Memorizing God's Word

           I have mentioned before that when I have difficulty going to sleep, I begin to quote Scripture by memory while laying there in the bed. I began to notice that my verse list was getting to be shorter over the years. I usually go through the Romans Road and a few other verses but overall, I seem to have forgotten some of the verses that I used to know. I then received an email from the Navigators advertising the Topical Memory System. I recall going through that system in 1959 to 1960, but have forgotten many of the verses. I saw an advertisement for the system and decided to purchase it again. The TMS for short, comes now in eight different translations, some of which I have no use for, but they still have the KJV and that's what I will use again. The program promotes two verses a week which doesn't sound like much but when they begin to add up, it does take some time to review and learn new verses. Psalm 119:9-11 says, “ Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

           Psalm 119, as you may already know, has the Word as its theme all the way through the 176 verses with the exception of just 5 verses. The passage for today shows the importance of memorizing Scripture. It help keep your life clean from sin. It is amazing how the passages from God's Word come to mind when you are tempted to do something that is contrary to God's instruction. The passage begins with a question, “How can a person cleanse his way?” It then goes on to speak of hiding God's Word in your heart. To learn something by “heart” is to memorize it. We use to use that expression in school when it came time to recite a poem in front of the class. You had to know it by heart and that meant that you had to have it memorized. Cleansing your life is not the only benefit of know God's Word by heart. It is also beneficial in your praise to God as you recite back His Word to Him. As I have already mentioned, it is also good to put to sleep at night, not that the Bible is boring, but that it is soothing to meditate upon as you are laying in the bed. Your mind gets focused on God and His Word and you will soon find that within moments it is morning and you have been refreshed. Now, the TMS is not the only Scripture Memory program. I also recall going through the three AWANA packs as I walked the mall in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Whatever method you decide upon will be valuable to your Christian growth. If you want to answer the question of verse 9 in today's passage, you will have to recognize that it is Scripture Memory that will cleanse your way. Notice also the words, “...by taking heed to thy Word.” Quoting Scripture will not be the only thing but taking heed to it and by obeying what it says. I might know “Mary Had a little lamb” by heart, but it will not change my life but John 3:16 will, as well as 1 Corinthians 10:13, or Romans 8:1 or First John 5:11-13. You perhaps have heard it said, “I am too old to start memorizing Bible verses.” I think that is just an excuse. Take the time and begin memorizing a verse every week. Say that verse every day and at the end of the year, you will have 52 verses memorized which will probably be a lot more than if you put it off with just another excuse. Praise God for His Word. Now begin hiding it in your heart.

Sincere Word

             About a year ago, we purchased a water pitcher to strain out any of the more obvious chemicals or other impurities of our water. Now, our city water is not that bad although it does make some pink spots appear now and then but they say are harmless. I did notice, however, a difference between the tap water and the water in the pitcher.  Americans seek to have that which is pure especially in the area of drinking water as witnessed by the amount of bottled water we purchase even in this country. We have become accustomed to a water that is free of any kind of impurities. As a result, the first time we drink anything that is not pure, we find ourselves having severe physical problems.  While in Spain, we slowly became accustomed to the water in the city of Madrid.  A couple came over to visit us from New Jersey and were being very careful to drink only bottled water.  Well, I had made some Lemonade and they were enjoying it until they discovered that it had been made with tap water.  They did survive without any difficulty.  Where can we find something that is pure as pure can be? We often think of the Word of God as being 100% pure.  The Apostle Peter makes a contrast between malice, guile and hypocrisies as compared with the sincere milk of the Word of God. First Peter 2:1-3 says, "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." 

             In this contrast, we see that the believer is not to be filled with those things that produce guile, which means to catch by the use of bait or in other words, "deceit." We are not to be trying to trick people or indeed to be tricked ourselves. What we do need to have is the sincere milk of the word. The word "sincere" is another interesting word that means to be "without wax." It is used to mean "pure" in every respect. A marble vase or other object could have flaws covered up with wax and appear to be smooth. When held up to the light, the wax would be seen as it would let the light through. The Word of God is that which is "pure" and without wax. So, in this contrast, we are not to have the trickery of the world but rather the Word of God as our basis in all that we do. We should be desiring God's Word in each and every situation. As we give in to the leading of God's Word, we will soon find that we are growing in our spiritual lives. If we follow the "guile" that is in the world, we won't be growing at all. In what or in Whom do you put your trust? Do you have a daily diet of God's Word? Are you reading God's Word each day? Do you consider God's leading on a decision in your life? Praise God that He has given you a copy of His Word and that you can know which way to go in all situations.

