Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:1-3

I'm sure the sun came up on Christmas morning, just like every morning. But I'm also sure there was an extra light illuminating Bethlehem and its surrounds, even more than the star that shone above the stable. The Son of God has come to earth! The child, now "weak in infancy," would grow up to be our confidence and joy, breaking the power of Satan and giving us eternal peace.

Can you imagine what the shepherds thought when they were visited by the angel?

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." Luke 2:8-15

I love the shepherds' response: "let's go right away!" They didn't want to waste even a moment. The Lord had sent His message of love and deliverance to them and they rushed to get to the stable to see the new baby King born to bring eternal light to the world. Do you think they realized that this babe that they worshiped would take their sins on His body and then conquer death forever by rising from the dead? They knew and believed what the angels had told them: A Savior is born to you. A Savior. The One they had waited for, generation after generation.

On this Christmas morning, let's lift our voices in praise along with the angels who visited the shepherds so many years ago. Our Lord Jesus Christ deigned to be our brother. He was born fully human, yet still fully God, and served here on Earth, being obedient to His Father.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

Let our prayer be the same as the man who wrote this hymn: that we would with constant praise seek His face. Oh come, let us adore Him!

Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light
Words by Johann Rist

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with afright,
But hear the angel’s warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy,
Our confidence and joy shall be,
The power of Satan breaking,
Our peace eternal making.

All blessing, thanks and praise to thee
Lord Jesus Christ, be given
Thou hast our brother deigned to be
Our foes in sunder riven.
O grant us through our day of grace
With constant praise to seek Thy face
Grant us ere long in glory
With praises to adore thee.

It's About the Cross

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. I Timothy 1:15

This is a departure from my regular hymn writing pattern, but when I heard this song sung by a youth choir at my church yesterday, the words were so profound that I couldn't stop thinking about them, and knew I had to write about it.

Naturally, there is a lot of attention at this time of year to the amazing story of Jesus being born in a stable, put to bed in a manger, and shepherds and wisemen coming from far and near to worship. Rightly so! It IS an amazing story. But that's not why Jesus came. It's not about the mangers, angels and shepherds. It's about the cross and my sin. The angel who spoke to Joseph told him as much.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:18-21

Jesus came to be born once so that we could be born again! Jesus first teaches about this concept to Nicodemus.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."
Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:1-6

He gave His life so that we could have real life - eternal life! We are born again to a living hope through His resurrection from the dead.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
I Peter 1:3-5

The beginning of the story - the manger, the stable, the shepherds and the wisemen - IS great. But as this song says, it's the ending that can save you so that's why we celebrate. (I would quibble with it being called "the ending" but let's set that aside for now.) Christmas is worth celebrating because of WHY Jesus came - to die for our sins.

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. I Peter 2:24

He Himself bore our sin so that we can die to sin and live to righteousness. His blood paid the price, when it should have been ours. Hallelujah!

Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood--and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:4-6

It's About the Cross
Words by Go Fish

It's not just about the manger where the baby lay
It's not all about the angels who sang for him that day
It's not just about the shepherds or the bright and shining star
It's not all about the wisemen who travelled from afar

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross

It's not just about the presents underneath the tree
It's not all about the feeling that the season brings to me
It's not just about coming home to be with those you love
It's not all about the beauty in the snow I'm dreaming of

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross

The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
But it's the ending that can save you and that's why we celebrate

It's about the cross
It's about my sin
It's about how Jesus came to be born once
So that we could be born again
It's about God's love
Nailed to a tree
It's about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me

It's about the stone
That was rolled away
So that you and I could have real life someday
So that you and I could have real life someday
It's about the cross
It's about the cross

He Who Well Endureth

By your endurance you will gain your lives. Luke 21:19

There is a distinct theme running through the New Testament that is referenced in this verse: endurance. Paul encourages us to run the race that has been set before us and the book of Hebrews is full of this theme, including exhorting us to endure as our Redeemer did - He endured the cross and the shame, as well as enduring hostility from sinners. The writer of Hebrews also concurs with this hymn: at the end of the endurance, there will be a reward.

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. Hebrews 10:36

The reward for our endurance is our eternal life with Christ, as Paul reminds Timothy.

It is a trustworthy statement: for if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him.
II Timothy 2:11-12

In this time of advent, I find myself praying even more earnestly: Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Come and release us from our sin and this sinful world.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood--and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father--to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:4-6

Dear Father,
While we are on this earth, we will confess Your name and give You the praise and glory for You are worthy. We look forward to blessing Your name when we are together with You in heaven. Until that time, guide and direct us for Your glory and give us the strength and grace to endure as we run this race.

In Your Name,
Amen.

Once He Came in Blessing
Words by Johann Roh

Once He came in blessing,
All our ills redressing,
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us,
Hope and freedom gave us.

Still He comes within us,
Still His voice would win us
From the sins that hurt us;
Would to truth convert us
From our foolish errors,
Ere He comes in terrors.

Thus if Thou hast known Him,
Not ashamed to own Him,
Nor dost love Him coldly,
But will trust Him boldly,
He will now receive thee,
Heal thee, and forgive thee.

He who well endureth,
Bright reward secureth;
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us;
Let us here confess Thee,
Till in Heav’n we bless Thee.

If Thou Has Known Him

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

This hymn reminds us that if you know Him, love Him and trust Him boldly, He will receive you, heal you and forgive you. What does it mean to trust Him boldly?

I think it means to revere His word more than man's, and to rely on Him for protection.

In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? Psalm 56:4

It means to put more stock in what He says than what you feel or know.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

It means to recognize that He alone is your source of salvation.

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. I Timothy 1:15

Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. Psalm 86:2

It means to be steadfast, even when you're alone.

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, "You are my God." Psalm 31:14

I pray that You will place your trust in Christ Jesus today. That you will not be ashamed of the gospel, but that you will boldly love and trust God and be received by Him. In Him alone there is forgiveness and healing. To God be the glory!

Once He Came in Blessing
Words by Johann Roh

Once He came in blessing,
All our ills redressing,
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us,
Hope and freedom gave us.

Still He comes within us,
Still His voice would win us
From the sins that hurt us;
Would to truth convert us
From our foolish errors,
Ere He comes in terrors.

Thus if Thou hast known Him,
Not ashamed to own Him,
Nor dost love Him coldly,
But will trust Him boldly,
He will now receive thee,
Heal thee, and forgive thee.

He who well endureth,
Bright reward secureth;
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us;
Let us here confess Thee,
Till in Heav’n we bless Thee.

Still He Comes Within Us

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:3-4

The second verse of this hymn reminds us that Jesus is coming again - and that He desires us to be followers of His before He comes, because His second coming will result in the wheat being separated from the chaff. His coming will be terrible for those who don't know Him - for they will face an eternity separated from Him, in hell.

That's pretty harsh - but it's what the Bible says. I'm so glad for the truth earlier in that verse: still He comes within us (through the work of His Holy Spirit) to win us from the sin that hurts us. He comes to convert our foolish errors into His truth! What a wonderful Savior!

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

Dear Lord,
Thank You for coming as a human baby to grow up and live on earth and experience the whole spectrum of human emotion. Thank You that because of that, You can identify with me. Thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross that rescued me from my life of sin. Thank You for leaving Your helper, the Holy Spirit, who works within me. I eagerly wait for You to come again; come quickly, Lord Jesus!

