Most days, I wake up with praise to God on my lips, but as the evening comes, I often am tempted to grow weary and discouraged.
When I say, “praise on my lips,” this means a “thank You” song or a psalm, hymn, or God’s Word on my mind, instead of situations, lack, or loss.
But when my body grows fatigued, my mind begins to dwell on the happenings of this world and life circumstances, faith flies away like a bird disrupted by a loud noise.
How we need reminders of good things and words of direction and help. God’s Word is our safe place to run. I often have kid’s voices in the back of my mind, singing the Bible songs God gave me, to help me throughout my day:
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him Hebrews 11:6, NIV.
In the Book of 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah became informed of a huge army coming against them. Circumstances hit us like this.
Jehoshaphat . . . prayed to the Lord. He sought the Lord for His instruction, just as in Isaiah 55:6: 8&9:
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near Isaiah 55:6.
Jehoshaphat gathered the people. Then, he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:3).
Then Jehoshaphat stood up . . . at the temple of the Lord . . . and he prayed with all the people:
“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.
Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you . . .
If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us” (2 Chronicles 20: 6-9).
We must, I must do the same. I must remind myself of who God is and cry out to Him in faith. The time is now.
Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel . . . as he stood in the assembly.
He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you:
‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.
God’s Word reminds us of truth, when we often believe we must work it out with our own thoughts, as the kids sing the verses:
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts Isaiah 55:6,8-9.
Tomorrow march down against them . . .
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”
Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20: 17-19).
Early in the morning . . . Jehoshaphat stood and said,
“Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem!
Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.”
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”
As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated” (2 Chronicles 20:20-22).
The battle you and I face today is not our battle. It’s the Lord’s battle.
Let’s continue to infuse our minds and spirit with God’s truth. May kids from Toni & Kids Sing Bible restore faith, bring joy, and help us keep a song of truth in our hearts and minds today:
Thank you Irelyn and Noel for singing!
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him Hebrews 11:6, NIV.
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts Isaiah 55:6,8-9.
When the kids were young, we set out to memorize Psalm 139. Many years have passed and this Psalm is a continual “present help” to me in times of trial.
So, I wrote a song to sing in my heart when life seemed cloudy and dark. It’s called for now, “My Psalm 139 Song.” My in the title was to imply a personal connection for anyone who “sings” this song in heart and mind, or aloud with voice.
Do you have a mysterious trial you are walking through? Are you suffering from a physical ailment? Are you suffering loss and pain?
If I say, “Surely, the darkness shall fall on me, even the night will shine as day around me. The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
On You, I wait and pray. Your Word I hear and Praise . . . “
The Kanagy kids challenged themselves to learn My Psalm 139 Song, (and what a great job they did. Thank you, girls!)
If you need a song of comfort and hope from the Lord, pray this in your heart and mind. And better yet, play it so much you can sing it through your day!
My Psalm 139 Song, by Toni Rypkema
Let me know if the truths from God’s Word ministered to you today:
Psalm 139, NKJV:
God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
139 O Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 3 You [a]comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; 12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book, they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
19 Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from me, therefore, you [i]bloodthirsty men. 20 For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
Walk with me in victory in the Song of Ascents as we run our race and fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith . . .
The Song of Ascents were recited as the children of Israel journeyed up to Jerusalem. Journey with me. Speak aloud the Songs. Pray the Songs, for such a time as this, together we ascend to our promised land:
Psalm 120, A Cry in Distress A Song of Ascents:
Quite accurate for our year 2020, Psalm 120.
In my distress I cried to the LORD, And He heard me.
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips And from a deceitful tongue.
What shall be given to you, Or what shall be done to you, You false tongue? Sharp arrows of the warrior, with coals of the broom tree!
Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech, That I dwell among the tents of Kedar! My soul has dwelt too long With one who hates peace. I am for peace; But when I speak, they are for war Psalm 120.
We won’t stand still, we keep moving forward. Psalm 121 will help us with our focus:
Psalm 121, God is Our Keeper. A Song of Ascents.
The LORD will preserve those who trust in Him from all evil, from this time forth, and even forevermore.
