Power for the New Year

Painting by Randy Burns

I was reminded of a special strength while reading one of Charles Spurgeon's devotions, and it encouraged my heart. Here we are, ready to begin a new year, and some of us our tired.

" . . . a Christian pilgrim continuously receives fresh supplies of grace and is as vigorous after many years of toilsome travel and difficulties as when he first began. He may not appear as zealous or as spontaneous in his zeal as he once was, but he is much stronger in the things that constitute true power, and although he may travel more slowly, he travels far more steadily." 

Charles Spurgeon, Look Unto Me

True words to cheer our hearts. Those of us who have walked many years with our Lord have access to great strength and power. And it is, indeed, there!

                                          

"One of the beautiful aspects of the Christian life is that we never have to rely on our own strength." God will always give us the strength we need to walk through each day and live through the burden we must bear.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow

with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13

Yes, we're definitely slower, no doubt about that! But we are stronger and powerful because our faith through the years has taught us that we serve a God that is faithful and true.

"When a man has no strength, if he leans on God, he becomes powerful." 

Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899)

As this year ends I suggest we all . . . 

By His Grace . . .

Believe It or Not

Christmas. A time of joy. A time of celebration. A time of pondering God's gift to man. A time of believing in Jesus and His birth.

Is this your heart's desire? If not, don't go away before I can share a word I heard a long time ago about believing God and accepting Jesus as the Saviour of the world. I don't know who wrote or said this.

"If I'm wrong, and there is no God, and His Word doesn't matter--it's all just lies. Well, I guess it won't make any difference for me when I die. I've lived my life in what I believed to be true and how I believe God would have me to live it. 

"But, if I'm right, and there is a God, and His Word is true, and Jesus is the Saviour of the world . . . and you don't believe it or live by His Word, it matters greatly, because you will live an eternity without God."

I plead with anyone who doesn't believe or live by God's Word to search for Jesus and let Him fill your heart and mind with the truth. His Will for our life is far better than what we can choose. If you've never read the Bible and have made your choice on heresay and what your friends believe, I challenge you to learn about Jesus yourself. 

"How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him, still The dear Christ enters in."

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893

Third verse

We celebrate Christmas because of Jesus, that He was born, that He lived, He died, and He lives again. There isn't any other reason to celebrate Christmas other than Jesus.

Celebrate Christmas for the real reason. Don't be denied the truth, which has been proven over and over again throughout all the years, that it is true. There is too much to lose, and so much to gain. 

May your Christmas be blessed and your heart full because of the Saviour of the world . . . Jesus.

By His Grace . . .

Festival of Trees

A few years ago in Maryland I enjoyed walking through the Festival of Trees in the Westminster Town Mall. It was the eighth year for this Yuletide fundraiser for The Shepherd's Staff. You can bid on the trees, or like me, just enjoy them by taking pictures.

The proceeds from the auction go toward The Shepherd's Staff's emergency financial assistance programs, which focuses on helping working families who do not qualify for assistance from government agencies.

I hope you enjoy the walk through! Step right inside and enjoy some of my favorite trees!

 

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Beary Merry Christmas

Through the Woods With a Tune

Purrfectly Lovely

Peppermint Twist

A Christmas Carol

Cocoa Comfy

Polar Bear Express

And last, but definitely a favorite . . . Sweet Tree

By His Grace . . .

Christmas Singing!

 

Don't you wish we sang Christmas Carols all year! For only one month we tune in to these lovely and inspiring carols about our Savior. It's much too short a time for me!

There are many Christmas Carols that I'm not familiar with. Let's think about those carols today!

Emily Elliott, niece of Charlotte Elliott, writer of "Just As I Am" worked with children and wanted to use the Christmas season to teach them about the entire life and mission of the Savior. She wrote: "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne." The third verse, which I especially like, describes the life as an itinerate preacher. You may be familiar with the last line:

"The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest In the shade of the forest tree;

But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God, In the deserts of Galilee,

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus There is room in my heart for thee."

"From Heaven Above to Earth I Come" was written by Martin Luther, who wrote the majestic and mighty hymn "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." Luther wrote this Christmas hymn for his son and called it a "Christmas Child's Song Concerning the Child Jesus." Each year during the Christmas Eve festivities at Luther's home it was sung. This is the first verse:

"From Heav'n above to earth I come, to bear good news to every home;

Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Where of I now will say and sing."