In Your Name,
Amen.

Once He Came in Blessing
Words by Johann Roh

Once He came in blessing,
All our ills redressing,
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us,
Hope and freedom gave us.

Still He comes within us,
Still His voice would win us
From the sins that hurt us;
Would to truth convert us
From our foolish errors,
Ere He comes in terrors.

Thus if Thou hast known Him,
Not ashamed to own Him,
Nor dost love Him coldly,
But will trust Him boldly,
He will now receive thee,
Heal thee, and forgive thee.

He who well endureth,
Bright reward secureth;
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us;
Let us here confess Thee,
Till in Heav’n we bless Thee.

Once He Came in Blessing

This beautiful German advent hymn poignantly tells not only the birth of Jesus, but His work in our hearts today and our hope in our future with Him. Let's look at this hymn verse by verse, so rich in Scripture, and ponder these truths as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus and wait anxiously for His second coming.

Jesus came to make our wrongs right - to redress our ills. To pay for the sin that mankind had been committing since Eve gave in to the devil's temptation. Even though He is fully God, He came in the likeness of a man - taking on human form as a lowly baby.

...being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man... Philippians 2:7-8

The Son of the Most Holy God was born into this world just like every other human.

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman... Galatians 4:4

...concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh... Romans 1:3

For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Jesus was born to accomplish God's plan: to bear the cross in order that we might be saved, and giving us freedom and hope.

"You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." John 18:36-37

The truth is the gospel story - that Jesus Christ was born into the world to save sinners. That He died on the cross to save us, was buried, and rose again through God's power, conquering death and making it possible for us to live forever with Him in heaven. How cheering is the Christian's hope!

Once He Came in Blessing
Words by Johann Roh

Once He came in blessing,
All our ills redressing,
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us,
Hope and freedom gave us.

Still He comes within us,
Still His voice would win us
From the sins that hurt us;
Would to truth convert us
From our foolish errors,
Ere He comes in terrors.

Thus if Thou hast known Him,
Not ashamed to own Him,
Nor dost love Him coldly,
But will trust Him boldly,
He will now receive thee,
Heal thee, and forgive thee.

He who well endureth,
Bright reward secureth;
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us;
Let us here confess Thee,
Till in Heav’n we bless Thee.

Repent, the Kindgom Draweth Nigh

Today is the first day in the new church year, and the first Sunday of Advent. During Advent, we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth, and look forward to His second coming.

I often think about what it was like for the chosen people of God to wait for their Messiah. And what they must have thought when John the Baptist came on the scene.

There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. John 1:6-8

John started preaching a message of repentance in advance of Christ's earthly ministry. Those who believed and were baptized must have been so thankful and relieved that the coming of their Messiah was at hand!

Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said,
"THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS,
'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!'"
Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. Matthew 3:1-6

The message is the same today as it was those thousands of years ago. The kingdom of our God is at hand; although our Messiah has come to pay the price for our sin once and for all, we now wait for Him to come again to Earth to take us home with Him.

We must come to Him with repentant hearts, in thanksgiving for the blood that was spilt on our behalf. His call to repentance truly is a gracious one, and we would do well to answer it.

Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:18-19

Let's use every opportunity we have during this Advent season to confess His name to those around us who do not yet know Him, that they might repent and be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, for the glory of His name.

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. Psalm 115:1

Repent, the Kingdom Draweth Night
Words by Anna Hoppe

“Repent, the kingdom draweth nigh,”
The herald of the Lord doth cry.
Ye sinners lost through Adam’s fall,
Will ye not hearken to the call?

Repent! The gracious call believe,
Haste His forgiveness to receive.
The Prince of Life, incarnate Word,
Life and salvation can afford.

Divine Redeemer, glorious King!
Repentant hearts to Thee we bring.
Thy holy blood for us was spilt,
Cleanse us from all the stains of guilt.

Drawn by Thy Spirit, through Thy Word,
Thine invitation have we heard.
In answer to Thy sweet request,
We come to Thee, O Christ, for rest.

Thy pardon, full, complete, and free,
Removes sin’s awful penalty.
Our Father’s love is now restored;
Thou hast redeemed us, dearest Lord.

Let us Thy Name forever bless,
On earth Thy Gospel truth confess,
Till saved by grace, through faith in Thee,
The gates of paradise we see.

How Good it is to Thank the Lord, Part V

I love how the last verse of this hymn draws from so many scriptures and their promises to us. Those who are made righteous by the blood of Jesus Christ will flourish and dwell in the house of God.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

The righteous will be like a tree that bears fruit, prospering.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

This is because the Lord is righteous and just!

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; lovingkindness and truth go before You. Psalm 89:14

Indeed, He is our Rock!

Trust in the LORD forever, for in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:4

An everlasting rock! That is what our Lord is to us - He never changes, He never leaves or forsakes us, He never moves. I am thankful for that!

How Good it is To Thank the Lord
Words from the Psalter

How good it is to thank the Lord,
And praise to Thee, Most High, accord,
To show Thy love with morning light,
And tell Thy faithfulness each night;
Yea, good it is Thy praise to sing,
And all our sweetest music bring.

O Lord, with joy my heart expands,
Before the wonders of Thy hands;
Great works, Jehovah, Thou hast wrought,
Exceeding deep Thine every thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth,
Nor he whose mind is of the earth.

When as the grass the wicked grow,
When sinners flourish here below,
Then is there endless ruin nigh,
But Thou, O Lord, art throned on high;
Thy foes shall fall before Thy might,
The wicked shall be put to flight.

Thou, Lord, hast high exalted me
With royal strength and dignity;
With Thine anointing I am blest,
Thy grace and favor on me rest;
I thus exult o’er all my foes,
O’er all that would my cause oppose.

The righteous man shall flourish well,
And in the house of God shall dwell;
He shall be like a goodly tree,
And all his life shall fruitful be;
For righteous is the Lord and just,
He is my Rock, in Him I trust.

How Good it is to Thank the Lord, Part IV

The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. Proverbs 29:25

Today I am thankful for a God who can be trusted, and for the promises that await those of us who trust in Him.

Remember me, O LORD, in Your favor toward Your people; visit me with Your salvation. Psalm 106:4

He has directed His favor toward us in providing salvation through His Son. We are blessed with His anointing - He has chosen us, saved us, given us His Holy Spirit and prepared a place for us to live with Him in glory.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Psalm 20:6

Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we can be confident that we will be triumphant over our foes and those who oppose us. It may not be here in our lifetime or here on earth, but God's justice will prevail and the wicked will be put to flight.

My God in His lovingkindness will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes. Psalm 59:10

Thank You Lord, for your grace and favor in giving Your Son as a payment for my sin. Thank You that because of my faith in You, I will exult over my foes. Thank You for blessing me with strength and dignity through Your Son.

How Good it is To Thank the Lord
Words from the Psalter

How good it is to thank the Lord,
And praise to Thee, Most High, accord,
To show Thy love with morning light,
And tell Thy faithfulness each night;
Yea, good it is Thy praise to sing,
And all our sweetest music bring.