Perhaps we walk in a desert place, but when we feed our hungry soul with faith as we drink the Living Word, we are refreshed in ways beyond our mind’s eye.
Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him Psalm 126: 5,6.
But I can’t get ahead of myself. “The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.”
We can rejoice in the Lord, always:
“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!” Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— “Great is Thy faithfulness, ” Lord, unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
How glad we are to enter the house of the LORD!
“I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.” Our feet have been standing Within the gates, O Jerusalem!
Jerusalem is built. As a city that is compact together, Where the tribes go up, The tribes of the LORD, To the Testimony of Israel, To give thanks to the name of the LORD . . .
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, “Peace be within you.” Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good”Psalm 122.
“Yes, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem because You, dear Lord command us to. We seek Your good this day dear Lord. We rejoice that You hear our prayers.”
To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens.
Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than enough of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud Psalm 123.
Why should I feel discouraged Why should the shadows come Why should my heart feel lonely And long for heaven and home When Jesus is my portion A constant friend is He His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches over me
Cevilla D Martin, His Eye is on the Sparrow
Bring us to a new beginning Lord. We seek You. Help us believe You and Your Word. Help our unbelief. We cry “Mercy Lord.”
Renew.
Restore.
We walk with ears to hear:
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper . . . Psalm 1:1,2,3.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish Psalm 1:6.
The LORD God, Creator of heaven and earth, He is our hope and defense:
If it had not been for the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us, . . . Our help is in the Name of the LORD who made heaven and earth Psalm 124. (Calligraphy, tonirypkema.com)
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say – “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us;
Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us;
Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul; Then the swollen waters Would have gone over our soul.”
Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, Who made heaven and earth Psalm 124.
Those who trust in the LORD are like mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever Psalm 125:1.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.
For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest On the land allotted to the righteous, Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.
Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, And to those who are upright in their hearts.
As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, The LORD shall lead them away With the workers of iniquity.
Peace be upon Israel! Psalm 125.
Breath by breath, step by step, with our eyes focused up, we walk this journey meditating on God’s Word that we might be as trees planted by the rivers of water whose leaf shall not wither, (Psalm 1).
Because: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.“
The Bible tells us so. Today, I hear the voice of the Lord, and I will stand on His promises. Join me in faith to believe God more and more and grow in understanding of His Holy Word? Yes and amen.
“For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest On the land allotted to the righteous, Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity Psalm 125:3.
Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
We remember our hope:
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus by Robert Lowry, 1876.
Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy . . . The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad Psalm 126.
When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, And we are glad.
Bring back our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South.
Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come againwith rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him Psalm 126.
Do we sow in tears? We shall reap in joy.
Do we continually go forth weeping? We are bearing seed for sowing. We will rejoice again because the Lord is working. He is helping. He is drawing near as we draw near to Him.
“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you Isaiah 46:3,4.
“With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared? Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it. They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Even though someone cries out to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save them from their troubles.
“Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels Isaiah 46:5-8.
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’Isaiah 46: 9,10.
From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness.
I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel Isaiah 46:11-13.
Do we hear the voice of the Lord? Do we believe?
“I believe You, Lord.”
Aloud we proclaim Your Word. Our faith in increased. We are being changed.
Unless the LORD builds the house they labor in vain who build it Psalm 127:1.
Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is His reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. they shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate Psalm 127.
Moving forward in the Song of Ascents. Psalm 128:
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.
When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!
Life might be messy, but with the LORD, it will be blessed!
Blessings come in many ways. Often by trial and hardship. They’re the good things that draw me closer and closer to the Lord. The pain brings remembrance of Him:
Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed 1 Peter 2:24.
In this collage of God’s Word and Psalms and hymns, I share encouragement from a Traditional Spiritual written in about 1800, There Is a Balm in Gilead:
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged, And think my work’s in vain, But then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again.
If you can’t preach like Peter, If you can’t pray like Paul Just tell the love Jesus, And say He died for all.
Step by step we journey, fixed on the Author and Finisher of our souls. He speaks, . . .
with each step we’ve all been given privilege to choose:
See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess Deuteronomy 30: 15,16.
But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. Deuteronomy 30: 17,18.
