SWEETEST NAME
Names play an important part in our lives. Like it or not, we all have a name. I think most of us are proud of our family name and want to live in such a way that the name is kept above reproach. As a Christian I very much like the name of Jesus. Luther B. Bridges writes about that name.
There’s within my heart a melody;
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
"Fear not, I am with thee, peace be still,”
In all of life’s ebb and flow.
All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,
Discord filled my heart with pain,
Jesus swept across the broken strings, stirred the slumbering chords again.
Feasting on the riches of His grace,
resting ‘neath His sheltering wing,
always looking on His smiling face,
That is why I shout and sing.
Tho’ sometimes He leads thro’ waters deep,
Trials fall across the way;
Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,
See His footprints all the way.
Soon He’s coming back to welcome me
Far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown,
I shall reign with Him on high.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest name I know
Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.
Today – Keep singing. Keep praising. Rejoice in the Lord !
THAT NAME
We are coming to the end of another week. The weekend lies ahead. Many will probably be going in a dozen different directions at the same time. (That’s life in the fast lane!) Others will take it a little slower.
We have been thinking about Jesus this week. Make your own list of all that Jesus means to you. Praise Him for Who He is. Thank Him for What He does.
This weekend fill your mind with these words from Bill and Gloria Gaither. Just keep the tape running in the background of your mind.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; There’s just something about that name! Master , Saviour, Jesus, Like the fragrance after the rain.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Let all heaven and earth proclaim: Kings and kingdoms will all pass away. But there’s something about that name!
YOU DECIDE
Have you had the experience of visiting the doctor who examines your eyes and prescribes lenses for glasses? Have you felt the frustration as you had to decide which is better - this? – or this ? Is number one better or is number two better? I am always glad to have this experience behind me for another year or two
Life is a series of choices. Some choices are built in..determined by our lifestyle. An example: In our family we never had to decide on Sunday morning if we were going to church. That decision was already made. It was our habit-or lifestyle- to go to church. Probably the same could be said of going to work or going to school.
Somewhere along the way everyone faces the decision of a relationship with God. The people in days of Moses said, “We will serve the Lord.” Joshua proclaimed, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The Apostle Paul made a life-changing decision when he decided to follow Jesus.
Decisions. Decisions. Decisions. Like it or not we have to decide.
Today – Trust the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)
GROWING
Some things happen automatically. A seedling is planted. A tree grows. I have trees in my yard that that I planted 15/16 years ago. Now they are big trees. They grew. On the other hand I have had to remove some older trees. They stopped growing and were dying.
I got to thinking about life. Babies are born. They grow into teenagers, then into adults and finally into golden agers. We don’t do anything special to cause this to happen. It is the normal progression of the physical life.
But there is another dimension to life. The spiritual dimension. Our relationship tp God. Everything in this relationship is a result of our choices. We come face to face with the gifts of God made available through Jesus Christ. Salvation is available – but we have to decide to receive it. Growing as a Christian is available but it is not automatic. We grow through the choices we make.
2 Peter 3:18: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
How is that possible? By reading the Bible and spending time in prayer. Communicate with God. Growing in this dimension is by choice. Paul told the Christians in Corinth some of you are still drinking milk from the bottle when you should be eating steak. Your choice.
LIFE
Life never stays on a level path. There are curves, hills, mountains and valleys. There is one constant at every phase of life. God is there. God is always the same. God always wants what is best for us. On the mountains we rejoice together. In the valleys He lifts us up. See what David wrote in Psalm 40:1-3 (KJV).
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.”
Today – Thank & Praise the Lord for the lift out of the miry clay and the setting of feet on the solid rock…Praise the Lord!!!
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Confidence is something we decide to have. It comes as we read God’s Word and choose to believe it. If we do we have confidence. If we don’t we live in doubt about everything.
Chuck Swindoll – Real integrity stays in place whether the test is adversity or prosperity.
C.S. Lewis – The average view of the Christian life is that it means deliverance from trouble, when in fact it means deliverance in trouble.
Blaise Pascal (17th Century) -There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every person. And it can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.