O Lord, with joy my heart expands,
Before the wonders of Thy hands;
Great works, Jehovah, Thou hast wrought,
Exceeding deep Thine every thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth,
Nor he whose mind is of the earth.

When as the grass the wicked grow,
When sinners flourish here below,
Then is there endless ruin nigh,
But Thou, O Lord, art throned on high;
Thy foes shall fall before Thy might,
The wicked shall be put to flight.

Thou, Lord, hast high exalted me
With royal strength and dignity;
With Thine anointing I am blest,
Thy grace and favor on me rest;
I thus exult o’er all my foes,
O’er all that would my cause oppose.

The righteous man shall flourish well,
And in the house of God shall dwell;
He shall be like a goodly tree,
And all his life shall fruitful be;
For righteous is the Lord and just,
He is my Rock, in Him I trust.

How Good it is To Thank the Lord, Part III

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:6

Remember that we have been called to be thankful in all things, for this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus. It is especially difficult to be thankful when we see evil flourishing all around us and the wicked prospering before our eyes. It's difficult to understand, but if you've read through the Bible, you know that this is nothing new. Generation after generation has dealt with seeing evil prosper.

When I get discouraged about the evil in the world, the sin running rampant, the endless ruin - I do turn to God in thanksgiving for the truth I know to be rock solid - God is still on His throne.

God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. Psalm 47:8

One of my favorite verses in all of hymnody is this verse from "This is my Father's world."

This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done!
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

Even though the wrong seems strong, GOD IS THE RULER! He is still on the throne. The battle is not done! Jesus, who paid the price for all this sin, will be satisifed - earth and heaven will be one!

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." Revelation 21:1-4

We have a new heaven and new earth to look forwarde to, a place where righteousness dwells.

But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. II Peter 3:13

Come before Him with thanksigiving - for God is on the throne, and righteousness will reign!

How Good it is To Thank the Lord
Words from the Psalter

How good it is to thank the Lord,
And praise to Thee, Most High, accord,
To show Thy love with morning light,
And tell Thy faithfulness each night;
Yea, good it is Thy praise to sing,
And all our sweetest music bring.

O Lord, with joy my heart expands,
Before the wonders of Thy hands;
Great works, Jehovah, Thou hast wrought,
Exceeding deep Thine every thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth,
Nor he whose mind is of the earth.

When as the grass the wicked grow,
When sinners flourish here below,
Then is there endless ruin nigh,
But Thou, O Lord, art throned on high;
Thy foes shall fall before Thy might,
The wicked shall be put to flight.

Thou, Lord, hast high exalted me
With royal strength and dignity;
With Thine anointing I am blest,
Thy grace and favor on me rest;
I thus exult o’er all my foes,
O’er all that would my cause oppose.

The righteous man shall flourish well,
And in the house of God shall dwell;
He shall be like a goodly tree,
And all his life shall fruitful be;
For righteous is the Lord and just,
He is my Rock, in Him I trust.

How Good it is To Thank the Lord, Part II

"Who is like You among the gods, O LORD? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?" Exodus 15:11

How are you doing in being thankful in all things? If I were to get a report card, I'm afraid it would say "needs improvement." I have asked the Lord to change my heart and give me an attitude of thanksgiving in all things; but it often comes down to a conscious choice; choosing to be thankful even when I don't think the situation warrants it.

I will say, though, that when I ponder and think about God's creation and His wondrous works in our world, my heart brims over with thanksgiving and praise to His name. I give Him glory for His creativity, goodness and love. I never tire of the changing seasons, the amazing animals, plants and life systems in our Universe, even the rain, snow and hot sun, as it shows forth His sovereignty and control of our world.

Indeed, He has wrought great works, as this hymn tells us.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. I Chronicles 16:8-10

I was thinking about this hymn as I heard some things on the news last night. It is evident in stories around us that the foolish man knows not the worth of God's wonders and His thoughts. Nor, the man whose mind is of the earth. As we put on the new self (our life in Christ), we are called to keep our eyes on things above and not get mired up in the things of earth.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

As I come before Him today with thankfulness for His wonders and the works He has wrought with His hands, I want to join Eliphaz in his exhortation to seek God who does great and unsearchable things. Because of our great Savior, the helpless have hope and unrighteousness shuts it mouth. Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord!

"But as for me, I would seek God, and I would place my cause before God; Who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. He gives rain on the earth and sends water on the fields, so that He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He frustrates the plotting of the shrewd, so that their hands cannot attain success. He captures the wise by their own shrewdness, and the advice of the cunning is quickly thwarted. By day they meet with darkness, and grope at noon as in the night. But He saves from the sword of their mouth, and the poor from the hand of the mighty. So the helpless has hope, and unrighteousness must shut its mouth." Job 5:8-16

How Good it is To Thank the Lord
Words from the Psalter

How good it is to thank the Lord,
And praise to Thee, Most High, accord,
To show Thy love with morning light,
And tell Thy faithfulness each night;
Yea, good it is Thy praise to sing,
And all our sweetest music bring.

O Lord, with joy my heart expands,
Before the wonders of Thy hands;
Great works, Jehovah, Thou hast wrought,
Exceeding deep Thine every thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth,
Nor he whose mind is of the earth.

When as the grass the wicked grow,
When sinners flourish here below,
Then is there endless ruin nigh,
But Thou, O Lord, art throned on high;
Thy foes shall fall before Thy might,
The wicked shall be put to flight.

Thou, Lord, hast high exalted me
With royal strength and dignity;
With Thine anointing I am blest,
Thy grace and favor on me rest;
I thus exult o’er all my foes,
O’er all that would my cause oppose.

The righteous man shall flourish well,
And in the house of God shall dwell;
He shall be like a goodly tree,
And all his life shall fruitful be;
For righteous is the Lord and just,
He is my Rock, in Him I trust.

How Good it is to Thank the Lord

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess. 5:18

With Thanksgiving approaching, I want to take some time to reflect on how the Lord has blessed us and how we can show Him our gratitude. We'll look at this hymn based on Psalm 92, one verse at a time, and tune our hearts toward thanksgiving.

The Psalmist reminds us how good it is to thank the Lord and sing His praises.

It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night, with the ten-stringed lute and with the harp, with resounding music upon the lyre. Psalm 92:1-3

Psalm 92 is not the only place giving thanks is mentioned. By my count, we are exhorted to "give thanks" in 37 different Psalms! In fact, in Psalm 106, the Psalmist pleads with God to be saved and brought together in order to give thanks!

Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise.
Psalm 106:47

It is GOOD to thank the Lord!

How good it is to thank the Lord,
And praise to Thee, Most High, accord,
To show Thy love with morning light,
And tell Thy faithfulness each night;
Yea, good it is Thy praise to sing,
And all our sweetest music bring.

I hope you feel God's love each morning with the morning light - for He has woken you up and given you breath for another day! And at the end of the day, we can tell of His faithfulness in leading us, giving us safety, giving us life, bringing us to the end of another day.

It IS good to sing His praise, to have an attitude of thanksgiving in everything He brings to us. It is not easy, but it IS possible! I challenge you, for the next day, to give thanks in everything, as Paul exhorts us in I Thessalonians (at the top of this post). I will be participating in this challenge as well, and I look forward to how God will change my heart because of it.