Unprecedented Times

           One of the television channels in my area has included a phrase that I have heard every day. It is also repeated several times a day and I am relatively sure that you have heard it in your area. The phrase goes, “We are living in unprecedented times.” The word, “unprecedented” is defined as “never done or heard of before.” In our current setting, the world seems to be referring to the disease that is spreading around the world and while that seems to be unique, from what I understand, the Spanish Flu of the early 1900's was just as severe. The world has incorporated the phrase into their daily conversation and in reality, they are not so far off but not for the reason that they think. Second Timothy 3:1 says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 

            Yes, we are living in unprecedented times and the next four verses of today's verse point out just why that is. Morals and ethics seem to no longer exist in our society. Our culture seems to be bent on doing whatever to whomever they want at any given time. The unheard of becomes common place as men and women partake in whatever they so desire with no holds barred. Every sin in the Bible seems to be portrayed in our society and those are those are the ones that have been exposed on national news. Imagine just what has not been reported. The phrase then is correct in that we are living in unprecedented times but not due to a virus, but due to the rampant sin in our society. What, then needs to be the answer to such a dilemma? The answer is not an unprecedented answer, but the same answer that has always existed and that is conformity to God's Word. “Trust and Obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to Trust and Obey.” How often have we sung those words in our churches and even as we go through our daily routines yet, the church, for the most part, has ignored the teaching of the simple hymn. Many churches have become stages for entertainment rather than the teaching and preaching of God's Word. The people long to “feel good” after attending a church service and don't want to hear about the consequences of their sins. Both phrases are right. The one for “unprecedented times” and “In the last days, “perilous times shall come.” We are in those days for both of the phrases and the only solution is going to be our individual conformity to God's Word. That means you and me. We start simply and keep on keeping on day by day, hour by hour. Our focus becomes God centered in all that we do. Our speech becomes Biblical as we converse with others. Our goal is to promote the Lord Jesus Christ by example and by word. Our anger becomes bridled by the love of God and our goal becomes to Trust and Obey. In the end, we will be wrestling for the souls of men and women, boys and girls who have no hope in their lives because of the unprecedented times in which we live. Rather, there is hope today in Christ for all who will believe in Him. Praise God today for the Author of Hope and Peace and Love, God Himself.

On Being Quiet

         Words can cut like knives when spoken in anger and about something you probably don't know anything about. I would say that for the most part I was a fairly obedient child and teen and usually did what my parents told me to do. I chose not to question their decisions but there were some times when I was told to be quiet. It was usually when I was speaking about something I didn't know about and for the most part didn't concern me anyway. There was one time when my mother prevented me from talking. I was the president of the student council in my senior year and arrived at school one morning to find the entire student body outside of the school. It was a “strike” against the principal. Reporters were there and were heading in my direction when all of a sudden, Mom appeared out of nowhere, took me by the arm and escorted me promptly across the street to a friends house where we waited. She prevented me from saying anything that might get me in trouble. Job 38:1-3 says, “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.” 

          The first 37 chapters tell the story of Job, his troubles, his losses of everything he had and the dialogue between himself and his three friends. The quartet seemed to explore every avenue of reason for Job's problem but could not come up with a satisfying answer. Job 38 begins with God saying to Job, “Be quiet and sit down.” That is a loose paraphrase. Job was coming up with a poor excuse of a counsel about something he knew nothing about. Then, God stepped in and said the above words that must have shook him by the shoulders. Job 38 and 39 go on to reveal some of the hidden things of creation. There are many profound statements in this section of Scripture that are not revealed in any other portion. Considering that this is probably the earliest book ever written from the Bible, they are indeed profound statements. God speaks about the wonder of planets that should fly apart but remain together. God speaks about some of the wonders of the animal kingdom. What is important here is that there are many things in this life that we don't know. Obviously, we are all lacking in infinite knowledge as that is only possible with God Himself. That, however, often does not stop us from voicing our opinion about something that we know very little about and in some case, know nothing about it at all. That is when we should keep our spiritual ears open as God may soon be saying, “Sit down and be quiet.” One thing we do know for sure is that God has given us plenty to satisfy our thirst for information by giving us a copy of His Word. If you really want to know something, spend some time in His Word. You will receive great wonders that will literally blow your mind. Praise God today for His Word, the Bible.