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.Deut. 30: 19,20.
Who will repeat His Word back to Him in faith and believing: “I chose life, so that me and my children may live. That we might love You, Lord God, and listen to Your voice, and hold fast to You.
For You, Lord are my life, and You give me many years in the land . . .
“Be still my soul, the Lord is in thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide. In every change, He faithfully will remain.
Be still my soul, thy best and heavenly friend, through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.”(Hymn, Be Still My Soul by Katharina von Schlegel).
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, My God, my strength, in whom I will trust . . .
He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.
He brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me . . . For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect . . . The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock!
It is God who avenges me . . . Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD . . . And sing praises to Your name” Psalm 18.
I recorded Be Still My Soul with portions of Psalm 18 in the midst of my cancer battle 10 years ago. Bald, sick from chemo, weak, anxious about finances, and school lessons and schedules, kid’s health, etc., yet speaking and singing hymns was God’s living and breathing therapy for me.
He lifted me. The LORD God, Creator of the heavens and earth and everything in it held me up. The prayers of family and the saints far and wide were heard by the Lord.
His hand was on our family. He gave exceptional gifts to my kids. God was faithful, (even in my faithlessness at times). What a gracious, compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in mercy and forgiveness, (Ex. 34:6,7).
Yes, I believe God’s Word. He touched me physically, emotionally, and spiritually and kept me during a very dark time, and continues each and every day continuing.
“I LOVE the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live . . . ” Psalm 116:1,2.
And of my days, there will be no end. All because of Jesus taking all my failure on the cross. He forgives me. He cleansed me. He gives me hope today. He is risen, and He continually raises me up and rescues me.
And He stretches His arms out and offers this to all who will believe. “Yes, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Increase my faith.”
If there is one person this blesses, it’s enough for me -Toni
The sweet love of Jesus is genuine and steadfast, enduring forever through all things. And the meaning of the word “all” is ALL!
Where is love?
“If God is love, where is He?” Some might be asking.
“This is so elementary. I don’t have time for this,” some might be thinking.
But perhaps, it’s in simplicity that God paints His pictures of love everyday.
If we open our eyes, we can see love in everything.
Color, design, majesty, in each leaf and flower. We are awed by each morning’s sun.
We understand the need from protection from danger. We blink before something might touch our eye.
Simplicity is found in much complexity.
A Designer? Many of us agree, “Yes. I believe in God.”
Many believe shallow thoughts that the Bible is only a religious book. Fluffy, fairy-tale like, with a long set of rules.
God’s Word is far from soft and fluffy, especially in its definition of love.
God’s creation went his own way, deceived by the snake, disobedient to God’s instruction way back in the beginning, Genesis 3.
The prophet Isaiah sums it up like this,
“All we like sheep have gone astray . . .”
no longer under the protective care of the Shepherd, we, stubborn sheep go our own way and then are overcome by pestilence and fear.
Hatred.
Pain.
Darkness. Every day. More and more.
Where is love?
Over 2000 years ago, on a hill called Calvary, Jesus took all our filthiness, cruelty, stubbornness, envy, pride, hatred, and murders and was nailed to the cross. He willingly left the glory of heaven to come down to us.
He took all our sin on Himself.
That’s what love is.
“Who has believed our report? . . . He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised and we did not esteem Him” Isaiah 53: 1-3.
God. Loves. The world. He sees. He knows. He never slumbers.
Do we cry out for His presence?
“God so loved the world that He . . . “
gave. . .
His only Son, . . .
for me. For you.
“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed” Isaiah 53:4-6.
Love offers freedom, healing, the power of . . .
forgiveness and new Life.
Love is not like the natural man, ever.
Only God is perfect love. And He took all our failure on Himself and He offers His love to us, today, no matter what we’ve done.
The Bible tells us so:
Love is very patient and He’s kind.
Love’s not irritable,
or rude.
Love doesn’t demand His own way.
He’s never jealous or envious.
Love is never selfish, boastful or proud.
Do we hold grudges?
God’s love does not.
God’s love hardly notices when others do it wrong.
Love is never glad about injustice!
But, Love rejoices whenever truth wins out.
