Humbly Speaking

The other week in Sunday School, a story was used as an illustration of Paul and Apollos being co-laborers for Jesus, and not competitors. Paul was the one who had “planted,” while Apollos had “watered.” The Scripture was from 1 Corinthians 3, beginning at verse 10: “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.”

The story told in Sunday School was about John Wesley and George Whitfield. Most of us will be very familiar with the name of John Wesley who was an English theologian and evangelist who was a principal leader of a revival movement with the Church of England known as Methodism.

George Whitfield was a Church of England evangelist who, by his popular preaching, stimulated the 18^th century Protestant revival throughout Britain and in the British American colonies. These two men of God were at the forefront as leaders of England’s Evangelical Revival in the 1700’s.

Yet there was a great conflict between them. Wesley held strongly Arminian beliefs (emphasizing free will), while Whitfield was a Calvinist (emphasizing predestination). Both men led countless thousands to faith in Christ, but they were at odds theologically.

In addition to their theological differences, there were some methodological issues as well. Wesley had a number of manifestations that occurred in his meetings, such as people falling out, crying out under conviction, and shaking. Whitfield was uncomfortable with these, and suggested that Wesley was inappropriately encouraging these manifestations

Even though they never came to terms over their theological differences, they eventually learned to respect each other.

One of Whitfield’s followers (who obviously still held great animosity against Wesley) said to Whitfield, “We won’t see John Wesley in the heaven, will we?” Whitfield humbly replied “Yes, you’re right, we won’t see him in heaven. He will be so close to the Throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won’t be able to see him!”

Can you relate? Putting someone that we disagree with in front of us before God? That really caused me pause. I have been pondering it ever since I heard it. The tendency of human nature, when any type of conflict occurs, is to defend oneself. After all, “every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 21:2).

At one point, when Wesley appeared to be near death, Whitfield wrote him and said, “…a radiant throne awaits you, and ere long you will enter into your Master’s joy. Yonder He stands with a massive crown, ready to put it on your head amidst an admiring throng of saints and angels.”

Wesley, though, recovered from his illness, and Whitfield eventually died first. At Whitfield’s request, Wesley preached at three memorial services held for Whitfield in London. Wesley spoke lovingly and respectfully of Whitfield and said, “There are many doctrines of a less essential nature with regard to which even the most sincere children of God are and have been divided for many ages. In these we may think and let think; we may ‘agree to disagree.’”

We are all in this walk of faith together. All of us have a certain job God has assigned for us to do. One is not more important than the other. We all want Jesus to be known throughout the world, and in our own backyards. Let’s remember this powerful illustration as we work and serve with other Christians. God calls each of us to do the work He’s assigned us.

Remember Whitfield words: “Yes, you’re right, we won’t see him in heaven. He will be so close to the Throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won’t be able to see him!”

By His Grace . . .

🔆   Most of this article was written by Tony Cooke. His website is: tonycooke.org

Spiritually Prosperous

Color of summer

Recently I read a devotion about trust and came upon the words "spiritually prosperous." I stopped and looked up the definition for prosperous to get a better idea of what was meant and came across the words successful, strong and vigorous.

"David claims that the person who makes the Lord his trust will be blessed, utterly happy, spiritually prosperous, envied, and honored. This kind of trust requires a certain amount of courage . . . but believes that God, as He is revealed in His Word, will act toward us as we have been told He will." Psalm 40:4, Chris Tiegreen

There are so many ways to be prosperous: through knowledge . . . gifted with a certain skill, or financial wealth. These are just a few. So, when I read the words "spiritually prosperous" it stopped me. What are the benefits of being spiritually prosperous?

Being strong in spiritual matters makes it possible to withstand attacks from the devil. My courage would be filled with God's strength, and I could make decisions easily to help me through any situation.

We have the confidence of knowing our God is faithful. He is all knowing. He is strong in mercy and grace. He never fails.

Being successful in spiritual matters helps see us through difficult times and confusing situations, leading us to the words in the Bible we need at just the right time. Being vigorous about our spiritual life draws others to us because of God's strength shining through.

A happy garden.

I think the best reason to be spiritually prosperous is the close walk that would be developed by walking with our God. Trusting Him fully and completely, whatever the path we're on.

"Jesus did not say, 'Come to me and get it over with.' He said, 'If any man would come after Me, let him take up his cross daily and follow Me.'" Louis Cassels

Daily is the key word. Our commitment to Christ, however genuine and whole-hearted it may be today, must be renewed today, tomorrow . . . and the day after that . . . and the day after that. Then we will be "spiritually prosperous."

By His Grace . . .

A Right, Nice Day

 

Last Friday was an interesting and fun day! We started out listening to a Gaither Homecoming video. We hadn't watched any for years. It used to be an annual event, beginning the new year with the first Gaither video and then watching the rest of them during those cold winter months. It was a great way to start the year.