The Earnest

           I have not inherited very many things that could be of any material value. I have two Argus C3 cameras, one of which was my Father's and a tool box in the basement that contains more tools than I will ever use mainly because I don't know how or when to use them except for the usual screwdriver of socket wrench. One tool has an interesting feature, the nose of the pliers looking device opens when you squeeze the handles instead of closing. I was told that it was for the removal of break shoe springs. You know I will never use that one. One other item is a German Bible that is from the 1800's. I probably will never read it as I don't speak German. The covers were made of wood and covered with leather. It contained the usual amount of pressed flowers from funerals, a “rest in peace” ribbon from a casket, some obituary notices and a lock of reddish blond hair that was not described as to who the owner was. That is pretty much the complete list of things that I have inherited. Fortunately, the best is yet to come. Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”       

        In this passage, the Apostle Paul speaks about our inheritance. One of things that stand out is that a guarantee has been issued that you will receive this inheritance. The passage remarks about the fact that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise and that it is what is called an “earnest” of that fact. The word that is used for “earnest” is one that can also denote a pledge such as an engagement ring. It is a promise of something that is to come. I learned of this fact once I purchased my first house in Alexandria, Virginia. I had to put up a “pledge” or “earnest” of a certain amount of money that I would lose if I backed out of the deal. It was a considerable amount that I could not afford to just throw away, so it showed that my intent was to purchase the home. Two fact are astounding. The Earnest in this example is the Holy Spirit Himself. How great is that! The second if, if the Holy Spirit is the Earnest, how great is the inheritance itself. Now, I ask you, “What will you inherit once you leave this earth?” All you have to do is read the final chapters of the book of Revelation. In that passage, you will learn about what is going to be in heaven and what is not going to be in heaven. Jesus Himself also remarked in John 14:1-6 that, He is making a place for each and every believer, a dwelling place, that will far outshine any setting that you have seen on this earth or will ever see in all the ages to come. You will have for the first time perfect vision and perfect hearing in your new body. Most of all, you will be in the presence of the Savior Himself for all eternity. All of this is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit Who is the Earnest of our inheritance. Do you need anything else to praise God for today? Praise Him for the inheritance that is to come and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Discipleship

          There was a missionary from Kenya by the name of Uzele Mesa who was a missionary with Christian National Evangelism Commission. Uzele was in the pulpit explaining one of the difficulties he was encountering in the country of Kenya. Uzele was an evangelist and people would come from miles around the meeting place to spend several days listening to the preaching of the Bible. Many were being saved but there was a problem. There was not enough money, nor people, to purchase and use “follow up” material for the new converts. After their conversion, they were being left to fend for themselves, so to speak, in their new found faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” 

          We often hear of the word, “discipleship” in the church and it involves the training up of new converts in their new found faith. There is no magic pill that one can take that will instantly produce a mature believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. There are some groups that have come up with what is called a “catechism” that can be used to educate new believers. It is a system of about 150 questions, more or less, that are centered on training the new believer. Some still use catechisms while others have just changed the name to “religious education.” Certainly many books have been written by various groups that are concerned with the matter of discipleship. Many groups for young people have been centered on discipleship such as the Navigators, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inter Varsity Fellowship and others. Many people do not have access to these resources and are still floundering in their new found faith. What they do have, however, is access to other believers such as you and myself and the huge group of Christians that attend numerous churches in the world. Notice the passage for today that declares that the ministry of the pastors and teachers was for the “perfecting” of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. That puts the responsibility on the shoulders of believers like you and me. After all, we are a part of the “Body of Christ.” There is not enough time for people to “look for the pastor” or some great teacher, to help explain what the new believer is to do. The task is up to us. The Pastor/Teacher needs to disciple the people in order for them to disciple others and still others as life goes on. Paul told Timothy, in Second Timothy 2:2 “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” That means, Paul, Timothy, faithful men and others. That's four generations of the discipleship. That is our instruction. It is not an example of the Blind leading the Blind, but each believer declaring what God has done for them in their lives. Every believer is at a different level of spiritual life and each one can disciple someone else. Has God blessed you in the past couple of days? Have you been blessed by a sermon or a message or has God done something wonderful in your life? Don't keep it to yourself, begin sharing it with others. You may not have the Topical Memory System down or know all of the training of the 2:7 courses but you do know what God is doing in your life. Share with other. Praise God that He is in the business of perfecting the saints.

