DESTINATION
An oft asked question is, “Where are you going?” What is your destination? The question is often raised about our purpose or goal in life. Do you have something specific you want to accomplish in life?
Do you ever think about your destination in eternity once this life is ended? You know, of course, there are only two possibilities. One is heaven. Where is heaven? People will ask that question and nearly always look up. We have this idea that heaven is up somewhere beyond the blue. I like what one person said, “Heaven is where Jesus is.”
The second possibility is to be in eternity without God. Where is hell? One answer is, “at the end of a Christless life.” To be where God is not is about the scariest thing I can think of. A newspaper writer in the paper today was writing about seeing THE PASSION movie. He was raised in a very religious home. He was instructed in religious training and reading the Bible. He said he was not moved by THE PASSION as some were because REASON kept him from believing that Jesus Christ was divine. He was just another man and did many things that contributed to his death.
For those of us who choose to believe what the Bible says, we know – Isaiah 53 - Jesus died for our sin. He took my place, suffered the pain of death in my place. REASON would make us doubt but FAITH enables us to believe and accept the atoning death of Jesus Christ for our sin.
Today----------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He has gone to prepare a place for us so we can be where He is. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
DAN
STRIPPING
Hebrews 12:1 is an interesting verse. Looking at different translations shows this.
NKJV - …lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnare us.
NIV - …Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
NLB - …Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the son that so easily hinders our progress.
Lay aside, throw off, strip off…What is hindering your growth or progress as a Christian? Whatever it is the writer is telling us to get rid of it.
I like this passage in The Message Bible: Do you see what this means – all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we better get on with it. Strip down, start running and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that litany of hostility he ploughed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls.
Today--------------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for those who have gone before us, blazed the trail, and now encourage us to never quit. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
DAN
ABLE TO DELIVER
There are times in life when the unexpected happens. We may be suddenly put in a position in which we have to deal with serious illness, an accident, or even death. Are we prepared for this? Usually we are not. The event is just suddenly there. Where do we turn for help? There are friends, relatives, close family members and professional help. But deep in our soul we look for something more.
Perhaps the experience of three men we read about in the Bible will help. In Daniel 3:17 we read of three men who, because of their refusal to bow down and worship the king, were to be thrown into a very hot fiery furnace to be burned to death. They had an answer for the king. “…Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us. …”
William A Ogden made this the theme of a song he wrote.
HE IS ABLE TO DELIVER THEE
‘Tis the grandest theme thro’ the ages rung;
‘Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;
‘Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung:
Our God is able to deliver thee.
‘Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main;
‘Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain;
‘Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again:
Our God is able to deliver thee.
‘Tis the grandest theme, let tidings roll
To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul;
Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole:
Our God is ale to deliver thee.
He is able to deliver thee, He is able to deliver thee; Tho’ by sin opprest,
Go to Him for rest; Our God is able to deliver thee.
Today------------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that nothing catches Him by surprise or off-guard. He is present and He is able to deliver in any and all situations. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
DAN
NEVER ALONE
The valley is deep, the shadows lengthen, the darkness of night settles in. In the night time the pain always seems worse, the loneliness more real. Where is everyone? Where is God? Has He forgotten me? O Lord, where are you? I need you. My soul needs you to encourage me and assure me of your love.
The truth is that God has never left us or forsaken us. Read Hebrews 7:23-28. The Holman Christian Standard Bible has this comment. “When Jesus rose from the grave and ascended back home into the heavens, He took His seat at the right hand of God’s throne. And He took on Himself a new job -- High Priest. So even in your quiet time, (or in your desperate times){my insertion} you are not really alone. Jesus is there to pray even harder than you do.”
B.B. McKinney arranged these words of an anonymous writer into this song assuring us of the presence of God.
