. However, the unbeliever does not have such peace. They do good works so that they can obtain this peace but this peace evades them. In the end, they are not convinced that they are going to enter Heaven. They wonder and hope that they will go to Heaven.(Oba 1:15) For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

Don't be counted among the saved who will be ashamed at the Lord's return. Do something about your laziness today. Work for the Lord for the day is fast approaching. (1 Jn 2:28) And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Take delight in boldly approaching the Lord knowing that you have done a good work today for the Master! I believe Fannie can be counted among these brethren. I have never read one negative comment about her service for the Lord. What a great day it must have been for her to enter Heaven!

Hymns - Day 22 - 'Tis Jesus

When I think of Christ's love, I think of how vast the love of God is as well as how much we are forgiven! I thought this beautiful photograph was appropriate for today's hymn. It was taken by Carol Meyer and was used with her permission. Her photograph of the Grand Canyon is absolutely beautiful, isn't it? She captures the depth and width of this beautiful work of God! (Rom 8:38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come (38) 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. (39) When we see a picture which helps us to understand a Scripture verse, the teaching implants itself in our heart and we are able to fully comprehend what our Heavenly Father is trying to teach us. I looked at this photograph this morning and the first verses that came to mind were these in Romans.

I had never heard today's hymn. The words are simple, yet beautiful. They were penned by J. Wilbur Chapman who was born in Indiana on June 17, 1859. He passed away on December 25, 1918. He was an ordained Presbyterian minister and he pastored several churches. When reading the words to this hymn, it is evident that Mr. Chapman knew about Christ's love and the depth of His love for mankind.

'Tis Jesus
J. Wilbur Chapman

I know of a world that is sunk in shame,
Where hearts oft faint and tire;
But I know of a Name, a precious Name,
That can set that world on fire;
Its sound is sweet, its letters flame.

Refrain

I know of a Name, a precious Name,
’Tis Jesus.

I know of a Book a marvelous Book,
With a message for all who hear;
And the same dear Name, His wonderful Name,
Illumines its pages clear;
The Book is His Word, its message I’ve heard.

Refrain

I know of a home in Immanuel’s land,
Where hearts ne’er faint nor tire;
And His marvelous Name, His own dear Name,
Inspires the heav’nly choir;
Hear the melody ringing, my own heart singing.

Refrain

You cannot get to Heaven but through Jesus Christ, my friend. There is no other, according to the Word of God. God did not leave us defenseless in today's world. He left us His Bible so that we could find salvation. Look at the Ethiopian in Acts 8 - he was in the desert and searching for salvation. There was no one around - yet God sent Philip to witness to him and give him the wonderful Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. God will reveal Himself to anyone if they are searching for Him. (Act 4:10-12) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (10) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (11) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (12) Do you see that? There is NO other name under heaven whereby we can be saved! That means Muhammad, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, or Buddha. NONE other name under heaven - only Jesus Christ. As well, no "church" will save you either. Being a member of a certain church does not get one to heaven.

When you meditate on God's love in light of this photo and these verses, your heart becomes tender to what Christ had to go through so that we could be united with the Father. Our born-again experience did not come cheaply, my friend. Jesus Christ had to pay a price for us - a huge price - His own shed blood on a cruel cross! (Mat 26:28) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

If someone were to save you from drowning, you would shower this person with thanks and even reward him for his part in saving you, wouldn't you? You wouldn't ignore your rescuer but you would shout from the roof tops what he had done for you. (Hos 4:6) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. When a person rejects Jesus Christ, he rejects the fact that He came to save him. This person will realize his ungratefulness when he stands before Christ on the day of judgment and finds that his name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life. (Rev 21:27) And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. At that point, it will be too late to admit that Christ came to save him. Christ died for all man - not just a few. To deny Him brings eternal damnation in the lake of fire. What a price to pay for rejecting such a wonderful gift!

As we approach the Christmas season, it is an excellent time to reflect on such a great gift. (Joh 3:16) 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. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the fact of the matter is that Christ came to earth in human form because mankind could not be "good enough" to save himself. Being a member of a church does not gain you entrance to heaven either. That would mean that you could "earn" it yourself and the Word contradicts that thought. (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (8) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (9) For the lost, Christ brings salvation and eternal life.

For those who are already born-again, today's devotional encourages you to meditate on Christ's vast love for you. It should motivate you to do all you can while you still have time to draw others to Him. What a wonderful gift to give the Lord as we remember His birthday - the gift of leading someone to a saving knowledge and the depth of His love!! (Psa 126:6) He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Hymns - Day 21 - Saved from the Wreck

I have never heard the hymn that we are covering today. I was searching through Cyberhymnal for something that would deal with the storms of life, and this came up. After reading the words and listening to the melody, I've discovered a treasure! This beautiful hymn was written by Eliza Hewitt. This dear lady was born on June 28, 1851 and died on April 24, 1920. It appears that she was born, raised and lived in Philadelphia all of her life. Eliza's teaching career ended when she became disabled due to a spinal problem. Here is a dear saint who did not allow the physical trials in her life to stop her from serving the Lord through writing hymns. She also served the Lord as a Sunday School superintendent at the Northern Home for Friendless Children and later on at the Calvin Presbyterian Church. It is also noted that she was a contributor to Sunday-school Helps.

Saved from the Wreck
Eliza E. Hewitt

Adrift on the waters, so dark and so cold,
Afar from the beautiful city of gold,
A vessel is sinking, for heavy the gale,
The cable is broken, and tattered each sail.

Refrain

Poor child of the wreck, see the lifeboat is near,
A sweet voice is heard, for the Master is here;
He walks every billow, controls every wave,
’Tis Jesus, King Jesus, “the mighty to save.”

Oh, I was the sinner alone on the sea,
But love’s blessèd signal were floating for me;
Though thunders were rolling, and billows at strife,
Lo, Jesus was calling, “escape for thy life.”

Refrain

I stepped in the life boat, provided for me,
And Jesus my Pilot, my Captain to be;
His bosom my refuge, my “haven of rest.”
I’m rescued from shipwreck, so happy and blest.

Refrain

Life’s turbulent surges are kissed into peace,
The beacons are shining, and songs never cease;
Fair moonbeams, bright sunshine, illumine the tide,
While onward to glory we’ll joyfully glide.

Refrain

Eliza must have gone through many a turbulent trial as an invalid. I know so many dear saints who have debilating diseases and chronic illnesses and yet they serve the Lord in whatever capacity they can.

The Christian is not promised that he will never go through hard times. But we are promised that in the midst of the storm, our Shepherd will lead us to still waters. (Psa 23:2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. I think of those dear saints the Lord has allowed me to meet in my life who have been stricken with physical problems. Each of these saints has blessed me more than I could possibly say. Although they struggle to stay afloat in their physical storms, they minister to others showing how Christ has brought them to those still waters spiritually.