Families

          When we think of family, we normally think of those people who are relatives. That is, they have been born into our family and are related in some way or another. Some people come from rather large families and others are small. My mother's family consisted of 7 children and my Father's family had 5 children. That can lead to a rather large group of cousins, nieces, uncles, nephews and such. At my age, my family has grown smaller due to the passing away of most of my uncles and aunts and many of their children. Living where we are presently located, my only family consists of our son and daughter and their children. I have found that I have an “extended” family. To me, that is when someone takes you in as their own and treats you like “family.” Such was the case with Glenna Holley. Glenna recently passed into glory and her funeral was this past Monday. One thing I recall is how she treated my wife and I during special days when we couldn't get together with our own family. She would invite us out to the “farm” and treat us like we were royalty. We would be seated at the large table and fed such wonderful food which would usually include a dish of Macaroni and Cheese which Andy her husband usually requested at most meals. We were included in conversation just like we were a part of her family. I think we indeed were if just for a brief moment in time, a real part of her family. She was always gracious and certainly had the gift of hospitality. I also recall the desserts that she would prepare and how that there was usually one for the diabetics, such as myself, to enjoy even at some of the deacon meetings when it was Andy's turn to provide the dessert. Romans 8;16-17 says, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

          We have our earthly families and we also find that we are a part of a heavenly family that is far greater than we ever imagined. It is the family of God. It is a family that is made up of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. The passage for today shows us how we are a part of this family of God because of our relationship with God. We are His children and the passage then goes on to declare that because we are His children, we are also joint heirs with Christ. Can you imagine that? Being a joint heir might just roll off your lips in a discussion, but just think of the ramifications of such a statement. Our heavenly Father has the most of offer anyone in an inheritance. He is the Creator of the universe and everything in it. Because we have believed in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, for our salvation, we are joint heirs with Him. It is no wonder that we declare that when we pass away, we go into “GLORY.” What a time that is. The Scriptures remind us of a great feast, the marriage supper of the LAMB. God will be in charge of that supper and what a glorious time it will be. Daily events seem to bog us down with the results of a sinful world in which we live. Disease and even death seem to weigh heavy on our hearts but in all of this, we realize that we are a part of the family of God and therefore have really nothing to fear or to worry about. Thank God for earthly families, both physical and extended, but also praise God for His family in which we, as believers, are all a part.

Voices

        I recently got new hearing aids. They are very good and do some extra things that I had not expected. Now I can answer my cell phone with my hearing aids which is very convenient and for the first time, I am able to understand the person on the other end. The other night, I was speaking to my wife as to where the Sweet and Low was located in the basement. All of a sudden, a voice began speaking to me in my head about the origination of Sweet and Low. It was not Alexa or any other device that I knew of, yet it was speaking to me which caused more confusion in my discussion with my wife as to where the Sweet and Low was located. I assume that it had connected with my phone and had received the information from the internet. Not all voices in your head are good. There is one communication however that we all need very much and that is the word that comes from God. Exodus 4:22-23 says, “ And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.” 

         The Bible is very explicit as to Who is speaking in many of the references in the Scriptures. The phrase, “Thus saith the LORD” occurs some 415 times in the Bible and 147 times just in the book of Jeremiah. The phrase from today's passage is the first use of the words in the Bible as we have it. We all know the scene. Moses is confronting Pharaoh about the Israelites leaving Egypt and it begins with this phrase, “Thus saith the LORD.” When God speaks, people should listen. I say that they “should” listen but people obviously don't pay too much attention these days as to what the LORD is saying. In the New Testament, we often have the words of the Lord Jesus Christ written in red letters. It denotes that these are words that He said and that have been recorded in the Holy Spirit inspired Word of God. John 14:1-5 do not begin with “Thus saith the LORD” but the words are recorded as coming from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. In the Book of Exodus, Pharaoh had the information before him as to Who it was that was originating the message, It was coming from the LORD. As to result of his refusal to recognize the power of God, his land suffered greatly, he lost his first born son and his army was found to be under the Red Sea. In today's culture, you don't need a blue tooth connection in order to be in contact with God and you more than likely will not hear His voice in your heads unless you are quoting His Word at the time. All you need to do is to open your Bible and read, “Thus saith the LORD.” Probably one of the final references to the words of Jesus are in Revelation 22:20, “ He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Praise God today for His Words to us.