Charles Schuler – Faith without love is unacceptable. Love without faith is impossible.
Oliver Wendell Holmes – To reach the port of heaven we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it – but we must sail, not drift, nor lie at anchor.
Oswald Chambers – The height of the mountaintop is measured by the drab drudger of the valley.
It’s in the sphere of humiliation that we find our true worth to God, that’s where our faithfulness is revealed.
Remember the shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to God can stand up to anything.
Proverbs 13:12 – Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy.
THOUGHTS
Joyce Myer has written a book, The Battle for the Mind. She suggests that satan is continually attacking our mind, our thought process. I agree. When we least expect a thought comes into our mind that is not really what we want to think about but it seems harmless so we don’t immediately toss it out. Somehow, it manages to grow and before we know it our mind is filled with stuff we ordinarily don’t think about or want to think about.
I expect we all have struggles like this. We just don’t admit it, sometimes not even to ourselves. After a recent struggle in the battle for the mind I found myself remembering a blessed old song, not sung much anymore. The Lord blessed me with these words as He cleansed my mind.
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in His day;
And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away:
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved to sin no more:
E’er since by faith I saw the stream thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die:
Today – thank and Praise the Lord for His love, grace, forgiveness and cleansing power……..
LIMITS
When I was a boy the kids sang an old ditty, “It’s nobody’s business what I do.” At the time I thought that was pretty good. Nobody is going to tell me what to do.
But rational thinking took over later in life. I began to realize that practically every aspect of life has its limits.
An illustration. At one time we lived close to a busy highway. About half-way from the house to the highway was a huge tree. Our children were told that the tree was as far as they could go down the driveway. They turned their wagon, bikes, toys into the yard at the tree. Stop at the tree. One afternoon we heard tires squeeling and horns honking. Our daughter was at the edge of the highway. She had gone beyond the limits set for her safety.
God has prescribed limits on human behaviour. This is not to keep us from having fun or to keep us from enjoying life. We can have the abundant life Jesus talks about only if we are staying within the limits or boundaries God prescribes. To get outside the lines of limitation brings on trouble. Adam and Eve had only one restriction in the Garden of Eden. They were not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:17) To do so would bring death.
Today – check your life with God’s Word. Are you staying within the limits set by God? Praise the Lord He loves us enough to set boundaries to protect us.
RELY ON GOD
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.
Good advice? Yes ! Easy to do? No ! From infancy we are taught to stand on our own two feet. Do it yourself. Be a man! Be a woman! Be your own person! Don’t be dependent on anyone or anything.
To encourage trusting God someone has come up with FROG. It has been in your e-mail, probably more than once. FROG. Fully Rely On God. This is what Prov. 3:5-6 is all about. In fact, this is what the Bible is all about. To teach us to Fully Rely On God. It is not easy. You have to make up your mind to do it. Then read the Word to discover what God is saying to you. Fully Rely On Him. He is trustworth.
Charles Schuler has said, “Make your plans so big you know you will fail without God.”
Today – Thank and Praise God that He is always present. We can Fully Rely On God.
YOUR CHOICE
Read carefully. You decide every day between these two paths.
SIN
SIN will take you farther than you meant to go.
Keep you longer than you meant to stay.
Cost you more than you meant to pay.
GOD’S WILL
The will of God will never take you
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you
Where the Arms of God cannot supply you
Where the Power of God cannot endow your needs.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Praise the Lord for His Will !!!
FACING TODAY
Every person will have their own attitude as they face today. A person who has just entered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ might b singing………….Love Lifted Me.
“I was sinking deep in sin, Far from the peaceful shore. Very deeply stained within, Sinking to rise no more. But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, Now safe am I. Love lifted me!...Love lifted me!...When nothing else could help, Love lifted me.”
I am also blessed by the song, He Included Me. I am so happy in Christ today, that I go singing along my way; Yes, I’m so happy to know and say, “Jesus included me too.” When the Lord said “whosoever” he included me.
Our world being what it is, has many people facing difficult circumstances and wondering which way to turn. Some would find comfort in the song….When the Morning Comes.
Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand All the ways that God would lead us to that blessed promised land; but He’ll guide us with His eye, And we’ll follow till we die. We will understand it better by and by. By and by when the morning comes, When the saints of God are gathered home, We will tell the story how we’ve overcome, We will understand it better by and by.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Praise the Lord…because…”The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27) Have a TERRIFIC DAY.
MY COMMITMENT AS A CHRISTIAN
I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has made. I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - - my banner will be clear!
- - Author Unknown
Today – Out loud and on purpose Praise the Lord for the privilege of being a Christian..
WHEN I SAY I AM A CHRISTIAN
When I say that…”I am a Christian” … I am not shouting that I am saved,
I’m whispering, …”I was lost”…That is why I chose this way.
When I say…”I am a Christian”…I don’t speak of this with pride; I am confessing that I stumble (all the time) and need someone to be my guide.
When I say that …”I am a Christian”…I am not trying to be strong, I’m professing that I’m weak…and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say…”I am a Christian”…I’m not bragging of success, I’m admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say that…”I am a Christian”… I’m not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are too visible but God believes I am worth it.
When I say…”I am a Christian”…I still feel the sting of pain, I have my share of heartaches…Which is why I speak His name !!
When I say…”I am a Christian”…I do not wish to judge, I have no authority…I only know I am loved.
- - - - - - Author Unknown
Today – Out loud and on purpose Praise the Lord for the privilege and blessing of being a Christian. Have a TERRIFIC DAY !!!!
DEBRA WINSTON’S TESTIMONY
My Church Family and I recently took a trip to Virginia Beach. It has been awhile since I have gone to a beach. I experienced a spiritual renewal like none other.
Watching the winds and the waves obey the will of God. Glorifying His marvelous works. As I walked on the beach early one morning, I felt a peace within myself, secure in the fact that I am indeed a child of God.
As I walked, I thought about each grain of sand that was made by our Creator. So tiny. The large boats and vessels on the ocean, the ocean itself.
It reminded me that we take so much for granted in these days. I could do nothing but praise His name, give thanks to all He has given to us.
I was, and still am, reminded to tell someone about His glorious works. When I returned home and went back to work, I felt a renewed appreciation for the wonders around me.
Renewed in my family life, my work environment and also renewed in my walk with God.
Since my journey, I have decided to start a collection of Lighthouses, which is a symbol (to me) that even in our darkest hours, God is leading us to the light…His Light.
Through the darkness He is the Light that guides our pathways.
We too can be a lighthouse, a vessel used by our God to guide someone to the Light.
As Christians, I pray that we will all let our Light shine so that others may see the works of through us.
The above testimony is used by permission of Debra Winston, a good friend. Debra is the mother of two children. She and her family are active in their church. E-mail is dawinsto@bellsouth.net
Today – Out loud and on purpose Praise the Lord for all Christians who take a stand for our Lord. Have a TERRIFIC DAY.
THINK ON THESE THINGS
John Ruskin – “When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package.”
Preparation makes the difference between success and failure. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
BUMPER STICKER…Keep the faith – but not from others !!
Never take away anyone’s hope – that may be all they have.
Uh-Oh….Do you ever feel that life is a car wash and you’re going through it on a bicycle?
No one is useless in this world who lightens the load of others.
Today – Thank and Praise the Lord for all those who contribute thoughts and ideas that the Holy Spirit uses to encourage us and keep us going.
GOD’S LAW
The longest book in the Bible is Psalm 119. This psalm deals with God’s law. In the psalm we learn that God’s law is true. God’s law is righteous. God’s law is fair. God’s law is righteous. Obeying God’s law brings happiness. Those who obey God’s law find that their needs are met. Meditating on God’s law brings a peace that enables one to sleep all night. Keeping God’s law guides life in the paths of righteousness. Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against thee.
All this is well and good – but what about those who do not believe in God. In the diversity and tolerance teachings of today we are told to make room for every kind of religious belief. To each his own. Pick and choose. One way is as good as another.
NOT TRUE !! There is only one right way - - that is God’s way.
