WORSHIP
I walked out on the front deck, breathing the fresh air (it was early before the daily pollution), I silently said, “Thank you God. I Praise you for this day you have made.”
I looked down at a big planter with periwinkle blooming profusely. A thoughtful son-in-law had planted these in early spring. Also, there was a pot of beautiful yellow mums (chrysanthemum is too hard to spell) brought by a couple from our church. Beside them was another big pot of mums in the golden color of fall. These brought by a son and daughter-in-law. I whispered a heart-felt “thank you” to my heavenly Father.
My eyes lifted and I saw a neighbor’s house across the road. A widow who has told us many times, “I’m here if you need me.” She meant it and she responded one afternoon. Our power was off and Hazel was in the lift chair, laying all the way back. I called the neighbor, “can you come and help me get Hazel out of the chair?” “I’ll be right there” and in a couple of minutes she was walking up the driveway. I said, as I saw her house, “Praise the Lord for good neighbors.”
I looked a little further to the road and the cars going both directions. Where were all these people going I wondered? And I answered myself. Some are going to work, some are going to school, some are going to the hospital or the nursing home to visit a family member or friend, some are going shopping and I guess some are just going for the sake of going. I breathed a prayer asking God to keep them all safe and to meet the needs in their lives. And I thanked God that He cares about each one of us…His Creation. O Lord, I worship you, I praise you, I adore you, I thank you!”
I raise my eyes and look across the valley to the next ridge. I live on top of one ridge and can see the next ridge. The sun is shining brightly over the fog in the valley to reflect on the trees with their beautiful fall colors. Artists can copy a scene like this – but this is the original! I praise the Lord that the earth is the Lord’s and they that dwell therein.
As I step back into the house it is almost time to get Hazel up for the day. My heart and mind express my thanks to God for the physical strength He gives me to lift and move Hazel. I go into the bedroom – give her a kiss and say “good morning to you…this is a day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. She smiles; the room is a little brighter. We have a cheerful time as I get her changed and ready for the day. I praise the Lord for all His blessings. Hazel doesn’t talk much any more, but she hums along with the hymns we listen to on a CD the grand kids gave us. Our days could be just routine and dull. But they are bright and cheerful because the Lord is here.
O, Lord, our Lord, how wonderful is your Name! So we sing and we laugh and we enjoy whoever drops by to visit. Hazel’s mind is still alert even though her tongue is mostly silent. She laughs at the stories and jokes she hears. She is blessed as her daughters sit around close to her and talk about the growing up years and all they have learned from their mother. Truly, God is good all the time!
Today – Out Loud and on Purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that we worship Him in spirit and in truth. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!
COMMANDS WITH PROMISE
God gave the command to honor your father and mother, then you will have a long, full life in the land which the Lord your God will give you. A command with a promise. This is true all through the Bible. In essence God is saying to His followers, “Trust me and do what I instruct you to do.” This will be followed by the blessings God promises to give. We have all heard the song, “Trust and Obey.” The refrain is, “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trusty and obey.”
In Malachi 3:8-10 God gives the command to bring all the tithes into the storehouse. As I’ve said before, this means that I bring my tithes to my church. My church is the local church to which I belong. The Lord further says in Malachi that He will bless those who do this by opening the windows of heaven and pouring out blessings. The Lord says, “Test me.” Will you allow me to put this in the vernacular of rural East Tennessee? God says, “I double dog dare you to bring your tithes and see if I will do what I say I will do.” In over 50 years of ministry I have never heard anyone say that God did not keep that promise.
We sing a song which has these words, “He has never broken any promise spoken, He will keep His promise to me.” My daughter belongs to a Southern Baptist Church that foes not take up an offering in the worship service. In a required orientation class new members are informed about the church. They are also told that members are expected to support the church financially. They are told the philosophy of the church is, “If you love Jesus you will give.” Offering envelopes are available at the entrances. Members place their offerings in the offering plates at the door.
