Stones of Remembrance

Who is He that Makes me Wise

2012-02-17T10:11:00.002-05:00

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

God's word tells us that fearing Him, and following His commands, make us wise.

Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine. Psalm 119:98

Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments. Psalm 119:66

God makes us wise by teaching us through His word.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

Through His word, we not only receive His commands, but we see how Jesus lived, interacting with others, and obeying His Father, so we can emulate Him. I believe this is what the hymn writer had in mind as he penned this verse.

Who is He that makes me wise
To discern where duty lies?
Who is He that makes me true
Duty, when discerned to do,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

When we look at Jesus Christ, we see the epitome of humbleness and obedience to God's will. Paul tells us that Christ is to be our example in this regard.

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

By looking at Jesus, we become wise and we can discern where our duty lies: it lies in obeying our Heavenly Father, just as Jesus did.

When we look at Jesus, we also see how to be true to the duty we have been called to do. When we discern how God is calling us to serve (our duty), we can look to Jesus for the example.

And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Luke 21:41-42

Jesus was being sent to the cross by His Father. He petitioned His Father to "take this cup away" but He also said "Not My will, but Yours."

Jesus, a sinless man, asked to be relieved of His duty. We can certainly take our requests to our Father in prayer, but we must have the same request as Jesus: "not my will, but Yours." That is not always an easy prayer to pray. Most often, I want God's will to MATCH mine! But I look to Jesus, as my example, and see His obedience and submission to the Father. I know that my Savior, Jesus Christ the crucified, felt and experienced everything that I am facing. Because of this, I can confidently pray, like Jesus, "not my will, but Yours."

Look to Jesus! Follow His example, and grow in wisdom and discernment, so you may be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ. Philippians 1:9-10

Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know
Words by Johann Schwedler

Ask ye what great thing I know,
That delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

What is faith’s foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is He that makes me wise
To discern where duty lies?
Who is He that makes me true
Duty, when discerned to do,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
Healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on His right,
With the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

This is that great thing I know;
This delights and stirs me so;
Faith in Him who died to save,
Him who triumphed over the grave:
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

What is Faith's Foundation Strong

2012-02-13T21:31:00.003-05:00

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. I Cor. 3:11

Jesus Christ, through His subsitutionary death on the cross, laid the foundation for my faith. I can trust the One who gave His life for me.

He bore my sinful load, so that I can be dead to sin and alive in Him forever.

His death also purchased for me peace with God. When I was dead in my sin, I was separated from God. His sacrifice reconciled me to God, bringing me peace.

When the angels appeared to the shepherds at Jesus' birth, they proclaimed the two reasons for His incarnation: glory for God and peace for men.

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”Luke 2:14

We are justified by faith, and because of this, we have peace with God.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

Jesus Christ, the crucified, makes it possible for me to live in peace because I have peace with God, which is foundational to all other kinds of peace.

Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. II Cor. 13:11

That awakes my heart to sing!

Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know
Words by Johann Schwedler

Ask ye what great thing I know,
That delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

What is faith’s foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is He that makes me wise
To discern where duty lies?
Who is He that makes me true
Duty, when discerned to do,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
Healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on His right,
With the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

This is that great thing I know;
This delights and stirs me so;
Faith in Him who died to save,
Him who triumphed over the grave:
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know

2012-02-10T09:36:00.002-05:00

For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I Corinthians 2:2

When singing this hymn recently, I was struck by the simplicity of the message - the restatement of the gospel that Jesus Christ was crucified for me. He took my place. As we look forward to the upcoming Lenten season, I wanted to take some time to reflect on this wonderful old hymn (written in 1741) and its timeless message for us as Christians, and for the world.

What great thing do I know, that delights my soul and wins me an eternal reward? Jesus Christ, God's son, gave His life for me so that I would be free from the bondage of sin and reconciled to God.

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach. Colossians 1:21

Whose is the name I glory in? Jesus Christ, the crucified. For through His subsitutionary death of the cross, He has made salvation available to those who believe. We deserved to die for our sin, but He took our place.

Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5

Lord Jesus, may we know you! May we be conformed to Your death so that we may attain the resurrection from the dead.

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11

Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know
Words by Johann Schwedler

Ask ye what great thing I know,
That delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

What is faith’s foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is He that makes me wise
To discern where duty lies?
Who is He that makes me true
Duty, when discerned to do,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
Healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on His right,
With the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

This is that great thing I know;
This delights and stirs me so;
Faith in Him who died to save,
Him who triumphed over the grave:
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

I am not Skilled to Understand (from the archives)

2012-01-05T09:55:00.000-05:00

As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5

I am not Skilled to Understand
Words by Dorothy Greenwell

I am not skilled to understand
What God hath willed, what God hath planned;
I only know that at His right hand
Is One Who is my Savior!

I take Him at His word indeed;
“Christ died for sinners”—this I read;
For in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Savior!

That He should leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die,
You count it strange? So once did I,
Before I knew my Savior!

And oh, that He fulfilled may see
The travail of His soul in me,
And with His work contented be,
As I with my dear Savior!

Yea, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this Spring;
That He Who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior!

There are many things in this life that I will never understand. I am sure you can look at your life and say the same thing: God moves in a mysterious way. He is God, and He has the plan for my life, even though I may not understand it at this time.

This hymn acknowledges that I don’t have the skill to understand, and then reminds me of the one thing I need to know: at God’s right hand is One who is My Savior!

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:3-4

And I, like the writer of this hymn, know that I need a Savior. Paul tells us that all of us are sinners and that Christ died for us, even while we were in our sinful state.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

The Love of God was demonstrated through Christ’s death on our behalf. We were the ones who deserved to die, yet Jesus, who lived a sinless life, took our place.

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

And now, that Christ who died for you and me has been exalted to God’s right hand.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. Acts 5:30-32

Like the writer of this hymn, I want my strength and solace to come from this very fact: that He who lives to be my King once died to be my Savior.

Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2

Who is He that from His Throne

2011-12-31T10:55:00.000-05:00

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. Matthew 28:1-8

God's mighty power raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Christ conquered death once and for all. God was satisfied with Jesus' sacrifice and so brought Him back to life, to live forever and be seated at His right hand. Just as he healed people's sickness in His earthly ministry, He heals our sin-sickness by His death and resurrection.

Through His sacrifice and resurrection, we are justified. When God looks at me, instead of a sinner, He sees the righteousness of Christ!

Death has now lost its sting forever! Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we have the hope of everlasting life. If you have trusted Christ as your Savior, you don't need to fear death, because our physical death is only the beginning of our eternal life in heaven with God and Jesus!

Christ is our living Lord AND our coming King! He has told us that He went to prepare a place for us. He has promised that He will return to earth to claim His own.

And He is our King who from His throne rules through all the world alone.

Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." Revelation 11:15

We have confidence that God is sovereign over all, including over Christ's triumphant return - and we trust Him to bring it about in His perfect time. Until then, we live our lives full of adoration and praise, worshiping our Sovereign Father; to Him be honor and eternal dominion!

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which He will bring about at the proper time--He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. I Timothy 6:13-16

Who is He in Yonder Stall?
Words by Benjamin Hanby

Who is He in yonder stall
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain
’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?
Who is He the gathering throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules through all the world alone?

Who is He who Prays in Dark Gethsamane

2011-12-30T09:32:00.001-05:00

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." Matthew 26:36

We can learn much from Jesus and His last hours before His crucifixion. In the last week of Jesus’ life on earth, He had just finished His last Passover, and had instructed His disciples to remember Him by breaking bread together, instituting the Lord’s Supper. Most of us know how the story continues: His disciples went with Him to Gethsemane, and Jesus told them to wait while He went away to pray. During this time, the disciples fall asleep, and Jesus comes and instructs them to watch and pray, so that they will not enter into temptation. But, you guessed it, they fall asleep again. It is here in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus prays this specific prayer three times:

"My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." Matt. 26:39

I’ve heard some commentaries about the Garden of Gethsemane and how it would have been possible for Jesus to get away from His pursuers at this point. But He didn’t. He knew that God would not take this cup away from Him. He was in conflict, so much so, that His sweat actually turned to blood. And what did He do? He prayed.

We can learn from Him how to pray when we face the tempter’s power, when we are in conflict, and in grief. Jesus faced all of this that night, and He turned to His Father in prayer. I’ve addressed prayer before in this blog – it is our great privilege to go before our Heavenly Father in prayer – to humbly bow before Him and seek His will – notice that’s what Jesus did. “Not as I will, but as you will.” Sometimes that’s a very difficult prayer to pray. God’s will is not always our will. But God uses our time in prayer and in studying His Word to bend our hearts to His will.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. Col. 4:2

The story goes on: Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, taken before Caiaphas, beaten, questioned by Pilate, and mocked. He was arraigned for a crime He didn’t commit – He took our sin as His own. He suffered for us.

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. Hebrews 5:8

Because of His suffering for us, we can learn from Him. We learn to bear the cross. Many of us suffer, in fact, it’s the only thing guaranteed in our lives. Paul encourages us:

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. II Corinthians 1:5

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

For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. II Timothy 1:12

We will suffer, no question about it – but our suffering is a time of being made more like Jesus. When we learn to bear the cross, we learn to obey, to be humble, to be selfless, and to trust in the One who healed our wounds through His death. Peter exhorts us that we have been called for this purpose!

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and 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 2:21-24

Our story doesn’t end with Jesus betrayal and arraignment. They hung Him on the cross, and He suffered physical pain and agony for many hours before giving up His spirit. He died.

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:30-34

We learn from Jesus Christ to die. Jesus physically died. And He calls us to die to our fleshly desires, and to live for Him.

Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Gal. 5:24

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:12-14

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3

Who is He on yonder tree who dies in grief and agony? 'Tis the Lord, o wondrous story! But it's not the end of the story. There's one more very important verse in this hymn....

Who is He in Yonder Stall?
Words by Benjamin Hanby

Who is He in yonder stall
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain
’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?
Who is He the gathering throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules through all the world alone?

Who is He that Stands and Weeps

2011-12-29T10:08:00.003-05:00

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

I think one of the best illustrations of Jesus' humanity AND deity is the story of Lazarus' death and resurrection.

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” John 11:1-3

Clearly, Jesus loved Lazarus. And we would expect that upon hearing these words, Jesus would do everything in His power to get to Bethany right away. After all, He is the One who heals the sick! But that's not what happens.

But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. John 11:4-6

Wow - these verses seem to be contradictory, don't they? At least to our human way of thinking. Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus (who is very sick) and so he STAYS in the place where He was... Hmmm. It does seem contradictory, until we realize what Jesus said at the beginning of that section - He tells the people with Him that this sickness is to bring glory to God and that it won't end in death.

This He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep.” The disciples then said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.” John 11:11-15

Lazarus is dead. And what Jesus will do next will show His humanity and His deity, bring tremendous glory to God and bring many people to faith in His Son.

Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have kept this man also from dying?” John 11:32-37

Clearly, Mary and Martha are disappointed that Jesus didn't come earlier since they know He could have saved Lazarus. And when Jesus sees Mary weeping, and all the people weeping with her, He is moved and troubled. When He sees where Lazarus is laid, our Lord weeps. (Humanity!) The Jews realize that this display of emotion shows how much Jesus loves Lazarus. But they wonder why this Healer didn't prevent His death - clearly they knew He had the power to do that.

So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, "Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
John 11:38-44

Jesus brought Lazarus back to life! (Deity!) And He did it so that all the people would believe that He was sent from God. He did it so that God would be glorified in a bigger way than if Jesus had "just" healed Lazarus while he was sick. God's power raised Lazarus from the dead. And because of this, many people believed and put their trust in Him.

Who is He that stands and weeps at the grave where Lazarus sleeps? He is the Lord, the King of Glory!

What can we learn from this story to apply to our lives? For me, it shows that God will choose to bring Himself glory, and may not do something he COULD do, if there's something BETTER He could do to make His name even greater. That doesn't always make sense to us. It didn't make sense to Mary and Martha, who wondered why the Lord didn't come RIGHT AWAY to save their brother. If you're a believer, the Lord is working things out for your good and His glory. But it might not be the way you think it's going to work out. That's because He is God and we are not!

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

God has a purpose and a plan and He is working it out. He is the King of Glory.

Who is He in Yonder Stall?
Words by Benjamin Hanby

Who is He in yonder stall
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain
’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?
Who is He the gathering throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules through all the world alone?

Who is He the People Bless

2011-12-28T09:48:00.003-05:00

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:5

During Jesus' earthly ministry, if there's one thing He was "known" for, it was His miracles. He turned water into wine, healed the sick, and even raised men from the dead. And He didn't just do it once. The gospels are full of accounts of His healing people who were sick. Who is He to whom they bring all the sick and sorrowing? He is the King of glory!

Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23

When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and laying His hands on each one of them, He was healing them. Luke 4:40

But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.
Luke 5:15

Jesus didn't just heal people physically though. I think an important part of His ministry was how He dealt with people. He was gentle. I believe that His gentleness was another form of healing. Our world is a harsh place. Because of sin, our relationships are difficult and we can get beat up just by being in the world - in the marketplace, at school, and even at home and at church. Jesus was gentle. I'm sure that those whom He interacted with noticed this immediately, and I'm sure that the treatment they received from Him was a sort of healing for their hearts, minds and souls.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus is gentle and humble in heart. When we turn to Him, we find rest in His gentleness. Just as we need that today, the people living in Jesus' time needed it too. The people were waiting for a King to save them, but I'm sure they didn't expect this kind of king.

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION,‘BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU, GENTLE, AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY, EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.’” Matthew 21:4-5

This King came to them in gentleness, surprising the people. Even though you and I aren't kings, I think we can surprise people by interacting with them in gentleness. Our world now is even harsher than in Jesus' time, especially with all the media and other "substitutes" for human interaction. When we are gentle to those we love and to strangers, we show people the character of Jesus. We have been called to this!

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

As God's chosen people, we have a responsibility to fulfill.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:11-12

How can you treat people today with gentleness?

Who is He in Yonder Stall?
Words by Benjamin Hanby

Who is He in yonder stall
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain
’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?
Who is He the gathering throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules through all the world alone?

Who is He in Yonder Stall?

2011-12-27T08:08:00.003-05:00

He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful. Revelation 17:14

Now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas is (nearly) over, I thought it would be beneficial to spend the next few days thinking about what the birth of Jesus means to us today. Just who is this baby born in a manger? How does His work on earth change who I am? And what is my response?

He is the baby born in a manger in Bethlehem.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Shepherds left their flocks to go see this new baby, the One who was their King!

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.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:8-20

Jesus grew up just like the rest of us - day by day, year by year. The Bible reminds us that He grew physically, mentally AND spiritually.

The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. Luke 2:40

Just a few verses later, God reminds us again.

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52

It's important to remember that Jesus was a man - a human being just like you and me. It's important to keep that in mind when we read about some of His experiences on earth. Before His ministry began, He was baptized, and then He spent 40 days alone in the desert.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. Matthew 4:1-2

Our hymn writer asks "Who is He in deep distress, fasting in the wilderness?" Remember, Jesus is a human man in the desert, having had nothing to eat for 40 days or nights. Deep distress is putting it lightly. But Jesus was obeying His Father - the Bible tells that He was LED UP BY THE SPIRIT into the wilderness. And while He was there, Satan tried to undo Him. But, thanks be to God, He could not be undone!

And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’” Matthew 4:3-4

Do you see how Jesus responded to the devil? By quoting Scripture! And He does it again!

Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written,‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU' and‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’” Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’” Matthew 4:5-7

And again!

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” Matthew 4:8-10

Jesus used the Word of God to defeat the devil; and it worked beautifully. And what sweet relief came His way after Satan departed!

Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. Matthew 4:11

Truly, He is the Lord and the King! We humbly fall at His feet and crown Him Lord of ALL!

What can we learn from Jesus through His experience in the wilderness? It certainly shows me how important the Word of God is, and how critical it is that we hide the Word in our hearts so that we might use it to defeat the wily ways of our enemy, the devil.

God told His chosen people that His words should be ever before them.

You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. Deuteronomy 11:14

When we know God's word, and treasure it in our hearts, it prevents us from sinning!

Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

How?

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

The Word of God has the power to save - and the power to show us our sin. When it dwells in us, we can overcome the devil, bring comfort and encouragement to others as well as strengthen our own faith as we bring His Word to mind.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

Spend some time thinking about how you can you more deeply dwell in the Word of God this year. It might be through focused and regular Bible study or through Scripture memorization. Pray and ask the Lord to guide you and give you the desire to know His Word so that you, like Jesus, can use Scripture every day to grow in wisdom and in the grace of God.