Love came down and was, and is loyal at a great cost.
Love always believes the best about people.
Love hopes the best for all.
He says, “I’ve been waiting for you. You are such a treasure to Me. You are Mine.”
He cleanses and heals our broken and darkened hearts. He shines light to repair all damage done. He makes all things new when we invite Love in.
Do we resist God’s love? . . . still?
Isn’t it time?
His love never fails.
Never.
(Taken from 1 Corinthians 13, Living Bible with emphasis added).
“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” James 4:8.
Hard times for Charles A. Tindley, a prominent, but persecuted American-African in the 1850’s, proved to move his pen to write, not in anger or hate, but in faith and love:
“We are often tossed and driv’n on the restless sea of time, rolling clouds and howling tempests oft succeed a bright sunshine;
In that land of perfect day, when the mists have rolled away, We will understand it better by and by. By and by.”
C. Tindley didn’t point a blaming finger, he didn’t ask the question why? He sought instead the Lord and His ways, and wrote a song, that we sing today,
By and by when the morning comes, . . . We’ll tell the story how we’ve over-come; And we’ll understand it better by and by, by and by.”
Mr. Tindley was a man of faith. How can we have an overcoming faith? The Word of God is our sword and help. Jesus said to the people,
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world John 16: 33.
We might not understand all the trial and pain we endure now, but with eyes up, we ask, where’s my help coming from?
Our help comes form the Lord who made heaven and earth Psalm 121: 1,2.
And the Lord gives us a trusting faith and we sing, “We will understand it better by and by. By and by.”
“Trials dark on ev’ry hand, and we cannot understand, All the ways that God would lead us to that blessed promised land;
But He’ll guide us with His eye, and we’ll follow till we die, We will understand it better by and by, by and by.”
Eyes fixed on Him and minds and hearts in His Word, this is a recipe for faith, every time.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good Romans 12:21.
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith 1 John 5:4.
The song and the Word create inner courage to those who believe. Charles Tindley’s response to pain and hurt speaks loud today. He over-came.
And we will over-come too.
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high Psalm 3:3.
Step by step, eyes on the Lord, This man is a witness, among many for us, let us proclaim together,
“We’ve over-come; And we’ll understand it better by and by, by and by.”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us Hebrews 12:1.
When the saints of God are gathered home, we’ll tell the story of how we’ve over-come; And we’ll understand it better by and by, by and by.”
For you, for me, and all the trials we live through and see, we’ll understand it better, by and by, and in the meantime, we’ll keep trusting God for each new sunrise.
We’ll Understand it Better By and By , Charles A. Tindley, 1905.
Joyful, Joyful we adore Thee, God of glory Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!
Making the choice to read aloud words penned by Henry van Dyke in 1907, allowing the strings of my vocal chords to vibrate the waters within my flesh,
I am changed.
Not completely at first, but my spirit is lifted from the hard, stale place it was, to a new and lifted height.
Only moments ago, my earthly thoughts had me overwhelmed,
But the melody of Beethoven and the rich poem add a breath and flight to my night terrors and fright.
“Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away.” Yes, Dear Lord, Almighty God of heaven, only You have supernatural power to do this for me.
Jesus, You willingly shed Your blood for me.”
The words I struggle to pray are enclosed in this glorious hymn,
Just for me! God is an intimate God.
I am brought to a place to give Him praise:
All the works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays; Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise . . .
Thou art giving and forgiving. Ever blessing, ever blest, Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest!
The daily battle to go astray and forget to put off fret and put on a garment of praise.
My daily battles bring defeat when I become a victim of life’s circumstance. Confused, critical, provoked, and faith-less.
But God:
God is our refuge andstrength, an ever-present help in trouble,” Psalm 46:1.
God’s word invokes praise.
Praise, increases faith.
Increased faith brings victory and rest.
Mortals join the mighty chorus, Which the Morning Stars began. Father love is reigning o’er us, Brother love binds man to man. Ever singing, march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife; Joyful music lifts us sunward, In the triumph song of life.
Yes, let’s be changed from sadness and doubt. Let’s believe God’s promises and by a filling of His glorious Spirit, let’s shine bright.