But it's been years since we watched one. I chose "Amazing Grace" and it was wonderful to sit through the sacred old hymns, singing along and worshiping God.

My mother introduced the Gaither videos to us, which in itself was a miracle. She was not a "religious" or "faithful" person, so when she mentioned them to us we were surprised. Maybe sometime in her life she was exposed to the hymns and was enjoying listening to them.

Once we started we couldn't stop. They were just too good. They encouraged, inspired, and provided a worship time singing with a group of sinners, just like us. 

I think we'll be watching a few more. I'm not one to listen to the radio, or play a CD during the day. So having the opportunity once again to be a part of a large choir and sing my heart out, (which is a whisper now), brought joy to my heart. 

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Early that same morning I woke, and while sitting in the dark, which we do every morning, the "Sawmill Arts and Craft Center" in Cook Forest came to mind. This is a place where artisans across PA sell their wares. I love to visit there and see the work of created personss. I decided to go that day!

So after the video, I left. I was hoping to find a new picture. I enjoy the photography of Jack Paluh and was hoping I would see a picture that delighted me. He takes picture of nature, wildlife, and country scenery. A new picture to put on the wall to enjoy would be nice. And I did see a couple to consider.

But my eye was drawn to some quilt items, and I fell in love with the above piece. I always enjoyed going to the Amish Quilt shops in Lancaster, and was delighted when I got to visit one in Ohio a few years ago. I have two handmade quilts by the Amish that I hang on the living room wall, one for the spring and summer, and one for the fall and winter.

Being a homebody, I like my home to be warm and cozy, and quilts are one of the ways I decorate. As well as pictures. I can relax and appreciate work that others have done.

I had been saving my $10 weekly allowance for awhile, so when I saw the quilt I had to have it. A gift to me. A treasure to keep. My weekly allowance provided half of the cost and that made me happy! It now is laying on the dining room table for me to enjoy.

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Once home, I  picked up the movie "Amazing Grace" which tells the inspiring story of how one man's passion and perseverance changed the world. Based on the true story of William Wilberforce and his courageous quest to end the British slave trade, the movie also features the story of John Newton who was a slave ship captain who found God and wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace."

A joyful music video, a lovely quilt piece, and a movie to inspire the heart. It was a good way to end the week!

By His Grace . . .

What an Anchor!

 "Anchor yourself to God's Word. No matter what storms arise, His truth always stands firm and prevails. Every form of earthly security may disappoint you, but Scripture will not. It Cannot! Backed by the awesome power of Almighty God, His promises are fully accomplished and absolutely victorious."  

Charles Stanley, Every Day in His Presence

"Backed by the awesome power of Almighty God" caught my eye. What a truth! There is nothing that compares to the power of Scripture. It's alive. It's truth. It's real.

 Following are some quotes I considered about Scripture:

"Every Christian must refer always and everywhere to the Scriptures for all his choices, becoming like a child before it, seeking in it the most effective remedy against all his various weaknesses, and not daring to take a step without being illuminated by the divine rays of those words."  Pope John Paul

"However powerful and learned he may be, the Bible always sets man face to face with God, reminding him thus of his frailty and his weakness.  Paul Tournier (1898-1986)

"All things desirable to men are contained in the Bible." Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)

"There came a time in my life when I doubted the divinity of the Scriptures, and I resolved as a lawyer and a judge I would try the book as I would try anything in the courtroom, taking evidence for and against. It was a long, serious, and profound study; and using the same principles of evidence in this religious matter as I always do in secular matters. I have come to the decision that the Bible is a supernatural book, that it has come from God, and that the only safety for the human race is to follow its teachings."  Salmon P. Chase (1808-1873)

"Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years." Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)

"The Bible does not thrill, the Bible nourishes. Give time to the reading of the Bible, and the recreating effect is as real as that of fresh air physically."  Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) 

 "I am sorry for men who do not read the Bible every day. I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and the pleasure." Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)

"It is not possible ever to exhaust the mind of the Scriptures. It is a well that has no bottom." Saint John Chrysostom (c. 347-407)

"Backed by the awesome power of Almighty God . . ." Now that's an anchor!

By His Grace . . .

Light in the Clouds

 

I remember an airplane flight I took, that took off in a storm. Although everything looked dark and dreary, when we passed through the clouds the sun was shining bright. I always remember that experience when things get me down, and I can't seem to see the light.

I recently enjoyed a devotion in the book "Unto The Hills" by Billy Graham. The titled is: "Behind the Clouds," and it reminded me of my experience. He speaks of his home on a mountain top where often he can see the clouds in the valley below. While he enjoys beautiful sunlight and clear skies, he observes thunderstorms and lightning flashes, and thunder roaring--all far below where he sits on the top of the mountain.