It is good to thank the Lord!

How Good it is To Thank the Lord
Words from the Psalter

How good it is to thank the Lord,
And praise to Thee, Most High, accord,
To show Thy love with morning light,
And tell Thy faithfulness each night;
Yea, good it is Thy praise to sing,
And all our sweetest music bring.

O Lord, with joy my heart expands,
Before the wonders of Thy hands;
Great works, Jehovah, Thou hast wrought,
Exceeding deep Thine every thought;
A foolish man knows not their worth,
Nor he whose mind is of the earth.

When as the grass the wicked grow,
When sinners flourish here below,
Then is there endless ruin nigh,
But Thou, O Lord, art throned on high;
Thy foes shall fall before Thy might,
The wicked shall be put to flight.

Thou, Lord, hast high exalted me
With royal strength and dignity;
With Thine anointing I am blest,
Thy grace and favor on me rest;
I thus exult o’er all my foes,
O’er all that would my cause oppose.

The righteous man shall flourish well,
And in the house of God shall dwell;
He shall be like a goodly tree,
And all his life shall fruitful be;
For righteous is the Lord and just,
He is my Rock, in Him I trust.

Pray When the Morn is Breaking

Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
Psalm 54:2

I don't know how you feel about yesterday's election; for me, there is both gratitude and disappointment. I imagine it's the same for most people; you're pleased about some people serving and displeased about others.

As I've been thinking about it today, I have to keep reminding myself that no matter how I FEEL, there's one thing that God has instructed us to do through His word in relation to this subject that is not dependent on who is in office: we are to pray for our leaders.

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:1-4

We must pray for those in authority over us, including those in elected office, so that we may lead a quiet life in godliness. We need to pray for our leaders: national, state, and local, that they will turn their hearts and minds to Christ, and that they would seek to make decisions in line with His word and for His glory.

If our leaders are not saved, we need to pray for their salvation, as God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Let us commit anew to praying for our leaders, that they may have wisdom, discernment and integrity and that they will seek the Lord and His will for our nation, our states and our cities.

Pray When the Morn is Breaking
Words by Jane Simpson

Pray when the morn is breaking,
Pray when the noon is bright,
Pray with the eve’s declining,
Pray in the hush of night:
With mind made pure of passion,
All meaner thoughts away,
Low in thy chamber kneeling,
Do thou in secret pray.

Remember all who love thee,
All who are loved by thee,
And next for those that hate thee
Pray thou, if such there be;
Last for thyself in meekness
A blessing humbly claim,
And link with each petition
Thy great Redeemer’s Name.

But if ’tis e’er denied thee
In solitude to pray,
Should holy thoughts come o’er thee
Upon life’s crowded way,
E’en then the silent breathing
That lifts thy soul above
Shall reach the thronèd presence
Of Mercy, Truth, and Love.

The Bible Stands

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Tomorrow is Reformation Day, the day we remember Martin Luther, the German priest and theologian who initiated the Protestant reformation. He is probably best known for his radical idea (at the time) that salvation is a gift of God through Christ Jesus, and that we are saved by grace, rather than by works or by the purchase of indulgences.

But Martin Luther also did Christians throughout Germany and the world a great service through his translation of the Bible from Latin to German. Now people could read the Bible for themselves, instead of relying on what the priests to tell them what it said. And Luther encouraged people to do just that. His translation had a huge influence on the German church and the culture, and eventually led to the King James translation into English. He used standard language, so that everyone could read and understand the Bible. In his words, "we are removing impediments and difficulties so that other people may read it without hindrance."

We are so blessed in our day to have absolutely no hindrance in reading the Bible - we have many different translations at our disposal, countless helps in commentaries and concordances and other study tools, and, just as they had in Luther's day, most importantly, the Holy Spirit to guide us in our reading and studying.

The Bible stands! And I am grateful for it!

The Bible Stands
Words by Haldor Lillenas

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted
’Mid the raging storms of time;
Its pages burn with the truth eternal,
And they glow with a light sublime.

Refrain
The Bible stands though the hills may tumble,
It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble;
I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,
For the Bible stands.

The Bible stands like a mountain towering
Far above the works of men;
Its truth by none ever was refuted,
And destroy it they never can.

The Bible stands and it will forever,
When the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given,
All its precepts I will obey.

The Bible stands every test we give it,
For its Author is divine;
By grace alone I expect to live it,
And to prove and to make it mine.

Great God, We Give Thee Praise

For the LORD is a great God and a great King above all gods, in whose hand are the depths of the earth, the peaks of the mountains are His also. Psalm 95:3-4

I have spent all day today watching the rescue of the Chilean miners. Just minutes ago, the 33rd miner was rescued. I watched, tears in my eyes, as men were reunited with their wives, children, siblings and parents. The rescue was an engineering marvel; but more than that, the rescue is a testament to God's protection, faithfulness and mercy to these men and their families.

The miners all wore t-shirts as they left the mine that quoted the verse from Psalms above, and "To Him be all glory and honor!" Indeed! May the Lord's name be made great today as people all around the world marvel at this miraculous mission and hear the testimony of the miners, their families and even the President of Chile. Lord, we give You all the glory and honor for your mercy, love and protection of these men.

Truly, these men will wander no more in darkness but explore in truth and light God's wondrous love, grace and welcomed mercies.

Lord, we adore Your name and give you all honor and glory!

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. I Timothy 1:17

Great God, We Give Thee Praise
Words by Joseph Proud

Great God, we give Thee praise
For all Thy wondrous grace
Thy wise and ever loving ways
To all our favored race.

Thou hast Thy love revealed
Beyond what prophets knew;
Thy holy Book of truth unsealed
To our astonished view.

We wander now no more
Where darkening errors lead,
But truth by light divine explore,
And wonder while we read.

Lord, we adore Thy Name
For light and truth divine!
From Thee the welcomed mercies came,
And be the glory Thine.

In Joy and Peace I Now Depart

For my eyes have seen Your salvation. Luke 2:30

After my 3-year old nephew quoted this verse to me, I couldn't stop thinking about the story of Simeon. Simeon is a man we read very little about in the Bible. Even though his appearance is brief, it gives us a lot to think about.

The story starts as we find out about Simeon's character.

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:25

Simeon was righteous, devout and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And he was on the lookout - for the long-awaited Messiah, the consolation of Israel. The consolation was the comforter as prophesied in Isaiah:

"Comfort, O comfort My people," says your God. Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins." Isaiah 40:1-2

It had been 77 generations since God had promised that He would send a redeemer (see Genesis 3:15). That's a LONG time. Can you imagine hearing the stories from your parents, grandparents and great-grandparents about this Messiah who is coming to deliver? And they would have heard it from their parents and grandparents so on and so forth, for 77 generations. But Simeon knew that it was close at hand!

And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Luke 2:26

Simeon was going to live to see this Redeemer - the One that had been promised for so long. He was going to see Him! Can you imagine the anticipation? He's heard the Messiah talked about by his many ancestors and now Simeon will see Him before he dies.

And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
"Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
according to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Your people Israel." Luke 2:27-32

Simeon didn't get to merely see Jesus, he held him! When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon took him and held him, and blessed God. He knew that God had kept His promise, sending His salvation, and Simeon had seen (and held!) Him!