Joyful, adoring our Christ Who saved our self destructive, anxious, sinful life.
In our fast-paced days in this culture, I hope to help us learn to change gears and bring in some whole-hearted conversations about God as we go along the way.
Many people understand and agree The Bible to be the Word of God. Making time to seek God in His word is a daily challenge. And talking about the things of God a whole other test.
We face hardship and brokenness,
but in this greatest of all stories, “along the way,” perhaps we can be strengthened to see Jesus, not in our heads, but 18 inches lower, in the retelling of it:
News stories are often the talk of town, but there is one that had everyone in town talking.
Two men left Jerusalem sad and weary after a prophet of dynamic works and word, blessed by God and all the people around, known as Jesus the Nazarene had been betrayed and sentenced to death. They were talking and a stranger joined them,
“What’s the conversation about?”
They had no clue it was Jesus. They didn’t recognize Him, so one of them answered,
“Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened during the last few days?” (1)
“The One about to deliver Israel is dead. It’s been three days. And not only that, some women said they couldn’t find his body and they saw an angel that said, ‘he’s alive.'”
“And there were some friends that went and said they found it empty as the women did, but they didn’t see him.”
As they talked along the way, the stranger said to them,
“How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (2)
Can you imagine a 5-7 mile walk with Jesus sharing Himself in all of the words of Moses and the Prophets? The Alpha and Omega speaking the stories himself.
But even greater is when they saw it was He:
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. (3)
Let’s keep our eyes and ears open and may the Lord give us help to see Him as these two men did:
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.(4)
We too, go along our way, not recognizing Jesus, but, as the bread is broken, God allows brokenness in our lives. It is then that our eyes are willing to see Jesus. Our hearts are opened to the blessings of God, far exceeding anything we can comprehend or attain on our own.
Children face times of discouragement and brokenness as well. How beautiful to retell this story where Jesus broke the bread and blessed it.
When we invite Jesus in to heal our broken state, He blesses us.
Our hearts begin to burn, and a hunger and thirst is kindled within us to know him more.
They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (5)
Yes, our hearts burn, and we go to tell the story to anyone who has ears to hear, like these two men on their journey after Jesus had died.
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled togetherand saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”
Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (5)
Jesus is the broken bread. He’s been poured out for us. His blood on the cross is what allows for our healed lives.
Can you see Jesus break the bread and bless it?
His Word is our healing, peace, and rest. His Story is Love for all who ask.
A mother’s child was sick. The mother, (a Gentile woman) must have been following and watching Jesus for some time.
She spoke the Jewish dialect, unlike her own, when she made her cry to Him:
“Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”
“But He answered her not a word.”
“And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us” Matthew 15:22-23.
Jesus was silent, and the followers of Jesus were cold-hearted, impatient, and more.
But the desperate woman knew something . . . deep down—Jesus was her only hope.
Then, Jesus spoke, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Are these sharp words of Jesus worse than silence?
Is this “No?” from the mouth of the Lord?
Jesus broke His silence, but the words to this desperate woman seem so far from compassionate: “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
As my eyes read on recovering from Jesus’ reply, thinking, “I don’t understand,”
The next verse informs: “Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”
This Gentile woman was not offended by His words.
She most likely witnessed Jesus previously being with the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the house of Israel, of whom He said,
”These people draw near to Me with their mouths, and honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me” Matthew 15:7-9.
This Canaanite, gentile woman sought Jesus, not with the right words, but with her whole heart, and she worshiped Him.
“But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15:26).
Israel is a nation, but Israel means, “one who strives with God.” This woman, with all her heart, believing Him to be her only hope, believing Him to heal her daughter, worshiped Him and asked for help—a lost sheep striving with God:
“True, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from the Master’s table”Mat. 15:27.
“Lord, I know I am a Gentile, but even the crumbs from Your table will be enough for me.”
Jesus wasn’t silent to be cold-hearted. Jesus didn’t reply to offend, but reveal her heart:
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”And her daughter was healed at that moment Matthew 15:28.
Today, it’s “heart-check” time. Are we offended by the Word of God? Perhaps we do best to follow closely through the Gospels and walk with Jesus for awhile, to witness His grace and truth for ourselves.