Clouds are mentioned in the Bible many times. God spoke to His people through a cloud. He called Moses 'out of the midst of the cloud', Exodus 24:16, and His 'glory appeared in a cloud,' Exodus 16:10. The scripture verse associated with the devotion is: "Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds." Psalm 36:5

Charles Kingsley said: "No cloud across the sun but passes at the last and gives us back the face of God once more." And Longfellow said: "Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining."

I enjoy looking at the different clouds as they roll by. Fluffy white; faces and animal shapes; storm clouds, and faint outlines. Graham says: "The Bible indicates that clouds are given to us for a purpose, and that there is glory in the clouds and that every cloud has a silver lining."

In the Bible, clouds often carry deep spiritual meaning. They symbolize God's presence, His guidance, and even His return. Clouds bring us rain. God put His rainbow in the clouds.

Remember the sun always shines on the other side of the cloud and God's Son is there too! We will always have clouds, both in the sky and in our lives. Yet God is still shining bright and waits for our eyes to see Him.

By His Grace . . . 

 

Your Cloud of Witnesses

 

Roadside beauty!

I love to read about the “cloud of witnesses” in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. The faithful men and women who believed God, stood for Him, and were delivered by His power, some in their lifetime, and some after their death.

It is good to read about those who have gone before us. They really aren’t that different from us. They lived for God, tried their best to follow His leading, and trusted Him to take care of them. He still does that today. Around you are saints of today who will become part of the “cloud of witnesses.”

The Scripture reads: “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.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Whitney Hopler, Crosswalk.com, wrote: “There is no limit to the amount of people who can join that great cloud in heaven. Although the book of Hebrews presents famous examples of faithful people who are in the great cloud of witnesses, it doesn’t exclude others. It looks forward to other people of faith who will experience the rewards of heaven. Every single soul who chooses to live in faith through a relationship with God can become part of the great cloud of witnesses.“

We are not alone. People through the ages have experienced what we are going through today. We can be encouraged by their stories and the stories of those living today who have overcome great difficulties and heartbreak.

“We can have no doubt about the great truths which we believe, for we are compassed about with a cloud of witnesses . . . Having therefore no room for doubt let us throw our whole strength into our high calling and run with patience having our eyes always fixed upon Him, the beginner and finisher of our faith.” Charles Spurgeon

Romans 15, verse 4, reinforces the benefit to find encouragement and hope from the past: “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.”

Who are your cloud of witnesses? Could it be a grandfather who has passed on to be with Jesus? Maybe there's an aunt who has touched your life with her faith. What friends do you have that have helped you through difficulties with biblical answers? Is it that teacher in your church who always brings God's Word to life? 

Choose your friends wisely. Stay connected with that family member who encourages your growth in God's Word. Are you a cloud of witness to someone?

As Whitney Hopler said, "Every single soul who chooses to live in faith through a relationship with God can become part of the great cloud of witnesses."

 By His Grace . . .

Do You Surrender All?

 

It's so easy and comforting  to sing: "I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all."

“I Surrender All” is that hymn of old that most of us have sung many times. But do we surrender all? Do we cease living against God and submit to His authority.

Do I surrender everything I have? Do I surrender the pleasures of this world? Do I surrender the anger I have towards another? Do I surrender my wrong desires? Do I surrender my time to give to His work?

It’s an easy thing to say, but a hard thing to do. It’s an everyday battle. But God asks us to surrender all and follow Him.

Spurgeon put it this way: “It is what angels do, what kings and prophets have done, what the best of men delight in—there is therefore no dishonor nor sorrow in so doing. All nature is submissive to His laws; suns and stars yield to His behests, we shall but be in harmony with the universe in willingly bowing to His sway. ‘Submit yourselves unto God’—you must do it whether you are willing to do so or not. Who can stand out against the Almighty?”

C.S. Lewis: “If we wish to know Christ more intimately and be transformed into His likeness, there is no other way. We must die daily. It starts with a full surrender of our lives—all we are and all we have—to the Father. Then, with the Holy Spirit’s help, we must reaffirm this surrender, choice by choice, as life unfolds before us. Granted, this will sometimes be hard, but it is the most direct path to where we wish to go. And as we follow it, we will come to know Christ evermore deeply and grow in the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that characterized His life on earth.”

In Luke 14:33 it says: “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”

The path is clear. We all must surrender everything to Jesus. The next time you sing “I Surrender All” make sure your heart is in line with the words you are saying. It’s what we want. It’s just hard to do. Every day. Every minute.

You want everlasting joy in your life? Surrender it all. Second by second.

“All to Jesus I surrender, All to Him I freely give;

I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live.”

By His Grace . . .