How is Your "Wonder"?

 "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. 

From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy." 

Psalm 65:8

Little children are full of awe and wonder. It's a joy to watch them in their excitement of the simplest of things like blowing a dandelion into the wind or jumping for joy over snowflakes twirling in the snow.

Our wonder sometimes gets lost in the busyness and work of life. I like what Cheri wrote on, I believe,  the God of Wonder Facebook page: "Many of us adults, however, have lost our sense of wonder and awe. This is why we are given psalms which describes God's absolute power and creative miracles. These psalms draw us out of our ho-hum, busy existence, back to a childlike wonder of our great God, the God who fills the sky with clouds, gives His orders to the world, sends the snow like white wool, and hurls the hail like stones. Who treated everything and possesses all power and yet cares for the weak and brokenhearted. Who reigns over every nation and galaxy and yet delights in the simple, heartfelt devotion of those who trust Him. He is a God whose understanding is beyond human comprehension. Surely a God like this can inspire our wonder and awe."

It is true. The psalms remind us of all God is and all He does. What a great reminder!

In George Beverly Shea's book, "How Sweet the Sound," he tells a story about a man he met on a passenger ship. The man was the president of a New York publishing company. They began talking about a crusade that was happening in England and the man asked, "What goes on?" Shea wrote: "I mentioned the necessary weeks of preparation for each event and the beautiful volunteer choir led by Cliff Barrows. Then I began to speak of the message of God's love extended to everyone, and so eloquently expressed by the gracious southern gentleman, Billy Graham . . . I found myself quickly adding, 'Oh sir, if you could see it, the wonder of it all!' The man pulled out an envelope and wrote something in large letters. He flashed in front of me these words: 'The Wonder of It All.'" And that's how that lovely song came to be.

Revive your awe and wonder as we continue celebrating the birth of Christ and look forward to the joy before us from a loving God. 

"O the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!

Just to think that God loves me.

O the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all! 

Just to think that god loves me."

By His Grace . . .

One Life

 

"The testimony of one life lived for Christ is powerful! One life cleansed through faith in the blood of Jesus. One life that confesses, 'Jesus is Lord.' One life that has the courage to stand for godly convictions in the midst of moral compromise. One life that tells the truth. One life that lives the truth. One life that lifts high the Light! You can be that one life!" Anne Graham Lott, The Joy of My Heart

Are you that one life? The one who stands for Christ? The one who sings His praises? The one who studies His Word? The one who seeks the lost? The one who believes completely? The one who has that deep-settled confidence that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world?

I want to me that one life! I want to shine bright for Christ so others can see His glory by what I do. I fail miserably. Yet, just knowing it is obtainable and having the desire to do it, even when I fail, keeps me pressing on.

This month as we celebrate His birth and focus our attention on all He has done for us, remember you are one who believes and let it shine within your life. 

Any good we do to reach the heart of another is acceptable to God. Think of that friend you haven't heard from and give her a call. Do you have a friend going through a difficult time? Write a note or drop off a homemade treat. Visit an elderly neighbor who may be all alone with no family to reach out too. 

You are one life. Your one life can make a difference. Even if you are hurting this Christmas season, your heart will be encouraged if you'll reach out to someone else to encourage them.

Be that one life! Shine for Jesus! Tell the world He is your Savior, and you are celebrating Him. Bring joy to your heart and others as we walk through this Christmas season. 

By His Grace . . .

Singing Joy!

Have you started singing Christmas Carols? Yesterday I did! Every morning I'm singing one Christmas Carol and then reading the story behind the song in my hymn devotion book.

"Joy to the World" was the first carol I sang. It was written by Isaac Watts at a time when most of the singing in British churches was from the Psalms. He became dissatisfied with the quality of singing so, he "invented" the English hymn.

"Taking various psalms, he studied them from the perspective of Jesus and the New Testament, and then formed them into verses for singing," Robert J. Morgan wrote in his book: Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition. "Watts said: 'I have rather expressed myself as I may suppose David would have done if he lived in the days of Christianity, and by this means, perhaps I have sometimes hit upon the true intent of the Spirit of God in those verse farther and clearer than David himself could ever discover.'"