NEVER ALONE
I’ve seen the lightning flashing, And heard the thunder roll
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, Trying to conquer my soul;
I’ve heard the voice of Jesus, Telling me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
The world’s fierce winds are blowing, Temptations are sharp and keen;
I feel a peace in knowing My Saviour stands between;
He stands to shield me from danger, When earthly friends are gone,
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
When in affliction’s valley, I’m treading the road of care.
My Savuour helps me to carry My cross when heavy to bear,
My feet entangles with briars, Ready to cast me down;
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
He died for me on the mountain, for me they pierced His side,
For me He opened that fountain, The crimson, cleansing tide;
For me he waiteth in glory, Seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
Chorus: No, never alone, . . . No, never alone, He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone, No, never alone, . . .No, never alone,
He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone.
Today-------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He is always present with us. Have a TRIFFIC DAY!!!
DAN
TELLING THE STORY
The movie, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, has put the story of Jesus into the minds and the conversation of multitudes of people over the past weeks. It is good that we remember what Jesus has done and that we seek to tell others about it. Some have said this will bring about a revival of people being saved. I pray that it will.
Years ago I read the story behind a song we sang in our church. In a tribe of gypsies there was a boy who was deathly sick. He lived in a tent, as did all the gypsies. A missionary came to the gipsy camp. He went into the tent where the sick boy lay. He told him about Jesus and that God loved him. The boy was saved. He told the missionary that no one had ever told him about Jesus before.
From the story of that encounter Mrs. M. B. C. Slade wrote the song:
TELL IT AGAIN
Into the tent where a gipsy boy lay, Dying alone at the close of the day,
News of salvation we carried, said he: “Nobody ever has told it to me!”
“Did He so love me, a poor little boy? Send unto me the good tidings of joy?
Need I not perish? My hand will He hold? Nobody ever the story has told!”
Bending we caught the last words of his breath, Just as he entered the valley of
death: “God sent His Son!” “Whosoever,” said He: “Then I am sure that He sent
Him for me!”
Smiling , he said, as his last sigh he spent, “I am so glad that for me He was
sent!” Whispered, while low sank the sun in the west,
“Lord, I believe, tell it now to the rest!”
Refrain
Tell it again! Tell it again! Salvation’s story repeat o’er and o’er, Till none can say of the children of men, “Nobody ever has told me before.”
Today---------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that it is His will that we “Tell it again, and again, and again because people need the Lord.”
Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!!
RENEWING MEMBERSHIP
All through the year I get reminders that it is time to renew your membership or your subscription to this magazine. This time of year the reminder that Tax Day, April 15, is getting closer. This is one I don’t have to think about. I have a letter in my file, received several years ago, from the IRS which states, “Unless you have a substantial change in your income it is no longer necessary for you to file a tax return.”
This might be a cause for concern for some. Oddly enough, we have been so blessed by the Lord that it seems to me that we are doing better in many ways than we have ever done. I believe with all my heart that when we put God first in our lives and seek to do His will we are blessed by God.
One promise of God is proven to me. Read Malachi 3:8 and following. So far as I know, this is the only place God tells us to “try Him, test Him.” When we honor God with the FIRST TENTH He makes the 90% go further. I have tested the Lord. He passed the test!!! If you notice in this Scripture, God says you are cursed with a curse because you have robbed me in tithes and offerings. You can get rid of the curse and live in the “FOG”…..the “Favor of God” by obeying Him. Do you dare test God?
This cloudy, rainy is brightened by the knowledge that I don’t have to renew my membership in the kingdom of God. I have a lifetime membership!!!!
Today---------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that we can test Him and find that He passes the test. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!!
DAN
THE JOY OF THE LORD
It is a good feeling to wake up in the morning and realize that you have the joy of the Lord within you. You hear the words of the chorus, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart to stay.” The joy of the Lord puts a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. At 84 the bounce is not so high but Praise the Lord it is still there!! Joy is an inside job. It is of the spirit. Happiness is pretty much controlled by the things that go on around us, by circumstances. Joy depends on your relationship with God.