Where are you today, dear friend? Are you wallowing in self pity because of your ailments? You can serve the Lord despite all of your circumstances. Everyone wants to feel needed. The Lord wants to use you to help others - yes, even with your physical impairments the way they are. There are others in this world who are suffering just like you - with the same ailments as you. You can be a blessing to someone else and help them through their physical trials by sharing what the Lord has done for you and how He has helped you. You can meet this person's needs by sending cards, praying for them, or even calling them. I have a dear friend who has fibromyalgia and every year the illness progresses. She sends "care packages" out to those who have the same illness and gives them information they need to help them through this illness. She sends them devotionals, Bibles, and anything else the Lord lays on her heart to be a blessing.

What struggles are you going through? Has the Lord helped you through depression? Then help someone you know who is struggling. We all have our crosses to bear in life - but we never bear them alone.

Psalm 107:28-31, Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. (28) He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. (29) Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. (30) Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (31)

You may be the one that God wants to use to help someone out of his/her distress. People today are lonely and searching for peace and tranquility - yes, even Christians. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and He will direct you to someone to help. You will find that in helping others, you will be guided to the still waters and will find comfort from your trials.

Hymns - Day 20 - He's Coming Soon

I was drawn to the Saviour because of His blessed return to earth to rapture the Saints. When I heard this song, written by Thoro Harris, I received such a blessing!

Thoro Harris was born on March 31, 1874, in Washington, D.C., only 30 miles from where I now live. He died on March 27, 1955. He produced his first hymnal in 1902. When I read the words to this beautiful hymn, I cannot remain in a discouraged state of mind. I cannot remain ungrateful. It is beautiful hymns like these that encourage the Saint to look up to the hills from when cometh our help!

He's Coming Soon
Thoro Harris

In these, the closing days of time,
What joy the glorious hope affords,
That soon—O wondrous truth sublime!
He shall reign, King of kings and Lord of Lords.

Refrain

He’s coming soon, He’s coming soon;
With joy we welcome His returning;
It may be morn, it may be night or noon—
We know He’s coming soon.

The signs around—in earth and air,
Or painted on the starlit sky,
God’s faithful witnesses—declare
That the coming of the Savior draweth nigh.

Refrain

The dead in Christ who ’neath us lie,
In countless numbers, all shall rise
When through the portals of the sky
He shall come to prepare our paradise.

Refrain

And we, who living, yet remain,
Caught up, shall meet our faithful Lord;
This hope we cherish not in vain,
But we comfort one another by this word.

Refrain

This dear brother in Christ sure knew his Bible. "He shall reign, King of kings and Lord of Lords." Did you know that the phrase Lord of Lords appears five times in the Word? Five is the number for grace. Also, the phrase King of kings appears six times in the Word. Six is the number for man. Our Saviour shed His grace upon man and give His very blood so we could reign with Him. Isn't that awesome?

(1 Cor. 15:52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

(Tit 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, what a blessed hope we have indeed! Chances are I will hear from one of my readers who picks apart my writings and accuses me of heresy over and over. He thinks he will "convert" me back to the "religion" of my youth but he is mistaken for sure. There was no hope in that religion. All I could say was that I "hoped" I would go to heaven. But after reading Ephesians 2:8-9, I saw that my religion was one of works and I could not get to heaven based on anything good that I had done. (Eph 2:8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (8) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (9) My friend, our own righteousness (that which we think we have in our own lives and our own works) is considered a filthy rag in God's eyes. (Isa 64:6) But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. You know who you are, Sir, and I pray that you will allow God's Word to speak to your heart through His Holy Spirit so you can find true salvation - not man's - not a church - but through Jesus Christ. Do so now for He is coming soon!

Hymns - Day 19 - There Shall be Showers of Blessing

Ezekiel 34:26 And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.

What a beautiful song Daniel Whittle penned! The words bring hope and encourage the Christian to seek after God. Daniel W. Whittle was born on November 22, 1840, and died on March 4, 1901. Whittle served as a Major in the Civil War, where he lost his right arm, and was known thereafter as Major Whittle. It was during the Civil War that he was saved. He was asked to pray with a dying young soldier because he had been seen reading a Bible. He obeyed the request and it was at this young man's bedside that he asked God for forgiveness. Major Whittle then prayed with the young soldier and the soldier found Christ before passing away. The Lord used this situation to draw Major Whittle and the young dying soldier to Him. What a blessed story this was to read! After the War, Major Whittle became treasurer of a watch company. It was in this company's quiet vault that he committed his life to the Gospel.

Major Whittle not only wrote this blessed hymn but also wrote two more which you will recognize: The Banner of the Cross and Christ Liveth in Me.

There Shall be Showers of Blessing
Daniel W. Whittle

There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Refrain

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

Refrain

There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honor Thy Word.

Refrain

There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!

Refrain

There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.

Refrain

Today's verse and song speak of showers of blessing but yet the photograph at the top is totally the opposite. Without the beautiful benefits of the season of Winter, earth cannot produce the precious seeds and harvest of Spring and Fall. God gave us the four seasons for a purpose and each affects the other three.

The Winter season has many benefits other than the obvious cold weather pass times. The frigid temperatures provide mankind with a natural pest eliminator. Viruses and germs cannot survive in continuously cold weather. Bugs which damage crops cannot survive the cold. Molds and mildews die off as well. Winter is God's natural way to rid the earth of these things.

When I lived in Northern Maine, I not only felt healthier in the Winter time but I had more energy when I spent time outside. Haven't you ever felt invigorated by the blast of cold air that hits your face the moment you step outside on a cold day? The Winter winds stir up the atmosphere on a greater scale than the Summer winds - they purify the atmosphere. While orbiting the earth on a Winter day, astronauts have said that the atmosphere is clear and clean. As the earth expands and contracts in the Winter time, the soil is pushing the seeds upwards and preparing them for Spring's showers.

I liken earth's Winter season to our own spiritual maturity. Are you in the Winter season of your spiritual walk? The Spring time brings salvation and newness of life. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. During the summer years of our walk, we grow and mature as Christians. 1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. As we enter the Fall season of our spiritual growth, we shed old habits and sinful ways like the trees shed their leaves. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Then as we walk in the Winter season of our Christian life, we experience trials and tribulations. Each one drawing us closer to the Lord. We eliminate those pestilences that have hindered our walk. It is when we remove the barriers between us and the Lord that the showers of blessings from the Spring time can freely flow into our lives. 1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Our Heavenly Father sends blessings along the way but these blessings flow more freely as we become more like His Son.