But what about those who do not believe in God? Their unbelief does not change God’s law. His law is established forever. We go with it or we are broken by it. Some will say that’s not fair ! What about my rights?? You have the right to agree with God or to disagree with God. God does not change. The choice is yours. Narrow minded?? Yes.
Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life eternal.
Today – Out loud and on purpose Praise the Lord for His unchanging law…and His unchanging love that says, “Whosoever will, let him come and drink of the water of life freely.”
BY THE GRACE OF GOD
There is an old song written by P.P. Bliss with the message of God’s redeeming love. It is the grace of God in action.
Free from the law, O happy condition, Jesus hath bled, and there is remission; Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall, Grace hath redeemed us once for all.
Now we are free – there’s no condemnation, Jesus provides a perfect salvation; “Come unto Me,” O hear His sweet call, Come, and He saves us once for all.
“Children of God,” O glorious calling, surely His grace will keep us from falling; Passing from death to life at His call, Blessed salvation once for all.
Chorus: Once for all, O sinner, receive it, Once for all, O brother, believe it; Cling to the Cross, the burden will fall, Christ hath redeemed us once for all.
Today – Out loud and on purpose! Thank and Praise the Lord that by Grace through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we are saved (Eph. 2:8-9)
STORMS
Every afternoon the skies darken, the winds pick up. We just know we are in for one of those widely scattered thunder storms forecast for the area. But the lightning and the thunder remained distant. The storms went elsewhere.
Until yesterday ! About the time most people in our area were preparing for the evening meal – the storm hit. The lightning flashed, the thunder boomed, the wind howled, the rain came down in torrents. Then the power went off!
Across the driveway the power was still on. We called the power company and were told a truck was on the way to find and fix the problem. By this time the storm had passed on…it was quiet until I turned on the battery operated radio.
It was time to eat. No problem. Plenty of sandwich fixings on hand. However, my wife was stretched out in a Lift Chair powered by electricity. She was very comfortable but I needed to get her up for supper. I tried. Couldn’t do it. My daughter next door responded to my call for help. We each got a good hold and pulled. My wife slid forward out of the chair and was standing….at that moment the power came on! We praised the Lord…enjoyed our supper. Life went on as usual.
Storms come into our lives in many ways. They always pass on. I am always thankful that the Lord is there as the storm passes by. Hovie Lister has written a song with the title:
‘TILL THE STORM PASSES BY
In the darkness of the midnight how I oft hid my face, While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place. Mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry; Keep me safe ‘till the storm passes by.
Many times Satan whispered, “There is no need to try, For there’s no end of sorrow, there’s no hope by and by.” But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I’ll rise Where the storm never darkens the skies.
When the long night has ended and the storms come no more, Let me stand in Thy presence on that bright peaceful shore. In that land where the tempest never comes, Lord, May I dwell with Thee when the storm passes by..
Chorus ‘Till the storm passes over, ‘Till the thunder sounds no more, ‘Till the clouds roll forever from the sky. Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand. Keep me safe ‘till the storm passes by.
Today – Thank and Praise the Lord He is there to keep us safe “till the storm passes by.”
THE LOVE OF GOD
Psalm 136 is about the love of God. God’s love is active in all circumstances. Nothing happens in our lives that excludes the love of God. Various translations tell us that God’s mercy, God’s faithful love endures forever. A new Translation THE MESSAGE, puts it this way: “His love never quits.” I like that. God’s love never quits!!
A beautiful song by F.M. Lehman expresses God’s love.
THE LOVE OF GOD
The love of God is greater far - than tongue or pen can ever tell; It goes beyond the highest star, - And reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair, bowed down with care, - God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled, - And pardoned from his sin.
When years of time shall pass away, - And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall, When men, who here refuse to pray, - On rocks and mountains call, God’s love so sure shall still endure, - All measureless – and strong; Redeeming grace to Adams race – The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill, - And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, - And every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above Would drain the ocean dry. Nor could the scroll contain the whole, - Tho’ stretched from sky to sky.
Refain: O love of God, how rich and pure! – How measureless – and strong! It shall forevermore endure – The saints’ and angels’ song.
Today – Thank and Praise the Lord for His love that don’t quit!!