This is the time of year when most churches adopt financial goals for next year. Pastors preach sermons about giving. I did this for years, often laying a guilt trip on those not giving.(God forgive me!) This does not motivate cheerful giving. It is much better to know that God loves those who give cheerfully and joyously because they love Jesus.
I praise the Lord for the privilege of giving my tithe to my church. It is a worship experience even though I do not get to be in the services. I invite other Christians to experience the joy of the Lord as they gladly, cheerfully and not of necessity, bring their tithes and offerings to the Lord.
Today-----------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for His instructions concerning our tithes and offerings. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
UNCONDITONAL LOVE
It is difficult to envision love that has no strings attached. The usual approach is that if you do certain things I will love you. It is very easy for parents as they deal with their children to leave the impression that if you are good I will love you. Then the child will figure that if I am not good you will not love me. In adult relationships we very often travel that same path. Perhaps we don’t intend it that way but it often turns out that way. Our love for others depends on what they do…their works.
This is not God’s way. How much do you love me, Lord? This much He replied and stretched out His arms on the cross and died for me. Lord, what can I do to earn your love? And God says you can do nothing to earn my love because it is freely given. It is given to anyone who will receive it. You’ve heard the expression that a gift is not a gift until it is received. So, I guess there is one thing a person has to do to get in a love relationship with God. You have to receive the gift God offers. How do I do that? By believing that what God says is true. Faith in God. For by grace you are saved through faith. Receive by believing. God loves, God forgives, God saves, God keeps. He is also able to supply everything I need in life.
Psalm 63:3 – “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.”
Psalm 89:2 – “I will declare that your love stands firm forever; that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.”
Psalm 138:8 – “Your love, O Lord, endures forever.”
Today------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for His unconditional Love with which He loves us. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
SIMPLY TRUSTING
We sail along on the sea of life. The skies are blue, the sun shines brightly, the seas and the winds are calm. All is well and the future looks good. Suddenly the skies are black with rolling, thunderous clouds, the wind is furious, the waves are high – our ship is swamped. Have you ever had that kind of experience? Most of us have at one time or another.
What do you do about it? Unfortunately this storm often hits in the formative years of life when we have not had the experience or the training to handle it. So, we struggle, we hurt, we pray, we cry, we need a shoulder to lean on. It is a “why me?” time.
We look back at those storms. Although we remember them and the heartbreak of the time – we discover that “Hey, I lived through that storm!” Life goes on. We survive. Looking back at my own experiences I see that God was there and trusting Him was a part of that experience.
One of the great old hymns that has stood the test of times and nurtured many a hurting heart is the one written by E. Page and set to music by Ira D. Sankey.
TRUSTING JESUS
Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His Spirit shine Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall; Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing if my way is clear: Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call; Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall: Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Chorus.
Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him what-e’er befall, Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Today------------------------------------Out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for every experience of life. He is Lord. He will see us through the storm. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
SHAKEN – BUT SAFE
Psalm 62:5-6 “Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my Rock and my salvation, and my stronghold; I will not be shaken.”
I have not had the experience of being in an earthquake. It has to be a terrifying experience. The ground quivers and shakes. A person cannot walk and sometimes can’t stand. One is helpless until the shaking stops.
Life hits us like an earthquake sometimes. What is believed to be safe and secure is shaken. Perhaps a job is lost. Possibly it is a financial loss and retirement security is gone. One feels helpless and sometimes forsaken. Sometimes precious relationships are broken. Satan sees us at our weakest point and feeds us his lies.
But, remember what the psalmist said, “He (God) alone is my salvation, and my stronghold, I will not be shaken.” Isn’t God good when the shaking comes? He surrounds us with friends and family to give support and encouragement. He, God, is always present for His promise is, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In heartache, sorrow and the earthquakes of life God provides what we need.
I think we are often like the little boy who was scared to sleep alone. His mother assured him that Gad was with him. The little boy said, “I know God is here, but I need some body with a face.” So God surrounds us with “faces.”
Today------------------------------out loud and purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He always meets the needs of our lives and never leaves us to go through the earthquake alone. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!!