Who is He in Yonder Stall?
Words by Benjamin Hanby

Who is He in yonder stall
At whose feet the shepherds fall?
Who is He in deep distress,
Fasting in the wilderness?

Refrain
’Tis the Lord! O wondrous story!
’Tis the Lord! the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall,
Crown Him! crown Him, Lord of all!

Who is He the people bless
For His words of gentleness?
Who is He to whom they bring
All the sick and sorrowing?

Who is He that stands and weeps
At the grave where Lazarus sleeps?
Who is He the gathering throng
Greet with loud triumphant song?

Lo! at midnight, who is He
Prays in dark Gethsemane?
Who is He on yonder tree
Dies in grief and agony?

Who is He that from the grave
Comes to heal and help and save?
Who is He that from His throne
Rules through all the world alone?

Jerusalem, Lift up Thy Voice!

2011-12-12T20:03:00.003-05:00

Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news. Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; Lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Isaiah 40:9

Can you imagine what it would have been like to live at the time when Jesus was born? You would have seen all the prophecies coming true before your eyes! The King who had been promised to reign over the land with justice and righteousness would be walking among you!

"Behold, the days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; And He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land." Jeremiah 23:5

Can you imagine if you were a Jew in the time of Jesus? They had been waiting and waiting for their Messiah, and here He was! If you were a child, you had heard your parents, grandparents and great grandparents talk about waiting for their deliverer. And what about if you were a Gentile? Jesus came for every tribe and race; He is the Savior of Jews and the Gentiles alike. He was the messenger of truth and grace. Truth and grace were realized through Jesus Christ!

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:14-17

What if you had been waiting to see how God would keep His promise? God had made a covenant to save His people and He kept His word. God kept His promise by sending Jesus to the earth to die for the sins of the world. God sent salvation that blessed Christmas morn.

And it will be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” Isaiah 25:9

If you had lived at that time, I think you would do as the fourth verse of this old Swedish hymn says, "Let all the world with one accord, now hail the coming of the Lord!"

"Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," declares the LORD. Zechariah 2:10

Jerusalem, Lift up Thy Voice!
Words by Johan Wallin

Jerusalem, lift up thy voice!
Daughter of Zion, now rejoice!
Thy King is come, whose mighty hand
Henceforth shall reign o’er every land.

He comes to every tribe and race,
A Messenger of truth and grace:
With peace He comes from Heaven above
On earth to found His realm of love.

In God’s eternal covenant,
He comes for our salvation sent.
The star of hope moves on before,
And hosts assemble to adore.

Let all the world with one accord
Now hail the coming of the Lord:
Praise to the Prince of heavenly birth
Who bringeth peace to all the earth.

Come, You People of the Promise, verse 3

2011-12-11T21:46:00.003-05:00

"I will dwell among the sons of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel.”I Kings 6:13

Oftentimes I meditate on God's plan of redemption for His people, and frankly, I am overwhelmed. Overwhelmed that His plan included sending His Son, fully God and fully man, to live on earth among His people.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

God's incarnation, through Jesus, is a great encouragement to me. Jesus was born as a baby, grew up just like other humans, felt the emotions and faced the temptations that we face. Because of this, He can sympathize with us in our weakness. Our Lord knows what it's like to be "us"!

Isaiah prophesied this thousands of years ago.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 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 9:6-8

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this. Let's think about that phrase. Zeal is fervor or eager desire for a person, cause or object. I think the Lord of hosts' zeal was for His people, in addition to His Son. Through the birth, life, death and resurrection of His Son, God glorified Himself. He had fervor and eager desire for His people to be saved from their sins, and for His Son to accomplish the plan that He had arranged from the beginning of creation.

God sent His Son to give His people peace and to show Himself the God of justice and righteousness. As His people, we have peace knowing that we have been reconciled with God through His Son. We have peace knowing that our God is working all things for our good and His glory. We have peace knowing that our Savior knows us each by name and has a plan for our lives.

Certainly, our tears have been turned to gladness. Jesus Christ has taken our sin on His shoulders and saved us from the wrath of God. The baby born in a manger, born to die, died that we can live forevermore. We, the ransomed of the Lord, can return and come with joy!

And the ransomed of the LORD will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads. They will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10

Dear Father,
Thank you for your plan that sent Your Son to earth to pay for the sins of the world. Thank you that Jesus Christ is our peace, and that because of our redemption, we are counted righteous before You. Help us to to be joyful in our appreciation for Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

Come, You People of the Promise
Words by Joy Patterson

Come, you people of the promise,
Sing for joy! The time is near!
God, the covenant fulfilling,
Soon among us will appear!
As proclaimed in prophet’s story,
Christ will come in humble glory—
God with us, Emmanuel!

Long in darkness we have waited,
Through the shadows made our way,
Gloom and sorrow our companions
As we longed for signs of day—
Great our need for hope and healing,
Some great light our God revealing,
God with us, Emmanuel!

God’s own Son shall dwell among us;
Shadows vanish in that light.
Earth shall know his peace and justice:
Christ who comes shall rule in might.
Let our joy dispel all sadness:
He who comes turns tears to gladness—
God with us, Emmanuel!

Come, You People of the Promise, verse 2

2011-12-06T22:37:00.003-05:00

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2

The Israelites had been walking in darkness for many, many years. God had promised that He would send the Light of the World, which His people desperately needed. I think this hymn writer captures the feelings of the people quite eloquently - "gloom and sorrow our companions as we longed for signs of day."

God hadn't abandoned His people! He hadn't forgotten His promise. The people needed hope and healing. I am sure the people who trusted in God with their whole hearts encouraged each other with passages like this from the Psalmist and prophets:

O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. Psalm 130:7

'For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.' Jeremiah 29:11

This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing,” says the LORD of hosts.
Micah 4:1-3

Their deliverer was coming!

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 1:9

The Light of the World would be sent to dwell among them, God in flesh, God with us, Emmanuel.

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12

Praise God for sending the Light into our world! And ponder, in this Advent season, how His light is shining through you.

Come, You People of the Promise
Words by Joy Patterson

Come, you people of the promise,
Sing for joy! The time is near!
God, the covenant fulfilling,
Soon among us will appear!
As proclaimed in prophet’s story,
Christ will come in humble glory—
God with us, Emmanuel!

Long in darkness we have waited,
Through the shadows made our way,
Gloom and sorrow our companions
As we longed for signs of day—
Great our need for hope and healing,
Some great light our God revealing,
God with us, Emmanuel!

God’s own Son shall dwell among us;
Shadows vanish in that light.
Earth shall know his peace and justice:
Christ who comes shall rule in might.
Let our joy dispel all sadness:
He who comes turns tears to gladness—
God with us, Emmanuel!

Come, You People of the Promise

2011-12-01T19:27:00.002-05:00

In this season of Advent, we remember the people who waited and waited and waited for Jesus' incarnation and we turn our thoughts to His second coming. Sometimes, I feel like we're waiting and waiting and waiting, just like the Israelites before Jesus was born.

This hymn, written in 1994, calls us to think about the Israelites and their waiting, and the promise of Emmanuel, God with us. We'll look at each verse individually as we celebrate His coming and wait for Him to come again.

These people waiting for Jesus were the people of the promise. They were God's chosen people who He had promised to redeem from the time Adam and Eve sinned.

"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15

He made a covenant with His people and they knew He was a God who would keep His word.

“O LORD, the God of Israel, there is no god like You in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing lovingkindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart." II Chronicles 6:14

God would fulfill His covenant by sending a Savior to deliver His people from their sin, once and for all. They had waited for this Messiah from the time He had been promised just after the beginning of creation.

And His coming had been prophesied over and over again.

It will become a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Champion, and He will deliver them. Isaiah 19:20

I think the people of the promise expected their King to come like a King, riding in a chariot, wearing beautiful robes and a jeweled crown. But He came in humble glory: born to a virgin, a helpless baby, both fully God and fully man.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:26-35

God kept His promise to His people. And He will keep His promise to you. Meditate today on God's promises.

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. II Cor. 1:20

Come, You People of the Promise
Words by Joy Patterson

Come, you people of the promise,
Sing for joy! The time is near!
God, the covenant fulfilling,
Soon among us will appear!
As proclaimed in prophet’s story,
Christ will come in humble glory—
God with us, Emmanuel!

Long in darkness we have waited,
Through the shadows made our way,
Gloom and sorrow our companions
As we longed for signs of day—
Great our need for hope and healing,
Some great light our God revealing,
God with us, Emmanuel!

God’s own Son shall dwell among us;
Shadows vanish in that light.
Earth shall know his peace and justice:
Christ who comes shall rule in might.
Let our joy dispel all sadness:
He who comes turns tears to gladness—
God with us, Emmanuel!

Did You Think to Pray? (from the archives)

2011-11-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

Pray without ceasing. I Thess. 5:17

Did You Think to Pray?
Words by Mary A. Kidder

Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?

Refrain
O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.

When you met with great temptation,
Did you think to pray?
By His dying love and merit,
Did you claim the Holy Spirit
As your guide and stay?

When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?

When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was bowed in sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?

As children of God, we have a wonderful privilege – we can go to God directly in prayer, with praise and petition. We also have the promise that Jesus lives to intercede for us (Romans 8, Hebrews 7:25) when we don’t have the words to pray.

Prayer should be a regular and natural part of our life. But as sinful humans, we don’t always commit ourselves to prayer as we should. This hymn reminds us to pray, because prayer makes a difference.

So many times I have caught myself in the midst of worry and have thought, “why am I spending time stewing over this? I should just be praying!” I love how the refrain states it: “O how praying rests the weary.” I know that I often find rest after releasing my burden and giving it to the Lord. That’s what He promises us:

Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. Psalm 55:22

I have found this promise to be true in my life: God has sustained me in a miraculous way when I have cast my burdens on Him. He doesn’t want us to bear them alone. He wants to bear our burden, and encourages us to bring them to Him.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

In addition to finding relief from trials and burdens, this hymn covers many different reasons for praying: to find strength for the day ahead, to be able to resist the temptor’s power, to be guided by the Holy Spirit, to plead for grace and the ability to forgive another. God wants to hear from us in all our situations. And though we may not get the answer right away, we are to keep on praying.

I love this parable that Jesus shared with his followers about prayer:

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:1-8

Our earnest prayer is pleasing to God, and He will not delay long over us! Thanks be to God for the beautiful gift of prayer.

We Have An Anchor (from the archives)

2011-10-20T20:12:00.001-05:00

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil… Hebrews 6:20

This wonderful gospel song really gives a clear picture of what it means to have hope as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast. The writer uses this metaphor in every verse to describe our firm foundation and security in Jesus Christ.

If you’ve ever been in a boat that has an anchor, or you’ve seen one work even in a movie or on TV, you can relate to the word pictures here. An anchor is attached to the boat with very strong ropes or chains, and then let over the side to hold the boat in a particular place. So even a strong wind won’t carry the boat off because it is anchored – in the refrain the writer says we are fastened to the Rock which cannot move! Isn’t that good news??

Webster’s dictionary gives a second definition besides the obvious use for a boat: a reliable or principal support. That is also a great picture of the hope we have in Christ –it’s our principal support!

In verse two we see how we are attached to our anchor – the cables are passed from His heart to mine, and the anchor is well secured by the Savior’s hand, for He upholds all things by the word of His power. (Heb. 1:3)

I love how the author uses this sailing analogy for all it’s worth! Has your anchor been tested when you are in the Straits of Fear? Has God been faithful to you? He has to me. He has shown Himself and His promises to be true. Specifically that

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 43:2-3

Finally we see that there will come a time when all the storms will be in our past – when we are anchored securely in heaven and in God’s presence, having been protected and brought safely through the storms of our lives into our eternal home, the city of gold, the harbor bright.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Phil. 3:20-21

We Have an Anchor
Words by Priscilla J. Owens

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Refrain
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,
For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;
And the cables, passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy that blast, thro’ strength divine.

It will firmly hold in the Straits of Fear—
When the breakers have told that the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.

When our eyes behold through the gath’ring night
The city of gold, our harbor bright,
We shall anchor fast by the heav’nly shore,
With the storms all past forevermore.

The Power of God, verse 10

2011-10-14T15:24:00.002-05:00

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

In our final verse of this great hymn, we find the early church growing and the news of the gospel spreading throughout the Gentile people. Paul has been on several missionary journeys and he and his helpers are preaching the good news and seeing people's lives changed because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

In Acts 16, just prior to the story that's highlighted in this hymn, we find Lydia, a seller of purple fabrics, become the first person in Europe to respond to the Holy Spirit's urging. She and her husband are baptized and invite Paul to come and stay with them.

But as they were walking, they are met by a slave girl who is bringing her masters much money by fortune telling. She harasses Paul, and continues to for several days, until finally Paul commands the evil spirit to leave her. And it does at that very moment.

Well, you can imagine how her masters feel about this - they now have lost all hope of profit because their fortune teller has lost her spirit of divination!

So, they seize Paul and his companions and bring them before the authorities.

But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities, and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.” Acts 16:19-21

Wow. These guys had a way to distract from the real issue didn't they? Well, their approach worked.

The crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. Acts 16:22-24

Not only are they thrown in prison, but first they are stripped and beaten with rods! And they weren't thrown in just the regular prison, but the inner prison where their feet are put in the stocks!

If you've read Paul's epistles a few times, you won't be surprised at his reaction. This is the man who exhorts us to "in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:18). And that's just what he does.

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

As our hymnwriter says, Paul and Silas knew the way to pray. God heard, and His power was mightily on display.

And suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Acts 6:26

Can you imagine? What if you had been a fellow prisoner there that night? All the doors open and your chains fall off! What would you do? What if you were in charge of all those prisoners and you found the prison doors open and you saw prisoners free from their chains?

When the jailer awoke and saw the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. Acts 16:27

This jailer knew he was in trouble. He was ready to kill himself, since he thought all the prisoners had escaped on his watch. (Well, technically, he wasn't watching very well since he had been asleep! But he knew he was responsible for these prisoners and he thought he had lost them all once the doors opened.) But Paul saves him from committing suicide.

But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” Acts 16:28

Now remember, it's just after midnight, so it's dark out. The jailer couldn't see that all the prisoners were STILL IN THE JAIL!!!

The fact that they were all there made an incredible impression on this man, and he immediately sought out Paul and Silas and inquired on how to be saved.

And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:29-30

Paul shared the gospel with the jailer, and his whole household, who were immediately baptized!

They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household. Acts 16:31-34

Wow, the power of God is just all over this story! First, His power commands the evil spirit out of the fortune teller. Then he protects Paul and Silas in jail, even giving them hope, as they sing praises to Him in the midst of their situation. He causes an earthquake to open the door of the jail and to unleash the chains. And I would venture to say that it is His power that keeps all the prisoners in the jail; not one of them escaped! (I can understand that Paul and Silas would not escape, but the others - not so much!) The power of His gospel is shared with the jailer and he and his entire family become believers and are baptized.

That power is at work in our world today, friends! Call on the name of Jesus and see how He works through your life and your situations. If you are bound by chains in a prison - whether it's a situation you find hopeless, a sin you can't get free from - pray and sing praises, just like Paul did. Ask for His power to open the doors and unlock the chains. Keep your eyes on Jesus and the power of His gospel. And see how many people will be changed because of your faithfulness. Just like Paul and the jailer, your faith may influence others who will want to be saved by seeing the powerful work of your God.

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They failed to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 9

2011-10-08T10:26:00.004-05:00

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7

I've been reading through the gospels in the last few days and have been reminded of the power of God that was on display when Jesus walked this earth. So far, we've seen God's power all throughout the Old Testament stories, and now, He sends His Son to live among His people and save them from their sin, once and for all.

God sent His son to be born just like all other humans; except that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit! Now that's power.

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38

Jesus was born, and was raised as a child by his parents, just like most children. But it was clear that He was different.

Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:41-52

Even though He was God, He continued to live in subjection to His earthly parents, and as He grew, He increased in wisdom and stature. When He began His ministry, at about 30 years old, He immediately became known for His power to cleanse and heal.

Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them.
Matthew 4:23-24

The ultimate healing came when Jesus paid the price for sin by dying on the cross. He did what God had sent Him to do - to save people, healing them from their sin-sick condition. This is what the angel told Joseph, when He explained to him why and how his fiance would now be pregnant!

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 1:20-21

Not only is Jesus our Savior, but He is our friend. Because He experienced life on earth as a human, the Bible tells us that there's nothing we experience that He didn't already feel for us. So He can identify with our burdens and our suffering, and sympathize with us in our weakness. Our God knows us, and knows what we feel! That's power!

Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus not only sympathizes with us and feels our sorrow, but He invites us to share our burden with Him. He promises rest when we come to Him. Since His yoke is easy, He will bear our burden for us.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

God's power was manifest through Jesus here on earth, and it is the same power at work in our lives today. We only have to recognize it, call on it, and rely on it to see the evidence of God and His healing, saving, sympathizing power!

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They failed to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 8

2011-09-23T07:37:00.001-05:00

Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11

Our hymn takes an interesting turn in this verse. So far, we've basically seen God's power at work in miracles - Abraham gets a son in his old age, water comes from a rock, a young boy beats a giant, a whale swallows a disobedient prophet then coughs him back up. We don't see a miracle in our story today - if you think about it in those terms. But we're getting ready to see God's power at work as we have never seen it before. As the story continues to unfold, it points increasingly to a Redeemer who will deliver God's people once and for all.

God sent Malachi to the Israelites to call them to repentance. The people and the priests had forgotten the reason God had given them rules for the temple and for their behavior.

"Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.'" Leviticus 19:2

They had become mechanical in their observances (not unlike a lot of people today!).

So God calls Malachi to reach the people and shake them from their complacency. Malachi uses questions to make the people think about their behavior and why God was unhappy with them. (If you've never read Malachi, please stop here and go read it! It's only 4 chapters, so it won't take long!)

Malachi first reminds the people that God loves them, and questions why they don't respect Him. Of course, they respond "how have we not respected you?" Malachi reminds them that their sacrifices have been defiled. They have been instructed to offer clean, spotless animals without defect but instead they are bringing animals that are blind, crippled and diseased. The Lord points out that even the governor wouldn't be happy with that kind of sacrifice, if it was offered to him. They want God's favor, but they are not treating Him with respect and honor.

“Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you,” says the LORD of hosts, “nor will I accept an offering from you. For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of hosts. “But you are profaning it, in that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised.’ You also say, ‘My, how tiresome it is!’ And you disdainfully sniff at it,” says the LORD of hosts, “and you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?” says the LORD. “But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord, for I am a great King,” says the LORD of hosts, “and My name is feared among the nations.” Malachi 1:10-14

The Lord is worthy of honor and the people and priests, by their actions, are saying "It's too hard to serve the Lord."

Malachi gives a warning to the priests (the ones who make the sacrifices for the people). The Lord will curse the Levites (the priests) and curse their blessing and punish their descendants if they continue in their wicked ways. He reminds them that God made a covenant with the Levites to bring life and peace, and that they are to pass on to the people God's instructions and truth. They once did revere Him, and lived lives of righteousness, even turning others from their sin. But not anymore.

"For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of hosts. So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction." Malachi 2:7-9

Next Malachi calls the people to faithfulness. He reminds them that they are all children of one Father, and because of that, they should not be betraying the covenant made with their ancestors. The people weep because God does not accept their offerings, but they are living contrary to His commands. They think that those who are doing evil should be blessed by the Lord, and then wonder "where is the God of justice?" (I don't know about you, but this is looking more and more like the time we live in!)

And then God tells them of His plan to send a Deliverer.

“Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:1

Oh, this must have given the Israelites such hope! He is coming! But look what happens when He comes...

“But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:2-5

And then God offers a reminder of His covenant to the people and why He hasn't already destroyed them, and what they can do to be restored.

“For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:6-7

Return to Me! Of course, the people ask how do they return. And Malachi tells them to stop cheating God - to bring all the tithes and offerings in to the storehouse as they were commanded. He tells them to stop talking arrogantly against God, thinking they know better than Him how they should behave.

Well, the people listened. And those that repented wrote their names in a book of remembrance.

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him. Malachi 3:16-18

The Lord reminds the people that the judgment day is coming, but that there is hope for those who fear His name.

"But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall." Malachi 4:2

God has called us to live lives of holiness, because He is holy. And we can only do it through Jesus Christ, our righteousness. Through Malachi, God has prepared the people for their Deliverer who will reconcile people to God through His death on a cross.

We're living under a New Covenant now, but that doesn't change the fact that God has still called us to obedience and reverence of His Holy Name. The story of Malachi and the Israelites and their cheating of God and neglecting true worship calls me to a closer obedience and to pray that God would send a revival among His followers today; that we might be called to holier living in our sinful generation so that others would see His power and fear His name.

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They failed to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 7

2011-09-17T08:07:00.004-05:00

Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD, Who greatly delights in His commandments. Psalm 112:1

In our story today, the power of God is on display in a way probably none of us could ever imagine if it weren't written down for us in the Bible. Most of us have heard this story time and time again as we grew up in Sunday School, and I think it has a special appeal to children because of the drama of it all - a big fish swallows a man! But even for adults, there's a lot to learn from this story of a man who didn't obey God and instead did what he wanted to do. Let's take a closer look at Jonah.

Jonah was a prophet from a land near Nazareth. As our story opens, God tells Jonah to go to Ninevah. He wants Jonah to tell the Ninevites about His coming judgment because the people are evil and engaged in wicked practices.

But Jonah had another idea. Instead of obeying God, he did what he wanted to do.

But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to Tarshish. Jonah 1:3

When I read this now, it's almost comical! Jonah was hoping to escape from the Lord by sailing to the southern part of Spain, near Gibraltar. Escape from the Lord? We know what the Bible tells us about that...

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,” even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. Psalm 139:7-12

Well, the Lord knew exactly where Jonah was, and He reminded Jonah who was in charge. He sent a big storm, and violent winds, so that the ship that Jonah got on, headed to Tarshish, was in danger of breaking apart. The men who were on the ship were frantic; they were crying out, each to his own god, and they were even throwing the cargo over the side to lighten the load. And where was Jonah in all of this? He was down in the ship's hold, taking a nap.

The captain thought Jonah should be awakened so he could call on his god. (Obviously the other tactics have not worked!)

So the captain approached him and said, “How is it that you are sleeping? Get up, call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish.” Jonah 1:6

The sailors had an idea of how to assign blame - they would cast lots to find out whose fault this was. Well they did, and Jonah lost.

Then they said to him, “Tell us, now! On whose account has this calamity struck us? What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” He said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.” Jonah 1:8-9

I don't know about you, but I'm sort of surprised at Jonah's honesty to the sailors. He says he fears the Lord God of heaven but yet he didn't obey Him and go to Ninevah. The sailors now know exactly why their ship is in peril and they are furious!

Then the men became extremely frightened and they said to him, “How could you do this?” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them. Jonah 1:10

Even though these men weren't followers of the Lord, they had a healthy appreciation for Him - they knew His power because they had experienced it out there on the sea! Now they needed to know how to please God so that the storm would stop and they would be safe.

So they said to him, “What should we do to you that the sea may become calm for us?”—for the sea was becoming increasingly stormy. He said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, for I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.” Jonah 1:11-12

Well, the sailors didn't like that idea so they tried to fix it themselves by rowing back to land. But the sea became even stormier. So they cried out to God, and then threw Jonah overboard.

Then they called on the LORD and said, “We earnestly pray, O LORD, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life and do not put innocent blood on us; for You, O LORD, have done as You have pleased.” So they picked up Jonah, threw him into the sea, and the sea stopped its raging. Jonah 1:14-15

The sea stopped raging. Raging one minute, quiet the next. That is the power of God. The sailors knew that it was nothing but the power of God, and they were awestruck by it. They offered the Lord a sacrifice and vowed to serve Him only.

And what happened to Jonah, who they threw overboard?

And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 1:17

The Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah! His power continues to be on display. God kept Jonah inside that fish for three days and three nights. For me, it's extremely hard to imagine what that would be like - besides the tossing around in the sea as the animal moves, there's the disgust of being inside a fish's stomach! Eww! But God used this experience to move Jonah and to teach him. And it worked. Jonah cried out to God from the belly of the fish, and prayed:

“I called out of my distress to the LORD, and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. For You had cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current engulfed me. All Your breakers and billows passed over me. So I said, ‘I have been expelled from Your sight. Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ Water encompassed me to the point of death. The great deep engulfed me, weeds were wrapped around my head. I descended to the roots of the mountains. The earth with its bars was around me forever, but You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. While I was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to You, into Your holy temple. Those who regard vain idols forsake their faithfulness, but I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the LORD.” Jonah 2:2-9

We see that Jonah is truly repentant, and God heard him. God's power is on display again: He commands the fish, and it vomits Jonah up onto the dry land. (Don't even get me started about what that would be like...)

Jonah's back on dry land, and the Lord tells him again to go to Ninevah. This time Jonah listens, and starts walking. He gets to Ninevah and starts preaching in the streets that God will destroy them in 40 days if they don't repent.

The people believed Jonah, and responded.

Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them.
Jonah 3:5

Even the king repented, and called his people to repentance.

When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes. He issued a proclamation and it said, “In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water. But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.” Jonah 3:6-9

God's power is on display again; He turned he heart of the king and brought Him to repentance.

The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1

God was pleased with the people of Ninevah for their repentance. So He did not destroy them as He said He would.

When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it. Jonah 3:10

God saved the people, because they listened to Jonah and turned away from their wickedness. But He wasn't done with Jonah. Jonah still had some learning to do about God and His power.

The Ninevites were Israel's enemy, and Jonah was not pleased that God spared their lives. These were wicked people, and Jonah was angry - he even told God, "I knew this would happen!"

He prayed to the LORD and said, “Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.” Jonah 4:2-3

Jonah was angry because as a prophet, he had predicted Ninevah's destruction, and told them so. God called the people to Himself, and spared them, so Jonah has a pity party. God still has something to teach Jonah.

Jonah went to the outskirts of the city to watch what would happen. He built a little shelter but it was still very hot. So God made a plant to instantly grow up out of the ground and provide shade and comfort for Jonah. (Power!) The Bible tells us that Jonah was happy about the plant. And here comes God's power to teach Jonah about God's lovingkindness...

But God appointed a worm when dawn came the next day and it attacked the plant and it withered. When the sun came up God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah’s head so that he became faint and begged with all his soul to die, saying, “Death is better to me than life.” Jonah 4:7-8

God uses this opportunity to show Jonah what he's missing.

Then God said to Jonah, “Do you have good reason to be angry about the plant?” And he said, “I have good reason to be angry, even to death.” Then the LORD said, “You had compassion on the plant for which you did not work and which you did not cause to grow, which came up overnight and perished overnight. Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?” Jonah 4:9-11

God used this plant as an object lesson for Jonah. Jonah didn't put the plant there, yet he feels sorry for it and has compassion for it. God, the creator of heaven and earth, and the creator of the people of Ninevah, sees a great city living in spiritual darkness. He has compassion on them and sends them a prophet to call them to repentance.

The story ends right there, so we don't know Jonah's response! What we do know is that God's power was manifest in Jonah and in the people of Ninevah. We learn that there are consequences for our disobedience. You and I probably won't be swallowed by a fish when we disobey, but God uses other things in our life to show us our error, so that we will call out with Jonah, "Salvation is from the Lord!"

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They filled to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 6

2011-09-10T08:00:00.004-05:00

O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. I cried out to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. Arise, O Lord! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! Victory comes from you, O Lord. May you bless your people. Psalm 3

You might not have been familiar with the story of Namaan, but I bet you know this one! The Israelites are at war with the Philistines and they are facing each other on opposite hills with a valley in between. One day, Goliath comes out of the ranks of the Philistines to challenge Israel.

Goliath was no ordinary man.

Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. I Samuel 17:4-7

Goliath was a champion from the region of Gath and he was over nine feet tall! In addition to his imposing height, he was all decked out in heavy armor. He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed 15 pounds. As if that wasn't enough, he had an armor bearer who walked ahead of him carrying a shield!

Goliath didn't come out of the ranks just to stand there. He had something to say. He had a challenge for the Israelites.

He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, “Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.” I Samuel 17:8-10

Goliath didn't just come out and challenge the Israelites once. He did this same routine, every morning and every evening, for 40 days!

It appears that Goliath's ego is as big as his armor. He obviously doesn't think there's a worthy opponent among Saul's army. They don't think so either! Look at their response:

When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. I Samuel 17:11

Clearly, they couldn't see the plan that God had for them, to rescue them and save them from their enemy. His power is like that sometimes - even though we don't see it, He is at work, putting all the pieces in place so that His will is accomplished and He is glorified. We see part of that plan being hatched in the next part of the story. The Bible tells us about David, the son of Jesse. He was the youngest of Jesse's eight sons, and the three oldest sons were with Saul's camp, fighting against the Philistines. David used to go between the camp and back to his father's in Bethlehem, because he was in charge of tending the flock - he was a shepherd.

David's father was about to send him on an important errand. Jesse knew that the men would need good food, and he also wanted a report on how they were doing. So he sends David out.

Then Jesse said to David his son, “Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves and run to the camp to your brothers. Bring also these ten cuts of cheese to the commander of their thousand, and look into the welfare of your brothers, and bring back news of them. For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.”
I Samuel 17:17-19

David obeyed his father and left early in the morning, taking the supplies as Jesse had requested. When he got to the camp, the army was in battle array shouting the war cry. Israel and the Philistines were ready to fight, army against army.

David ran to the battle line to greet his brothers. (That wouldn't have been my first response! We already see that David is a brave young man!) As David talks with his brothers, Goliath again comes out of the Philistine ranks and challenges the Israelites, just like he had done the previous 40 days. This time, David heard it.

And the Israelites have the same old response. They flee.

When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid. The men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.” I Samuel 17:24-25

But David has a very different reaction. He already knows who Goliath would be fighting against - not man, but the living God!

Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, “Thus it will be done for the man who kills him.” I Samuel 17:26-27

David's brothers thought he was being arrogant and told him he should get back to the sheep and quit trying to barge in on the battle. But David had other plans. He tells Saul not to worry, that he will fight the Philistine.

Saul tells David that he's being ridiculous! Saul tells him that he is just a boy, and Goliath has been a warrior since his youth. This is not an even match! But David knows his capabilities, and more importantly, knows God's power.

But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
I Samuel 17:34-37

David, even though just a boy, clearly has an unshakable faith in his God. And God had been faithful to deliver David before when he was in trouble, so David knew God would do the same thing again.

Saul was persuaded and told David to go ahead. But he made sure David was clothed in armor (Saul's own, in fact) and a bronze helmet. Saul was much bigger than David, so the armor didn't really fit well. David took a few steps and told Saul that he couldn't possible wear the armor since he hadn't tested it. So he took it off! David has another plan.

He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine. I Samuel 17:40

He went down to the valley to approach Goliath with a slingshot and FIVE stones. When Goliath saw David approaching, I think he thought this was some kind of joke. David was a good looking young boy, not protected for battle (at least not with armor) coming to face a giant. Goliath's ego is hard at work again as he taunts David.

The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field." I Samuel 17:43-44

David knows that WHO is fighting for him is much more important than what he is fighting WITH. And so he tells Goliath as much.

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands.” I Samuel 17:45-47

Get ready to see some of God's awesome power on display so that all the earth will know that He is God!

Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. I Samuel 17:48-49

ONE STONE! Slung by a boy into the giant's head. Goliath tumbles to the ground and the Philistines run for cover! "If Israel's God can do this to Goliath, what must He be able to do to us?", they must be thinking.

Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. I Samuel 17:50-51

David was right, God gave the Philistines into Israel's hands - the Philistines couldn't get away fast enough and they lay slain in the hills and valleys for miles and miles.

The men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron. The sons of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camps. Then David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his weapons in his tent.
I Samuel 17:52-54

David knew there was no enemy capable of overpowering the living God. He knew that God's power would deliver him and the Israelites from this bully who had taunted them. He put his trust in God and walked by faith, knowing that God's power would give them victory over the whole Philistine army.

One stone. That's all it took to defeat an egotistical giant who didn't know the power of God. David put his trust and faith in God and relied on His strength, putting himself, a young boy, out on the battle line, alone and without armor.

God delivered David and the Israelistes and He will deliver you too. Trust in His power to defeat the enemies you are facing today. Your enemy may not be a physical giant. Maybe it's Satan taunting you to sin. Call on the living God and trust in His power to deliver you. And when He does, give Him the glory that all the earth may know that He is Lord!

For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. Deut. 20:4

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They filled to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 5

2011-09-04T08:06:00.003-05:00

Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

In our story of God's power today, we meet Naaman. Namaan worked for the King of Aram; he was captain of the king's army. The king admired Naaman very much, because through him, the Lord had given Aram victory, time and time again. But even in his great warrior-state, Naaman was a leper.

At the time of today's story, the Aramean warriors had raided Israel, and one of their captives was a young girl who was given to Naaman's wife as a maid. She knew her master had leprosy, and she knew of someone who could help. So she spoke up.

She said to her mistress, “I wish that my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would cure him of his leprosy.” II Kings 5:3

Well, Naaman was quick to take action on this recommendation, and he went to the king and relayed what the girl said. The king advised him to go, and said he would even send a letter to the king of Israel on Naaman's behalf.