Mark Blankenship has written a song found in our hymn book, but I do not recall it ever being sung in any church service I’ve been in. Note the words in the song.
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
There is joy, there is joy, There is joy in the presence of the Lord.
There is joy that’s full, There is joy that’s free;
There is joy in the presence of the Lord.
There is peace, there is peace, There is peace in the presence of the Lord. There is perfect peace when I rest in Him,
There is peace in the presence of the Lord.
There is love, there is love, There is love in the presence of the Lord.
There is love that’s real no matter how I feel.
There is love in the presence of the Lord.
Stand and sing, stand and sing, Stand and sing in the presence of the Lord. Stand and sing your praise to the risen King;
Stand and sing in the presence of the Lord.
Today-------------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise THE Lord that we can stand in His presence and rejoice in the joy of the Lord. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
DAN
JUST LISTENING IN
The Lord has so much to say to us through His Word, the Bible, and by the Holy Spirit who lives within us. The Holy Spirit came to live in our hearts at the same moment Jesus became our Saviour. I believe the Holy Spirit is constantly speaking to us. Are we listening in? Do we hear what He is saying? I find that much of the time He is bringing into my thinking portions of Scripture that bear on whatever is happening at this time in my life. Quite often the message of the Holy Spirit is a song that He keeps bouncing around in my head. Just keep listening in as the Holy Spirit keeps on speaking in that still small voice. He will bring words of worship, words of encouragement, and words of comfort. Just listening in lets you know God is always present in your life.
I got up off the side of the bed this morning and raised my hands high as I said, “Praise the Lord for this day.” I heard the rain pounding against the side of the house. In my heart I heard the words of the song…There’s within my hear t a melody… .
I appreciate the people God has blessed with the ability to write the words and set them to music. Luther B. Bridgers is one of those people. He wrote this song of comfort, assurance and joy.
HE KEEPS ME SINGING
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 my slumb’ring chords again.
Feasting on the riches of His grace, Resting ‘neath His shelt’ring 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;
Tho’ 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 sing as I go.
Today------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that we can listen in and hear His voice speaking to us. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
DAN
THE CROSS
Mel Gibson’s movie, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, has put a new emphasis on the cross. The cross, carried by Jesus and on which He was crucified, has taken on a new significance for many who have seen the movie.
For centuries the cross has been taken lightly. It has been considered an ornament to be worn on a chain, a broach to be worn on a dress, a tie pin or tie tac. It has been displayed to mark the graves of fallen soldiers. The cross is seen on the tops of church buildings as a religious symbol. However, the cross as seen in the Bible was an instrument of death.
I have heard the comments of some who having experienced the movie said the cross has taken on a new meaning for them. For years various ways of looking at the cross have been expressed in poetry and songs. Read the words of this song written by Frederick Whitfield.
I SAW THE CROSS OF JESUS
I saw the cross of Jesus, When burdened with my sin;
I sought the cross of Jesus, To give me peace within;
I brought my soul to Jesus, He cleansed it with His blood;
And in the cross of Jesus I found my peace with God.
I love the cross of Jesus, It tells me what I am –
A vile and guilty creature, Saved only thro’ the Lamb;
No righteousness nor merit, No beauty can I plead;
Yet in the cross I glory, My title there I read.
I trust the cross o f Jesus, In every trying hour,
My sure and certain refuge, My never failing tow’r;
In every fear and conflict, I more than conqueror am;
Living, I’m safe, or dying, Thro’ Christ, the risen lamb.
Safe in the cross of Jesus! There let my weary heart
Still rest in peace unshaken, Till with Him ne’er to part;
And then in strains of glory I’ll sing His wondrous power,
Where sin can never enter, And death is known no more.