"We Sing, Emmanuel, Thy Praise" was written by Paul Gerhardt, who was a prolific hymnist, who might be called the "Charles Wesley of Germany." During his time of tutoring children in Berlin, he began writing hymns. This is the 4th verse:

"But I, Thy servant, Lord, today Confess My love and freely say,

I love Thee truly, but I would That I might love Thee as I should. 

Hallelujah!"

Cecil F. Alexander wrote "Once in Royal David's City" inspired by the Apostle's' Creed which begins: "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord." From the words "Maker of heaven and earth," the creative teacher wrote the famous song "All Things Bright and Beautiful." The fourth verse says:

"And our eyes at last shall see Him, Through His own redeeming love,

For that Child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in Heaven above,

And He leads His children on To the place where He is gone."

St. Augustine, one of the greatest heroes in the history of Christian theology, was converted under the preaching of Ambrose of Milan. Ambrose wrote the hymn, "Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth." Ambrose was a great preacher and a defender of true doctrine. These are the words of the third verse:

"The virgin womb that burden gained With virgin honor all unstained;

The banners there of virtue glow; God in His temple dwells below."

Josiah G. Holland wrote this song that may be familiar to you, "There's a Song in the Air." Holland published the first major biography of Abraham Lincoln after his assassination and presented Lincoln as a "true-hearted Christian." This song became popular after Karl P. Harrington put the words to music after the death of Holland. These are the first and last verses:

"There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky!

There's a mother's deep prayer, And a baby's low cry!

And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing,

for the manger of Bethlehem, cradles a King!

We rejoice in the light, And we echo the song

That comes down through the night From the heavenly throng.

Ay! we shout to the lovely Evangel they bring,

As we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!

As you sing the well-known Christmas songs, you may enjoy discovering a few other Christmas songs that aren't as well-known. Two websites to review are: www.classicfm.com and www.today.com. Or pick up a hymnal and see how many carols you've not heard before. 

Christmas is a time to sing! There is much to celebrate during this wonderful season! What do you think? Should we sing Christmas Carols all year?

By His Grace . . .

Let the Cheering Begin!

 "The angels are the dispensers and administrators of the divine beneficence toward us;

they regard our safety, undertake our defense, direct our ways,

and exercise a constant solicitude that no evil befall us."

John Calvin, 1509-1564

In Billy Graham's November 14th devotion in the book "Unto The Hills" he wrote about God's angels watching the drama of this age. The angels have witnessed all the ages, and they are interested spectators.

I like the words he shared: "We know they are watching, but in the heat of the battle, I have thought how wonderful it would be if we could hear them cheering."

Yes, we all need cheer leaders. I know I do! Those folks who stand by you when the going gets rough, encouraging you on and letting you know you're not alone.

But what would it be like if we heard angel's cheering? Just the thought brings tears to my eyes. What a phenomenon that would be! Talking about a sign from God!

As I pondered this thought, one way I can "hear" the angels cheering for me is reciting Scripture: "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" Hebrews 1:14. And, "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11. They are serving and guarding me. That makes me cheer!

Another way is to sing this simple melody: 

"All day, all night, angels watching over me, my Lord. 

All night, all day, angels watching over me."

Mr. Graham also wrote: "If God were to open our spiritual eyes, we would see 'horses and chariots of fire' (2 Kings 6:17) surrounding the servants of the Lord, for we are encircled by 'Thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly' (Hebrew 12:22) sent to protect His royal seed."

 

One day I'll see those angels, and I can ask when they cheered for me. Until then, I have a few angels here on earth that I can turn to who always cheer my heart!

"All day, all night, angels watching over me, my Lord. 

All night, all day, angels watching over me."

By His Grace . . .

The Beauty of Words

 
I've always liked this picture that was taken in Gettysburg one year. 

The lantern flame, the flowers in the window and the beautiful stone home.

When I read a hymn in my hymnal, I often highlight a verse, or a line in a verse, that touches me. There is such beauty in the words of hymns. This is one of the verses I’ve highlighted from the hymn “God, Who Touches Earth With Beauty.”

 “Like the arching of the heavens, Lift my thoughts above;

Turn my dreams to noble action, Ministries of love."