What a beautiful comparison this is. There is something to be learned in all of God's creation, including the Seasons. As I meditated on this today, the Lord blessed me and showed me that the trials and tribulations of the day will produce showers of blessings in the end as I draw nigh to Him. Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. As our hearts are softened, we get closer to God. Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Our Heavenly Father loves us no matter what we do. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. But our love for Him is shown when we allow ourselves to be molded into Christ's image. 2 Timothy 2:19-21, Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (19) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (20) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (21) It is at this point in our spiritual walk that we can fully receive the showers of blessings that God wants to shower upon us. When we fully lean on Him and trust Him with all areas of our lives, we receive that peace which passeth all understanding. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Hymns - Day 18 - Count Your Blessings

Not much is known about Johnson Oatman, Jr., the author of one of my favorite hymns! Mr. Oatman was born on Ap?ril 21, 1856, and passed away on September 25, 1922. Did you know that he wrote lyrics for 5,000 gospel songs? Not only did he pastor local churches but he also worked full time in the retail and insurance industries!

The most important characteristic I found about Mr. Oatman was that he was a grateful man. He must have gone through many trials as a salesman. The life of a salesman is not an easy one. Most salesmen depend on commissions and, therefore, their income fluctuates. I'm certain Mr. Oatman had bounty and I am certain at times he had nothing. Can't you just see this throughout his lyrics in this blessed hymn?

What do you do when trouble comes knocking on your door? We are doing a series on the Book of Proverbs in our Sunday School class at the moment. Pastor covered trusting God this passed Sunday. Prov. 3:5-6 were the main verses for that class. Prov. 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (5) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (6) We learned that there are four verbs in these two verses. The first three verbs are commands to us from God: Trust in the Lord, lean not unto thine own understanding, in ALL thy ways acknowledge him. The fourth verb in verse 5 is a promise that He SHALL direct thy paths! When we pick apart verses and meditate on the meat, we see that the Lord has given us golden nuggets which will help us when we need that help the most! How can you trust someone you don't know or barely know? You can't! Rom 10:17 So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. As we build our faith by being in the Word, we learn to trust God more and more. You cannot trust if you are only in the Word on occasion. Could you trust a stranger? Could you trust someone you had only spoken to a few times? Why is your walk with the Lord any different?

Do you think Mr. Oatman held those verses close to his heart? I know I do. I have made these my life's verses. Many times in my Christian walk have I wondered why the Lord was allowing certain circumstances in my life. Each battle He has allowed me to go through has drawn me closer to Him. Each battle has taught me to trust Him more and more. Now when a battle comes, I immediately go to Him - knowing that He will carry me through. My friend, He will do the same for you if you let Him. Remember 1 Sam. 17:47 And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands. The battle is the Lord's, my friend! It's not ours. When God allows a trial into our lives, He does not leave us or abandon us. He provides exactly what we need, when we need it. It is through the battles that we learn that our Commander in Chief is not asleep on the job but is in the front lines winning the war!

Count Your Blessings
Johnson Oatman, Jr.

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

My friend, won't you count your blessings this morning? Write them down - share them with others - name them one by one! Even in the darkest of circumstances one can find a blessing in his life! When you feel as though the world is caving in on you, take your eyes off your circumstances and count your blessings! Start doing something for someone else. It is in doing for others that you will find many a blessing! Before you know it, you will be counting your blessings out of habit and you will no longer have to search for them - they will be all around you!

Back from break

Good morning, blogger friends!

Well, after MUCH packing, moving and unpacking, I'm happy to say we are settled in ... well, at least temporarily - until May 2008!

Thank you for the prayers... they were much needed and I am grateful for them. So much happened while I was away. My precious husband, John, is so looking forward to retiring from police work. May cannot come too quickly for him. He is looking forward to starting his own commercial cleaning business once we move to Oregon. What a blessing this man is to me! He is not afraid to work and I admire his zeal to start a new adventure at this point in our lives!

Aaron, my oldest, is nearly finished with his college courses and is hoping to do his student teaching once we get to Oregon. We are praying for a good IFB church with a Christian school there as well for him to achieve this goal! That would be such a blessing so we covet your prayers in this area.

My Marine, Adam, is in Ft. Sill, OK and waiting for orders to report as Recruiter's Assistant here in the next week or so. We are hoping this goes through because that means he will be home for Christmas. I don't know if I shared this with ya'll but he asked Bethany to marry him. They will wait to be married until he reaches the rank of Corporal - good thinking!

We had to put our sweet, precious Sheltie, Bandit, to sleep three weeks ago. He was with us for almost 14 years and was a faithful friend. He is sorely missed. His sweet demeanor warmed the coldest heart and dried the loneliest tears.

As for me, I'm thankful for God's goodness to me. He has provided everything we could possibly need. When we were looking for temporary housing until the move next May, He gave us a beautiful apartment and threw in a garage with the same dimensions as public storage for $150 less a month! Even when we are not looking for His blessings, He is in the background working out all the details! We serve a mighty and wonderful God, my friends.

I am glad to be back and look forward to finishing this series of devotionals covering the blessed hymns of old!

God bless you, dear readers, and I pray for God's goodness in your lives today!

Kate

Hymns - Day 17 - O Lord my God! how great art Thou!

John Quincy Adam, our sixth President, was a wonderful poet. He was born on July 11, 1767, and died on February 23, 1848. I had never heard this hymn before - the words are absolutely beautiful! It was set to music by Lowell Mason Hamburg in 1824. If you click on the title's hyperlink, it will take you to Cyberhymnal and you can listen to it. It is a beautiful hymn and the words are an absolute blessing.

President Adams was blessed with a true gift of poetry. His style just flows and the words magnify God! As I read his hymn, I felt the peace of God cover me like a blanket. Meditating on these words truly causes one to be overwhelmed with God's power and might. At least it did for me.

O Lord my God! how great art Thou!

O Lord my God! how great art Thou!
With honor and with glory crowned;
Light’s dazzling splendors veil Thy brow,
And gird the universe around.

Spirits and angels Thou hast made;
Thy ministers a flaming fire;
By Thee were earth’s foundations laid;
At Thy rebuke the floods retire.

Thine are the fountains of the deep;
By Thee their waters swell or fail;
Up to the mountain’s summit creep,
Or shrink beneath the lowly vale.

Thy fingers mark their utmost found;
That bound the waters may not pass;
Their moisture swells the teeming ground,
And paints the valleys o’er with grass.

The waving harvest, Lord, is Thine;
The vineyard, and the olive’s juice;
Corn, wine, and oil, by Thee combine,
Life, gladness, beauty, produce.

The moon for seasons Thou hast made,
The sun for change of day and night;
Of darkness Thine the deepest shade,
And Thine the day’s meridian light.

O Lord, Thy works are all divine;
In wisdom hast Thou made them all;
Earth’s teeming multitudes are Thine;
Thine—peopled ocean’s great and small.

All these on Thee for life depend;
Thy Spirit speaks, and they are born;
They gather what Thy bounties send;
Thy hand of plenty fills the horn.