GOD ALWAYS THERE?
When I was 20 years old I was energetic, enthusiastic, hard working, newly wed and life was good. Raised to go to church, Hazel and I were usually in church on Sunday morning and sometimes during the week. My take home pay was a little more than $10.00 per week. Rent was $3.00, food was $3.00 to $4.00, payment on furniture was $2.00. We tithed to our church. If there was a slack time in our spiritual lives it was in the first year of our marriage. Looking back, I can bear witness that God was there.
Life moved on at an incredible pace. The children were born. I had a better job. We became more active in church. In 1945 I was ordained as a minister of the gospel. I first served as a Director of Missions. In 1948 I became the pastor of my first church. The church provided the enormous salary of $25.00 per week and a house to live in. Hazel’s dad, knowing that we would starve to death, gave us a cow – milk and butter! I bought 100 baby chicks. In a few months we had eggs and meat. Neighbors allowed us to help cut trees into firewood which was shared by those families doing the work – we kept warm. I bear witness that God was there.
Then came the desire to be better prepared to minister. Tennessee Baptists helped me get through college in only eight years! Southern Baptists helped me graduate from seminary. Had God not been there we would not have made it. Unexpected checks would come in the mail at the time of need. Yes, God was there.
In the next 25 years of pastoring churches, children growing up and going to college or getting married,- Yes, God was there.
The pace changed as I retired from pastoring in Oct. 1984 at age 65. God had made it possible for us to buy a house. Hazel’s mother lived with us until her death. Children gathered in for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays and the Fourth of July. There were opportunities to serve interim pastorates and then as a teacher of a SS Class in our home church.
In Feb. 1998 Hazel’s body was afflicted with a weakness in her legs that prevented her from walking. Our lives changed from going to staying at home. God has provided for our needs. We are happy, rejoicing in the Lord and praising God every day. From the vantage point of being 84 years old I can look back across the years and affirm that God is always there.
Today-----------------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that whatever life brings our way He is always there. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
NOTHING BETWEEN
I read this recently. “Always remember that the rough times in a marriage come after the wedding.” I am reminded that it is easy to be saved, “born again,” but the rough times come after this joyous experience. Jesus reminds us that in this life we will have tribulations. Before we are saved the devil has us right where he wants us and he pays very little attention to us. After we are saved he is going to everything he can do to prevent our living for Jesus and growing in the Christian life. We still live in bodies of flesh and the devil knows every weak spot we have.
As a Christian there are times when the closeness with Jesus is so wonderful and we feel we are on top of the world and everything is under control. Then the devil springs his trap. There is that habit you thought you had overcome. There are thoughts that come into your mind that are not God-thoughts. We yield to a temptation that had been conquered because we have said, “I’ll never do that again.” Secret sins? Impure thoughts? They do get between us and God.
I sometimes feel like there is a cloud over my head and my prayers can’t get through the cloud. The comes the heart-cry, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
C.A. Tindley wrote a song that expresses our heart’s desire.
NOTHING BETWEEN
Nothing between my soul and the Saviour, Naught of this world’s delusive dream: I have renounced all sinful pleasure, Jesus is mine, there’s nothing between.
Nothing between like worldly pleasure; Habits of life, though harmless they seem, Must not my heart from Him ever sever,-- He is my all, there’s nothing between.
Nothing between like pride or station, Self or friends shall not intervene; Tho’ it may cost me much tribulation, I am resolved, there’s nothing between.
Nothing between, e’en many hard trials, Tho’ the whole world against me convene; Watching with prayer and much self—denial, I’ll triumph at last, with nothing between.
CHORUS
Nothing between my soul and the Saviour, so that His blessed face may seen; Nothing preventing the least of His favor, Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.
Today------------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for all those brothers and sisters in the Lord who pray for one another. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
THE PLACE OF SAFETY
Have you noticed the change the weather these past few days? We have experienced a mild and beautiful fall. The skies have been blue, the sun has shown brightly. When the weather is like this life seems to flow a little smoother. When changes come it seems that life changes too.