Think about all the beautiful Christmas Carols we sing during this blessed season. Just by reading lines from a carol you know the music and can't help but sing! Give it a try!

"The First Noel," "Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel." 

"It Came Uon the Midnight Clear," "Peace on the earth good will to men, From heaven's all gracious King! The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing."

"Angels We Have Heard on High," . . . Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains." 

"I Heard the Bells on Christ Day," . . . Their old familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeat, Of peace on earth, good will to men." 

What Child Is This? "So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; come peasant king to own Him. The King of kings, salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him." 

"O Little Town of Bethlehem," 'O holy child of Bethlehem, Descend to us we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today."

"There's a Song in the Air," "In the light of that star Lie the ages impearled; And that song from afar Has swept over the world."" 

Away in a Manger," "The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes."

This Christmas Season enjoy a Christmas hymn each day, both singing and reading the words. The joy that fills your soul will carry you through each day. If concerns are heavy on your heart this year, remembering these hymns from childhood may help you go through this month with a lighter heart and the HOPE God has given us.

By His  Grace . . .

Someone to Thank

 

“And let us give thanks for Someone to thank.” 
Gerhard E. Frost

I was looking through my quotation book, “Draper’s Book of Quotations for the Christian World,” to see if there were any quotes about Thanksgiving I could use in this post and came across the one above.

I liked the words and decided to look up the person who said it. I could find no information on the writer except for the simple words, “he was a well-known author, speaker, Bible teacher, and seminary professor.”

I found out the quote is the last line in a poem Frost wrote titled: “Let Us Give Thanks.” The poem is appropriate for this month of Thanksgiving.

 “Let us give thanks this moment: for the sturdy fact of God’s continuing love, for mercies which go before us and follow after us, for those free gifts which cost God so much.

 “Let us give thanks: for memory and expectation, for the good that we have known and know today in Jesus Christ, for the Spirit’s brooding presence in our nights and our days.

 “Let us give thanks: for pleasures which comfort and pains which force our growth and keep us at the Shepherd’s side, for deep meanings revealed and mysteries mercifully concealed, for the image of God within us, the capacity to inquire and adore.

  “Let us give thanks for one another, for just being together, for differences that complement and  complete, for gifts which enrich and disagreements which challenge, for our oneness in Christ.

"Let us give thanks for melody and mirth, for rhythm and beat, for the repeated and the common, for the ever-unfolding, and for senses with which to respond.

And let us give thanks for Someone to thank."

There are many reasons you may have to be thankful this year. Family, health, work, love, abilities, friends, and hundreds of other reasons. Yet, there is Someone who gave us a Person to believe in, to live for and to thank for all things. That Someone is God, our Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 Happy Thanksgiving!

By His Grace . . .

Spiritual Fervor

 

“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”

John Wesley

I like that quote. Especially the words “catch on fire with enthusiasm.” People are attracted to others that are enthusiastic and alive in spiritual fervor.

Being on 24 hours a day, seven days a week can be tough though. The ups and downs are part of life and we tend to sway with what is happening at the time. But our hearts and souls can still be secure and confident in our Lord. And other people will see that.

"Never allow anything to cause your heart to beat more strongly than it does from your love for God. Let this ambition be the fire of your soul. the foundation of every endeavor you begin, and your sustaining motivation when your zeal for Him starts to cool."

Charles Spurgeon

Look Unto Me

If you are using the gift(s) God has given you, your example will help others be encouraged. Using your gift(s) is an easy thing, for God doesn’t have us do something that He doesn’t equip us for and give us joy in doing.

“When you first came to Christ, did you spend some time discovering your spiritual gift? Finding it most likely sparked your spiritual fire, so ready were you to serve God by using it to grow His Kingdom. But, as the years went by, your initial spark may have died out.

“It’s time to fan back into a flame those embers of your gift so that you can serve God in a way no one else can. God equipped you with a unique talent. Use it, knowing that He has also given you the power, peace, love, and mind to do so.” Wanda E. Brunstetter, The Prayer Jar Devotional: HOPE

Do you remember how you realized your gift(s)? What happen that brought understanding that said: “This is what God wants me to do?” For me, someone who I didn’t know, except for passing in the hallway at church, sent me a note to encourage me. It made such an impact in my life that I knew I wanted to do that for others. That’s how I started my note writing ministry.