I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off; and My salvation will not delay. And I will grant salvation in Zion, and My glory for Israel. Isaiah 46:13

The Jewish people had been waiting for God to provide this Deliverer. Now that He had appeared, Simeon knew that he could die in peace. God was faithful in keeping His promise to Simeon, and to the Jews.

I love seeing the humanity in this story, too. Look at what Mary and Joseph's reaction was.

And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. Luke 2:33

They were probably having a difficult time wrapping their heads around what it meant to be parents of the Messiah. Not only had the Messiah come, but He was their child! They probably also wondered who this was, saying these things, and how he knew! Simeon blessed them and then prophecied about Jesus' future:

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- and a sword will pierce even your own soul--to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
Luke 2:34-35

Jesus' appearance on this Earth forced all people to make a decision - follow Him or not. Even Mary and Joseph would have to make that decision, a decision that will reveal the heart of each person. This "sword" that pierces the soul is referenced later in the letter to the Hebrews:

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

Jesus, in His ministry, tells His followers that indeed He is a sign to be opposed.

Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

The "sword" of Jesus continues to divide, even in our modern times. Every person must make a decision to follow Him or not. Just as Mary and Joseph decided, and Simeon too (for he said that now that he has seen the Messiah, he can die!) each one of us must make that decision.

Jesus is Israel's praise and bliss, joy, reward and glory; and the Gentile's too! He is the Light of the World.

Have you made that decision for yourself? If not, I invite you to come to Jesus, so that you may say, along with Simeon "release me to die in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation."

In Joy and Peace I Now Depart
Words by Martin Luther

In peace and joy I now depart
At God’s disposing;
For full of comfort is my heart,
Soft reposing.
So the Lord hath promised me,
And death is but a slumber.

’Tis Christ that wrought this work for me,
My faithful Savior,
Whom Thou hast made mine eyes to see
By Thy favor.
Now I know He is my Life,
My Help in need and dying.

Him Thou hast unto all set forth
Their great Salvation
And to His kingdom called the earth,
Every nation,
By Thy dear and wholesome Word,
In every place resounding.

He is the Hope and saving Light
Of lands benighted;
By Him are they who dwelt in night
Fed and lighted.
He is Israel’s Praise and Bliss,
Their Joy, Reward, and Glory.

Commit thy Way

Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:5

Sometimes, when we're not sure how the Lord is working in our lives, we have to simply surrender and obey. I say simply but unfortunately, for most of us, it's not easy. Surrendering, giving up our control, is very difficult. However, God calls us to it - to trust in Him and follow His leading, wherever He takes us.

How do we know what way He has for us? He tells us in His word.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:5

The Bible has everything we need for life and godliness. What a gift to have God's guidebook available to us at all times!

You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11

His path IS all we need - and He guides us along it with His tender mercy. Because of His great love for us, and the grace He shows us every day, we can be confident that our faith and trust is well-placed in Him, even when we don't understand the what He is calling us to, or when He doesn't deliver us within our own prescribed time frame.

Sometimes obeying God is a matter of the will. I must choose to obey and commit my way to following Him even when I don't see what's around the corner. That's when it's especially important to obey and follow - because I know He is leading - He's in front of me, gently guiding me along this journey; through the struggles, blessings, disappointments, times of joy and challenges - He is using all the things He's leading me through to sanctify me and make me more into the image of His beloved Son.

I hope that as I walk, I will commit my way to Him, that I can say with Job,

"But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside. I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:10-12


Commit Thy Way
Words by Charles Barnes

Commit thy way, and day by day,
The Lord shall lead.
And He shall trace, with tender grace,
Thy path— 'tis all we need.
For love shall crown,
Shall crown our life indeed.

Commit thy way; our hearts obey,
And God doth lead;
And at the last shall bring to pass
All that the heart shall plead.
For love has crowned,
Has crowned our life indeed.

In God Will I Trust

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10

Those who know Your name put their trust in You - it's the opening to one of my favorite Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir songs.

Isn't it a wonderful thing to know the name of Jesus? And to know that when we call upon His name He hears us? That because of His faithfulness we can put our trust in Him? That in spite of our circumstances or the advice we receive from others, we can trust in Him and seek Him? And that He desires us to do so?

Oh how I love the name of Jesus! In His name there is refuge, strength and salvation!

'AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.' Acts 2:21

On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Psalm 62:7

In His name is all righteousness, truth and justice!

He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth. Psalm 115:1

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:7

His name is forever!

But You, O LORD, abide forever, and Your name to all generations. Psalm 102:12

Let's agree to fully put our trust in Jesus our Lord, and walk in His name forever.

Though all the peoples walk each in the name of his god, as for us, we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever. Micah 4:5

May our trust and faith in His name show others His glory!

"Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; for ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED." Revelation 15:4

In God Will I Trust
Words from The Psalter

In God will I trust, though my counselors say,
O flee as a bird to your mountain away;
The wicked are strong and the righteous are weak,
Foundations are shaken, yet God will I seek.

The Lord in His temple shall ever abide;
His throne is eternal, whatever betide.
The children of men He beholds from on high,
The wicked to punish, the righteous to try.

The Lord is most righteous, the Lord loves the right,
The evil He hates and will surely requite;
The wicked His anger will drive from their place,
The upright in rapture shall gaze on His face.

We'll Understand it Better By and By

Jesus answered and said to him, "What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter." John 13:9

Our life here on Earth is certainly filled with challenges and struggles. We are tossed on the restless sea of time; some of us seemingly more so than others, but all of us to some extent as we strive to be in the world but not of it. I know I am looking forward to the day when we will understand it better: when God's plan for my life becomes clear to me; when I can look back and see His hand at work in all the unfolding events over time.

Paul reminds us that it will be worth the wait!

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Corinthians 4:17-18

And there is the hard part for us in fleshly bodies: keeping our eyes on eternal things rather than temporal things. As this hymnwriter reminds us, we don't know the ways that God has chosen to lead us to the Promised Land, but we trust Him to lead us - even though it might be through long and difficult situations. Keeping our eyes on our future home is of paramount importance!

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18

Our suffering here on Earth is not even worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us in heaven! That absolutely blows my mind. Think about it with me: whatever you're going through now, as bad as you think it is, the glory that is reserved for you in heaven is SO much greater than the sum of your suffering that you can't even compare them. Praise God for His mercy and grace!

And here's another truth to hang on to: God is using our suffering to sanctify us, to make us more like the image of His Son; to perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish us. He has a purpose in our suffering.

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. I Peter 5:10

Even though we don't understand it now, we will understand it later. I can't wait to look back on my life and see God's hand at work, using every situation I'm in to make me more holy and molding me according to His perfect plan.

We'll Understand it Better By and By
Words by Charles Tindley

We are tossed and driv’n on the restless sea of time;
Somber skies and howling tempests oft succeed a bright sunshine;
In that land of perfect day, when the mists have rolled away,
We will understand it better by and by.

Refrain
By and by, when the morning comes,
When the saints of God are gathered home,
We’ll tell the story how we’ve overcome,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

We are often destitute of the things that life demands,
Want of food and want of shelter, thirsty hills and barren lands;
We are trusting in the Lord, and according to God’s Word,
We will understand it better by and by.

Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand
All the ways that God could lead us to that blessed promised land;
But He guides us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die,
For we’ll understand it better by and by.

Temptations, hidden snares often take us unawares,
And our hearts are made to bleed for a thoughtless word or deed;
And we wonder why the test when we try to do our best,
But we’ll understand it better by and by.

I am Praying for You

This morning, students all around the country and around the world are meeting together outside of their schools, around the flagpoles, to pray. For the 20th year, students will gather together and pray for their friends, teachers, administrators, and for a revival across our country.

They will pray for their friends who need a Savior. They will pray for their friends who need to secure their eternal future. They will pray for their friends who need to look forward to their resplendant glory in heaven. They are praying that the gospel message will travel beyond their friends that many more might come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

They are obeying Jesus' command to pray for those who mistreat them, an experience I'm sure is common in today's high schools.

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28

As they gather to pray this morning, let's us pray for them. As they follow Paul's exhortation to offer petitions, let's pray that the students at the pole will be bold in proclaiming the gospel today, and everyday, through their words and actions.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. Ephesians 6:18-19

Let's pray that the students will grow in their faith and that the Holy Spirit would increase their knowledge, that their living out the gospel message would be effective in their schools.

And I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake. Philemon 1:6

Let's pray that the students will be rooted and grounded in love, and able to comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that they may be filled up to all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

It is a powerful thing to know that you are prayed for; when someone tells me they've been praying for me, I am incredibly moved and humbled. Join me today in lifting up these students as they lift up each other through the gift that God has given us, communication directly with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.

I am Praying for You
Words by Samuel Cluff

I have a Savior, He’s pleading in glory,
A dear, loving Savior though earth friends be few;
And now He is watching in tenderness o’er me;
And oh, that my Savior were your Savior, too.

Refrain
For you I am praying,
For you I am praying,
For you I am praying,
I’m praying for you.

I have a Father; to me He has given
A hope for eternity, blessèd and true;
And soon He will call me to meet Him in Heaven,
But, oh, that He’d let me bring you with me, too!

I have a robe; ’tis resplendent in whiteness,
Awaiting in glory my wondering view;
Oh, when I receive it all shining in brightness,
Dear friend, could I see you receiving one, too!

When Jesus has found you, tell others the story,
That my loving Savior is your Savior, too;
Then pray that your Savior may bring them to glory,
And prayer will be answered—’twas answered for you!

Speak of that Savior, that Father in Heaven,
That harp, crown, and robe which are waiting for you—
That peace you possess, and that rest to be given,
Still praying that Jesus may save them with you.

Let the Holy Ghost Come In

I never tire of reading the book of Acts and seeing how the Holy Spirit was moving in the early church. The book opens with Jesus ascending into heaven. His presence leaves the earth, but He is not gone.

"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you."
John 14:16-17

He kept His promise about sending another helper.

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

Once the Holy Spirit was upon the church and moving in them, amazing things began to happen. At Pentecost, Peter gives a rousing sermon, explaining through the Scriptures how God sent Jesus to be the Messiah. And look at their response:

Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." Acts 2:37-39

The Bible goes on to tell us that on that day, THREE THOUSAND people came to believe in Jesus Christ and were baptized. 3,000!!! These people were redeemed from their inbred sin and relieved from every doubt and fear.

The story gets even better:

So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:41-47

The devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship and prayer. Everyone KEPT FEELING a sense of awe. I love that the author makes it clear to us that the people kept feeling a sense of awe - not that they felt it once, but that it was continual.

Many wonders and signs were taking place. The power of the Holy Spirit working through God's people cannot be underestimated!

God gave me the Holy Spirit when I, by faith, put my trust in Him and accepted His plan of salvation. But I don't want to take it for granted. I want the fire of God to fill my soul and His power to make me true and brave. I want to see God adding to the numbers of those who were saved, just like in the early church.

Dear Heavenly Father, send a great revival. And start the work in me.

Let the Holy Ghost Come In
Words by R. F. Reynolds

Would you be redeemed from ev’ry inbred sin,
Have the Holy Spirit constantly within?
Make the consecration, trust in God, and then,
Let the Holy Ghost come in.

Refrain
Let the Holy Ghost come in,
Let the Holy Ghost come in,
Make the consecration, trust in God, and then,
Let the Holy Ghost come in.

Would you have the Spirit in your heart to cheer?
Would you be relieved from ev’ry doubt and fear?
Make the consecration, trust in God, and then,
Let the Holy Ghost come in.

Do you want the “fire of God” to fill your soul,
Burn up all the dross, and sanctify the whole?
Make the consecration, trust in God, and then,
Let the Holy Ghost come in.

Do you want the “pow’r” to make you true and brave,
So that you can rescue those that Christ would save?
Make the consecration, trust in God, and then,
Let the Holy Ghost come in.

O Love of God, How Strong and True, Part V

Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these stars. The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

Our God is a God of might and strength. And He shows His love for us through that might and strength.

We read Thy power to bless and save,
E’en in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light,
We read the fullness of thy might.

God's love for us raised Jesus from the dead that we too might live forever. Jesus, through His resurrection, triumphed over death once and for all so that we do not need to fear death.

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Isaiah 25:8

It was God's might and strength that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His (God's) right hand in the heavenly places.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1:18-23

And how's this for love? God tells us, through His word, that His strength and might are available to US! The same power that brought Jesus back to life after His crucifixion is shown "toward us who believe." That strength and might is at work in our lives, just as it was at work to raise Jesus from the dead! That is almost too much for me to comprehend. And look what else God has to say to encourage us:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Ephesians 6:10

Be strong! Call on the strength of His might! You do not have to rely on your own strength - lean on your Heavenly Father and let His strength and might uphold, support and embolden you to live for Him and rejoice in His love.


O Love of God, How Strong and True
Words by Horatio Bonar

O love of God, how strong and true!
Eternal, and yet ever new;
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.

O love of God, how deep and great!
Far deeper than man’s deepest hate;
Self fed, self kindled, like the light,
Changeless, eternal, infinite.

O heavenly love, how precious still,
In days of weariness and ill,
In nights of pain and helplessness,
To heal, to comfort, and to bless!

O wide embracing, wondrous love!
We read thee in the sky above,
We read thee in the earth below,
In seas that swell, and streams that flow.

We read thee best in Him who came
To bear for us the cross of shame;
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.

We read thy power to bless and save,
E’en in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light,
We read the fullness of thy might.

O love of God, our shield and stay
Through all the perils of our way!
Eternal love, in thee we rest
Forever safe, forever blest.

O Love of God, How Strong and True, Part IV

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

We read Thee best in Him who came
To bear for us the cross of shame;
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.

Indeed, we read God's love best by His amazing act of sending His only son to die in our place.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God sent His son to live on earth and die the death we deserved to die because of our sinfulness. Jesus was a sinless man who paid the price once and for all for our sin. We couldn't have done it on our own.

There is nothing we can do to make ourselves clean, whole, pure and righteous. We must believe by faith in Christ alone who gave His life to ensure our forgiveness and salvation.