God and the Imposssible

          While at Indiana University, I went with my roommate to stay for the weekend. It was during the Winter and I recall going to my room to prepare for bed.  The bed was piled high with blankets and quilts which seemed too much for me.  However, about 5:00 AM the next day I understood why they were there.  It seemed to be as cold inside of the house as it was outside.  I didn't want to move from the bed.  The old coal furnace had gone out and there was no heat until the fire was built again in the furnace.    Things sure are different now.  I can set my thermostat for 72 degrees and the temperature will not change except for a couple of degrees up or down.  The temperature is pretty much constant all night long.  This would have been impossible in the 1950's.  There are a lot of things hat were impossible in the 1950's especially anything that would require a computer or some other modern technology.  Satellites can be stationed around the earth allowing us to see things at the same time such as a coronation or the Olympic games.  We may have thought this to be impossible, but it is all common today.  Mark 10:26-27 says, "And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?   And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."  

       The question from disciples was a question that all of us can ask and the answer that Jesus gave is certainly the basis for our faith.  It would have seemed that salvation was impossible according to man's thinking but Jesus reminded them that with God all things are possible.  Notice however that it is not with man that all things are possible.  So, we need to know how God will save people.  We need to answer the question, "Does God have a specific "Plan of Salvation?  God's Word, the Bible, sums it up with the word "Believe." The word “believe' occurs almost 80 times just in the Gospel of John which is why it is often referred to as the Gospel of Belief.  It occurs in John 3:16; Acts 16:31; John 3:36 and hundreds of other verses in the New Testament. It was the one requirement for the Philippian Jailer. Paul told him to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and he would be saved and his house.  So, with God, there is the possibility of salvation to them which "believe."  We might go on further and ask, "believe in what?"  The answer lies in the work of God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.  It was His substitutionary death for us.  The important thing for us to remember is that salvation is possible with God but it must be on His terms and not your own.  Sad to say, many have tried to come up with their own plan of salvation as they have not accepted God's plan.  So, praise God today that with Him salvation is possible.  John 14:1-6 reminds us that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no man can come to the Father except by Him.

Songs from Sunday School

            A friend of mine in Illinois recently reminded me of songs we learned in Sunday School. He had enjoyed learning those songs which remain in his memory. I got to thinking, “When was the first time I attended a Sunday School class?” As a child, we didn't go to church at all let alone some Sunday School class. I didn't even attend a Sunday School class when I was dating the daughter of a local Christian Church minister. My first Sunday School Class was probably at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia in the early 1970's. I began to learn a lot of class songs by attending a weekly session of Child Evangelism Fellowship that would prepare teachers for the coming Sunday lesson. I was the junior church leader at that time. I missed out on a lot of those old songs but have picked some of them up during my later years. “Sunday schools were first set up in the 18th century in England to provide education to working children. William King started a Sunday school in 1751 in Dursley, Gloucestershire, and suggested that Robert Raikes start a similar one in Gloucester. Raikes was editor of the Gloucester Journal.” I have been very thankful for the Sunday School ministry in many of the churches in our country. It gives us a chance to look into the Word of God and to learn more about His Word and its application in our lives. Second Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

          Today's verse is a famous one that is often the foundational verse for many religious school and colleges especially in our country. It was the theme verse for Washington Bible college The people have not always had the opportunity to learn God's Word for themselves. In recent years, it was up to the “clergy” to tell the people what the Bible said. They would receive instruction that if they had a question in regard to the Bible, go find a preacher or a priest and find out the answer. In fact, for many years, the public, the common folk, did not have access to a Bible. We have learned about men like Wycliffe and Tyndale who gave their lives translating the Bible for the common folk of the English speaking world. Not everyone has a copy of God's Word today. Mission agencies such as Wycliffe and New Tribes Mission and the Lutherans are still about the business of translating God's Word for various groups that currently do not have their own copy of God's Word. If you are reading this, you probably have a copy of the Bible and in fact, may have several copies around your home today. The average citizen of the U. S. A., probably has at least one or more copies of the Scriptures. Since we have access to the Bible so freely, the question may come up as to whether or not we are spending time reading what God has to say to us in His Word? We have no excuse. You probably have the Word on your computer, your phone, your tablet, your Kindle and your laptop but have you read a portion of it today? While missionaries gave their lives to translate the Scriptures, what are you giving up to read just a portion of it today? We need to praise God that we have our own copies of God's Word and spend time in hearing it, reading it, studying it, memorizing it and meditating on it. Praise Him for His Word today.