So Namaan went. And he presented the letter from his king to the king of Israel.

He brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, “And now as this letter comes to you, behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may cure him of his leprosy.” When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man is sending word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? But consider now, and see how he is seeking a quarrel against me.” II Kings 5:6-7

Whoa. I am sure that is not the response that Naaman expected. The king knew he couldn't cure Naaman - that power belongs to God. The king thought Naaman had been sent to pick a fight!

When Elisha, God's prophet, heard what happened, he sent word to the king urging him to send Naaman, so that he would know there is a prophet in Israel.

It happened when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent word to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Now let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.” II Kings 5:9

Naaman went to Elisha's house but Elisha didn't even come out! He sent a messenger who told Naaman to wash in the Jordan in order to be cured.

So Naaman came with his horses and his chariots and stood at the doorway of the house of Elisha. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh will be restored to you and you will be clean.” II Kings 5:10

Well that's not what Naaman expected. (Hmmm, recurring theme?)

But Naaman was furious and went away and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.’ Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. II Kings 5:11-12

Naaman thought Elisha should just wave his hands over him while he called on the name of his God. And furthermore, Naaman didn't think the Jordan river had anything special in it. He went away in a rage - and I can just hear him thinking "Who is this Elisha and why did I make this trip for nothing?"

Luckily, Naaman's servants were a little more open to what Elisha had said via his messenger, and they persuaded their master with good logic.

Then his servants came near and spoke to him and said, “My father, had the prophet told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” II Kings 5:14

And now, Naaman's heart and mind were open and he was receptive to what his servants said. He actually listened and then did what they suggested!

So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean. II Kings 5:14

His flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child! Wow! That was a big change from leprosy. And that's the power of God at work.

Naaman thought he knew what the prophet would tell him, so he was surprised when he was told to go wash in the Jordan. Although he originally resisted, he did finally obey and God made him clean.

Isn't that a lot like you and me? We think we know what God wants for us, so we expect something to happen a certain way. When it doesn't, are we like Naaman who went off "in a rage?" When I am "caught off guard" by a message from God, I am thankful for people, like Naaman's servants, who bring a voice of reason back into my thinking and point me back to Jesus.

When we are obedient, God's power is displayed! Today I am asking God to open my mind and my heart to be receptive for His instruction to me and for the guidance and grace to obey the first time!

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They filled to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 4

2011-08-31T13:01:00.002-05:00

With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles. II Chronicles 32:8

We're moving on through the Old Testament, as we continue to see God's power on display on behalf of His people. Today we meet Joshua, who was commanding a large army of "valiant warriors." Joshua and his warriors have had great success in war, and had captured Jericho and Ai and the city's kings. Another nation, Gibeon, had made peace with Israel and they were sharing the land together. Gibeon was a great city, and the Bible tells us its warriors were mighty men.

There were kings of other nations who didn't appreciate Gibeon having made peace with Israel. So they decided to do something about it.

Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron and to Piram king of Jarmuth and to Japhia king of Lachish and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, “Come up to me and help me, and let us attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the sons of Israel.” So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their armies, and camped by Gibeon and fought against it. Joshua 10:3-5

Well the people of Gibeon knew they needed Joshua and his valiant warriors to ward off the Amorites, so they sent word to get him to leave Gilgal and come to help.

Then the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal, saying, “Do not abandon your servants; come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites that live in the hill country have assembled against us.” Joshua 10:6

Joshua responded, and took his people of war. And the Lord spoke to him, promising His deliverance.

So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him and all the valiant warriors. The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you.” Joshua 10:7-8

Well, we know what happens when God gives His word. He keeps it.

So Joshua came upon them suddenly by marching all night from Gilgal. And the LORD confounded them before Israel, and He slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and pursued them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah. As they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, the LORD threw large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; there were more who died from the hailstones than those whom the sons of Israel killed with the sword. Joshua 10:9-11

Not only did God allow for Joshua's army to slaughter many men, but the Lord sent large stones from heaven that killed more people than the sword! "Not one of them shall stand before you," God had promised. And they didn't!

Then Joshua spoke.

Then Joshua spoke to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “O sun, stand still at Gibeon, and O moon in the valley of Aijalon.” So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Joshua 10:12-13

The sun stood still! The moon stopped! Wouldn't that be an amazing thing to witness?? Joshua won the battle; He took the Lord at His word and did not fear his enemy - He let the Lord deal with them, and God's power sent stones from heaven and made the sun and the moon stop in their courses! That is some amazing power.

That power of God is just the same today. At the end of this story, the Bible tells us that "the Lord fought for Israel." What battles do you need the Lord to fight for you? Cry out to Him for help, as David did when he prayed to be rescued from his enemies.

Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Psalm 35:1

You can see God's faithful and powerful hand working throughout the ages, and know that His power at work in Joshua's time is at work in our world today. Cling to His promise:

"They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 1:19

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They filled to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 3

2011-08-19T09:08:00.004-05:00

As for me, I shall call upon God, and the LORD will save me.
Psalm 55:16

Our friends the Israelites have been wandering in the dessert for a while now, and unfortunately, they haven't learned their lesson. God continues to provide for them, guide them, and save them from their enemies. He truly is their deliverer, and not just from Egypt - from every situation they get themselves into! We find them now as they journey through the desert, and the king of Arad rises up against them and takes some of them by force.

When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming by the way of Atharim, then he fought against Israel and took some of them captive. Numbers 21:l

The people respond by promising to destroy this people if God will give them over to them.

So Israel made a vow to the LORD and said, “If You will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.” Numbers 21:2

God answers their cry for help and Israel is victorious.

The LORD heard the voice of Israel and delivered up the Canaanites; then they utterly destroyed them and their cities. Thus the name of the place was called Hormah. Numbers 21:3

But, how soon they forget the promises of God and His faithfulness to them! Our grumblers are back!

Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient because of the journey. The people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food.” Numbers 21:4-5

Remember, this is not the first time that they complained about being delivered from slavery. And God punished them for their sin.

The LORD sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. Numbers 21:6

It didn't take long for the people to realize their transgression, and they ask Moses to get involved.

So the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and you; intercede with the LORD, that He may remove the serpents from us.” And Moses interceded for the people. Numbers 21:7

And once again, the Lord has a plan for saving His people, even when they sinned.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.” And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived.
Numbers 21:9

God displayed His mighty power for the people of Israel once again. It wasn't the first time, and it won't be the last.

The serpent on the standard gave life to those who had sinned against the Lord. We don't need a serpent anymore, because God has provided His own Son to give us life, even in our sinful condition.

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. John 3:14-15

God's power was at work when the Israelites wandered in the desert, and it was at work when Jesus came to Earth to become our salvation. And, His power continues to be on display every day in our world.

God is our Jehovah Rophi - the Lord Your Healer! Just as He healed the Israelites from their sin, He makes us whole through the blood of Jesus Christ. And His magnificent power can heal our physical bodies too. Whatever God has promised, He's able to perform. Hallelujah!

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They filled to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 2

2011-08-15T14:31:00.004-05:00

How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! Again and again they tempted God, and pained the Holy One of Israel. They did not remember His power, the day when He redeemed them from the adversary, when He performed His signs in Egypt and His marvels in the field of Zoan, and turned their rivers to blood, and their streams, they could not drink. He sent among them swarms of flies which devoured them, and frogs which destroyed them. He gave also their crops to the grasshopper and the product of their labor to the locust. He destroyed their vines with hailstones and their sycamore trees with frost. He gave over their cattle also to the hailstones and their herds to bolts of lightning.

He sent upon them His burning anger, fury and indignation and trouble, a band of destroying angels. He leveled a path for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death, but gave over their life to the plague, and smote all the firstborn in Egypt, the first issue of their virility in the tents of Ham.

But He led forth His own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock; He led them safely, so that they did not fear; but the sea engulfed their enemies. Psalm 78:40-53

Now we come to one of the many stories of how God demonstrated His power to Moses and the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert. This story comes pretty early on in their wandering. It was only two chapters earlier that the Israelites sang their song of praise to God for parting the waters of the Red Sea and ensuring their successful "escape" from Egypt. After that, they start their journey, and God displays His power by turning bitter water into sweet. Then He again displays His power by providing them with manna, new each morning, just enough for each family to gather.

But, these Israelites are a people who are quick to forget God's power and provision. They easily become disgruntled with their situation. They've seen God do miracles in front of them, and yet they become unhappy and quarrelsome. Here we see them at it again, as they worry about what they are to drink.

Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the LORD, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. Therefore the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water that we may drink.” Exodus 17:1-2

Moses must have been thinking, "Are you even kidding me? Haven't you seen what the Lord has done?" Even if he was thinking that, he responded less sarcastically.

And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD?” Exodus 17:2

God's chosen people could not take a hint.

But the people thirsted there for water; and they grumbled against Moses and said, “Why, now, have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” Exodus 17:4

Wow, that's pretty dramatic. They complain to Moses that they were rescued from slavery only to die of thirst! Remember, this is early in their wandering, but it seems like Moses is already at his wits' end!

So Moses cried out to the LORD, saying, “What shall I do to this people? A little more and they will stone me.” Exodus 17:5

And, God comes through again with a plan for providing water for the Israelites.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pass before the people and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand your staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink.”
And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. He named the place Massah and Meribah because of the quarrel of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us, or not?” Exodus 17:5-7

God displayed His power again to the Israelites, causing water to come out of the rock. There was nothing powerful, per se, in Moses' staff. The power came from God. God told Moses, "I will stand before you there" - Moses had the power, even if he didn't have the staff. Moses obeyed God and the Lord provided water, even to a grumbling, ungrateful people.

That power that made water come from a rock is still at work in our world today! God's promises are the same to us as they have been for thousands and thousands of years. When we get to our wits' end, we only have to call upon the Lord, and ask that He would reveal His power in us.

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.
Ephesian 1:18-19

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They filled to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God, verse 1

2011-08-12T15:18:00.005-05:00

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

The story of Abraham and His obedience to God is one of my favorites. His story starts in Genesis 11 when he takes his wife and goes with his father and they settle in Haran.

Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife; and they went out together from Ur of the Chaldeans in order to enter the land of Canaan; and they went as far as Haran, and settled there.
Genesis 11:31

Terah dies there, and in the next chapter God tells Abram what he is to do.

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” Genesis 12:1

And Abram does it. Without questioning the Lord, without stopping to ponder the "what ifs," without consulting anyone else, he just does what the Lord said to do.

So Abram went forth as the LORD had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, and all their possessions which they had accumulated, and the persons which they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan; thus they came to the land of Canaan. Genesis 12:4-5

Now, in the next few chapters, Abram makes a few mistakes. One time, he asks his wife to lie and almost loses her to the Egyptians. But God still has great plans for him. He's just been through war, and the Lord appears to him.

After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your reward shall be very great.” Genesis 15:1

Abram is not so sure. He questions God.

Abram said, “O Lord GOD, what will You give me, since I am childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”
Genesis 15:2

Then he gives God the answer!

And Abram said, “Since You have given no offspring to me, one born in my house is my heir.” Genesis 15:3

But God had quite a different plan in mind.

Then behold, the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Genesis 15:4-5

Descendents as many as the stars in the sky??? Wow. I'm sure Abram could hardly wrap his head around that idea. Even if he couldn't fathom it, He believed God. (This next verse is my favorite in the story.)

Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:6

Abram believed. He took God at His word. And Abram was credited with righteousness for believing God. He knew that God had the power to do whatever He said He would do. And even though Isaiah the prophet wasn't born yet, Abram knew this fact to be true: God's words do not return to Him empty - they accomplish what He desires.

God makes a covenant with Abram that night, to seal His promise. But not long after that, Abram's wife grows impatient. She insists that Abram takes her servant as his wife, and encourages him to conceive a child with her that they would then raise as their own. Instead of trusting God completely, they take matters into their own hands. And, it works. Sarai's maid Hagar becomes pregnant, and immediately Sarai regrets her choice. Abram was 86 when his son Ishmael was born. Then 13 years later, the Lord appears to Abram again.

Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” Genesis 17:1-8

God also had something to say about Abraham's wife.

Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Genesis 17:15-16

Abraham seems to have forgotten God's promise from several chapters ago. He laughs! And again he presents God with his own plan.

Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before You!” Genesis 17:17-18

Of course, God had something different in mind. He again promises Abraham a son from Sarah, the son with whom God will establish a covenant for generations. He also promises that He will bless Ishmael.

But God said, “No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this season next year.” Genesis 17:19-21

Later the Lord appears to Abraham again and, again, promises him a son.

Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 18:9-14

Abraham and Sarah were still not sure that God would give them a son - they were preoccupied with their physical ages, instead of God's power! Several chapters later, God demonstrates His power to Abraham and Sarah.

Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. Genesis 21:1

He promised. And He did it.

So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Genesis 21:2-4

Remember Sarah laughing when she heard God say that she would bear a son? Well, who is laughing now? I love her response here.

Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” Genesis 21:5-7

God kept His promise and displayed His power for all to see when He gave Abraham and Sarah a son. Abraham was 100 years old! But remember, nothing is too difficult for Him.

The same power that gave Abraham a son when he was 100 years old is at work today. God keeps His promises! Whatever He promises He's able to perform.

Maybe you can't relate directly to Abraham and Sarah's story. That's ok. There are 9 stories left in this hymn and they all speak to God's amazing power. Open your eyes and your heart and believe; you will see God's power manifest in your life and all around you!

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They filled to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

The Power of God

2011-08-10T20:21:00.002-05:00

Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows lovingkindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. Jeremiah 32:17-18

I've been thinking a lot lately about God's power. I have seen first-hand what He can do and how He shows His power through others. And I can't stop thinking about my niece and nephew singing, with great conviction, "My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's NOTHING my God cannot do." (And, by the way, they are 2 and 4 years old!) NOTHING that he cannot do - that's a lot of power.

This is a wonderful old hymn from 1899 with TEN verses, each one describing a Bible story that showed God's power. And the refrain, sung ten times, carries this potent reminder: God's power is the SAME TODAY. The same power that gave Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age, that gave David the victory over Goliath, the same power that rose Jesus from the dead! - that power is still the same today, and still at work in our world.

So stay with me for the next several weeks as we look at each verse of this wonderful hymn. I know you will be encouraged about God's power through the ages and in our lives.

The Power of God
Words by Frederick A. Graves

When Abraham and Sarah had been promised a son,
They were surprised and knew not what to say;
But they knew what God had promised He was able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Refrain
The pow’r of God is just the same today,
It doesn’t matter what the people say;
Whatever God has promised
He’s able to perform:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses wanted water to quench the people’s thirst,
He knew that God would then provide a way;
Although his rod was useful he had the power first:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Moses made a serpent and placed it on a pole,
The bitten ones were told to look that way,
And then while they were looking Jehovah-rophi made them whole:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Joshua was commander, he spoke—the sun stood still,
The moon its onward course was made to stay;
Thus he won a mighty battle, for he did his Father’s will:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Naaman, the leper, before Elisha stood,
He thought he knew just what the seer would say,
But he had to wash in Jordan, though he thought it wasn’t good:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When David met Goliath he meant to have a fight,
The leaders put the battle in array;
Of course he killed the giant, for he was in the right:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Jonah went to Tarshish to flee away from God,
A mighty fish was waiting for its prey;
It quickly swallowed Jonah, then threw him on the sod:
And the power of God is just the same today.

When Malachi, the prophet, was preaching all abroad,
And cutting like sickle and the scythe;
The people were accursed, for they were robbing God,
They filled to bring the offering and the tithe.

Then came the blessed Savior, with power to cleanse and heal,
To bear my sin and sickness all away;
My burdens, too, He carries, and doth my sorrows feel:
And the power of God is just the same today.

Through Paul and Silas singing and praying in the jail,
For Paul and Silas knew the way to pray;
The prison doors were opened, for locks could not avail,
And the power of God is just the same today.

My Times are in Thy Hand

2011-08-05T21:53:00.002-05:00

I originally wrote about this hymn several years ago as the New Year approached. But lately I find myself singing it often as a reminder. I find encouragement in this hymn that reminds us of God’s sovereignty in our lives. Too often I take my times into my own hands. God has the ultimate plan for my years, my life and everything in it. How comforting to know that we can rest in His care.

My Times are in Thy Hand
Words by William F. Lloyd

My times are in Thy hand;
My God, I wish them there;
My life, my friends, my soul I leave
Entirely to Thy care.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. Psalm 139:7-10

My times are in Thy hand;
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to Thee.

My times are in Thy hand;
Why should I doubt or fear?
My Father’s hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

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

My times are in Thy hand,
Jesus, the crucified!
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

My times are in Thy hand,
I’ll always trust in Thee;
And, after death, at Thy right hand
I shall forever be.