Thy face is hidden—they turn pale,
With terror quake, with anguish burn;
Their breath Thou givest to the gale;
They die, and to their dust return.

And Thou, my soul, with pure delight,
Thy voice to bless thy Maker raise;
His praise let morning sing to night,
And night to morn repeat His praise.

We should take the time to meditate on God's goodness to us as well as His power and might. Like the Psalmist, David, President Adams allowed his thoughts to dwell on the Almighty and in turn glorified Him through his writing.

So what does this song do for you, oh Christian? Do you read it like any other song or do you allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart? The Spirit's job is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. Are you allowing Him the opportunity to do this for you in your life? Meditating on God's Word is a must if we want to grow spiritually. Reading songs and poetry like this and listening to Godly music also works in a Christian's heart. If it were not so, the Lord would not have dedicated an entire book (Psalms) to music. God knew that music is an important part of a person's life and can be a blessing!

I know that today's devotional is not typical of my others. There really is not much more to add to words so beautifully penned. May the Lord use these words to work in your heart and draw you to Him, His goodness, power and might!

Hymns - Day 16 - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Psalm 121:1-2, "[A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (1) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (2)"

This dear saint lived to be almost 100 years old!!! Could it be because she actually lived the words of this song? Helen Howarth Lemmel was born on November 14, 1863 in Wardle, England. She died shortly before her 98th birthday in Seattle, Washington.

Ms. Lemmel had a beautiful singing voice and gave many concerts in the United States. She later became the vocal music teacher at Moody Bible Institute. She retired in Seattle, Washington where she became a member of Ballard Baptist Church. One of the memorable things in her life for me was that Billy Sunday used one of her works, a hymnal, for over ten years in his ministry. In fact, her vocal group was part of Billy Sunday's group at the height of his career as an evangelist.

This hymn has been one of my favorites since I was saved in 1980! In my opinion, it should be the Christian anthem for struggling believers. I know it has been mine! I love how she turned weariness and burdens into focusing on her Lord, His Word and winning the lost! What a wonderful recipe for the Christian life despite the circumstances!

Most believers who have done anything for the Lord have been those who are burdened and carry a heavy cross. Many do not even realize that their burdens are heavy because they walk so closely with their Heavenly Father. They have learned to leave their burdens at His feet! Helen Lemmel seemed to have perfected this in her walk.

Meditate with me this morning on this very fact, dear saint! Do we leave our burdens at the Saviour's feet where they belong? Do we continuously take back our burdens onto our own shoulders? Why would we even want to? Isn't it easier to give them over to the Lord and leave them in His quite capable hands?

I have a dear friend who struggles with worry. In fact, while we were in South Carolina last week, our motor coach had some electrical problems and we had to sleep with the coach idling all night to charge the batteries. My friend, a born-again Christian for many years, stayed awake most of the night worrying that gases would asphyxiate us! She shared this with me the next day because she saw that I had a great night's sleep and felt convicted.

I remember being in her shoes. Fretting is just not fruitful to the believer. I was able to share: I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psa 4:8) What kind of testimony are we to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords when we fret and worry about circumstances beyond our control? Why would the world want anything to do with our God if they see defeat and worry in our lives?

It is this very thing that weighs heavy on many Christians' lives. They cannot control worrying when God's Word is filled with verses that encourage us to lean on Him. Sweet peace can be found in the arms of Christ, my friend.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

So where are you today in your walk with the Lord? Do you really trust Him to care for your burdens? Do you desire that same precious walk that Helen had with the Lord? You can have this walk but you will have to train yourself. How does one train himself? As you turn a burden over to the Lord and reap the benefit of peace, write it down - remember it. When your next hurdle or burden comes across your path, remember the previous blessing of peace. Train yourself to remember when God brought you through previous trials and trust that He will do it again this time. Count your blessings daily and that will convince you and prove to you that the Lord is always at work in your life. As a new trial or burden arrives, you will then be quick to remember how He came through for you and you will be ready to turn the burden over to Him.

Don't be a fretter, my friend. The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (Pro 29:25) Her fear brought a snare into her life. She was trapped by this fear and did not sleep all night long. Notice that the Word says that had she trusted Him, she would have been safe? Nothing happens to us that the Lord does not authorize. Look at Job! In searching God's word for trust, I discovered many verses that just blew me away! God has so much to say in this area. Could it be that He really does not want us to worry?

But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. (Psa 73:28)

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. (Psa 115:11)

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Psa 118:8)

[A Song of degrees.] They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. (Psa 125:1)

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Pro 3:5)

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Jos 1:9)

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. (Pro 3:25)

Our Saviour does not want us to be afraid!

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. (Mat 14:27)

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. (Mat 17:7)

Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. (Mat 28:10)

As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. (Mar 5:36)

For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. (Mar 6:50)

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. (Luk 12:4)

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. (Joh 6:20)

Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: (Act 18:9)

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; (1 Pe 3:14)

What an awesome Father we have! He does not want us to be afraid or to fret about things which are out of our control. He just wants us to trust Him - just as we would want our own children to trust us!

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Pro 3:5)

Hymns - Day 15 - She Only Touched the Hem of His Garment

Taken from the Scriptures, And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: (Mat 9:20), this song is a beautiful tribute to the healing power of our Saviour!

George F. Root was born on August 30, 1820, in Sheffield Massachusetts and died on August 6, 1895 in Bailey Island, Maine. By the time George was 13 years old, he was able to play 13 instruments. I could not find any biographical information on George's spiritual background. But as I read another one of George's hymns entitled, Thou Art My Rock, it was evident that he was saved. No one could pen words as poignant as these and not know the Rock of Ages personally! Maybe I will use this hymn on another day. I felt that today's hymn was needed, not only for those who have a physical trial but for those who have another kind of trial or burden, whether it be emotional, spiritual, marital, etc.

She Only Touched the Hem of His Garment

She only touched the hem of His garment
As to His side she stole,
Amid the crowd that gathered around Him,
And straightway she was whole.

Refrain

Oh, touch the hem of His garment!
And thou, too, shalt be free!
His saving power this very hour
Shall give new life to thee!

She came in fear and trembling before Him,
She knew her Lord had come;
She felt that from Him virtue had healed her,
The mighty deed was done.

Refrain

He turned with “Daughter, be of good comfort,
Thy faith hath made thee whole!”
And peace that passeth all understanding
With gladness filled her soul.

Refrain

God is so good, isn't He? Although this dear soul in Matthew 9:20 was healed physically, there is much to glean about being healed spiritually and emotionally. Have you had a need to touch the hem of the Lord's garment today? Have you come to Him today? All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (Joh 6:37)

The unsaved cannot claim this and cannot share in the joy and peace that is found there. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28) I found it interesting that it was the hem of Christ's garment that was touched and not His arm or His shoulder. One must kneel to reach the hem of a robe. This takes humility and setting pride aside. And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. (Mar 1:40) I believe wholeheartedly that Jesus put this particular gesture in the Scriptures for this very reason.