Now we are having overcast days with rain and fog and generally dreary weather. My grand daughter drew a picture and put it on the refrigerator. She called it “The runny season.” She sees this time of year as one of colds and runny noses.
We are approaching the time of year when there are more suicides. It seems that the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons bring on feelings that some just people just can’t handle.
David, the man after God’s heart, had some rough times. In the midst of one of these times he cried out to God. Psalm 61:1-2 (KJV) “Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” David sought the place of safety.
E. Johnson has given us a song that catches the feelings of David’s plea.
THE ROCK THAT IS HIGHER THAN I
O sometimes the shadows are deep, And rough seems the path to the goal,
And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep Like tempests down over the soul!
O sometimes how long seems the day, And sometimes how weary my feet;
But toiling in life’s dusty way, The Rock’s blessed shadow, how sweet!
O near to the Rock let me keep. If blessings or sorrows prevail;
Or climbing the mountain way steep, Or walking the shadowy vale.
Refrain
O then to the Rock let me fly, to the Rock that is higher than I; O then to the Rock let me fly, to the Rock that is higher than I!
Today---------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He is the place of safety for all who come to Him. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
MAKING A CONTRIBUTION
I believe most of us want to do something with our lives and what we have that will be a blessing to someone. Do you think about what you have that you can give to or share with others?
This is the time of year when we feel the pressure from every service organization and every charity to help them. One organization specializes in providing a Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless people. Another asks for help to fill baskets with groceries and a turkey for Thanksgiving and next month for Christmas. Still another group gathers toys to give those children whose family cannot afford toys. Religious organizations feed the children, drill water wells in Africa or India, provide medical services, build houses, etc. Samaritan Purse in Operation Shoebox will give over 4 million shoe boxes of toys to children around the world this Christmas.
These are all worthy of support. My heart is always saddened because I can’t give to every one of them. I want to give so I ask God to direct my giving. Sometimes the Holy Spirit impresses me to give to individuals who might be having a hard time. I’ve had people tell me, “We didn’t have money to buy food, thank you.” Others had a special need and the gift was just in time to meet that need. Ask God to direct your giving, not only at this time of the year, but all the time. God knows the needs of people and He knows who has the resources to meet that need. It is amazing how He directs lives to meet needs and be a blessing.
Today---------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that He supplies our needs and leads us to be a blessing to others. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
Who Is In Control?
Joyce Myers wrote a book entitled The Battle For The Mind. There is a constant battle going on within us for the control of our mind. I don’t know about others, but I find myself seeking the help of the Holy Spirit to keep my mind on the things of God and not on the things of this world.
This is the season of the year when we thank God for the blessings of life. The Thanksgiving season helps us to think the God thoughts of thanksgiving and joy. Then come the hectic days of preparing for Christmas. Unless you have some clear cut ground rules, the fight is on!
One family has the rule that their gift for missions through their church will at least equal the amount of the most expensive gift they give to family or friends. This helps keep things under control. Some parents go all out to give their kids expensive gifts and multiple toys. Their credit cards are maxed out. Financial recovery will take months if not years.
Who is in control? The Apostle Paul deals with this in the 8th chapter of Romans. We are either under the control of our sinful nature or we are under the control of the Spirit of God living in us. The bible constantly confronts us with, “Choose you this day… .” Who is in control? The choice is yours.
Today-------------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that Jesus gave Himself that we might choose life that is controlled by the Spirit of God.
Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
“F”
In school the letter “F” stands for failure. To get an “F” means you are not doing the required work. In my college days there was a student who was on fire for the Lord. He was invited by churches to preach and often to lead in revival meetings. This took a toll on his academic work. His counselor confronted him at the end of a grading period. He had four “F’s” and a “D.” The counselor wondered what the problem might be. The student said, “I guess I just spend too much time on one subject.”