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. John 5:24

God Will Take Care of You (from the archives)

2011-07-29T15:35:00.002-05:00

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

In our lives, it is easy to get caught up in worry – about big things and small, about circumstances in and out of our control. God has promised to take care of us, and to provide for us. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us that we need not spend time and energy worrying!

"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34

Remember the deep, broad, high love of Christ? We can abide in that love and know that we are well cared for through every day, over all the way. There is not anywhere we can go that we will be out of His sight or His hearing – so cast your burdens on Him and He will give you rest.

Even in days of toil we can be assured that God will take care of us. Scripture exhorts us to be steadfast and immovable in our faith and encourages us that our toil is not in vain.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:58

The hymnwriter reminds us that if we face fierce dangers, God will still take care of us – this reminds me of the apostle Paul. Most of us will be fortunate not to have to endure what he did for the gospel:

I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. II Corinthians 11:26-27

Although we may not face those dangers, there will be hard times in our life and we will have to make a choice – trust God, or trust ourselves. Will we be secure in knowing that the Lord will provide, or lean on ourselves and our fleshly desires and impulses to do what we think is best?

Verse three reminds us that all we have to do is ask. So often, I catch myself in this “trap.” Worrying about something and hoping for a particular outcome, and having not prayed about it! When I catch myself and then turn to God in prayer, it is such a relief to cast my burden upon Him and know that my Heavenly Father listens, and cares, about what I’ve brought to Him.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.
I John 3:21-23

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. I John 5:14-15

It doesn’t matter what may come up, or what we will face. God will take care of us. There is nothing that we can face that isn’t common to everyone else, and best of all, there is nothing we could face that Jesus doesn’t understand – we can run to Him for comfort, assurance and strength.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13

Take some time today and think back over the instances in your life when you have seen God’s hand and His care for you personally. Then thank Him and praise Him for His faithfulness and provision.

God Will Take Care of You
Words by Civilla D. Martin

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

Refrain
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

Through days of toil when your heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.

All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.

Standing on the Promises (from the archives)

2011-07-20T10:35:00.002-05:00

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful… Hebrews 10:23

So often in our lives we stand on our own – instead of confidently standing on the promises of God! There is so much in His word that He has promised – and we can be assured that He makes good on His promises. As Paul says in II Cor. 1:20

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

All God’s promises are true, and as this hymnwriter so aptly says, they are promises that cannot fail; by the living Word of God we shall prevail! There is certainly not enough room in this post to go back through the scriptures and point out all the promises that God made and kept for His people. I would encourage you to read through Genesis, just the beginning of the story! – and see for yourself – promises such as providing a child for Sarah in her old age, a nation for Abraham, Canaan (the promised land) for Israel, etc.

Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45

Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant.
I Kings 8:56

Of course, the greatest promise of all was realized when God sent Jesus to earth to become sin on our behalf, to redeem our fallen race and secure our home in heaven. God gives us a glimpse of this promise in Genesis 3:15 when He tells Satan the consequences of His deception:

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.

In many different passages in the Old Testament we see the promise of a Redeemer. Isaiah 9 foretells the birth and reign of our Prince of Peace and Isaiah 53 fortells His death for our transgressions. In Acts 13, Paul preaches a sermon demonstrating how God kept His promises to the Israelites in leading them to Canaan, and ultimately providing Jesus, the Savior.

From the descendants of this man [David], according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus (v. 23)… Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses. (v 38-39)

This is what the hymnwriter is echoing in his words: perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me; standing in the liberty where Christ makes free. Christ has set us free from sin, free from the law which could never make us perfect. Hallelujah! We can stand on that promise! And when we do, we cannot fall. As children of God, we are forever His. As Peter and John remind us, He has gone before us to prepare an eternal home for us – what a promise!

But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:13

This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life.
I John 2:25

What promises are you standing on today? I hope you will choose to stand on God’s promises – promises that cannot fail, that stand the test of time, that will hold you up and bring you into fellowship with God.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. II Corinthians 7:1

Standing on the Promises
Words and Music by R. Kelso Carter

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

One Day, verse 5

2011-07-16T20:46:00.003-05:00

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:23

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine

Here we are at the end of the story, the part we're all looking forward to. One day Jesus will come back to take those who have professed faith in Him to heaven. He promised us this when He was here on Earth.

In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

After Jesus ascended into heaven, while the disciples gazed longingly into the sky, two angels appeared and reminded them that Jesus would be back!

They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11

He will be back! In that day, in a twinkling of an eye, the trumpet will sound!

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. I Corinthians 15:51-52

The skies will shine with His glory!

But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Matthew 24:29-31

His angels will gather His elect, first those who have already died, then the rest who are still alive.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
I Thessalonians 14:16-17

And so we shall always be with the Lord. Hallelujah!

Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine! Is He yours? If not, trust in Jesus. And let your faith find a resting place.

One Day
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!

Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!

One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

One Day, verse 4

2011-07-10T06:27:00.003-05:00

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. I Corinthians 15:20-22

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

Can you imagine what it must have been like for Mary Magdalene and the other Mary when they went to Jesus' grave, expecting to anoint His body with spices, and instead finding that He wasn't there?

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:1-7

Really, they shouldn't have been surprised. He was risen, JUST AS HE SAID. He had foretold this but they didn't believe Him.

The grave could not conceal our Lord! It was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know—this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." Acts 2:22-24

Through His resurrection, He conquered death, once and for all; death is no longer master over Him, and best of all, when we follow Him by faith, it's not master over us!

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Romans 6:8-10

Now, since He conquered death and rose from the grave, He has ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of our Father.

So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. Mark 16:19

He is my Lord evermore!

;One Day
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!

Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!

One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

One Day, verse 3

2011-07-07T12:38:00.001-05:00

I really appreciate the different styles and approaches of the four gospel writers. As we look from their vantage point into the crucifixion and the days following, we get a slightly different "take" from each of them, and we learn something new by reading the others' versions.

I believe that this really lends authenticity to the story. If I, along with 3 friends, each witnessed an event, and we all wrote our stories down, each of us would remember different things and focus on different elements.

What is clear from all the stories is that Jesus died. His body was given to Joseph of Arimathea who wrapped Jesus in cloths and placed Him in a tomb. There was an urgency to this: they had to get that part done, because the Sabbath was coming.

John provides us this important detail for the story: Jesus was laid in a NEW tomb, one that hadn't been used before.

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38-42

Luke provides us with more color commentary: the women went with to the tomb and saw how His body was laid in it. (They were eyewitnesses that He was dead and buried.) Luke also tells us that they rested on the Sabbath, which was their custom.

And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man(he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God; this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain. It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. Luke 23:50-56

I think the resting on the Sabbath is an interesting part of this story because if it were me, I wouldn't have wanted to rest. If my King had just been killed, I would want to call a meeting and figure out what we were going to do about this! If I, like the disciples and women, did not realize that Jesus was going to rise again (even though He foretold it!), I would want to get on with the business of "electing" a new leader! Resting would be about the last thing on my mind. But, they rested, according to the commandment. These were religious people who followed the law.

Mark gives us an important detail about another player in the story, Pilate. When Joseph asked for the body of Jesus, Pilate first wanted to make sure He was dead! Mark also tells us that Joseph made the tomb secure by rolling a stone in front of it.

When evening had already come, because it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead. And ascertaining this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were looking on to see where He was laid. Mark 15:42-47

Matthew has some more important information about the sealing of the grave. It seems that the Pharisees implored Pilate to make the grave secure. They knew that Jesus had foretold His own resurrection. Although they didn't believe His words, they thought the disciples would pull a few tricks and steal the body, claiming that He was alive. I find it interesting that just like before Jesus was crucified (Matt. 27:24), Pilate sort of washes his hands of the whole affair. The Pharisees asked Pilate to give orders for the grave to be made secure, but instead, Pilate says, "Do it yourselves."

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave. Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.' Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.” And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone. Matthew 27:57-66

Jesus died and was buried. He rested from the suffering He endured on the cross. He fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:

“BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN; MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL-PLEASED; I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM, AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES. HE WILL NOT QUARREL, NOR CRY OUT; NOR WILL ANYONE HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS. A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY. AND IN HIS NAME THE GENTILES WILL HOPE.” Matthew 12:18-21

In His name, we do have hope! He is the hope of the hopeless, my Savior!

One Day
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!

Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!

One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

One Day, verse 2

2011-07-04T10:09:00.003-05:00

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 2:23

As I was meditating on this Independence Day and thanking God for the freedoms we have in this nation, I was also reminded of the freedom that we have in Christ. Jesus bore my sin on the cross so that I would be FREE from a life of sin resulting in death, and instead, I would be FREE to live a life of righteousness. It was Jesus, in His humble obedience to the Father, that made this possible. As we look at the second verse of this hymn, we see the price He paid to make our freedom available - it was His life.

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!

You probably know this part of the story well, but I think it is valuable to stop and reflect on what it meant for Jesus to go to the cross, and what He suffered on our behalf.

Pilate gave the people several opportunities to change their mind about putting Jesus to death, but they never did. He was led up Calvary's mountain and put on a cross and crucified.

There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Luke 23:32

So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified. They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. John 19:16-18

Jesus suffered - bearing the sin of the world was not the only anguish - it was that His own friends, family and people rejected Him. The prophet Isaiah foretold this long before Jesus was even born.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:3-4

Jesus Himself knew that this would happen and told the disciples so.

But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.” Luke 9:21-22

"Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’?” Mark 12:10 (A prophecy from Psalm 118)

He was rejected. The man who God had sent to fulfill His plan for the redemption of His people was rejected by the very people He came to save! Have you been hurt by colleagues, friends or family? Do you know the sting of rejection? Be encouraged that Jesus felt this too, and because of that you can run to Him to receive comfort and strength. He can sympathize, because He's experienced the same pain.

He bore our sins on the cross so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. Celebrate that freedom today!

One Day
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!

Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!

One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

One Day (refrain)

2011-07-01T08:18:00.002-05:00

It's hard for me to write about the verses of this hymn without launching right into the refrain - in my head they just go together! And after every verse we have this wonderful reminder:

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!

So today we'll look at the refrain and the encouraging message of Christ's life, death, burial, resurrection and return.

Jesus came to earth as a man to live among men. He was the human manifestation of God's love and showed His love for us by being obedient to His Father.

Now before the Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. John 13:1

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

Jesus was sent to earth to save us from our sins.

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 1:20-21

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:17

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

His death on the cross paid the price for our sin, and saves us from the wrath of God.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5:8-10

Just like other men, Jesus died and then was buried.

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried... I Corinthians 15:3

But unlike other men, Jesus rose again! God, satisfied with Jesus' work on the cross, raised Him from the dead!

When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:29-31

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. I Corinthians 15:20

Jesus took on my sin and died the death that I deserved. He took my place. And because of His humble obedience in becoming the Lamb of God, I have been justified through God's grace. This means that when God looks at me, He doesn't see my sinful nature, instead He sees Jesus' righteousness!

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26

That's an amazing truth - and in response I give all the praise and glory to God for His redemptive plan that has saved me and justified me. But wait, there's more! One day He's coming!

In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

O Glorious Day!

One Day
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!

Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!

One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

One Day

2011-06-27T15:45:00.005-05:00

I have to admit that I love it when great, old hymns get a lot of attention because they're "covered" by a contemporary Christian band. In this case, we have Casting Crowns to thank. Their version of this hymn, in a new tune setting, is called Glorious Day. But it's not a "new" song, it was first published 100 years ago, in 1911. New or old, traditional tune or contemporary version, this great hymn tells the gospel story. And it's something that is good to be reminded of, even though we think we know it well. It is encouraging to sing these words and to remember the promise that one day He's coming - indeed, what a glorious day it will be!

We'll look at this hymn verse by verse over the coming days, spending thoughtful time considering the scriptural truths so that we don't miss anything that the Lord has for us.

The first two lines of this hymn really get me thinking, and really make me thankful. Jesus left His home in heaven, where everyone and everything was praising and adoring and worshiping Him, to come to earth, which was the most sin-filled place in the galaxy! The world was dark in sin - it was as black as it could be.

But God gave us hope - hope in the person of Jesus Christ who is the light of the world.

"I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."John 8:12

He left heaven to become a human and live here on earth among us.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Because He has lived among us, He has experienced everything that we will face. That is incredibly encouraging to me! Christ is our example. We are to live as He lived, just as He taught us. Jesus Himself tells us that He is our example, and the scriptures are full of exhortation to us, instructing us how to live in light of the example Jesus set for us.

If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. John 13:14-16

When we see Christ as our example, and we know His suffering, we will not grow weary in enduring what He sets before us. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we see the result of His obedience to God. He has sat down at His right hand! He endured the cross and what a great reward! When I consider that, it keeps me from losing heart.

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and 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 2:21-24

Peter reminds us that God has called us to this purpose - to follow the example of Christ who suffered for us. If you are suffering, keep your eyes on Jesus! And entrust yourself to the one who judges righteously.

Dear God, I thank you for sending Jesus and I thank you that He is my example. Help me to keep my eyes on You and my hope fixed on the glory that is to be revealed when Jesus comes again. Thank You that because of Jesus' sacrifice, I am dead to sin and alive to righteousness! In Your name, Amen.

One Day
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!

Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!

One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!

How Firm a Foundation (from the archives)

2011-06-18T10:56:00.002-05:00

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16-17

As Christians, those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to be different from the world – to live differently, to be holy as God is holy. How do we do this? And how do we know what to do? God has provided for us by leaving us His word, the Bible.

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

In the first verse of this well-known hymn, we are reminded that God has laid the foundation for our faith in His excellent word. In subsequent verses, the hymn tells of the promises God has given us in the Scriptures.

Verse 2 is not included in the “standard” version of this hymn printed in many hymnals, but it gives us a wonderful picture of God’s provision for His children. He will give us strength for whatever our current situation demands.

Paul encourages the Philippians that my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (4:19) God will supply all your needs -including strength, God-given strength, to face each day and each situation.

This is a common theme for Paul. In letters to both the Ephesians and the Colossians, Paul prays that God would grant His people strength.

…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12

In verse 3 we are reminded that God will not forsake us – he will help us and hold us in his omnipotent hand. Since I’ve written on that theme for many previous posts, we’ll move on to verses 4 and 5.

These verses remind us that life will not be easy – we will go through the deep waters and our pathways will lead to fiery trials. Notice the author’s writing of verse 4 – “When through the deep waters I call thee to go” - Sometimes we take ourselves through the deep waters, but oftentimes, God leads us there. Not because it’s fun, but rather, for our continuing sanctification. It’s in these deep waters that we draw near to God and cling to His promises. It's also through the deep waters that we are changed into the likeness of God’s son. The following passage reminds us that in these times, God is with us!

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

Verse 5 is a picture of the Refiner’s fire. When silver is being refined, it must be held at a certain HOT temperature for a certain amount of time – and during the process, the dross, or the stuff that clouds up the silver – floats to the top and is taken out. The process of purifying is complete when the silversmith sees his own image reflected in the silver.

The silversmith has to be very careful to use the right amount of heat for the right amount of time, so that the silver is perfected. The silversmith must sit and watch, with his eyes fixed on the furnace, for if it goes too long, or gets too hot, the silver will be injured.

This is how God works in us – he uses the fiery trials of our life to refine us – to get rid of the dross, the junk – to make us more perfect and holy. Although it’s usually not pleasant, God knows how hot to make the fire, and how long to keep us in it, so that when we come out, we are more like Jesus and less like our sinful selves – and, since He has his eyes on us the whole time, we know that we will not be injured.

Verse 6 encourages us that when we are old, we will be able to prove his unchangeable love, and verse 7 gives us the assurance us that God will never leave us.

Micah 7:18 tells us that God delights in unchanging love, and the Bible is chock full of examples of His love for His people – love that did not change over time or was not dependent on circumstances. In fact, we know that He loved us so much, that He sent Jesus to die for us, so that we can have eternal life! We can rejoice knowing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

It doesn’t matter what might happen or how we might be shaken – we can rest knowing The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

How Firm a Foundation
Words by John Rippon

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit

2011-06-12T08:34:00.001-05:00

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

Today is Pentecost Sunday, the day we celebrate God sending His Holy Spirit, another helper, to indwell believers. If you've never read the account of Pentecost, I urge you to do so. You can find it in Acts 2.

When I found this hymn by Fanny Crosby, I immediately identified with it. I need the Spirit's divine help and I want to feel His sacred presence. But what does it mean to have the Spirit dwell in us? And what difference does that make in our lives?

The Scripture gives us many promises about the Holy Spirit. As you meditate on these today, take time to thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit and ask God for His grace that you may more fully rely on Him.