Chris Tiegreen, in his book “Walk With God” asked this question: “How would you characterize your level of zeal? Does it drive you to pursue God’s Kingdom and His righteousness with a passion? If He dwells within you and your fellowship with Him is deep, it will. It is not possible to be powerfully filled with the Holy Spirit and yet to be lukewarm in our love or our service.”

You should enjoy and love doing what God has given you do to. Your zeal and passion should drive you to do God’s work. Find that flame you discovered when you were saved. Let it burn!

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Romans 12:11

Let the Lord inspire you to serve with courage and passion. "Catch on fire with enthusiasm" and let your life touch others with God’s love. 

By His Grace . . . 

Always Go Up

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,

I call as my heart grows faint;

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Psalm 61:1-2

This Scripture verse is one of the first ones I was directed to as a new Christian. I called my sister for emotional support, and her husband said to read Psalm 61.

"The Rock. The psalm conveys a desire for elevation, asking God to 'lead me to the rock that is higher than I.' Here, the metaphor of the rock signifies divine stability, safety, and strength—elements that are essential for overcoming life's challenges. The rock represents God Himself, who provides refuge and protection." thebiblesays.com  

David knew there would be times when his heart was overwhelmed. In those moments he needed a place of stability, a place above himself and someone to lead him.

I've needed this Rock my times as I've walked with God. Through sorrow, disappointment, sadness and hurt, I've gone to Psalm 61 and read those words directing me to the Rock. Reassuring me that my God was there, will always be there and I could rest in Him.

"This means the Rock that is too high for me, the Rock that I cannot reach unaided . . . And just Who is that Rock? This Rock is Christ. For ancient Israel, the Rock was a symbol of the love and protection of God, a figure of the security, serenity and protection provided for the believer by the Lord. For this generation, 'Our Lord Jesus Christ is the true Rock for human souls.'" Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible

Our Rock is our one true defense and refuge where we will be lifted up and enabled to bear rough times. It's so easy to forget to call on God when we're overwhelmed with hard times. Yet, He is the only One who can get us through those hard times. 

My sister and her husband prayed for me for five years after they were saved. And I continue to be encouraged by them. I will always be thankful to them for leading me to this Scripture verse when I was a new Christian.

"Christ is the Rock on which the Christian church is built; and of the streams that issue therefrom, all believers drink, and are refreshed. It typified the sacred influences of the Holy Spirit, as given to believers through Christ."

Matthew Henry

By His Grace . . .

Remembrances

The devotion I read this morning in "Look Unto Me: The Devotions of Charles Spurgeon" compiled by Jim Reimann, gave me hope that today, November 5, 2024, our country will prevail as a notable date in our history of God's deliverance.

Scripture verse: "No weapon forged against You will prevail." Isaiah 54:17 

Spurgeon wrote: "Two great events of God's deliverance prevailed on this date. In 1605 there was a plot to destroy England's House of Parliament, and it was uncovered and defeated. In 1688 William III landed at Torbay, England and support was gained to secure religious liberty.

"Our Puritan forefathers were quite devout in making today a special time of thanksgiving. In fact, a record of Matthew Henry's sermons preached in celebration of this day still exists. Our Protestant sense and our love of liberty should make us regard this anniversary with holy gratitude. May our hearts and mouths exclaim, 'We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long age.' (Psalm 44:1)

"May the heart of everyone who loves the gospel of Jesus be burdened today to plead for the destruction of false doctrines and the advancement of God's truth."

Today is an important day in the history of the United States. We are at the brink of destruction of America as a nation founded on Godly principles. My hope is, this too, will be a notable date in our history of God's deliverance.

As I pray each morning, I thank God for being in control of ALL THINGS and for knowing everything. His Will will be played out today and through the rest of history until Jesus returns to this earth.

We can have confidence that whatever happens today, whether to our liking or not, it will continue to move us forward in God's plan. He will reign again. He is in control.

By His Grace . . .