“Give us understanding Lord, to Your Word. We are in desperate need of You for healing and hope. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” 1Sam. 16:7.
In helping parents and friends talk about God to children as they walk along the way, today we take a Zinnia seed and explore the wonders of God. Let’s talk to the kids and bring God in ordinary things:
Do you see the seeds on the dirt in the picture?
These are Zinnia seeds. In that one flower there are more than 100 seeds. That means 100 Zinnia plants.
But, not until those seeds are put in the soil to grow. Otherwise, they will simple sit, alone.
Do you see the little baby Zinnia’s in the next picture?
Yes, they’re young and growing. All because someone, (well, in this case, it was me), took a shovel and softened the soil and took out the rocks, and then planted the seed. And then, buried it in dirt.
The seed was buried. Then the seed basically died.
Well, you see, the seed loses itself as a seed. It allows itself to become something entirely different. A living sprout.
Yes, after being watered, it starts to grow.
Life bursts forth with water, and sun, from the soil and the seed where it all began.
What a promise in each seed. A possibility of a hundred plants from only 1 flower!
That’s what the word “glorious” means. Well, maybe not, but at least to me.
This is actually a picture of the Gospel. The Good News of God.
Yes, God speaks to us everyday through everyday things. He is the Creator of all the natural beauty around. I suppose He’s waiting to see who’s looking for His messages from His many glorious wonders that occur throughout each day.
Well, back to the seed that died in the ground. There’s a verse in the Bible about all this in John 12:24, NLT, Jesus speaks to those who have listening ears:
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels, a plentiful harvest of new lives.
How is the gospel message hid in this seed? Well, It died. It gave up it’s own identity.
Jesus was God, in heaven from the beginning. God sent His Son, as the Christmas baby, with angels announcing to shepherds to be the Savior of the world.
He came that He might die.
Yes, on the cross. Have you heard the story? He died on the cross. His blood was shed for forgiveness of our sin.
But He rose from the dead! Much like this sprout that came from the seed that was buried.
Yes, Jesus rose again. This is call the resurrection. And for those who believe, He forgives and makes new everything that was old. I know it’s hard to believe, but look at the seed.
There’s a whole new look, and a whole new life, and then with time and water and sun, there’s fruit in the end. This is God’s love and life all shown through nature.
Yes, and when we believe in Him, He makes us new. God’s Word expresses this truth in 2 Corinthians 5:17,
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Daily, we need to die to our own stubborn way, and instead of putting ourselves first, we need to seek God, and obey His way. for example, when a guardian asks, “Can you clean up your space.”
Do we whine, and moan and put it off for a time? Or do we simply obey? And, cheerfully?
God is watching. He knows everything!
Hey, the seed picture should help move us to action. The seed died to itself, in a way, that a plant could grow. But more than that, there’s a reward in it for us.
Can you see in the picture, the reward of putting God first and doing things His way?
Yes, fruit. Well, in this case a flower. Beautiful and bright.
Have you prayed to God, receiving Jesus, and His promise of new life? Pray today with no delay, ask Him in your life. He uses a simple seed of faith, and creates beauty and life.
And maybe, you have the Lord, but need to be planted anew. Pray to God. He hears. He waits for us to talk with Him.
“Dear Lord, help us this day make the choice to put You first.
To give You some time, and forget about ourselves.
I bow my head and ask, “Will You forgive me Lord? For the times I’ve been stubborn and not cared about what’s right.
Help me to “die” to my own selfishness, and sometimes, meanness too, and lead me to care and desire about what You say.
Thank You that You gave up Your life that I might have mine. That You, Jesus, went to the cross for my wrongs. That You were willing to pay for my debt of sin. You loved me . . . then.
And You love me now.
Thanks for speaking in a simple seed that was buried in the ground, but didn’t remain like that. No, it changed and grew to something beautiful in time.
Thank You God.
Help me choose You, today. That I might have a flower’s joy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Proverbs 4:8,9, (about gaining wisdom when we hear God’s Word),
Cherish her, (wisdom), and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”
Aren’t the “heads” of these flowers arrayed with glorious crowns?”