The Spirit, our Counselor, guides us in the way we should go.

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10

The Spirit gives us power to be God's witnesses on earth. Jesus promised this to His disciples immediately before He was taken up to heaven.

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:7-9

He prays for us! (I find this one especially encouraging and comforting. When I don't know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for me. And He intercedes according to the will of God.)

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

The Spirit sets us free from sin.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2

He also convicts us of our sin.

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:7-11

And one of my favorites, by His power we abound in hope.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

The Bible has a lot more to say about the Holy Spirit - this just scratches the surface. But my prayer for you today is that you will take some time to meditate on, and rejoice over, the work of the Spirit in your life, and that You will abound in hope as you grow to trust Him more.

Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit
Words by Fanny Crosby

Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
How I need Thy help divine!
In the way of life eternal,
Keep, oh, keep this heart of mine.

Refrain
Dwell in me, oh, dwell in me;
Hear and grant my prayer to Thee;
Spirit, now from Heav’n descending,
Come, oh, come and dwell in me.

Let me feel Thy sacred presence;
Then my faith will ne’er decline;
Comfort Thou and help me onward,
Fill with love this heart of mine.

Round the cross where Thou hast led me,
Let my purest feelings twine;
With the blood from sin that cleansed me,
Seal anew this heart of mine.

Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
Gracious Teacher, Friend divine,
For the home of bliss that waits me
O prepare this heart of mine.

Speak, Lord in the Stillness, part II

2011-06-09T10:16:00.003-05:00

Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Psalm 4:4

Since writing about this last week, I have been thinking more and more about being still before God, and listening for His voice. It's difficult! The busyness of life, the roar of the media, endless interruptions and perennial exhaustion lead us to either drown out His voice with other things, or make us too distracted or tired to really listen. I want to hear Him speak! So I must make the effort (and the time!) to be still before Him and to wait in silence.

This hymn writer knew what it would take: total surrender. All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own. Surrendering, like being still and listening, is difficult - we give up our desires and our plans in order that He would direct us according to His will. But what comfort that surrender brings! For in it, we know that the God of the Universe, our Heavenly Father, is directing our path, giving us strength and showering us with grace - we do not have to do life on our own!

When we are surrendered to Him, we can be open to what He wants to do in us and through us. My prayer is that he would do what the next verse says: fill me with the knowledge of His glorious will, all His good pleasure in my life fulfill. I want to know His will and to do it, and to have His desires for me fulfilled in my life, so that He will receive all the glory.

I love this encouragement that Paul wrote to the Church at Colossae, telling them how he was praying for them - that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will.

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12

When we are filled with the knowledge of His will, we can walk in a manner worthy of Him, pleasing Him, bearing fruit and increasing in the knowledge of Him. That sounds like His good pleasure being fulfilled!

When His good pleasure is fulfilled, our lives reflect His presence. And when others see Him in us, God is glorified. What wonderful "consequences" of being still before our Father and listening for His voice! When we are surrendered, we are open to hearing His voice and can be directed according to His will which leads us to walk in a manner worthy of Him, and live as an example to others bringing Him glory.

This certainly motivates me to be quiet before Him, and to cry out, "Speak, Lord, in the stillness."

Speak, Lord in the Stillness
Words by E. May Grimes

Speak, Lord, in the stillness
While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen,
In expectancy.

Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour,
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feel Thy touch of power.

For the words Thou speakest,
“They are life” indeed;
Living bread from Heaven,
Now my spirit feed!

All to Thee is yielded,
I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender,
I am Thine alone.

Fill me with the knowledge
Of Thy glorious will;
All Thine own good pleasure
In my life fulfill.

Like “a watered garden”
Full of fragrance rare,
Ling’ring in Thy presence
Let my life appear.

Speak, Lord in the Stillness

2011-06-04T14:09:00.003-05:00

My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.
Psalm 62:5

When I was out walking the other day, I saw a car painted to advertise a local church. Their tagline was "Even the silence in our worship is LOUD!" I just hope this congregation is not missing an opportunity to hear God speak in the stillness. Loud and boisterous praise has its place; but so does silence before our Father, and listening for His voice in the stillness.

Thinking about God speaking in the stillness reminds me of one of my favorite stories from the Old Testament, when God called out to Samuel in the night (the stillness!).

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he answered, “I did not call, my son, lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him. So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. I Samuel 3:1-9

The Word from the Lord was rare in those days and visions were infrequent. But God chose to call out to a young boy ministering in the temple. Eli exhorted Samuel to tell the Lord he was listening, and when the Lord called his name again, that's exactly what happened.

Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” I Samuel 3:10

The Lord told Samuel what His plans were against the house of Eli, since Eli's sons were greedy and evil and did not regard God's rules in reference to the temple and the sacrifices. God had already sent a message to Eli that his sons would die because of their disobedience, and that the Lord would raise up a faithful priest to do what is in His heart and His soul (see I Samuel 2).

God's choice was Samuel.

Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. I Samuel 3:19-20

Samuel listened in the stillness, then obeyed God. Do you take adequate time to be still and listen? As this hymn says, I want to listen with expectancy, see His face and feel His power! God speaks words of life, and I need them to fill my spirit.

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. John 6:63

Join me in meditating on the first few verses of this hymn, and contemplating how you can be still and know that He is God. Later, we'll look at the last three verses and think more about what He can accomplish through us when we are alone with Him.

Speak, Lord in the Stillness
Words by E. May Grimes

Speak, Lord, in the stillness
While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen,
In expectancy.

Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour,
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feel Thy touch of power.

For the words Thou speakest,
“They are life” indeed;
Living bread from Heaven,
Now my spirit feed!

All to Thee is yielded,
I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender,
I am Thine alone.

Fill me with the knowledge
Of Thy glorious will;
All Thine own good pleasure
In my life fulfill.

Like “a watered garden”
Full of fragrance rare,
Ling’ring in Thy presence
Let my life appear.

Blessed Savior, Thou Hast Promised

2011-05-24T18:53:00.002-05:00

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Psalm 68:19

Our Savior has promised that He will daily bear our burden - all we have to do is bring it to Him in prayer. This hymn exhorts us to bring everything to the Lord in earnest prayer. One of my favorite stories from the Bible is what happened when Elijah prayed earnestly. James recounts it for us in the New Testament as he reminds us that the effective prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:16-18

Elijah was a man with a nature like OURS - he was just a man. But he prayed earnestly, the Lord listened, and responded. I don't know about you, but this story is so encouraging to me. Are you waiting for an answer from the Lord? Keep praying earnestly!

The great thing is, we won't have to pray earnestly forever. Soon, when we are in glory bright there will be no need for prayer. Instead, we will praise and worship endlessly.

And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! 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 15:3-4

I can hardly wait to sing that song to our Savior in heaven! Until that day, I will continue to carry everything to God in prayer. I've never found a friend so faithful!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Are We Weak and Heavy Laden?

2011-05-16T14:29:00.002-05:00

Our hymn writer continues his use of the "rhetorical" question in this verse, inviting us to contemplate how we are living and behaving in light of our circumstances. I know I often feel weak and heavy laden, and I'm sure if you don't right now, you have in the past, or you will in the future. If you are burdened with a load of care, there is one remedy: take it to the Lord in prayer.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7

You can cast your anxiety onto your Heavenly Father, because He cares for you. He wants to help you bear your burdens.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." Matthew 11:28-29

You can trust in Him at all times and pour out your heart before Him.

Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

Our precious Savior is our refuge! We can run to Him when we need comfort; it is good for us to be near to Him!

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28

When we take refuge in Him we are blessed. When we are in fellowship with Him, we can experience what the Psalmist did - feeling with all our senses that the Lord is good!

O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8

It is especially important for us to take refuge in Him when we are forsaken or despised by those we love here on earth. We can run to Him for refuge, knowing that He has too experienced being despised and forsaken.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Isaiah 53:3

It is such an encouragement to me to know that I am praying to the One who has felt what I am feeling and who has experienced all the things I am going through.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

And it is even more encouraging to remember His promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me.

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

I know Him, and I will put my trust in Him!

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

Sinful people here on Earth will disappoint us and despise us. That's just a fact of life. Even King David experienced that by his own mother and father!

For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up. Psalm 27:10

But King David knew where to turn. He knew that with God, he would not have to be afraid.

He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" Hebrews 13:5-6

He knew that God is His protector and would shield him.

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3

When we run to Him with our cares and burdens, we will be shielded by His arms, and find solace there.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2

And we have a wonderful promise from the One who is our shield.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

Are you weak and heavy laden today? Cast your cares on the One who can lift Your head, feel Your pain, and dry your tears. Take it to the Lord in prayer!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Have We Trials and Temptations?

2011-05-11T09:07:00.002-05:00

As I meditated on the words of this verse of What a Friend we Have in Jesus, I thought that the writer used a compelling technique when he asked questions instead of making statements. And the more I thought about it, I thought he surely must be asking rhetorical questions! Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? Um, YES. In fact, Jesus Himself tells us it will be so!

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! John 16:33

And James tells us that these trials are for our good because through them we grow and are made perfect and complete.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Peter tells us that these trials show the proof of our faith, through which we are saved.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. I Peter 5:6-9

We would do well to heed the advice of this hymn: don't be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer! God knows what is on our hearts and minds, but He wants to hear from His children. When we face trouble, trials or temptation, He wants us to call on Him, and His word tells us He will rescue us and deliver us.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13

The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation.
II Peter 2:9

Truly there is no other friend as faithful as Jesus. He shares with us in our sorrow, for He Himself has experienced it. Because He has felt what we feel, we can go confidently to His throne, bringing our pain and suffering, trials and troubles to Him.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus knows all our weakness, so bring it to Him in prayer! Sometimes when we are going through trials, temptations and troubles, it is difficult to even think about how to pray, or what to pray. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit, who helps my weakness and intercedes on my behalf! And I am even more thankful that He prays for me according to the will of God.

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

When we face trials, temptations and toruble, our fleshly reaction is oftentimes to worry. I take great consolation in Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount when He assures us that He will take care of us.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

When we are seeking His kingdom and His righteousness, we are focused on Him instead of on ourselves. This brings great confidence and comfort as we live this life on earth that is full of troubling distractions.

Finally, I hope you will be as encouraged as I am by what God promises us await us as believers when we persevere through trials: the crown of life and a future in glory that is incomparable to this present time!

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12

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

Have we trials and temptations? YES. Do we have a faithful friend who will comfort, deliver and save us? YES. Bring your sorrow over these troubles to our Lord today - come boldly before His throne of grace and find mercy and grace for your time of need. What a friend!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

2011-05-05T06:16:00.000-05:00

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my groaning. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:1-3

Today is the National Day of Prayer, and I couldn't think of a better way to commemorate it than to focus on this beautiful, old, beloved hymn. Sometimes I have the feeling that this hymn has become "trite" in its over-use in movies or other applications, (can you just hear the old organ in the background?) but this hymn is rich in theology and can make you think if you take the time to focus on the words and their meaning in your life.

Because I don't want it to become trite, we'll spend the next several days looking at this wonderful hymn, verse by verse, and focusing on the wonderful privilege we have of bringing everything to our God in prayer.

Jesus truly is the friend to sinners. He bore all our sin and grief on the cross at Calvary.

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

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 was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5

Jesus, God in flesh, gave Himself for us to pay the price of our sin. He died, was buried, and rose again and now is seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus, one with the Father God, lives to intercede for us, His children.

Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:34

Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25

Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father, who wants to hear from His children! We indeed have a great privelege of bringing everything to God in prayer.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

There are certainly consequences when we don't go to our Heavenly Father in prayer - and they are unnecessary! We forfeit peace, we bear needless pain. When we do follow Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:6, look what happens:

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

God's peace - and look at how it is described - it surpasses all comprehension - will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Now that's something you don't want to miss out on! Our Lord is the God of Peace. And I want His peace guarding my heart so that I can follow His command to live in peace with my brothers. I am only able to do this by carrying everything to God in prayer, and I do indeed count it a privelege! For my Father wants to hear from me, and He delights in my fervent prayer.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Saved by the Blood

2011-05-01T18:25:00.003-05:00

There's a song that we sing at church called "Oh the Blood" - we sang it on Good Friday and we sang it again today. I can't stop singing it, the words and tune just pop into my head most mornings and I can't let it go. ...what a sacrifice, that saved my life, yes the blood, it is my victory!

Jesus' death on the cross - and the blood that ensued - covered my sin. We know that he really did shed blood from the account in the gospel of John.

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:34

It's that blood, drawn from His side, that saves! Hallelujah for redemption so free!

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7

But the story doesn't end with Jesus' death and shed blood that brings us redemption and forgiveness. He conquered the grave and He lives again!

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." Matthew 28:1-7

The blood that Jesus shed for us saves us, and we are also sealed by its power.

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. II Cor. 1:21-22

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14

When we trust in Christ through faith, and accept His free gift of salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to us as a pledge - a promise - that we are God's. Through the blood of Christ we have been redeemed, and we will be redeemed as one of His, to be a part of God's new heaven and new earth.

This blood is life to the soul - truly, it is our victory! Because in my sin, yes even then, Christ shed His blood for me.

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

Jesus' shed blood gives me life - and gives me hope. I have hope because I am His and I know my future is secure with Him. I have been brought near because of His work on my behalf.

Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12-13

Before Jesus, I had no hope! But His blood has brought me near! Talk about a victory! And one that I had no part in - while I was separate from Him, it was Christ and His love for me that offered His life so that I would have life and hope.

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7

My sin is covered by His blood. I am washed, made white as snow, by Christ's sacrifice. His blood is available, even to the vilest of sinners. Every one can know His love, poured out through His blood, and be washed clean. I am so thankful that I will be a part of the story as prophesied in Revelation, and I want you to be part of it, too! If you haven't accepted Jesus' free gift of salvation, if you haven't asked for your sins to be covered by His blood, won't you do so today?

Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:13-20

Saved by the Blood
Words by Fanny Crosby

We’re saved by the blood
That was drawn from the side
Of Jesus our Lord,
When He languished and died.

Refrain
Hallelujah to God,
For redemption so free;
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Dear Savior, to Thee.

O yes, ’tis the blood
Of the Lamb that was slain;
He conquered the grave,
And He liveth again.

We’re saved by the blood;
We are sealed by its power;
’Tis life to the soul,
And is hope every hour.

That blood is a fount
Where the vilest may go
And wash till their souls
Shall be whiter than snow.

We’re saved by the blood,
Hallelujah again;
We’re saved by the blood,
Hallelujah, Amen.

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain (from the archives)

2011-04-26T07:33:00.000-05:00

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
Words by John of Damascus
Translated from Greek to English by John M. Neale

Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth Israel into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke Jacob’s sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.

’Tis the spring of souls today; Christ has burst His prison,
And from three days’ sleep in death as a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying
From His light, to Whom we give laud and praise undying.

Now the queen of seasons, bright with the day of splendor,
With the royal feast of feasts, comes its joy to render;
Comes to glad Jerusalem, who with true affection
Welcomes in unwearied strains Jesus’ resurrection.

Neither might the gates of death, nor the tomb’s dark portal,
Nor the watchers, nor the seal hold Thee as a mortal;
But today amidst the twelve Thou didst stand, bestowing
That Thy peace which evermore passeth human knowing.

“Alleluia!” now we cry to our King immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the bars of the tomb’s dark portal;
“Alleluia!” with the Son, God the Father praising,
“Alleluia!” yet again to the Spirit raising.

I first heard this hymn when we visited Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Our dear friends were ministering there, and I can still hear the sound of the pipe organ playing this beautiful and thought-provoking hymn.

The message of this hymn centers around Jesus’ resurrection. But it is different than traditional Easter hymns in that it hearkens back to the delivery of Israel from Egypt. God’s chosen people had been enslaved for 400 years to Pharoah. God loosed them from the “bitter yoke” that held them, and brought them many years later into the land He had prepared for them, the land He had promised them. They were slaves to Pharoah. God set them free.

“Blessed be the LORD who delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of Pharaoh, and who delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.” Exodus 18:10

Now fast forward thousands of years. Humanity is enslaved to sin. Even the most religious people are bound to so many laws that it’s not humanly possible to keep them all. The people could not work hard enough to save themselves. They were slaves of the devil. But God saved us once and for all through the death and resurrection of His son, who took our sin upon Himself and became the sacrifice. God set us free.

She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

God is indeed our great deliverer.

Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. Romans 7:4-6

Hallelujah, He is Risen!

2011-04-24T07:23:00.001-05:00

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. Matthew 28:1-8

He Is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Today we celebrate the mighty power of God that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Christ conquered death once and for all. God was satisfied with Jesus' sacrifice and so brought Him back to life, to live forever and be seated at His right hand.