To the believer, much can be gleaned from touching the hem of the Saviour's garment as well. Just because we are saved, our own righteousness is still nothing in the eyes of God. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (Isa 64:6) Kneeling before the Lord in prayer acknowledging who He is draws us to His side. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (Heb 7:19) We are able to find solace at His feet and we recognize that the Creator of the Universe is there to heal us from our burdens - whatever those burdens may be. Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psa 55:22)

Are we all guaranteed physical healing? The Scriptures say no! If that were the case, everyone would have been healed when the Apostles walked the earth and exercised the gift of healing that the Holy Spirit had given to them. Instead, Paul struggled with his own physical trial - the thorn in his side. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (2 Co 12:7) Also, Paul could have healed Timothy's stomach problems. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. (1 Ti 5:23) Furthermore, Gaius would not have had physical issues because John would have healed him (3 John 1:2)

All physical healings are subject to the will of God in our lives. If anyone had a chance to be healed, it was Paul. However, God told him that His grace was sufficient for him. 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. (2 Co 12:9) When God allows us to experience physical trials, it is because He can be glorified even more through the trials. Paul recognized this.

Our Heavenly Father would never give us more than we can handle. If He did, that would make Him cruel and we know that is not so! 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. (1 Cor 10:13) The word temptation in this verse does not mean being tempted to sin. The Greek word here is peirazō - meaning:


G3985
πειράζω
peirazō
pi-rad'-zo
From G3984; to test (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: - assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try.

In other words, God allows these tests in our lives to discipline us spiritually - to prove our metal, so to speak. Not only does this draw us closer to Him but when we are weak, we can use it to examine ourselves and learn and grow thereby.

How are you handling your physical trial today? Are you wallowing in self pity? Are you bitter? Are you angry with God? If you are any of these, forsake it and allow God's grace to be sufficient for you. Allow God to work through you for the benefit of others. Allow God to draw others to Himself as they witness His grace in your life.

Those with physical trials are not going through anything more difficult than those who are going through other types of trials. Each of us has a cross that we must bear in life. If you think your burden is heavier than someone else's, then your eyes are on others and not on the Lord. God allows the trial in our lives to draw us to Him and Him only. Who do you run to when you are suffering? Your friend? Your spouse? They are not the ones who can help you. [A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (Psa 121:1)

Whatever it takes for us to see only Christ is exactly what God will allow. I could not bear the burden of fibromyalgia and God knows that I would not glorify His name. However, He has allowed me the opportunity to glorify Him through the trials assigned to me personally. The cross He has given to me to carry is made especially for me so that I can help others). There's nothing new under the sun, the Word says (Ecc 1:9. There are others out there who are going through the same exact trial as I am. It is up to me to help them through their trial as God helped me through mine. This is what brings glory to God. That is why we are here - we are to minister to the needs of others.

Today's hymn is so beautiful! The Lord shows us that through faith we can overcome our circumstances by touching the hem of His garment. He promises to heal us one way or another - if not physically, He will lift our spirits so we can sore with the eagles!

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (Isa 40:28)

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (Isa 40:29)

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (Isa 40:30)

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isa 40:31)

Hymns - Day 14 - Great is Thy Faithfulness

I think it is safe to say that Thomas Chisholm personally knew about the faithfulness of God. No one can pen words such as these and not have enjoyed God's compassions.

Thomas Obediah Chisholm was born in Franklin, Kentucky on July 29, 1866. At the age of 57, he wrote Great is Thy Faithfulness (in 1923). He did not attribute this song to anything in particular going on in his life at the time. It is evident then that his life's experiences had drawn him near to God's side. Mr. Chisholm became a teacher at the age of 16 at the same small school he attended. It was in 1893 that he became a Christian. In his life time, he wrote over 1200 poems - he published 800 and set many to music. At the precious age of 93, this dear saint went home to be with the Lord.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain

The faithfulness of God is something this believer has never quite fully comprehended. It amazes me that God would love a wretched sinner like me! It is not because of anything I have done that He loves me because He loved me before I ever loved Him. We love him, because he first loved us. (1 Jo 4:19)

I was blessed when I searched out the phrase thy faithfulness. As you read these verses, stop to meditate on God's faithfulness to all of us. Today's photograph was taken by a dear sister and it depicts God's faithfulness to Noah and to all generations after! This same God is the One who watches over you and I and His faithfulness is never ending!

Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.
(Psa 36:5)

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
(Psa 40:10)

Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
(Psa 88:11)

[Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.] I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
(Psa 89:1)

For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
(Psa 89:2)

And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
(Psa 89:5)

O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?
(Psa 89:8)

To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
(Psa 92:2)

Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
(Psa 119:90)

[A Psalm of David.] Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.
(Psa 143:1)

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
(Lam 3:23)

After doing today's devotional, my heart was so full and I was so moved that the Lord laid a poem on my heart.

My Heart is Full

There is no other who can fill my heart
The way You can, dear Lord.
There is nothing else that can satisfy
Like a drink from Your precious Word.

Each page has just what I need to read
To guide and to light my way.
When my heart is heavy or overwhelmed
Your words fresh like winter air.

There is none other like you my Lord
You know exactly what I need
On each page Your Spirit whispers truth
And the waters of doubt recede

You raise me up when I am down
My spirit you cause to sore
As I look unto the hills for You
I find Your love and so much more!

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour is.
So deserving to be adored.
The Alpha, Omega, first and last,
And King of Kings forever more!

Hymns - Day 13 - To God be the Glory

Once again, I will touch upon the work of Fanny Crosby. This dear saint is such an inspiration to me. It is said that at ten she could recite correctly the first four books of both Testaments! This proves to me that a child of ten years old is able to set aside the circumstances of life and allow the Lord to work in her heart!

As I was reading about her, I discovered that while she was at the school for the blind, she would often read her poetry to visitors and would also meet with presidents, generals and dignitaries. Later, she was known for her mission work - giving most of the money she earned for writing hymns to this work. Her devotion to serve others was also a wonderful inspiration to me.

I will share more about Fanny Crosby as we go along this series. There are so many of her 9,000 hymns that I want to share with you. I guess I could have done a devotional just on her songs alone! Each time I meditate on one of her hymns, I can more clearly see her walk with the Lord.

This particular hymn is a blessing to me. The whole song is a praise directed to Jesus Christ, the Saviour. The beautiful words depict an author who was truly grateful for her salvation. So should we be, amen?

To God be the Glory
Written in 1875

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

Despite her blindness since the age of six weeks old, Fanny Crosby learned to sing praises to the Lord. Her circumstances were not controlling her life - instead she was controlling her circumstances.