God's love was sent to us through His son Jesus so that we might live forever through Him. His endless love covers our wretchedness and reconciles us to Him, hallelujah!

By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. I John 4:9-10

O Love of God, How Strong and True
Words by Horatio Bonar

O love of God, how strong and true!
Eternal, and yet ever new;
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.

O love of God, how deep and great!
Far deeper than man’s deepest hate;
Self fed, self kindled, like the light,
Changeless, eternal, infinite.

O heavenly love, how precious still,
In days of weariness and ill,
In nights of pain and helplessness,
To heal, to comfort, and to bless!

O wide embracing, wondrous love!
We read thee in the sky above,
We read thee in the earth below,
In seas that swell, and streams that flow.

We read thee best in Him who came
To bear for us the cross of shame;
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.

We read thy power to bless and save,
E’en in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light,
We read the fullness of thy might.

O love of God, our shield and stay
Through all the perils of our way!
Eternal love, in thee we rest
Forever safe, forever blest.

O Love of God, How Strong and True, Part III

He who made the Pleiades and Orion and changes deep darkness into morning, who also darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the LORD is His name. Amos 5:8

Another way we see the love of God is through His creation. It is obvious that God loves His people, in that He would provide for us such beauty and wonder in nature. The changing seasons, the diversity of plants and animals, the beauty of falling water, the excitement of a thunderstorm: all of these things show us the power and glory of God's creation, and His love for us.

O wide embracing, wondrous love!
We read thee in the sky above,
We read thee in the earth below,
In seas that swell, and streams that flow.

You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You. Nehemiah 9:6

God made our beautiful world and everything in it for our enjoyment and use.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
Psalm 8:3-8

What is your response to the King of the Universe who created this world out of His amazing love for us?

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all it contains; let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praises to our God on the lyre, who covers the heavens with clouds, who provides rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. He gives to the beast its food, and to the young ravens which cry. Psalm 147:7-9

O Love of God, How Strong and True
Words by Horatio Bonar

O love of God, how strong and true!
Eternal, and yet ever new;
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.

O love of God, how deep and great!
Far deeper than man’s deepest hate;
Self fed, self kindled, like the light,
Changeless, eternal, infinite.

O heavenly love, how precious still,
In days of weariness and ill,
In nights of pain and helplessness,
To heal, to comfort, and to bless!

O wide embracing, wondrous love!
We read thee in the sky above,
We read thee in the earth below,
In seas that swell, and streams that flow.

We read thee best in Him who came
To bear for us the cross of shame;
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.

We read thy power to bless and save,
E’en in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light,
We read the fullness of thy might.

O love of God, our shield and stay
Through all the perils of our way!
Eternal love, in thee we rest
Forever safe, forever blest.

O Love of God, How Strong and True, Part II

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. II Thess. 2:16-17

I think God's love is most precious to us in our trials. In the days of weariness and ill, His love heals, comforts and blesses us.

O heavenly love, how precious still,
In days of weariness and ill,
In nights of pain and helplessness,
To heal, to comfort, and to bless!

He has given us His promise that He will not leave us or forsake us, even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We are His children, and He has redeemed us; He is our protector and our deliverer even when we are overcome with pain and helplessness.

But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3

When we are in the midst of difficult or painful situations, it is so encouraging to remember that we will never be separated from God's love in Christ Jesus. Because of the great love with which He loves us, we can trust in His plan for us and know that He is working through our pain and suffering to sanctify us and glorify Himself.

Ultimately, our trials and our pain here on earth remind us that this sinful world is not our home. We must keep our eyes on Jesus as we wait for Him to call us to Himself through His mercy.

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21

When you are facing the painful trials of this world, keep yourself in the love of God. Be encouraged by His word and His promises, and most of all, look forward to our home in heaven where no tears will be shed.

O Love of God, How Strong and True
Words by Horatio Bonar

O love of God, how strong and true!
Eternal, and yet ever new;
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.

O love of God, how deep and great!
Far deeper than man’s deepest hate;
Self fed, self kindled, like the light,
Changeless, eternal, infinite.

O heavenly love, how precious still,
In days of weariness and ill,
In nights of pain and helplessness,
To heal, to comfort, and to bless!

O wide embracing, wondrous love!
We read thee in the sky above,
We read thee in the earth below,
In seas that swell, and streams that flow.

We read thee best in Him who came
To bear for us the cross of shame;
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.

We read thy power to bless and save,
E’en in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light,
We read the fullness of thy might.

O love of God, our shield and stay
Through all the perils of our way!
Eternal love, in thee we rest
Forever safe, forever blest.

O Love of God, How Strong and True

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

As I was reading through Romans yesterday, I was again struck by the power of these verses. Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Nothing. His love certainly is strong and true.

This wonderful hymn captures so many elements of God's love (although as we know, there aren't enough adjectives to describe it!) that I want to look at it one or two verses at a time.

O love of God, how strong and true!
Eternal, and yet ever new;
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.

That is one thing about God's love - it's beyond out knowledge and comprehension. Paul's prayer for the Ephesians is that they would be rooted in love so that they can know the love of Christ - that they can comprehend with all the saints the breadth and length and height of depth of His love.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19

Because of our human sinful nature, I think it's impossible for us to fully grasp the love of the Father. Paul even tells the Ephesians that Christ's love surpasses knowledge - it is beyond our knowledge and our thought. But we can know the love of Christ - even if we can't fully comprehend it. We certainly know it by what He did for us - taking our place on the cross. This love, which Paul describes to the Ephesians, is the same love he wants them to grasp:

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7

God made us alive together with Christ! He raised us up with Him! He has seated us with Him in the heavenly places! He did all this so that He might show us the surpassing riches of His grace! And He did all of this while we were still dead in our transgressions.

O love of God, how deep and great!
Far deeper than man’s deepest hate;
Self fed, self kindled, like the light,
Changeless, eternal, infinite.

God's love is deep and great. It is changeless and eternal. His love covers us, even our deepest sins and grievances against Him. He is our Creator and He loves us.

Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love.
Micah 7:18

Not only does He love us, He delights in His unchanging love for us.

That is an encouragement to me today. May His love be your light and your hope in whatever you are facing - keep your eyes on Jesus!

O Love of God, How Strong and True
Words by Horatio Bonar

O love of God, how strong and true!
Eternal, and yet ever new;
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.

O love of God, how deep and great!
Far deeper than man’s deepest hate;
Self fed, self kindled, like the light,
Changeless, eternal, infinite.

O heavenly love, how precious still,
In days of weariness and ill,
In nights of pain and helplessness,
To heal, to comfort, and to bless!

O wide embracing, wondrous love!
We read thee in the sky above,
We read thee in the earth below,
In seas that swell, and streams that flow.

We read thee best in Him who came
To bear for us the cross of shame;
Sent by the Father from on high,
Our life to live, our death to die.

We read thy power to bless and save,
E’en in the darkness of the grave;
Still more in resurrection light,
We read the fullness of thy might.

O love of God, our shield and stay
Through all the perils of our way!
Eternal love, in thee we rest
Forever safe, forever blest.

I'll Sing my Temptations Away

The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.
II Peter 2:9

I love the book of Acts in the New Testament. As a disclaimer, I love every book in the Bible, but I am especially encouraged by the book of Acts as I read how the Holy Spirit was moving in the early church and how its numbers were increasing day by day. And the people were generous! They were sharing with each other and giving sacrificially to the Lord's work.