Harps on Willows

           After playing a weeks long concerts at a copper mine in Chile, our band pulled into Mejillones Bay to get back on our ship and complete the cruise. We were exhausted and had about 3 hours of sleep, packed up all of our gear and headed for the bay to wait for the barge to take us back on board the ship. While at the dock, a handful of Chileans gathered to watch what was going on. The chief noticed the group and so ordered the band to break out the equipment and play a concert for them. To be honest, we were exhausted and just didn't feel like playing another note of music. Being in the navy, we did it anyway and I am sure the people liked it, all six of them. Some times, you just don't feel like playing or even singing for that matter. Psalm 137:2-4 says, "We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?” 

        In today's passage, we notice that the Israelites are on their way to Babylon complete with their “harps” which were used in the worship of the LORD. At this point, there is no doubt that they were feeling rather low with the prospect of being led to a captive land and their land lying in ruin. All they had now were memories of what was and indeed everything looked so bleak that we notice here that they hung their harps upon the willows. They just didn't feel like singing anymore. Have you ever gotten tot he point that you just don't want to sing another note? We have just completed a year of a pandemic and government restrictions and turmoil in the land and then heaped upon that are all of the personal problems that probably each and everyone of us are experiencing. I have had close friends pass on into glory, which is good for them, but leaves a hole in my life and in the lives of their families and friends. Sickness, hospitals, staples and mounting bills seem to move us to “hang our harps upon the willows.” Who wants to sing when we are in such a mess? At this point however, I am reminded of the theme core of 1 Peter which to me, says, “Suffering leads to glory.” The word “glory” appears twelve times in First Peter and reminds us of that which is to come. We are reminded of the song that begins, “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.” Sure, many of us are feeling like hanging our harps on the willows and just giving up, but God has a different plan for all of our lives. We are steadfastly marching to Zion and our labor in the LORD is not in vain. Take a moment and reflect on what God is doing in your life even today and maybe you can pluck a few notes on your harp to give praise to God. Praise God today for the wonderful and glorious salvation that He is providing as head to gloryland.

The High "C"

            Trumpets are often mentioned in the Bible and for the most part they are associated with the Shofar, a ram's horn that is hollowed out and allows one to make a definite and loud sound. It gets your attention. A year ago or so, my wife and I were in a church service and we sat fairly close to the instrumental group. It was a lively song and at the end the trumpet player popped a high “C.” At least it sound like one to me. My wife covered her ears at the piercing sound. It did get our attention. The trumpet player was my friend, Albin Crutchfield. He was one of the best trumpet players I had ever heard. He could play soft and his fingers moved graciously over the keys in even runs up and down the scales. He could also point the bell up and get your attention with a High “C.” Most of all, Albin loved the LORD with all of his heart and had a wonderful testimony. He would also write hymns and take old tunes and put his own words to them. On January 2, Albin went to be with the Lord. I was shocked to hear the news about his passing, but I was also comforted in the realization that he was with the Lord Jesus Christ, safe in the arms of Jesus. We were the same age and he always warmed my heart with his greetings and demeanor as his life always shined with the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. I would like to say that perhaps Gabriel will have some competition but Albin wouldn't allow that anyway. First Thessalonians 4:16-18 says, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” 

            Can you imagine the excitement in the hearts of believers when that shout and trumpet are sounded. For the believer, it won't make any difference what you are doing. It will be dropped, your focus will look up to the clouds and in the twinkling of any eye, you will be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. The dead in Christ will have been raised and you will be caught up together with them. We have often heard of the description of the scene as believers will suddenly vanish right before the eyes of the unsaved. For us, the sound will be like the largest shofar or trumpet ever made. It's sound will be unmistakable as believers are “raptured” out of the scenes from which they were a part. It will be the high “C” to end all high “C's.” The believer can look at the various scriptures and notice that the times are upon us and each day is one day closer to this wonderful and glorious event. I can still hear Albin going over his warm up exercises modulating up a half step to the next and the next with a mute in the bell. The Archangel is all warmed up and ready to blow the trumpet of God that will bring the believers home. Are you ready? I wouldn't put it off for even a moment. Praise God for His plan of salvation.