There are fifteen verses in Scriptures which use the phrase "sing praises"! In fact 14 out of the 15 were recorded in Psalms. I truly believe that Fanny rested in this Book many a time to have the heart she did for the Lord. One cannot have a heart full of praise when one is having a pity party.

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name. (2 Sa 22:50) Sing praises because you are thankful!

Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. (Psa 9:11) Sing praises to let others know what He has done for you.

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. (Psa 18:49) Sing praises as a testimony to the unsaved.

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (Psa 27:6) Sing praises despite the enemies all around you.

Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. (Psa 47:6) Sing praises to God, your King. He loves to hear from His children.

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. (Psa 68:4) Sing praises to God and be specific for what you are praising. Let others hear just how much He has done for you!

Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah: (Psa 68:32) When we praise God individually, it spreads to those around us - let the Church sing praises to God!

But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. (Psa 75:9) Sing praises until your last breath here on earth and then continue into eternity.

[A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day.] It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: (Psa 92:1) Sing praises because it is good for us to give thanks!

I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. (Psa 108:3) Sing praises to God to everyone around us. It is a testimony to His goodness!

Praise the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant. (Psa 135:3) Sing praises because it is pleasant to do so. Anything that is pleasant motivates us to look up!

I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. (Psa 144:9) Sing praises in song - poetry - hymns ... Fanny surely took this one to heart!

While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. (Psa 146:2) Sing praises while you have a chance here on earth to be a testimony to the lost. Singing praises amongst the brethren is also a wonderful encouragement in time of need.

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. (Psa 147:1) Sing praises because it is comely - it is suitable for a Christian - it should be what defines a Christian - it should be part of our nature. The opposite of praise is complaining - this is what the world does. The world is not satisfied, therefore, they are always searching to fill a void in their lives. The satisfied Christian sings praises in all circumstances.

Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. (Psa 149:3)

Sing praises and let it "show" in your life - don't hide your light under a bushel but let it shine brightly for all the world to see.

A believer who spends most of his time praising God has very little time to be unhappy. His eyes are focused above instead of on his problems. Where do you rest your eyes? Where are your thoughts focused? Do you look at life's circumstances and let them overwhelm you? Are you like Peter when he saw the storm about him? But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. (Mat 14:30) (emphasis mine) As soon as Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. Before you start to judge Peter, remember that he was the only one who was brave enough to step out of the boat to walk on the water! His faith took him part of the way and then fear set in when the circumstances about him were too much. Are you like this in your Christian walk? Do you have enough faith to press forward but then you fall apart when the going gets tough? The world needs to see faith in action - to some, it may be the only Bible they ever see!

The Lord gave us the remedy in His Word and Fanny Crosby was able to tap into the Source and apply it to her own life. She could have been bitter. She could even have allowed the world to take care of her because of her disability (as it was common in those days). But instead, not only did Fanny get out of the boat to walk on the water, but she allowed the Lord to keep her afloat by singing praises to His Name.

Won't you do the same Christian? When you are overwhelmed, sing praises! When you are sad, sing praises! When you are angry, sing praises! When you are joyful, sing praises! Is it not the same Lord who helped Peter who will help you? No matter how difficult the circumstances or heavy the burden, there is always something for which to praise the Lord! We just need to keep our eyes fixed on Him and have a song in our heart.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Welcome One of the U.S. Marine Corps' Newest Marines

PFC Adam E. Plourde
Graduated MCPD Parris Island, SC
19 October 2007

Off for two weeks

I won't be posting for a couple of weeks due to jury duty and our upcoming trip to Parris Island,SC to see our son gradaute as a United States Marine! Ooh-Rah!

I'll be back 10/22 - God bless ya'll until then!!

Hymns - Day 12 - Lead Me to Calvary

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psa 61:2) What a beautiful verse this is! Sometimes the trials of life require us to look up unto the hills from whence cometh our help (Psalm 121). Each time we look to that rock that is higher than we are, we are assured that the Lord will be there, ready to meet our needs.

At the hour I was saved, I did not know the meaning of Calvary and all that it involved. I merely knew I was a sinner in need of a Saviour and Jesus Christ was that Saviour. It did not take much time in the Word to discover exactly what my Saviour went through to pay the price for my sin debt! Today's hymn leads us to Calvary and shows the heart of its author, Jennie Hussey.

Jennie Evelyn Hussey was born on February 8, 1874, in Henniker, New Hampshire. She lived most of her life in New Hampshire where she died on September 5, 1958. She was born and raised a Quaker and began to write poetry when she was young. In my readings about Jennie, I found very little about her life. There is no indication that she ever married. She died while living in a home for the aged. Today's hymn was written in 1921 and first appeared in "New Songs of Praise and Power." Although some of my beliefs are different from those of the Quakers, I enjoy this beautiful hymn because it revolves around the Cross of Calvary and what my Blessed Saviour went through for me! If it were not for His shed blood on Calvary, where would we be? If it were not for His resurrection, where would we be? Praise the Lord - He has risen!!!

Lead Me to Calvary
Jennie E. Hussey

King of my life, I crown Thee now,
Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow,
Lead me to Calvary.

Refrain

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.

Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,
Tenderly mourned and wept;
Angels in robes of light arrayed
Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.

Refrain

Let me like Mary, through the gloom,
Come with a gift to Thee;
Show to me now the empty tomb,
Lead me to Calvary.

Refrain

May I be willing, Lord, to bear
Daily my cross for Thee;
Even Thy cup of grief to share,
Thou hast borne all for me.

Refrain

I cannot lose my salvation because it revolves around Calvary. Christ died once for all. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Heb 10:10) I am born of the flesh once. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (Joh 3:4) I am born again once. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (Joh 3:6) The Word says in Eph. 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (8) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (9)" If I could lose my salvation and get saved over and over again, then my salvation would be based on my works, not the blood of Christ. Because we are a new creature in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), we no longer are born of corruptible seed. We are born again of the incorruptible seed. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (1 Pe 1:23) If we could lose our salvation, then this seed would be incorruptible and that is not what the Word says. Praise be to God!

So with the confidence of always being a child of the King, I can boldly go to that rock which is higher than I and look unto those hills from whence cometh my help. My trip to Calvary was made once but I continually go there in my heart to meditate on what He went through for me! With a deeper understanding of His suffering, I can carry my own cross of trials. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luk 9:23) These trials and burdens I am called to bear will draw me closer to Him and will allow me opportunities to minister to others who are going through the same thing. We are to be "Jesus with skin on" to a world that is blind to spiritual matters. We may be the only Bible that some people will ever see. Let our words and our actions take the unbeliever to Calvary!

Hymns - Day 11 - The Love of God

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. (Rom 8:39) Nothing - absolutely nothing - can separate us from the love of God! Amen and amen! I look at pictures of the Grand Canyon and see its depth and height and width - this is how I can bury this verse deep in the soil of my heart! Looking at this picture gives a whole new meaning to the vastness of God's love and the emphasis His Word has on this love and how He never leaves us! Praise the Lord! If this does not bless you today, your blesser is broken!