Amen, and when we obey God and seek to obey, we will have His light shining from us.
Mom, this is a letter of honor for you. Yes, long overdue. Oh, there were small moments of honor, but over-all, as a child and even as a young woman, I struggled to be honoring.
If I could have spent more time thinking on the good things and good reports. But my brain was prone to think on the lack, the imperfections, the cracks and nicks. Why did it take me so many years to understand that all this is part of my battle with sin.
I suppose the most relieving part, is, this is everyone’s battle, day in and day out. There is no escaping it, in our own strength. There’s only so far you can go with “the power of positive thinking.”
If I could have actually put in practice, “Do to mother, what you would have her do to you.” I might have, in the process, learned a thing or two about honoring you.
I was not your easy, compliant child. No, I was hard-headed, stubborn, temperamental, and angry. So much so, that being my last name was Born, you would often joke that my middle name was Stub. Toni Stub-Born.
Did I ever say “I’m sorry,” for all my Stub-Born-ness? Well, “I’m sorry mom.”
I have a few “snapshot” memories. I was six or so, and I needed my tonsils out.
I remember crying and carrying on with loud cries and tears because I DIDNOT want to go in some room that seemed to be a community room with lots of kids and parents. No!
I remember being put in a private-type room. And then after surgery, I was surrounded by stuffed animals, a new tooth brush, and tons of attention. Did I think I was a princess?
Yes, I believed I was a princess.
Another snapshot memory is the huge scene I made about “hating” my brand-new, (very fine, I might add), genuine leather sandals you bought for me and presented to me the day and moments before leaving for the Barnum and Bailey Circus, the Greatest Show on Earth.
I made a scene, almost to the point of missing the circus. But I wore the shoes, somehow, (I’m sure with great aggravation and struggle on your part), and forgot all about them after being struck with awe and wonder of the Three Rings, the lights and sparkle, the stilts, the elephants, the horses.
Did I realize that not every child had the opportunity to see the Barnum and Bailey Circus? Did I ever say I’m sorry for carrying on?
I’m sorry mom. And, thanks for taking me to the circus. I still remember it today, along with the leather sandals. I remember really liking them as time went on.
I didn’t have a thankful heart. I didn’t naturally think on the good and wonderful things you did for me. Instead, I was critical and had blaming thoughts.
Mom, I’m truly sorry for all this. Why’d it take 57 years for me to say this? You spent time with me to teach me to sew. And you were the one to introduce me to Calligraphy pens. You spent time with me giving me instruction in how to use them well.
To think Mom, it was you who put the seed in me for Calligraphy. I included a handful of the beautiful script that continually flows from my kids.
Thank you.
What about the music lessons? The painful moments listening to me sing. Then the huge investment in voice lessons. All for me. Mom, thank you for investing in me. Singing, playing instruments, teaching others the joy of playing. This is so much of my life today. All because you and dad invested in me.
Thank you. Thank you.
And the dance lessons at the Glenda Falk Studio. It was like a second home. You and dad flipped the bill. Endless hours dancing giving me the heart to dream for a future of musical comedy.
Thank you Mom.
And remember, after your rare trip to NYC, when you brought home the album for “A Chorus Line.” Forget about it, I had a dream to go to NYC and audition for that show. And I did!
I wasn’t cast, but it’s crazy to actually think of all that now.
You were an example of taking healthy herbs and living in moderation. But there was not a moderate bone in my body. I was a powerhouse of energy and hard-headedness, smart, opinionated, and, . . . how you must have cringed at all my hidden insecurities.
I will write now, something I’ve never spoken aloud, but I remember at age 6 or 7, when I drank from my first Coke-a-cola, in the small glass bottle. Like a magnet, the sugar had a grip on me.
What’s all that about? It was an impulsive-compulsiveness growing inside of me, (probably from the day I was born, only to learn later, we’re all born with a bent to sin). Well, you watched it. The craziness of an eating disorder throughout my high school years, and sad to say, it wasn’t until I was 20 before I could finally admit I had a serious problem.
I didn’t know how to eat. I would eat anything and think, “I ate too much,” only to then binge and eat the entire box! Or, I would look in the mirror and think, “I’m so fat.” An insanity was growing inside my mind.