Verse 4

 

This is a hymn I’d never heard of before. That’s one of the beauties of reading hymnals. You find many hymns of beauty, with words to thrill your soul, that you will never hear sung. You will find verses, and lines in verses, that touch your soul and inspire your spirit.

I purchased this canvas picture last Fall to add to my collection.

 

Mary S. Edgar wrote this hymn. The other verses are just as lovely.

“God who touches earth with beauty, make my heart anew.

With your Spirit recreate me pure and strong and true.

 

“Like your springs and running water, make me crystal pure.

Like your rocks of tow’ring grandeur, make me strong and sure.

 

“Like your dancing waves in sunlight, make me glad and free.

Like the straightness of the pine trees, let me upright be.

 

“God who touches earth with beauty, make my heart anew.

Keep me ever, by your Spirit, pure and strong and true.”

 

We are equipped to serve God. To encourage people, to comfort people, to help people, to teach people. Are we doing it? Are we doing it with love?

You can’t do it if you’re not reading God’s Word. That’s where we find the inspiration to serve others. That’s where we are encouraged and comforted so that we can encourage and comfort others.

Another favorite picture of this beautiful buck in the field. I added the hymn lyrics of

"As The Deer."

I’m certain you’d like to have “Ministries of Love.” Words inspire you. If you don’t have a hymnal at home, I recommend purchasing one. Start reading from the beginning, one hymn each day. You will be amazed at the inspiration you receive. And don’t forget to sing it if you know the melody.

The beauty of words. Let your spirit be carried away by inspiring words that God has gifted others to write. And have “Ministries of Love!”

 

By His Grace . . .

Unimaginable Joy!

 "Joy is the deep settled confidence that God is in control of every area of my life."

Paul Sailhamer

November 14. A very important date for me. It was the day I was saved. The day I found new life in Christ. The day I started living for God.

It was way back in 1978 that I first stepped into Montrose Baptist Church in Rockville, Maryland, and heard the gospel message. Just my daughter and me. The church was next to the apartments we lived in. A short walk through a few trees and there I was.

That began a new life for the rest of my life. It brought the joy of the Lord into my life!

Lisa Guests said, in her book, "100 Favorite Bible Verses:" “The joy of the Lord – that God-given gladness found when we are in communion with God.” It, indeed, is God-given. It's hard to explain. It's just there. It never leaves. It fills your heart and soul at all times.

This joy helps you get through rough times, times of sadness, times of grief. It's there during the good times when your heart overflows with happiness! It never leaves you. 

That's what happened to me on November 14, 1978. Forty-five years ago. Joy came into my life. I thank God for His Faithfulness; I thank Christ for dying for me, and I thank the Holy Spirit for dwelling inside me.

Thinking of my last post and the question, "What if this is as good as it gets?" I believe I have the best I can possibly have! I'm celebrating!

Sing with me!

"Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God."

Leon Henri Bloy, 1846-1917

By His Grace . . .

What A Question?

 

This blog post is from November 19, 2014. 

A good title catches your eye. A good song lyric stays in your head. A good caption speaks volumes.

And that's what happened to me as I was reading through the November issues of Home Life and Mature Living. "What if This is as Good as it Gets?" caught my eye as well as "When the Rain Falls . . . Things Begin to Grow."

As a writer I was trained to create catchy titles because that's what draws the eye. Some of the titles I've created that were published are: "Are You Afraid of a Divorced Person?" "A Life Changing Truck," "My Melody of Words," "Out of Tune" and "Is the Answer Reverence." Titles get you thinking, and that's just what I did with "What if This is as Good as it Gets?"

Am I okay with that? Here we are two weeks before Thanksgiving, a time of giving thanks for God's blessings. Am I truly thankful for my life and all the joy and sadness I've been through? Wow. That's a doozy of a question.

The truth is, we all have our stories of life . . . the joys, the disappointments, the happy times and sad times. There's always something we wish we could rewrite to have a happy ending. Many times I voice David's words in Psalm 55:6: "Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest." Unfortunately, I don't have wings.

Accepting all that has happened to me doesn't mean I like everything, or I'm happy about everything. It means I've accepted my life and trust God. Whether it's good or bad, God picks up the pieces and continues to work in my life. He continues to work. He continues to work. Thankfully, He continues to work.