Today's hymn is about the love of God and its intensity. What a wonderful topic to cover, isn't it? How can one be depressed or discouraged when there is a God that loves us like this and to this extreme? This type of hymn helps us to encourage ourselves - it encourages us to dig into the Word and be blessed beyond measure! Frederick M. Lehman is the author of these beautiful words! He was born on August 7, 1868 in Mecklenburg, Germany and died February 20, 1953 in Pasadena, California.

His family came to the U.S. when he was four. He grew up in Iowa and was saved at the young age of 11. It was the beauty of nature that brought him to Christ while he was out walking one morning. When I read this, it reminded me of Paul's words in Romans 1:20: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: God can reveal Himself even to a child through His beautiful creation! Their tender hearts are so open to receive Christ.

Although Lehman pastored at Audubon, Iowa; New London, Indiana; and Kansas City, Missouri, he spent most of his life writing hymns. His first one was written in 1898 when he was a pastor in Kingsley, Iowa. He moved to Kansas City and assisted in founding the Nazarene Publishing House.

Today's hymn was written in 1917 and published in 1919 in Volume 2 of "Songs That Are Different." I'll say his song is different! Cyberhymnal had this tidbit that simply amazed me:

The lyrics are based on the Jewish poem Haddamut, written in Aramaic in 1050 by Meir Ben Isaac Nehorai, a cantor in Worms, Germany; they have been translated into at least 18 languages. One day, during short intervals of inattention to our work, we picked up a scrap of paper and, seated upon an empty lemon box pushed against the wall, with a stub pencil, added the (first) two stanzas and chorus of the song… Since the lines (3rd stanza from the Jewish poem) had been found penciled on the wall of a patient’s room in an insane asylum after he had been carried to his grave, the general opinion was that this inmate had written the epic in moments of sanity. Frederick M. Lehman, “History of the Song, The Love of God,” 1948

The music to this beautiful hymn was arranged by Lehman's daughter, Claudia L. Mays.


The Love of God
Frederick M. Lehman

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

My friend, if you are feeling alone in the midst of chaos today, please know that there is nothing that can separate you from your Heavenly Father! He is right there - going through your trials along with you. Rom. 8:38-39, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (38) 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. (39) This got me to thinking about the preciseness of this verse - Paul left nothing to chance - he included everything that a human being could think up in his quest to limit God's love. There is nothing!

Death - The saved child of God will die but he cannot go to hell. It only serves to emphasize that We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Co 5:8)

Life - The saved child of God cannot be separated from God no matter how he lives his life - it is not a license to sin but it proves to us that our sin is not what separates us from Him!

Angels - the devil is a fallen angel - he cannot separate us from God!

Principalities - No supreme power on earth can separate us from God!

Powers - No power whatsoever can separate us, including ole slew foot himself!

Things Present - No circumstances in the present can separate us.

Things to Come - No circumstances in the future can separate us!

Height - It just goes to show us (like in the picture above) that no amount of height can separate us! Visualize it in your mind's eye.

Depth - Again, it just goes to show us (like in the picture above) that no amount of depth can separate us!

Any other creature - No creature can separate us! This puts to rest those who believe that you can choose to give up your salvation. God says that no other creature can separate us from His love. If your child divorced himself from you and your family, would that make you any less of a parent? Of course not.

Praise the Lord that our salvation is not dependent on anything that we do! Our salvation is totally dependent on God's love and what He did for us!

Hymns - Day 10 - Amazing Grace

What a beautiful picture of Fall foliage in Northern Maine! Having grown up there, I remember the most vivid colors and how magnificent was the Lord's handiwork! However, I had never seen leaves such as these. Did you notice the beautiful green centers of the leaves? It made me think that no matter how much turbulence there is around us, as long as we are attached to the Tree, we will have His likeness within us. The Holy Spirit resides inside us and glorifies Christ through our words and in our actions. I praise the Lord for my salvation, don't you? I cannot even begin to tell you how much He has changed my life!

Before I was saved, I had heard the instrumental version of the hymn that we are covering today. I had never "heard" the words, however. This hymn was played during the first church service I attended after salvation. When I heard the words for the first time, I broke down into tears! The lady sitting next to me turned to me thinking that I wanted salvation and walked me to the front of the church! God knew I needed to make public profession so this was timely. But the words penned by John Newton spoke to my heart. Although I did not have the same testimony as Newton, I was a sinner on my way to hell just as he. I shudder to think what would have happened if my dear friend had not submitted to God's will to travel 1,000 miles to witness to me at the time that she did. Little did she know that had she not obeyed the Lord, I would have been dead a few short days later! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Thank You, Lord!

John Newton's words reveal a very personal relationship with his Lord and Saviour. The softest of born-again hearts can utter the words of this song today and become teary eyed with gratefulness! John Newton was born on July 24th, 1725, and died on December 21, 1807. He wrote Amazing Grace at the age of 54 years old. He lived to be the ripe old age of 82!

John's mother passed away when he was just seven years old. Can you imagine losing your dear mother at such a tender age? He was left alone to be raised by his father, a sailor. His father took John and set sail when he was but 11. John grew into a godless man and, as a result of such years, became a slave in Africa. God used these experiences to draw Newton to Him. His grace shown upon John at the age of 23 when his ship was taking on water and death seemed imminent. He spent the next six years growing in the Lord. After six years of commanding a slave ship, Newton spent the next nine years studying Hebrew and Greek, learning from Wesley, Whitefield, and other Nonconformists. He was ordained and became curate at Olney in 1764, where he became a friend to William Cowper and with him produced the Olney Hymns.

I look upon his testimony and how he looked back on his years as a slave ship commander and penned the most beautiful hymn known today. Amazing Grace is the most played hymn known to man. Why is this so, one might ask? Put yourself in Newton's shoes as a young man on a sinking ship. He had read a piece by Thom­as à Kemp­is and it had sown a seed in his heart. Had it not been for these circumstances, these beautiful words would not have been written!

Amazing Grace
John Newton (1779)

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

(Mr. Newton did not write this last verse)
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

The first verse of this song summarizes salvation! Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Eph 2:8) That saved a wretch like me! Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Rev 3:17) I once was lost, but now am found; For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. (Mat 18:11)
Was blind, but now I see. And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. (Joh 9:39) John Newton began this hymn with the best news he could possibly write about!