Through twelve years of public school, four years of college (over a period of eight years) and three years in seminary I only had one “F.” It was in seminary. I had missed a class or two. When the test was given I was at a complete loss. As one usually does in such a time, I wrote and wrote, without ever really answering the questions. The result was an “F.” Fortunately, by the grace of God, I did pass the course.
I am glad the Lord doesn’t give “F’s” when we don’t measure up to our potential. When I compare who I am and what I accomplish to the standard of God’s Word, I always come up short. Jesus tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Too many times I get sidetracked by something else. The Bible tells us the “first fruits” of our lives belongs to God. How often we fail in this and end up giving to God from “what’s left” after we take care of other things.
Today---------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that it is by His grace we are saved and by His power we are kept – not by our works which always fall short. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
BLESSINGS
This is the week in which we observe Thanksgiving Day. Granted that everyday should be a day for thanksgiving. Nevertheless, we have this Thursday a day designated by our government as Thanksgiving Day. On this Monday of this special week a couple things are on my mind.
First is what is expected – that I be thankful for everything life has brought to me. It is a joy to recognize the goodness and blessings of our Heavenly Father. Perhaps not everything has seemed good, but I know that God will work everything for my good and His glory. Yes, I am most thankful to God and to others who make life better.
Second is the thought that I have a deep desire in my heart and spirit that my life may be a blessing to others. It is my daily prayer that I do nothing that will be hurtful or harmful to any one. My desire is to be a blessing. The words of the song written by Ira B. Wilson give expression to this desire.
MAKE ME A BLESSING
Out in the highways and byways 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 in-deed, Unto your mission be true.
Chorus
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing, Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Saviour, I pray, Make me a blessing to some-one today.
Today-----------------------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord that we are blessed with the privilege of being a blessing. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
IT IS GRATIFYING
It seems that every time I open my e-mail there is a message related to Thanksgiving. It is gratifying to know that thousands of people are expressing their thankfulness to God for friends, neighbors, families and for God.
Being thankful is a lifestyle which Christians develop as they grow in experiencing God. The longer I live the more I recognize that it is not I who live, but the life I now live is by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.(Gal. 2:20). This lifestyle replaces the old way of living that was centered on me, my desires and my way of doing things. The change is not easy. Old habits die hard. They have a way of hanging around and slipping back into our lives if we let our guard down.
Be thankful that God’s grace is sufficient to meet our needs, guard us from temptation and bring victory to our lives. God’s instruction to thank God for everything can only be done as we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with the necessary wisdom to know that God is working everything together for our good.(Rom.8:28)
“Whatever problems your family is facing, healing can and will take place if Jesus is allowed to come into your home and sit at the head of the table.”
----Robert and Debra Bruce
Today-----------------out loud and on purpose Thank and Praise the Lord for the many thoughts, wishes and prayers of Thanksgiving being passed to others via e-mail and the internet. Have a TERRIFIC DAY!!!
ON BEING THANKFUL
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. We have been reminded on all sides that we should give thanks to God for the blessings of life. The Bible says we should give thanks for everything. As your relationship with God develops to the point where you can do this you will find the joy of trusting God in all things. The following was passed on to me by someone last year. It is good for this year.
“Thanksgiving Blessings”
T –Is for the Tons of blessings that I receive each day.
H – Stands for these Hands that fold, when I begin to pray.
A – Means all the Awesome powers our Lord has from above.
N – Stands for His Never ending patience and His Love.
K – Is for the Kindness and forgiveness He has shown.
S – Stands for the Sweetest gift of love we’ve ever known.
G – Means the Amazing Grace that God bestowed on me.
I – Says I can’t imagine, without His love, just where I’d be.
V – Is for (Victory in Jesus), just like the song of old.
I – Means I’ll do my best, to lead lost sheep into His fold.
N – Is for the nails driven through our Savior’s hands.
G – Stands for God’s Greatest Gift, His Son’s life for mortal man.
Today-------------------------out loud and on purpose give Thanks and Praise to God. Have a THANKFUL AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING!!!