All that my life is, God has provided and directed, and I trust Him to bring me safely home to Him.

"When the Rain Falls . . . Things Begin to Grow." When I accept God's control over all the things that happen in my life, patience grows, understanding grows, humility grows, compassion grows, acceptance grows. Of course, if I don't accept God's control, bitterness grows, anger grows, indifference grows, hate grows, dissatisfaction grows.

Life sure is a journey. As I age, accepting God's control in my life and letting Him work, gets easier. It sure helps my day-to-day living when I accept His way. But I'm not perfect yet and still have a ways to go before my growing season is up.

Words by Melody Beattie on gratitude:

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order,

and confusion into clarity. It turns a meal into a feast,

a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense out of our past,

brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."

I believe I have accepted the course of my life, definitely not liking everything, but I can say: "Yes, I'm okay with it as long as God is in control." Father down in Psalm 55, my heart is expressed completely: "But as for me, I call to God." And that's definitely a reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving!

Two little titles brought quite a discussion in my mind. What about you? What if this is as good as it gets? Are you okay with it? I think it's worth your time to consider as you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas.

God is the giver of all good things. "Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together." 

Psalm 34:3

By His Grace . . . 

November Joy and Calling Back

I loved coming up and over a hill and spotting this field of yellow 

surrounded by fall color in Allens Mills.

It's time for all of us to be reminded of "November Joy." Who are you thankful for?

The HOPE we have is meant to be shared. I encourage you to expand your celebrations and show gratitude to those folks who've brought a smile, helped in a time of need or just made you feel special.

It might be a phone call, a visit, a gift of food or an item you make, even an email message. Anything to say, "Thank you for being in my life!"

I can see myself sitting on a rock enjoying the sound of the water

and loving the beautiful color all around me!

Why not use the first two weeks of November to remember and encourage someone. God's Word tells us that we will be refreshed as we refresh others. (Proverbs 11:25) Giving joy to another person makes your heart smile and helps you as you go through your daily life.

HOPE is a BIG word, a miraculous word. It is a word that instills courage and refreshment in our minds. We all have stories to tell about how God brought us through difficult times. Your story may just be the words someone needs at this special time of the year to help get them through.

A smooth pond reflecting all the beauty!

I've always liked the words of this poem Edgar A. Guest wrote:

"If you have gone a little way ahead of me, call back.

Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track;

And if, perchance, Faith's light is dim, because the oil is low,

Your call will guide my lagging course as wearily I go.

"Call back, and tell me that He went with you into the storm;

Call back, and say He kept you when the forests roots were torn;

That, when the heavens thundered and the earthquake shook the hill,

He bore you up and held you where the very air was still.

"Oh, friend, call back, and tell me for I cannot see your face,

They say it glows with triumph, and your feet bound in the race;

But there are mists between us and my spirit eyes are dim,

And I cannot see the glory, though I long for word of Him.

"But if you say He heard you when your prayer was but a cry,

And if you'll say He saw you through the night's sin-darkened sky

If you have gone a little way ahead, oh, friend, call back--

'Twill cheer my heart and help my feet along the stony track."

Our individual stories can help others going through similar difficulties. We can cheer the heart, inspire courage and encourage individuals to stay the line as they suffer through their particular seasons of life.

This is the perfect season to share your thankfulness, HOPE and stories.

I love driving roads surrounded with color!

Who are you thankful for? Tell them. Show them. Share God's HOPE You will find this ritual will bring added joy to your heart during this special season of the year.

Loved seeing this deer as I looked down this lane on Roseville Sigel Road.

By His Grace . . .

Snowcapped!

"But for you who revere My Name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays."

Malachi 4:2a

We may not want to admit to it, but most of my lifelong friends, and many of my friends on Facebook are snowcapped. It's what happens when you reach the age of 60 and above. I like what Charles Spurgeon said:

"What a glorious sight to watch a saint mature to the point of becoming like a mighty Alp--snowcapped, chosen of God, and magnificently reflecting the bright rays of 'the sun of righteousness' and His radiance, lifting Christ up for all to see the glory of His Father who is in heaven." 

Calm and resting on a fall afternoon, with just a hint of color in the background.

A mighty Alp! Living for Jesus! Dare I say it's a description most of us would like said about us?