The remaining verses spoke of how God revealed Himself to him and how he has been the Lord's ever since, and forever more. Newton's gratefulness to God cuts to the core, doesn't it? I remember rejoicing and my heart leaping for joy when I heard this man's beautiful song. I remember being able to relate to John Newton and being able to sing these words with truth and joy!
To have the veil removed my eyes where I could see the sinner I truly was and what great salvation was provided to me was more than I could bare! When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour, I felt as though a hundred pounds had been lifted from my shoulders! The lady who led me to the Lord gave me a Bible and when I opened God's Word for the first time and read the Book of John, I melted! I could not believe that I actually understood His Word! I could read and understand whereas before salvation, the words were as dry as dust! Praise the Lord that He found me, His lost sheep!

I did not know John Newton's testimony at the time I first heard this song but I remember praising God that He had placed such a beautiful song in my path that day so that I could sing along with the author the words that so beautifully depicted the joy in my heart!

Hymns - Day 9 - At the Cross There's Room

What a beautiful hymn this is. Just the title alone is a testimony in itself! At the Cross there is room! Does this stir your heart? It surely does mine. It is comforting to know that there is not a limited amount of room. Fanny Crosby's biography was previously done on Day 1 of this series on Hymns. One piece of information, however, that was not stated on Day 1 was the fact that written on her tomb­stone were the words, “Aunt Fan­ny” and “Bless­ed as­sur­ance, Jesus is mine. Oh, what a fore­taste of glo­ry di­vine.” Fanny's love for the Lord was evident in her writings, wasn't it? Each hymn that she wrote depicted a Christian who walked closely with the Lord. I can't help but admire someone who was blinded at such a young age by the carelessness of one man and yet she did not harbor resentment toward that man or God. She could have wasted away her life and been cared for by others. But instead, she glorified God and allowed Him to use her - and used her He did!



At the Cross There's Room
Fanny Crosby

Mourner, wheresoever thou art,
At the cross there’s room!
Tell the burden of thy heart,
At the cross there’s room!
Tell it in thy Savior’s ear,
Cast away thine every fear,
Only speak, and He will hear;
At the cross there’s room!

Haste thee, wand’rer, tarry not,
At the cross there’s room!
Seek that consecrated spot;
At the cross there’s room!
Heavy laden, sore oppressed,
Love can soothe thy troubled breast;
In the Savior find thy rest;
At the cross there’s room!

Thoughtless sinner, come today;
At the cross there’s room!
Hark! the Bride and Spirit say,
At the cross there’s room!
Now a living fountain see,
Opened there for you and me,
Rich and poor, for bond and free,
At the cross there’s room!

Blessèd thought! For every one
At the cross there’s room!
Love’s atoning work is done;
At the cross there’s room!
Streams of boundless mercy flow,
Free to all who thither go;
Oh, that all the world might know
At the cross there’s room!
Each human being goes through so many phases in their life time. Fanny covered many of these phases in this particular hymn. She encouraged the reader to come to the Cross of Christ in each phase showing them that Christ was there for all of them.

1. When we mourn: She encouraged the reader who was mourning for whatever reason to come to Christ and give Him their burden. Whether you have lost a loved one or you are grieving your sins, Christ cares. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Pe 5:7) Why would this verse be included in the Scriptures unless God wanted us to know that He cares! Does this not stir your soul? The Creator of all cares for you! Praise His Holy Name!

2. When we need someone to talk to: The Lord hears all our prayers to Him. He is always nearby waiting to hear from us. But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. (Psa 4:3) There are no "maybe's" in this verse. We are clearly told that the Lord will hear us when we call on Him. He does not sleep so He is always available to hear us. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (Psa 121:3) Glory!

3. When we wander away from Him: We know that when we wander away from God's side, he is right there waiting our return. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (Jam 4:8) Notice the condition we must be in to draw nigh to Him? We must purify our hearts, cleanse ourselves from our sin (repent), and we must not ride the fence of indifference. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (Jam 1:8) The Christian who struggles in his walk with the Lord is one who is unstable - double minded. You cannot play with the world and expect to come out spiritually minded. But the believer who seeks to be close to his God will repent and come to His side. He is always there, waiting to receive us.

4. When we are burdened with the cares of this world: Our Saviour desires to carry our burdens with us. He does not remove the burden but He promises to make it lighter because He is carrying it with us. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28) 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. (Mat 11:29) In the devotional Three Steps to Christ in a Two-Fold Way, I touched upon the yoke and its significance. What a comfort it is to know that we are not left alone to carry our own burdens! Praise the Lord that the Creator of the universe is in that yoke right along with me! What a blessing it is to go along in life knowing that the Saviour, my Shepherd, is helping me with every area of my life! Thank you, Lord!

5. When the enemy troubles us: When we are persecuted for the cause of Christ, God promises to take care of them in His time. And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, (2 Th 1:7) In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: (2 Th 1:8 ) Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (2 Th 1:9) We do not need to be distracted by the enemies around us. God will take care of them - if not in this life time, in the next.

6. When we need salvation: When we are aware of our sin and the need for salvation, Christ is there ready to provide us with His saving grace. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Act 16:31) Everything else in life is fruitless without the Lord and His work on the Cross.

There is room at the Cross for all - from salvation until the day we are taken home to be with the Saviour! It is at the Cross we receive atonement for our sins and without the Cross, we have nothing. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Rom 5:11) Once salvation is received, Christ's mercy and grace follows the believer and His power is shown through our testimony. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phi 4:13)

Hymns - Day 8 - At Cavalry

William R. Newell is credited with this wonderful hymn! We sing this song frequently at our church. I love the words - they do so reflect what is in my heart! William was born on May 22, 1868, in Savannah, Ohio and passed away on April 1, 1956, in DeLand, Florida. He became assistant superintendent at Moody Bible Institute in 1895 and was also credited with Bible commentaries on Ro?mans, He?brews, and the Book of Rev?e?la?tion.

It is so obvious that William experienced a true born-again conversion. He intimately knew what the Saviour went through for him to be saved and it was obvious that he loved to write about it.

At Calvary
William R. Newell

Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary.

Refrain

Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary.

By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.

Refrain

Now I’ve given to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary!

Refrain

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!

Refrain

Years I spent in vanity and pride: I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. (Ecc 1:14) and Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Pro 16:18)

Caring not my Lord was crucified: The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. (Psa 10:4)

Knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary: And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. (Luk 23:33)

Mercy there was great, and grace was free: The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. (Psa 145:8) and Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Rom 3:24)

Pardon there was multiplied to me: For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. (Psa 25:11)

There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary: For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom 8:2)

By God’s Word at last my sin I learned: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psa 119:11) and So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17)

Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned: My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments. (Psa 119:120)

Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary: Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. (Rom 3:19)

Now I’ve given to Jesus everything: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28)

Now I gladly own Him as my King: And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Rev 15:3)

Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary! Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. (Heb 2:12)

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan! 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. (Joh 3:16)

Oh, the grace that brought it down to man! For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Eph 2:8)

Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary! And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (Luk 16:26)

Praise the Lord for the words in this hymn! How can you walk away from singing this and have a burdened heart or a heavy spirit?