Through His sacrifice and resurrection, we are justified. When God looks at me, instead of a sinner, He sees the righteousness of Christ!

Death has now lost its sting forever! Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, we have the hope of everlasting life. If you have trusted Christ as your Savior, you don't need to fear death, because our physical death is only the beginning of our eternal life in heaven with God and Jesus!

Christ is our living Lord AND our coming King! He has told us that He went to prepare a place for us. He has promised that He will return to earth to claim His own.

Celebrate today, that Jesus Christ is risen! Celebrate that He is coming again! Celebrate that through His resurrection, we have eternal life!

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Hallelujah, He is Risen!
Words by Philip Bliss

Hallelujah, He is risen!
Jesus is gone up on high!
Burst the bars of death asunder,
Angels shout and men reply:
He is risen, He is risen,
Living now no more to die.
He is risen, He is risen,
Living now no more to die.

Hallelujah, He is risen!
Our exalted Head to be;
Sends the witness of the Spirit
That our advocate is He:
He is risen, He is risen,
Justified in Him are we.
He is risen, He is risen,
Justified in Him are we.

Hallelujah, He is risen!
Death for aye hath lost his sting,
Christ, Himself the Resurrection,
From the grave His own will bring:
He is risen, He is risen,
Living Lord and coming King.
He is risen, He is risen,
Living Lord and coming King.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 40

2011-04-23T10:38:00.002-05:00

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:1-11

Dear Lord,
How I am so thankful that I have been justified through faith. Because of Jesus' atoning work on the cross, His righteousness is imparted to me, an unrighteous sinner. God, I am overcome with gratitude and humility when I think that You look at me and see Jesus' sacrifice, and not my sin. Jesus, I thank You that my righteousness is all because of Your humble obedience and God's free gift of salvation that You made possibly by Your death on the cross. I thank You that I am no longer under God's wrath, but instead I am saved by Your life. I thank You that I am not separated form You, and I never will be. Lord, I praise You!

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 39

2011-04-22T08:31:00.002-05:00

And when they came to a place called Golgotha, which means Place of a Skull, they gave Him wine to drink mixed with gall; and after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink. And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots. And sitting down, they began to keep watch over Him there. And above His head they put up the charge against Him which read, "THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS." At that time two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and one on the left. And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."

In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'" The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words.

Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, "This man is calling for Elijah." Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink. But the rest of them said, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him."

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.

Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!" Matthew 27:33-54

Dear Jesus,
Truly You are the Son of God! As I read the passages in Your word that detail the day of Your crucifixion, I am struck again by Your humble obedience. Lord, You didn't put up a fight. You willingly took the sins of the world on Your shoulders and died to pay for my redemption. Thank You for being the ransom from heaven. Thank You that my life is secure because "It is finished." Thank You that Your death tore the temple veil in two and I am reconciled with God the Father because of Your work on the cross. Lord, let me never forget the price that was paid for my forgiveness. And let me not take lightly my sin that put You there.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 38

2011-04-21T07:57:00.002-05:00

Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12

Dear Jesus,
I thank You that You interceded for me, one of the transgressors. I thank You that because You poured Yourself to death, I can live. I thank You that You bore my sin on the cross so that I am not separated from God. I thank You for Your fierce love that caused You to sacrifice Yourself on my behalf. I thank You that even though I will never fully understand the enormity of that sacrifice, I am enveloped in Your love and forgiveness.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 37

2011-04-20T14:40:00.002-05:00

But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. Isaiah 53:5-6

Dear Jesus,
I praise You for Your obedience that took You to the cross to be pierced for my transgression, crushed for my iniquity and chastened for my well being. I thank You that because You were scourged, I am healed. Lord, it's almost too much to bear to think that because I went astray, You bore my iniquity. I cannot fathom what it was like to have the weight of the world's sin on Your shoulders, and as I think about what You suffered this week, I am overcome with tears and grief. I am also overcome with thankfulness and praise, and give You all the glory for Your humble obedience in fulfilling God's plan of salvation for His people. I rejoice in Your forgiveness of me, and pray that You would keep me mindful of the price You paid for it.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 36

2011-04-19T09:19:00.002-05:00

Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. John 12:42-43

Dear Lord,
As I read about your last days before the crucifixion, I am struck by these verses. May it not be true of me! I do not want to love the approval of men; Lord, take away my pride and my selfishness and my desire to be praised by men. Replace it with an earnest seeking of You and Your approval, and the singular desire to walk in Your will. Lord, give me the strength and courage to confess Your name in every opportunity and bring glory to You through my testimony.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 35

2011-04-18T07:54:00.002-05:00

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

Dear Lord,
This is my prayer today, not only for myself, but for all those who believe in You and profess You as Savior. Lord, I pray that You would strengthen us with Your power, that same power that raised Jesus from the dead! Lord, Your love for us is so great. Sometimes I don't think I can even understand it. But I pray that You will give us the ability to comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of Your love - a love that indeed surpasses knowledge. May our comprehension of that enable us to love those around us, as You have commanded. Lord, fill us with Your fulness.

For Your glory I ask it,
Amen.

Ride On, Ride On in Majesty! (from the archives)

2011-04-17T07:37:00.000-05:00

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zech. 9:9

Ride On, Ride On, In Majesty!
Words by Henry Milman

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
Hark! all the tribes Hosanna cry;
O Savior meek, pursue Thy road
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die!
O Christ! Thy triumph now begin
Over captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
The winged squadrons of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching sacrifice.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh;
The Father, on His sapphire throne,
Expects His own anointed Son.

Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die;
Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain,
Then take, O God, Thy power, and reign.

As we look forward to Holy Week, I wanted to reflect on Jesus’ last days before His death on the cross. The week before His death, Jesus and His disciples were traveling from Jericho to Jerusalem. As they approached Jerusalem, Jesus sent two disciples to get a donkey and a colt.

"Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord has need of them,' and immediately he will send them." Matthew 21:2-3

The disciples obeyed Jesus, found the donkey and the colt, and untied them to take them to Jesus. Mark tells us that people questioned them, saying,

"What are you doing, untying the colt?" Mark 11:5

The disciples were ready with their answer because Jesus had instructed them.

They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. Mark 11:6

The disciples brought the donkey and colt to Jesus. They also gave Jesus their coats, and Jesus sat on them. The people heard that Jesus was coming and they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. They made a “red carpet” for Jesus by using branches from trees and spreading their coats in the road. And they were praising Him.

The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!" Matthew 21:9

As you might imagine, all this commotion garnered attention and the people in the city wondered what all the excitement was about.

When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?" And the crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee." Matthew 21:10-11

Of course, all this excitement, the “palm branch” parade and the crowds singing Hosanna led to one thing: Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins. This hymnwriter puts it so plainly, “Ride on, ride on in majesty, in lowly pomp ride on TO DIE.”

Jesus knew that His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem was the beginning of the end, so to speak. He knew that by the end of the week, He would be sacrificed for the sins of all mankind, for all time. God’s promise was about to be fulfilled, and man would be reconciled to God through the redemptive work of Jesus!

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God. I Peter 3:18

For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19-20

40 Days of Prayer: Day 34

2011-04-16T08:36:00.002-05:00

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

Dear Lord,
Enlighten the eyes of my heart! Give me eyes to see the hope of Your calling, the riches of Your inheritance in the saints, and the surpassing greatness of Your power. Lord, I thank You that the same strength of Your might that rose Jesus from the dead works these things in me! Lord, let me see Your power at work in my life today. Holy Spirit, show me Your work that I might recognize it and praise You. Jesus, I give You the glory for You are at God's right hand, above every name that is named, not only in this age but in the age to come. To You be all glory and power and dominion forever and ever!

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 33

2011-04-15T07:11:00.002-05:00

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.Galatians 5:22-25

Dear God,
I am so grateful that Your Holy Spirit lives within me. I want to walk by the Spirit, and I want the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in me. Lord, how often I fail in letting the Spirit control me and instead giving in to my fleshly desires and selfishness. Lord, show me how to crucify the flesh with its desires and walk by the Spirit so that all will know that I am Yours.

In Your Name and for Your glory,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 32

2011-04-14T07:47:00.002-05:00

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

Dear Lord,
How I want to be the person described in these verses! Draw me into Your word and write it on my heart. Give me discipline, Lord, to study it and live according to it. I want to be firmly planted, yeilding fruit and not withering! Give me discernment to not walk among the wicked. Let me delight in You only, for Your glory.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 31

2011-04-13T08:36:00.002-05:00

Of old You founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. Even they will perish, but You endure; and all of them will wear out like a garment; like clothing You will change them and they will be changed. But You are the same and Your years will not come to an end. Psalm 102:25-27

Dear God,
I thank and praise You, Creator, for making the earth and heaven. On a sunny spring day like today, I am so grateful for Your work in Creation as I see trees budding, daffodils flowering and hear birds singing. Lord, I am aware that this world will come to an end; it will wear out like a garment. Today I praise You that You endure! You are the same and Your years will never come to an end. I thank You that only You remain, and I give You all the glory that You are immortal and unchanging.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 30

2011-04-12T08:26:00.003-05:00

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. II Corinthians 8:9

Dear Jesus,
Thank You that You gave up Your rich life in heaven to come to earth as a man and become poor. Thank You that through Your poverty, and Your humility, You served and in obedience went to the cross to pay for my sin. Thank You that because of Your sacrifice, I am rich! I praise You that I am rich in Your grace, Your forgiveness, Your lovingkindness and Your righteousness. I thank You that I am rich in that I can look forward to eternal life with You and Your Father in heaven.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 29

2011-04-11T07:45:00.003-05:00

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say,"THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" Hebrews 13:5-6

Dear Lord and Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the amazing promise that You will never desert me or forsake me. I thank You that I need not worry about the future because You have it planned for me, and I need only to trust in Your goodness and faithfulness. I thank You that because You are my helper, I need not be afraid. I thank You that I can be confident in Your promise and that it will sustain me.

In Your Name,
Amen.

Go to Dark Gethsamane (from the archives)

2011-04-10T06:38:00.000-05:00

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." Matt. 26:36

In the last week of Jesus’ life on earth, He had just finished His last Passover, and had instructed His disciples to remember Him by breaking bread together, instituting the Lord’s Supper. Most of us know how the story continues: His disciples went with Him to Gethsemane, and Jesus told them to wait while He went away to pray. During this time, the disciples fall asleep, and Jesus comes and instructs them to watch and pray, so that they will not enter into temptation. But, you guessed it, they fall asleep again. It is here in the Garden of Gethsemane that Jesus prays this specific prayer three times:

My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." Matt. 26:39

I’ve heard some commentaries about the Garden of Gethsemane and how it would have been possible for Jesus to get away from His pursuers at this point. But He didn’t. He knew that God would not take this cup away from Him – as this hymn says, He did not turn away from His grief. He was in conflict, so much so, that as we saw earlier this week, His sweat actually turned to blood. And what did He do? He prayed.

We can learn from Him how to pray when we face the tempter’s power, when we are in conflict, and in grief. Jesus faced all of this that night, and He turned to His Father in prayer. I’ve addressed prayer before in this blog – it is our great privilege to go before our Heavenly Father in prayer – to humbly bow before Him and seek His will – notice that’s what Jesus did. “Not as I will, but as you will.” Sometimes that’s a very difficult prayer to pray. God’s will is not always our will. But God uses our time in prayer and in studying His Word to bend our hearts to His will.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. Col. 4:2

The story goes on: Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, taken before Caiaphas, beaten, questioned by Pilate, and mocked. He was arraigned for a crime He didn’t commit – He took our sin as His own. He suffered for us.

Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. Heb 5:8

Because of His suffering for us, we can learn from Him. We learn to bear the cross. Many of us suffer, in fact, it’s the only thing guaranteed in our lives. Paul encourages us:

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. II Cor. 1:5

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

For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. II Tim. 1:12

We will suffer, no question about it – but our suffering is a time of being made more like Jesus. When we learn to bear the cross, we learn to obey, to be humble, to be selfless, and to trust in the One who healed our wounds through His death. Peter exhorts us that we have been called for this purpose!

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and 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 2:21-24

Our story doesn’t end with Jesus betrayal and arraignment. They hung Him on the cross, and He suffered physical pain and agony for many hours before giving up His spirit. He died.

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:30-34

We learn from Jesus Christ to die. Jesus physically died. And He calls us to die to our fleshly desires, and to live for Him.

Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Gal. 5:24

So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:12-14

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Col. 3:3

Go To Dark Gethsemane
Words by James Montgomery

Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, watch with Him one bitter hour,
Turn not from His griefs away; learn from Jesus Christ to pray.

See Him at the judgment hall, beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall! O the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn from Him to bear the cross.

Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete.
“It is finished!” hear Him cry; learn from Jesus Christ to die.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 28

2011-04-09T08:29:00.003-05:00

How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:9-11

Dear Lord,
Today I am so thankful for Your word. I thank You that You have provided it for us, and in today's world, we have so many different translations and other helps to guide us. I thank You especially for Your Holy Spirit who guides me as I read Your word. I pray that I would treasure Your word in my heart, that I may not sin against You. I want Your word to be a light unto my path, guiding me and directing me. Lord, do not let me wander from Your commandments. Hide Your word in my heart so that I may be encouraged, directed and convicted.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 27

2011-04-08T08:42:00.004-05:00

Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.' And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.

But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back what you owe.' So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, 'Have patience with me and I will repay you.' But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. Then summoning him, his lord said to him, 'You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." Matthew 18:21-35

Dear Lord,
I know what Your word says about forgiveness. Your Holy Spirit convicts me of this truth, and yet I find it hard to let go. Your forgiveness of me is so great, that my only response should be to freely forgive others. There should be no question in my mind or my heart, but I confess that I am a sinner and forgiveness does not always come easily to me. Lord, give me the grace and courage to forgive, just as You have so generously forgiven me. Lord, I ask in Your name that You would not let the enemy get a foothold in this area but that I would forgive joyfully and willingly in Your name and for Your glory.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 26

2011-04-07T07:48:00.003-05:00

But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. I Corinthians 15:20-26

Dear Lord,
Today I thank You for Your plan of salvation, foretold through the ages and still alive today. I thank You that even though our world was full of sin, You sent Your Son so that through man could come the resurrection of the dead. I thank You that in Christ all who have put their faith in You will be made alive. I give You praise and glory that the last enemy that will be abolished is death, and those who have been saved will not be separated from You. I thank You that You reign from Your throne in the heavens and that Jesus is at Your right hand. I thank You that because of Your grace, I have nothing to fear, not even death.

With gratefulness,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 25

2011-04-06T08:03:00.003-05:00

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, that my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psalm 30:11-12

Dear Lord my God,
I will give thanks to You forever for You have turned my mourning into dancing. I thank You for giving me Your joy that my soul can sing praise to You. Today I bring before You those who are mourning, and I ask that You would gird them with gladness and bring them to dancing. Lord, for those who are mourning who don't know You, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would work through their hurt and sadness and that through their mourning, they might come to know You as the great Comforter.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 24

2011-04-05T07:36:00.003-05:00

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

Dear Jesus,
As I think about Your life here on earth there is one adjective that describes it perfectly: humility. Lord, I long to be like You in this way. Humble me Lord, and take away my pride. Show me how to be like You: selfless, kind, gentle and patient. I know that humility is not my strong suit, and I want to be like You. I thank You that You humbled Yourself and were obedient to the point of death, for my sake. Show me how to be selfless and fill me up with Your humility, that others will see You through me.

For Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 23

2011-04-04T08:24:00.003-05:00

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

Dear Lord,
Your word is so clear about where our trust belongs. Yet, sometimes I fall so short in trusting You and instead rely on myself. Lord, I praise You that You are the God who can be trusted. Give me grace to trust You more! I ask that You would guide me and move my spirit so that I would trust in You instead of leaning on my own understanding. My understanding is so limited! You've shown me over and over again that You are faithful; Lord, take away my insecurity and make me wholly reliant on You. I desire to put my trust only in You!

In Your Name,
Amen.

The Unveiled Christ (from the archives)

2011-04-03T07:58:00.000-05:00

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20

The Unveiled Christ
Words by Noah B. Herrell

Once our blessed Christ of beauty
Was veiled off from human view;
But through suffering, death and sorrow
He has rent the veil in two.

Refrain
O behold the Man of Sorrows,
O behold Him in plain view;
Lo! He is the mighty Conqueror,
Since He rent the veil in two.
Lo! He is the mighty Conqueror,
Since He rent the veil in two.

Now He is with God the Father,
Interceding there for you;
For He is the mighty conqueror,
Since He rent the veil in two.

Holy angels bow before Him,
Men of earth give praises due;
For He is the well beloved
Since He rent the veil in two.