Today---------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise God for the death of His Son on the cross that I might have eternal life through faith in Him. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
DAN
SWEETEST NAME
Quite often during the day and sometimes as I go to sleep at night these words of assurance fill my mind. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – Sweetest name I know. Fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go.” Have you ever wondered why the name of Jesus is so sweet to Christians? The angel told Joseph (Matt.1:21 (HCSB)- “You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
As a twelve year old boy that name became the sweetest name I know for me. I was saved. The burden of sin was lifted from my heart. I told my mother as we walked home from church that night – and I still remember exactly where we were – “Mom, I feel like I’m walking on air.”
The name of Jesus is so sweet, I love its music to repeat. It makes my joy full and complete, the precious name of Jesus. The name of Jesus – There’s just something about that name. I can whisper this name in the night and be comforted. I can lift this name in worship and be blessed. I can call on the name of Jesus in my need and the need will be met. Precious name, O how sweet. Hope of earth and joy of heaven.
This is the name that is above every name. In Philippians 2:9-11 (HCSB) God gave him this name that is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow….and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Today-------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the precious name of Jesus, who saves to the uttermost those who call on Him!! Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
DAN
A SPECIAL DAY
From time to time in life there are those days that are “special.” Yesterday was one of those days for me. I was invited back to preach at a church I was pastor of in the late 60’s. It was a special day for the church in that it was the 133rd Anniversary of the church. My children arranged for a “sitter” for their mother. All five of my children came to the service. Two of my sisters were there along with several other family members.
We were blessed by the singing of Kellye Cash, a former Miss America and a niece of Johnny Cash. Congregational singing was directed by my cousin, Bob Knisley, who was the minister of music when I was the pastor of Sharon Baptist Church.
How good it is to be among the people of God with whom you have worked in years gone by. It is heart-warming to see the sweet fellowship among the people. I think it might true that this is the kind of situation where “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” The people, led by Pastor, Dr. James Robertson, were gracious and warm-hearted in their reception of a former pastor and family.
The highlight of the day for me was that I had the privilege of preaching. There have not been many times in the last few years when I have had the opportunity to preach. I must confess that it felt good to do what God called me to do in 1945.
Today------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord from Whom all blessings flow. Have a TERRIFICED DAY!!!
DAN
NOT EVERYBODY LIKES THAT NAME
It often comes as a shock to Christian people when they realize that not everybody likes the name of Jesus. We wonder why, when everything we know about Jesus is good. The Bible tells us that He came that we might have life. I rejoice in the name of Jesus. His enemies speak His Name with hatred.
Nathaniel said (John 1:46) NKJV, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
Jesus Himself said, “the world hates Me because I testify that its works are evil.” John 7:7 NKJV.
Franklin Graham has written a book, THE NAME. The following is excerpted from this book. Why is it that when people curse using His name, hardly anyone complains; but if you speak about Him with respect or pray in His name, some people cry “foul.”
Franklin Graham and a Rev. Kirbyjon prayed at the inauguration of President Bush. They both prayed “in the Name of Jesus.” Barry Lynn, head of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, described these prayers as “crushing Christological thuds” that barred millions of Americans from their own Amens.”
I find it to be a sad situation when THE NAME that brings healing and comfort to millions at the same time provokes in others such venomous hatred and offense. Jesus reminded us that we should not be surprised that the world hates us. The world hates Him who loved all and died for all.
Today-------------------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that we have the privilege of telling others that Jesus loves them. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
DAN
ONE NAME AND ONLY ONE
The movie, THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, has been seen by millions. The reaction is varied. Some had an agenda to begin with and they viewed the film to reinforce their agenda. Others were passionate in their love for Christ. Their faith was strengthened as they realized anew how much God loved them. Some unbelievers were led to become believers as they learned that it was for them that Christ died. Others went in without a clue and emerged the same way.
Regardless of the response of people to the movie, the truth remains that God so loved the world that He gave His Son to die for the sIns of the world. John 1:12 (HCSB) “But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God.”
John 14:6(HCSB) “Jesus told Him, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Acts 4:12(HCSB) “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”
Philippians 2:9-11(HCSB) “For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow – of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Many of you will remember these words fro an old song:
At the name of Jesus bowing, Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in heav’n we’ll crown Him, when our journey is complete.
Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heav’n’
Precious name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heav’n.
Today-------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the salvation He made available to everyone who will believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!!
DAN
PEOPLE BLESSING PEOPLE
We all receive the e-mail that tells of people coming into our lives at different times. Some just drop in and move on. Others tarry a little while before moving on. Some seem to show up at the right time to meet a specific need. Then there are those who become permanent fixtures in our lives. We pretty much take them for granted, but how grateful we are when they show up at just the right time to be a blessing!
I can thinnk of several people who made their appearance in my life just in time to make a difference. They encouraged and supported by their presence, their prayers, and their help. Life has been made richer and sweeter because of their presence. I praise the Lord for those precious people!
In living the Christian life there is one desire I have. That is that God will help me where I need to be at the time I need to be there to be a blessing to someone who needs to be blessed.
Ira B. Wilson wrote a song that expressess this desire.
MAKE ME A BLESSING
Out in the highways
and by ways of life, Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine
where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad.
Tell the sweet story
of Christ and His love, Tell of His power to forgive;
Others will trust Him
if only you prove True every moment you live.
Give as 'twas given
to you in your need, Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a
helper indeed, Unto your Master be true.
Make me a blessing, Make me a
blessing. Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I
pray, Make me a blessing to some one today.
Today----------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for those who have blessed you. Thank Him for the privilege of being a blessing to some one today. Have a TERRIFIC DAY.
DAN
TODAY AND EVERYDAY
This is the day the Lord has made…we will rejoice and be glad in it. Here is an event that can be depended on. Today will happen as long as time lasts. We can depend on it. This is not man's doing. It is of the Lord. He further tells that as long as time remains there will be seed-time and harvest. We can depend on it.
I believe most of like dependable things. I can go to bed at night and know the sun will rise in the morning. On the other hand, we never know what a day will bring. Today some people will lose their job. Today some people will come down with a life-threatening illness. Some who are sick will recover. For others life will come to an end. Life has both certainties and uncertainties.
A lot of us have found strength and security in the relationship we have with God. God says of Himself, "I am the Lord….I change not." Praise the Lord! No matter what happens we can know the reality of an unchanging God. We can depend on Him who is the Solid Rock. Edward Mote has written a song with that title.
THE SOLID ROCK
My hope is built on nothing
less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest
frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
When darkness seems to hide
His face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His
blood Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives
way, He then is all my hope and stay
When He shall come with
trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness
alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.
Chorus: On Christ the Solid Rock I
stand; All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is
sinking sand.
Today--------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that God is always dependable. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
A NIGHT OF DREAMS
I don't know if it was the bowl of pop-corn I ate later than usual because I was watching a basketball game or if something else was the reason. Last night was a night of dreams for me. No big revelation or signs or teaching-just dreams. Dreams that floated in and out. It seems that the same characters were involved in each dream…but no dream was ever finished. It seems that the conclusion was just left hanging. My alarm went off at 6:00 AM. I got up at 7:30. The last hour was beautiful, dream free sleep.
I know that God sometimes reveals Himself and His will to people in dreams. I am hearing that one way God is using to reach Muslims is by Jesus appearing to them in a dream. In the Bible we read about God appearing to people in a dream to reveal His will. Joseph, the husband of Mary, had a dream. God gave him assurance about Mary and the soon-to-be-born Son. Pilate's wife had a dream about Jesus and told her husband to have nothing to do with that righteous man for I have suffered terribly in a dream because of Him (Mt.27:19).
God may reveal Himself to some by dreams. He reveals Himself to everyone through His Son, Jesus Christ who said, "He that has seen me has seen the Father." God has also given us the Bible. In His written Word we can find His will and His way for our life.
Today-----------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord we don't have to depend on dreams to receive God's revelation. He has given us both His Son and His written Word to make Himself known. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!!
DAN