For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need. Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. Acts 4:34-37

Well, almost everyone was. Immediately after this encouraging story in chapter 4, we hear what happened to some other folks who didn't give as righteously.

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came over all who heard of it. The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. Acts 5:1-6

It's not clear from the text WHY Ananias and Sapphira didn't turn over all the money except that Satan had filled his (Ananias') heart to lie. It's possible that they knew Barnabas, and knew that he had sold land and given the money to the Lord's work, and that while they wanted to be in the "in crowd" they also wanted to keep some of the money for themselves. If their desire was to get rich, they definitely personify the people that Paul write to Timothy about:

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. I Timothy 6:9

Ruin and destruction was certainly what happened here, and it didn't take long. But it wasn't only Ananias who paid the penalty for this deception; look what happens to Sapphira.

Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price." Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well." And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Acts 5:7-10

What is clear is that Ananias and Sapphira had purposed in their heart to deceive the apostles. Satan had done his work in leading them to believe that their plan was acceptable, and profitable. Perhaps James was thinking of this story when he wrote that it is our own sinful desires that tempt us and lead us to act on temptation, giving in to sin and leading to death.

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:13-16

When we are tempted, we can lose our ability to discern what is right and what is God's will. We often don't see the consequences - surely Ananias and Sapphira never imagined they would end up dead in this scenario! - and in fact, the devil often persuades us that will be become better, richer, wiser, happier etc. It is so important that we heed James' advice to submit to God and resist the devil, who is the ultimate tempter.

Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Don't let yourself fall into temptation - be alert and on the offensive. God is your redeemer, and will rescue you when you call on His strong and mighty name.

So He saved them from the hand of the one who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. Psalm 106:10

I'll Sing my Temptations Away
Words by Mary McLean

I’ll sing my temptations away,
For tho’ they be artful and strong,
I’ll sing of One stronger than they,
And sing till they flee from my song.

Refrain
I’ll sing of my Savior, I’ll sing of my Savior,
I’ll sing of my Savior all day, all day.
I’ll sing my temptations, I’ll sing my temptations,
I’ll sing my temptations away, away.

When worldly allurements are strong,
To Christ in my weakness I’ll flee.
And find in His presence a song,
And sing the temptations from me.

When tempests within and without
Suggest that my faith is all wrong,
I’ll sing till grim shadows of doubt
Are lost in the sunlight of song.

And when all temptations are o’er,
A song of redemption I’ll sing,
And swell on the heavenly shore
The praises of Jesus my King.

Praise to the Living God

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Have you ever thought about how living your life of faith brings glory to God, and causes others to give Him glory? After re-reading the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den, I’ve come away with more than the lesson about trusting God and being true to His name. Daniel’s faith caused the King to praise the Lord and publicly declare His goodness; not to mention, declare that everyone in His kingdom should worship the One True God!

The story starts when Daniel is appointed by King Darius to be one of the 120 men serving over the kingdom. Daniel distinguished himself as one having “an extraordinary spirit” (Daniel 6:3) so the King planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom!

Well you can imagine how that made the other 119 men feel – quite jealous and indignant. So look at the plan they came up with:

Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. Then these men said, "We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God." Daniel 6:4-5

Daniel was a man of integrity, and they could not find any reason why the king should not appoint him over the whole kingdom. So instead of looking for something related to his appointment and his governmental affairs, they decide to look at his spiritual life and his relationship to God. They knew that Daniel worshiped the Lord, so they undertook a plot to test his mettle and his faithfulness. So they came before the king and said:

“All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions' den. Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked." Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction. Daniel 6:7-9

We’ve already established that Daniel was a man of integrity and faithfulness, and here we have the proof: even after Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he still entered his house and kneeled to pray, giving thanks before His God, as he had been doing even before the injunction was signed.

Well, the other leaders saw Daniel doing this and went straight to the king:

"Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions' den?" The king replied, "The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked." Then they answered and spoke before the king, "Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day." Daniel 6:12-13

Now remember, the king is a fan of Daniel’s. He had decided to appoint him over the whole kingdom. So he was not very pleased to hear this news that essentially backed him into a corner. In fact, he tried to think of everything in order to not have to follow through on the injunction.

Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. Daniel 6:14

Well, there was no back door this time, no loophole, no way out. The men reminded the king that his statute couldn’t be changed.

Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions' den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you." Daniel 6:16

Wow! Look at that! The king, who had willingly signed the injunction that the people of the kingdom were to make petitions to no one but HIM, now is consoling Daniel(and himself, presumably!) that his God will deliver him! So Daniel was put in with the lions.

A stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing would be changed in regard to Daniel. Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him. Daniel 6:17-18

Clearly, the king was affected by this turn of events as he fasted and couldn’t sleep. When he got out of bed at dawn, at the break of day, he quickly went to inquire of Daniel in the lions’ den.

When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?" Daniel 6:20

What an opportunity Daniel has now!

Then Daniel spoke to the king, "O king, live forever! My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime." Daniel 6:21-22

Well this pleased the king to no end, and he gave orders for Daniel to be released from the den. He was not injured because he had trusted in God. So Daniel was preserved and the king set forth to punish the malicious men who accused Daniel. They weren’t as fortunate.

The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children and their wives into the lions' den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. Daniel 6:24

Wow. That is proof of God’s protection and mercy. Those lions were just fine, and totally capable of harming humans. And they did, when God wasn’t shutting their mouths or calming their “lion tendencies.”

Here’s the part I love – the King now makes a decree that all people of his kingdom should fear the God of Daniel. What a change of heart – and due to Daniel’s faithfulness and letting his light shine!

Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: "May your peace abound! I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;
For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions."
Daniel 6:25-27

It is not very likely that you or I will ever face a choice about worshiping God or being thrown in the lion’s den. Our choices are much more subtle: worship God or face embarrassment or ridicule; stand up for what is right according to God’s word or go along with the crowd; display great faith and perseverance in the midst of trials or give up easily for our own fleshly comfort.

Our choices have a tremendous power to influence those around us: just look what happened to king Darius. After seeing Daniel’s display of faith, he not only worshiped God himself, but decreed all the people in his kingdom to, as well. You can have that kind of influence by living out your faith in your choices and daily interactions. Let’s all resolve to let our light shine ever more brightly that others may give our great God the glory!

Praise to the Living God
Words From The Yigdal of Daniel ben Judah, a Jewish judge in Rome, circa 1400; translated to English by Newton Mann (1836-1926) & Max Landsberg (1845-1928)

Praise to the living God!
All praised be His Name,
Who was, and is, and is to be,
And still the same!
The one eternal God,
Ere aught that now appears;
The first, the last: beyond all thought
His timeless years!

His Spirit floweth free,
High surging where it will;
In prophet’s word He spoke of old;
He speaketh still.
Established is His law,
And changeless it shall stand,
Deep writ upon the human heart,
On sea or land.

He hath eternal life
Implanted in the soul;
His love shall be our strength and stay,
While ages roll.
Praise to the living God!
All praised be His Name,
Who was, and is, and is to be,
And still the same.