Detours

             I have asked myself over the past month, why certain events took place in such a way as they did. I have not had a particularly close relationship with the local VA hospital, but suddenly found myself in their Emergency Room and then and eventually 4 day visit in the hospital itself. I found myself facing some serious decisions in regard to my foot but also an unusual event that took place in Sunday evening. I was scheduled to have an MRI on Monday that would determine the decision in regard to my foot to amputate or not. I woke up on Monday morning with the MRI canceled and a quick kidney ultrasound and then discharged by noon. No explanation was offered and I didn't ask any questions. There was however, an unusual event that took place on Sunday evening when a patient was admitted to my room. His condition was serious and cardiac related. It was determined that the VA couldn't help him and so he would be transferred immediately to another local hospital. Our lives intersected for only 90 minutes and during that time the Lord impressed upon me to have prayer for him which we did. Since our beds were about 20 feet apart, I had to muster up enough of a voice for him to hear me. Perhaps that was why I was there in the first place. Acts 8:26 says, "And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.” 

           The Bible often contains examples of people being transferred from one place to another. Some of these events were miraculous while others were normal but directed by God for an individual to go from one place to another. Philip the Evangelist had both types of experiences in his life. In the above passage, we find that Philip is impressed by an angel speaking to him to go from Samaria down to Gaza to speak to one man. Philip, at that time, was in a very successful and rewarding ministry in Samaria, but still, he obeyed the leading of God and went down to a place in Gaza to find the Ethiopian eunuch in a chariot reading from the book of Isaiah. The man was reading chapter 53 and it is no wonder then that Philip took that passage and preached unto him, Jesus. It is always amazing to me how God can change my path and my plans on any given day by simply placing a detour sign somewhere in my road. I could be a physical sign of a detour or even a phone call or a request that was not planned to place you in a place where you didn't expect to be. It could be that you have been placed there to make a comment about how God has worked in your life, or even to give a smile or a word of encouragement to someone who desperately needs it. It could be a simple act of kindness that God wants you to do at that moment. Our lives are filled with detours as God moves us from one place to another. We may think that we may have our lives all planned out but the Master Planner often has a different course planned for the day or even the year. Where will God have you to go today and whose lives will be changed by your presence? Praise God that He is still directing traffic in our lives.

Sheep and Shepherds

           Most people have a title in one way or another. They are known to the world by that title. We give ourselves titles and the world gives us some also. A person who always does things that are a little bit foolish may soon become known as the village idiot or a goof ball or some other term that describes their actions. When I went to work at a retirement facility, people often asked me how I would like to be addressed. Since it was a Catholic facility, many wanted to call me “Father” but I came up with “Just call me Pastor Dan.” That is how I was known for nine years to staff and residents alike. At times, I was introduced as “Father” and then politely reminded them that I was not a priest. To me, I was a pastor to the nearly 200 residents who came and went over the nine years that I was the Pastoral Counselor. I guess that's why I still sign my devotions as “pastor dan.” I handed out about 40 copies of the devotion to the residents everyday. My “flock” was a bunch of older sheep but they were and still are very important to me especially in regard to their eternal state. Psalm 23:5-6 says, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." 

                Psalm 23 is a Psalm that describes a Shepherd, but not just any Shepherd, but they Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. You don't see a lamb or a sheep mentioned in the Psalm, but just the guidance of the Shepherd as He cares for the sheep. The Psalm is not about the sheep so much as it is about the Shepherd. To put it in today's idea, "It is not about me, it is about Him." It is interesting to note that people generally don't choose a lamb as a character for themselves. A "go getter" in today's society prefers to be like a bull or a lion or a panther or some strong animal. No super hero was characterized by a sheep with a cape. Sheep need things in almost every area of their lives. They are good at growing wool and eating grass but are poor fighters, are not too aggressive and are good at wandering off in almost any direction but where they are supposed to go. Sound familiar? That's us. Without a Shepherd, we are in a miserable state and we in need every aspect of Psalm 23. We need guidance and protection. We need food and shelter. Even flies take advantage of the sheep and need to have their heads anointed with oil. Well, I am a lamb, one of the sheep in a vast flock and I desperately need the leading of the Shepherd in every area of my life. Of all the titles that you might have, realize that you are also a lamb in need of the Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. As a lamb of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. What could be any better than that. Praise God for the Great Shepherd and that you are a part of the flock.