You say you can't do much of anything anymore? You can be an influence of good to every person you come in contact with. You can sing the hymns and songs that have made a difference in your life while you're out and about. You can talk on the phone giving encouragement, laughter and offering godly advice to a listening ear. 

The VERY BEST thing you can still do is PRAY!

The leaves themselves are bright and beautiful!

There is still so much for us to do. It's not small stuff. It's great and important stuff. It's what lives are made of. We can exhibit all we have been taught through the years, making a shining example for others to see. 

Even the sad and rough periods of our lives have much to offer others. We made it through because of God's love and care of us. That means so much to those who are struggling, hurt and lost hope. We have the great HOPE to share. Jesus, our living HOPE. It's all because of Him.

Continuing, Charles Spurgeon said: "If we truly desire to 'ripen' in grace, we must be close to Jesus, living in His presence, and becoming ripened in the sunshine of His smiles . . . Only then will we find ourselves advancing in holiness, love, faith, and hope -- indeed, in every precious gift."

Yes, we are snowcapped, chosen and living for our great God. Be thankful He has allowed you to continue to live. Snowcapped or not, you are still usable!

We have so much to look forward to if we love God. if we put our trust in Him. So accept the gift of old age with open hands and say, Thank you, Lord. Make me a godly man or a godly woman in my old age."

Elisabeth Elliot

"Is not wisdom found among the aged?

Does not long life bring understanding?

Job 12:12

By His Grace . . .

It Has Everything!

 "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away."

Matthew 24:35

Priscilla Howe wrote these words about the Word of God:

"The Word of God contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Therefore, how can it ever fade from the grasp of man? Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.

"It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

"Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

"It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred content."

Those words just about say it all. What a complete and accurate description of the Bible. And it's right at our fingertips. All we have to do is open the Book, or pull it up on our phone, or listen to it via recordings. 

We don't have to search for it. We don't have to have a college degree to understand it, especially with the help of easy to read commentaries. We just have to make time to use it.

I love the Word of God. I read it. I use other books written by saints of God to help me when I get to a difficult part or need more understanding. An answer can always be found.

We are blessed to have God's complete Book to guide us every day. It is available to all of us.

The Bible redirects my will, cleanses my emotions, enlightens my mind,

and quickens my total being."

E. Stanley Jones, 1884-1973

What are you reading these days? Biographies are good. Nonfiction is good. Fiction is good. Recipes are good. Instruction manuals are good. Travel books are good. The Bible is BETTER. Make time for it. It has everything you need. 

By His Grace . . . 

More Love

"Love is the fairest bloom in God's garden."

Unknown

 

It's walking on leaves time . . . a royal carpet!

The other day I finished a hymn study on the beautiful hymn "More Love to Thee, O Christ." The hymn was written by Elizabeth Prentiss, who wrote the bestselling book, "Stepping Heavenward." 

More love to Thee. It's really very simple. We are to give more love to Christ. Every day. But is it simple to do?

It's clear in Scripture: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength, Deuteronomy 6:5."  It's not part of the Ten Commandments. It's in the next chapter. But it's very clear.

To love God is written throughout the Scriptures. Mark 12:33 says it this way: "To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifice."

A fall sunrise.

I got stuck on Prentiss words: "More love to Thee." Not because I didn't want to do that or didn't believe it. But because it truly touched my soul. I think I'm loving Christ more now in my older years. When I was younger there was so much drama, heartbreak and hurt that my main focus was turning to Christ for help and comfort. Now that most of the drama is gone, I am focusing more on Christ for who He is and not what He can do for me.

Elizabeth's Prentiss' life was a life of poor health and sorrow. She lived with pain. She lost two children early in their lives. She wrote, “To love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of the soul . . . out in the woods, and on my bed, and out driving, when I am happy and busy, and when I am sad and idle, the whisper keeps going up for more love, more love, more love!”

You may be familiar with the first verse:

"More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!

Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee;

This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ to Thee;

More love to Thee, more love to Thee!"

I bought and read her book "Stepping Heavenward" many years ago. I think it was a little deep in my earlier years of being a Christian. I'll have to go through my books and see if I still have it. I think I may be more open to her words at this point in my Christian life.

Yes, it's very clear. More love to Christ. Giving more love to Christ, He supernaturally fills us with more love for others. Fill me with more love.

By His Grace . . .