Throughout time and endless ages,
Heights and depths of love so true;
He alone can be the Giver
Since He rent the veil in two.

This is a song that we sang pretty often in our church growing up. I understood what it meant that Christ “rent the veil in two” because of the crucifixion story and the verses in the gospels that plainly state it.

And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. Matthew 27:51

And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Mark 15:38

However, what I didn’t know was the meaning for us, as believers, that Christ rent the veil in two. Why was it important that the veil was torn in two? What did the veil do in the first place?

You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring in the ark of the testimony there within the veil; and the veil shall serve for you as a partition between the holy place and the holy of holies. Exodus 26:33

The veil was a critical piece in the tabernacle that Moses erected in the desert. The veil separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. All the priests ministered every day in the Holy Place, but the Holy of Holies was different. In the Holy of Holies was the ark of the covenant, and in those days, God met with His people in a cloud above the ark. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only on one day each year – the day of Atonement. (See Leviticus 16.)

Entering the Holy of Holies was serious business – God commanded Moses that Aaron (the high priest) would have to wear special clothes, bring animals for offerings and bring a firepan of coals and incense otherwise HE WOULD DIE.

He shall take a firepan full of coals of fire from upon the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground sweet incense, and bring it inside the veil. He shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the ark of the testimony, otherwise he will die. Leviticus 16:12-13

This is where God was. Even the High Priest could only enter once a year. The Israelites could never go into the Holy of Holies. They had no direct access to God; they relied on the High Priest to make atonement for them.

Jump ahead to the time of Jesus and His life on earth – his death and resurrection bought our salvation and our eternal redemption. But what else? The Gospels tell us that at His death the veil was split from top to bottom – since the veil separated people from the Holy God, now, because of Jesus’ death, there is no separation! The veil is torn in two and now all believers have access to God through Jesus Christ! Stop for a moment and just think about this.

I think it must have been amazing, on so many levels, to be present at the crucifixion. But can you imagine what the Jews thought when they heard the sound of the veil ripping in two? Can you imagine what it must have been like to go to the Temple and see the veil in two pieces? To be able to see INSIDE THE VEIL?

In the Old Testament, the people had no access to God: a thick veil in the tabernacle separated them and only the High Priest could go within the veil. But Jesus has become our High Priest, has made atonement for us once and for all, and has rent the veil in two allowing us to go to God directly! Isn’t that GREAT NEWS???

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12

He is indeed our mighty conqueror, having conquered sin and death forever. And He is with God the Father, interceding for us.

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

I hope that you will take some time today and think about what it means for you, personally, that Christ rent the veil in two.

And I encourage you to draw near and hold fast as the author of Hebrews exhorts us.

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:19-25

40 Days of Prayer: Day 22

2011-04-02T10:35:00.004-05:00

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God," they are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; there is no one who does good. God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God. Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge, who eat up My people as though they ate bread and have not called upon God? There they were in great fear where no fear had been; for God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you; You put them to shame, because God had rejected them. Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad. Psalm 53

Dear God,
As I meditate on this Psalm, it seems as if it could be written today. Sometimes it seems like there is no one who does good, that I am surrounded by people who act, think and behave as if there is no God. They have turned aside from You and become corrupt, and their corruptness is spreading quickly. Lord, how I thank You that Your salvation HAS come out of Israel, that You have sent a Redeemer. Let me be glad in You today and let Your gladness flow through me that I might be a light to those who say there is no God. Let them see You in me. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would speak to their hearts and turn them to You.

For Your glory,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 21

2011-04-01T07:50:00.004-05:00

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7

Dear God,

Today I am so grateful for the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross for me. I thank You that through His blood, I have been redeemed and forgiven. I thank You, Jesus, for this sacrifice that saved my life. I praise You, Jesus, that You obediently gave up your life, doing what bulls and goats could not, and died once for all in order that sins could be forgiven. God, I thank You that You rose Jesus from the dead to show Your satisfaction with His sacrifice. Thank You for lavishing Your grace upon me. Oh, the blood, it is my victory!

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 20

2011-03-31T07:49:00.003-05:00

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

Dear Lord,

This morning, as I sang about the great truth that You know my name, I was brought to tears. It is overwhelming to me that the God of the Universe knows me. How I praise You for this truth! I thank You that You know my joys, my pain, my challenges, my triumphs. I thank You that You know my sin, and that Your precious Son paid the price for it. I thank You that You have called me by name and I am Yours!

With gratefulness,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 19

2011-03-30T08:13:00.003-05:00

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;And the government will rest on His shoulders;And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Dear Jesus,
How I thank You and praise You that You are my Wonderful Counselor. I am grateful for Your counsel through Your Word and through Your Holy Spirit. I thank You that at any time, in any place, for any reason, I can bring my cares, concerns, and even worries to Your throne and that You hear me. I thank You that You live to intercede for me and that I have the privelege of speaking directly to You through prayer. I thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to counsel me and for providing Your word which tells me how to live. May I bring glory to You as my Wonderful Counselor.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 18

2011-03-29T08:37:00.003-05:00

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57

Dear God,

Today I give You the thanks and praise for You have given us victory through Your Son Jesus Christ. I thank You that sin no longer has power over me because Christ, in His death defying power has abolished the fear and sting of death. Lord, I know that we might not always have victory over our earthly struggles against illness, hurt, difficult relationships, disappointment, and many others, but I praise You that we will have the victory in heaven. I thank You for what I have to look forward to. I pray that others will see that I live in victory because of Your gift.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 17

2011-03-28T08:27:00.003-05:00

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11

Dear Father,

As I pondered this verse today, it was almost too much for me to comprehend. Because I am Yours, the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me. Your Spirit, the same One who brought Jesus back to life, lives in me! And Your Spirit gives me life. Lord, I ask that Your Spirit, Your powerful, life-giving Spirit, would flow through me with power and grace and lead me in the thoughts and actions that will bring honor and glory to You. May it be evident to others that I have Your life-giving Spirit in me and may I be changed through Your indwelling.

In Your Name,
Amen.

My Crucified Savior

2011-03-27T07:45:00.001-05:00

"It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save." Isaiah 63:1

This beautiful hymn about Jesus' death and resurrection is new to me, and perfect for meditating on during this Lenten season. I so appreciate the story line it draws from Christ's suffering and death and what it accomplished for us to how we can be spared from the same experience through our acceptance of His free gift of salvation. Truly, He is both willing and mighty to save.

Christ suffered willingly to pay for my sin.

But the things which God announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.
Acts 3:18

And He suffered alone. The sins of the world were on His back and for the briefest of moments, His Father turned His face away.

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, " ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" Matthew 27:46

Jesus had to die to pay the price for sin once for all. For thousands of years God's people were sacrificing animals to pay for their sin, but they had to do it year after year, and it still wasn't good enough.

For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Hebrews 10:1-4

It wasn't good enough because it's impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. So, God sent His sinless son to die in my place in order that I may be redeemed to God.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE." Galatians 3:13

After dying a painful death on a cross, He was buried. But that was not the end. Jesus had appeased the Creator and restored mankind, and God in His strength and power raised Him from the dead!

And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation (appeasement!)for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. I John 2:1-2

When they had carried out all that was written concerning Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead; and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:29-31

Finally, God's plan to save His people was accomplished. God had been promising a Savior ever since Eve and Adam sinned in the garden of Eden. And this was a great promise kept - with Christ as Savior, our sin no longer separates us from God. Not only that, but we will escape the bondage of death and live eternally in a place that Jesus went ahead of us to prepare.

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

We must rejoice in His love! Rejoice in His love that took Him to the cross, suffered for our sin, and rose again! Rejoice in His love that He will come again to take us home with Him.

Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:22

My Crucified Savior
Words by Fredrika Falck,
translated from Swedish to English by Claude Foss

My crucified Savior, despised and contemned,
Thou innocent victim for sinners condemned,
Thy garments are blood-stained, Thy spirit doth groan,
In agony prostrate, Thou suff’rest alone.

Thou weepest and moanest in conflict and prayer,
And writhest in agony, pain and despair;
In thirty years’ anguish our path Thou hast trod,
And diest at last to redeem us to God.

Our Savior thus finished God’s plan with our race,
And laid the foundation for pardon and grace.
And then rose triumphant, the conquering Lord,
Appeased the Creator and mankind restored.

Restored to the bliss that was lost in the fall,
Yea, greater, for Jesus prepared for us all
Eternal salvation and mansions above;
Come, poor, burdened sinners, rejoice in His love.

Yea, come, trembling sinner, come just as thou art,
Thy cares and thy sorrows to Jesus impart;
In Him seek salvation from death and the grave,
For Jesus is willing and mighty to save.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 16

2011-03-26T06:51:00.001-05:00

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

Dear God of Creation,

Today I praise You for the bright sunshine that lifts my spirit. It's like I feel You shining down on me, lighting up our world with Your brightness and glory. As I think about the sun shining, I am reminded of Jesus' exhortation to let my light shine. I ask that You would guide me today in being cognizant of what I am projecting to others and I pray that it would be bright light! Lord, it is my desire that I would shine because of You in me and that the fruit of my growth in You would be evident to others; that they would see my good works, made possible only because of You. And most importantly, Lord, I pray that as a result, many others would give You glory, because You are the One worthy of all glory, honor and praise.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 15

2011-03-25T07:51:00.001-05:00

Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. Colossians 3:18-19

Dear Lord and Heavenly Father,

Today I come before you asking for Your wisdom for husbands and wives. I pray for wives, that they would be obedient to Your word and respect their husbands, honoring them and glorifying You. I pray for husbands, that they would love their wives and live with them in an understanding manner, as You have directed them. Lord, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would be at work in marriages, that both parties will be sensitive to Your leading and directing. I pray that marriages would, as You have authored in Your word, be a picture of Christ and His church. May unbelievers come to a saving faith in You as a result of strong Christian marriages that show the world what it is like to be the bride of Christ.

For Your glory I ask it,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 14

2011-03-24T07:50:00.001-05:00

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray today that You will guard and direct my heart and mind. I want to obey Your word and dwell on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellence and worthy of praise. I don't want to be distracted by things my eyes and ears and mind should not concentrate on, but focused on the things that are worthy of praise and that bring You glory. Lord, keep my mind from wandering. Keep me out of the mire of negative thinking, of worrying about the future, of being critical and judgmental, and engaging in discussions or thinking that is not glorifying to You. Lord, I want to please You. Send Your Holy Spirit today to be my guide.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 13

2011-03-23T07:50:00.001-05:00

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. I Chronicles 29:11

Dear Lord,

Indeed You are great and powerful and worthy of all glory, victory and majesty. Everything in the earth and in the heavens is yours. You are King, and head over all creation. I thank You that You reign from Your throne and that You reign with power. I praise You that You have won the victory for me through Jesus Christ. I praise You as head of creation for our beautiful world, for the sunrise with each new day, for life and breath. May You be exalted, Lord, in everything I do and say and think today. May all the glory go to You alone.

For Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 12

2011-03-22T07:49:00.002-05:00

For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Romans 6:10

Dear Jesus,

Today I come before You in thanksgiving for the death that You died, once for all. Lord Jesus, when I think about the weight of sin that was on Your shoulders as You hung on that cross, I am overwhelmed by grief, and overcome with gratitude. That You would bear all of my sins, past, present and future before I was even born, along with those of the whole world, is almost too much to comprehend. Thank You. Indeed, my heart is dissolved in thankfulness and my eyes are melted in tears.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 11

2011-03-21T06:56:00.002-05:00

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. II Peter 3:8-9

Dear Sovereign God,

Even as I pray for Jesus' quick return and long for my real home, I am reminded that You are God and I am not. Your word tells us that You You are not slow about Your promise, but that You are patient. I thank You for your everlasting kindness! You are patient because You do not wish any to perish. I thank You that it is Your desire that all would come to repentance before Jesus comes again. I know we feel like we've been waiting a long time, Lord, but to You a thousand years is like a day. I praise You and give You glory for Your sovereign plan and Your unending patience toward us, Your creation.

Lord, I pray for those who don't know You. I pray that each one would heed Your call, be open to the Spirit's prompting and come to repentance. I pray that we would be prepared for Jesus to come again. Lord, make me a light in this dark world to point people toward You, that they may see Your patience and Your lovingkindness.

In Your Great Name I ask it,
Amen.

Blessed Cross of Jesus

2011-03-20T08:51:00.002-05:00

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
I Corinthians 1:18

Jesus went to the cross on our behalf to pay a debt He didn't owe. He paid for our sin with His life. The wages of sin is death, and Jesus died the death instead of us. Because of this, we have salvation free - the free gift of God - eternal life in Christ Jesus.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

There is room at the cross for you. Bring your burdens and your cares, bring your soul in need of healing.

Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. I Peter 5:7

At the cross you'll see a Father's love through a Savior shining.

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

"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me."
John 17:22-23

There is comfort at the cross.

For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. II Corinthians 1:5

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 Thessalonians 2:16-17

There's room at the cross for you. I am so thankful for the cross and for Jesus' humble obedience to the point of death. I am so thankful that my sin is paid for because of His sacrifice. May I, like Paul, boast only in the cross.

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14

Blessed Cross of Jesus
Words by Fanny Crosby

Wand’rer, come, there’s room for thee,
At the cross of Jesus;
Come and taste salvation free
At the cross of Jesus.

Refrain
Blessed cross! Precious cross!
There my hopes are twining;
There I see a Father’s love
Through a Savior shining.

Come and bring thy burden now
To the cross of Jesus;
Lay thy burning, throbbing brow
At the cross of Jesus.

O what comfort thou wilt find
At the cross of Jesus;
Love thy broken heart will bind
At the cross of Jesus.

See the crimson waters flow
At the cross of Jesus;
Come and tell thy every woe
At the cross of Jesus.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 10

2011-03-19T08:14:00.001-05:00

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. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope
that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. Romans 8:18-23

Dear Lord,

As events unfolded around the world this past week, especially in the Middle East and Far East, it's as if I can hear creation groaning. How we long for Your return and for a new heaven and a new earth. Thank You, Lord, for Your promise that Jesus will come again. Thank You, Jesus, that You went to prepare a place for us. Thank You that this earth is not our home, and that this life is not all there is. How I exult in the hope I have in you, Jesus!

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 9

2011-03-18T08:02:00.003-05:00

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Dear Lord,

Today I pray this verse for those who may need encouragement today to trust in You and believe, whether they need to believe in You for the first time, or believe what they read in Your word, or believe that You will do what You say. I pray that You would fill them, and me, with joy and peace as we believe in You and trust in Your word, that we will all abound in hope by the power of Your Holy Spirit. We have so much to be joyful for, Lord. Send Your Holy Spirit to fill us with peace that we will be secure in our belief and abounding in hope. Thank You for the hope that we have in You, for it is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.

With thankfulness I ask it,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 8

2011-03-17T06:43:00.002-05:00

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

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for humbling Yourself. Thank You for Your obedience that led You to death, a painful death on the cross. Thank You for emptying Yourself for me. Holy Spirit, be at work in my heart and my mind. I want to have the same attitude as You, I want to humbly serve and be obedient in everything to my Heavenly Father. Change me, O God, and make me more like the image of Your precious Son.

In Your Name,
Amen

40 Days of Prayer: Day 7

2011-03-16T14:17:00.003-05:00

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

Dear Lord,

I want to give thanks to You in everything, for in You I live and breathe and have my being. Lord, change me. I want everything I do to be done in Your name, with humility and selflessness. Whether I am working at home or at my office, may I do my work in Your name as Your representative and with thankfulness for You have given me the skills and talents with which to do my work. I don't want to do my work grudgingly, but willingly and well, that You may be glorified in everything that I do.

In Your Name,
Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 6

2011-03-15T09:10:00.002-05:00

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. Isaiah 40:11

Dear Lord and Heavenly Father,

Today I praise You for the way You lead me. I thank You that You tend to me as a shepherd tends to His flock, that You gather me close and carry me next to You. Thank You for Your protection and for the security I have knowing You as my shepherd. Sometimes I feel as lost as a little sheep, but You bring me back to the fold. Thank You for being a gentle leader. Thank You that I never have to walk alone; You are with me, guiding, directing, leading and carrying.

Amen.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 5

2011-03-14T10:07:00.003-05:00

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

Dear Lord,

How I want to know You! This passage just speaks to my heart today as I want to have these qualities and I want them to increase. I don't want to be useless or unfruitful in the true knowledge of You, and so I ask Your Holy Spirit to give me discipline and diligence, that I may increase in moral excellence, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Lord, may the fruit of my faith be evident to all those around me and may it bring You glory, for You are worthy to receive all glory, honor and praise.

In Your Name,
Amen.