Thirsty?

           Can you ever have too much of a good thing? My life has been dotted with medical concerns over the past 40 years that have resulted in a pill box which contains about 14 pills everyday. Some of them, I have been on for almost 20 or more years and some only four or five years or even less. My recent stay in the hospital was due to two medications that were silently killing me and I didn't know it. It turns out that the high potassium levels were caused by a blood pressure medication and a diuretic. I had been on the blood pressure medication for a number of years. The two pills have been removed from my daily dose of medications. While the medication had once provided a reduction in my blood pressure, the medication, Losartan, was now taking its toll with my potassium and had to be removed. It was once a good thing but now turns out to be a bad thing for me. There are somethings however, that you can never receive too much of such as your communion with God. Psalm 42:1-2 says, “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?”

           It is always a peaceful scene to see a deer drinking at a brook. I haven't seen that many deer at brooks myself, but have watched other animals as they would come into the barnyard after spending the day in the field eating grass. Their first stop was the watering trough. You had had make sure that it was full when they arrived as a herd was going to drink it dry in a matter of a an hour our so. The Psalmist here makes the comparison of the thirsty “hart” with the life of the believer. Our souls long for the fellowship and communion that only God can fill. You can try to fill up your life with material things but in the end they won't fill the void that exists in your soul. You can get too much macaroni and cheese or too many possessions, or too many baked beans but you can never get too much of God. There have been so many times that my own heart has longed for more of God's presence and then I blow it. Something will happen to break my fellowship and I seem to be back at square one. Satan knows the tricks that will keep moving your attention away from God. It is called the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. They are the same tricks he used in the Garden of Eden and the same tricks that he used in the temptation of our Lord Jesus Christ In the wilderness. Last year was indeed a tough year for many people but one thing was for sure, each one of us had more time to talk to God and to be in His presence. God has His ways whether you like them or not, to get our attention. The question is, what is the main thing that you thirst after? What is it that you long for most in your life? Take heed to the lesson of the Psalmist in the above passage and long after that sweet communion with God and realize His presence in, not only the world, but in your own life. Do you long after Him as the hart longs after the water brook? Praise God today that He is only a prayer away. Come to the stream and drink.

Contrasts

           We are pretty much aware of contrasts that occur in our lives. About three weeks ago, I was feeling fine and went in for some medical issues and had some blood tests done. I left the facility feeling fine and went home to a night a peaceful sleep only to have it interrupted at 2:45 in the morning. I hesitated to answer the phone and so laid in the bed until about 5 until I could no longer find out who the dingbat was that called me at 3 in the morning. It was the VA emergency room requesting that I come in immediately for an EKG. My potassium was 6.6 and apparently could cause a lethal heart attack at any moment. I, however, at the time, felt rather good and then came the IV's in each arm and the beginning of two hospital stays, one surgery and three bottles of a horrible tasting stuff to clean me out. I was begin detoxed so to speak of the excess potassium. “I felt good when I went in, but....” That's how contrasts often begin. Second Timothy 3:10-13 says, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” We often quote the first five verses of this chapter as they describe the age in which we live. In the last days, perilous times will come, etc. etc. Paul begins the next section in verse 6 with the word, “but.” You know something is coming that is important. Notice the the words, “...out of them all the LORD delivered me” and “all that will live godly I Christ shall suffer persecution, The closer we get to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the more things will get worse. It will seem as though the evil in the world will keep getting worse and worse but we long for the contrasts, the “buts” that will come when the Lord Jesus Christ steps on the scene. Paul had that great faith in Christ that no matter how bad things looked Christ was going to take care of all of it. That is our hope also in this day. In other words, “He” is our hope in this day that no matter how bad things look, there will come that time when everything will be made right. You may have some contrasts in your own day, today, and yet you also can have hope in the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ who rose from the dead and so has guaranteed your deliverance. Praise God today for the contrasts and His deliverance.