But underneath all that eating and binging, exercising and dance class madness, were huge insecurities, negative thoughts, and an internal angry mess.
I was searching spiritually in High-School, and God was watching me.
I remember looking into the huge, vast, Arizona sky, (because there weren’t huge trees to block the view, just a Saguaro Cactus or so), and “talking to God.”
He heard me.
He sent my dance teacher, my Key Club friends, kids from cheer and FCA to be a witness to me. I made some efforts of change trying to get religion. Doing this thing and that, but it was all effort without . . .
. . . my whole heart. I didn’t have a relationship with Jesus, I was inwardly a mess, still the pilot of my ship.
But no-one could tell, it was all hidden inside.
I auditioned for the American Academy Arts. I got accepted and off I went to the big CA! I did fine for a few years, setting goals and moving forward. Musicals, Summer Stock, in my own energy and strength, and outward courage, after my Exam Plays at the California school, I asked to transfer, if accepted to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NY School.
I was able to say, “American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC, Here I come.”
An Arizona girl in the big NYC. The dream to dance and study voice and act- Yes, I was living a dream!
But mom, as time went on,I couldn’t overcome my eating disorder. It got so much worse.
No one could really tell from the outside. This was a hidden struggle.
The insecurities mounted. The anger. The fear. I couldn’t fly home. I had to get it right, right there.
I was reading “Out on a Limb,” by Shirley MacClaine. I sought New Age wisdom, only to be left short of any victory to overcome my compulsive, self-destructive behavior.
My life had become unmanageable.
I needed a Savior. And God found me and He rescued me, in the big NYC. You see, an alcoholic can do a twelve step program and stop drinking, but with eating disorders, you’ve got to learn to eat.
God helped me, to literally, eat. First, through 12 steps, and then continually to learn Who it was that I “made the decision to turn my will and my life over to His care.”
The Bible became my main read!
I was His girl, and He was always with me. He helped me conquer and heal completely my angers, day by day, and my insecurities. I often would think, because this was in that era, of Karen Carpenter, who didn’t get the help in time. That reminded me, this is important.
I gave my life to Jesus, He helped me to finally stand on my own two feet.
Anger was my real issue, and moment by moment, with my mind in His word, my heart seeking His way, and the Spirit leading, He helped me overcome addiction.
He’s still helping me.
So, Mom, I suppose in honoring you today, I write what seems to be a book. A thousand words, plus, but it’s time mom.
And I wanted you to know all this.
And you know, this NYC girl was never going to get married or have kids, (before this change and new relationship with the Lord and allowing Him to pilot my ship).
God had plans unlike mine. He had me meet Mike, and showed me, “This is the one.”
We married and had a few children, . . . or eleven.
I know, you thought your girl had lost her mind. Yes, quite frankly. But they’re all your grand-kids!
As a mom, I try to do my best, and mom, you did your best too. So I want to say today, I’m sorry for all the grief I caused your heart. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your love and your endless support.
I could write so much more, but bottom line, it’s long over-due, mom. “Thank you.”
I hope you are blessed as you watch our kids grow. And I hope your heart swells a bit knowing you started the Calligraphy trend, many years ago, when you took the time to teach me how to use a Calligraphy pen.
I’m thankful, that even though I moved away from AZ at 18, social media helps us share pictures and moments, and we don’t have to feel so far away.
I love you mom. I honor you, hopefully better everyday.
Your far-away, and (thankfully) a bit less hard-headed and stubborn girl,
Introduction: These letters are for Jenny’s girls. Who’s Jenny. (Read Remembering Jenny Pt.1.
Jenny was a swim mom who faced the crisis of becoming paralyzed, unable to move her arms, her legs, to breathe on her own. The first year was of facing the crisis, and all that entails for a family of 5, learning to live in her new condition, remodeling the home, purchasing a wheel-chair accessible vehicle, and coming home to 24/7 home health care.
Growing in faith, in hope and love as she faced day in and day out for almost 6 years in this condition.
Dear girls, I share this letter with you, about a hero of mine, yes, happens to your mom.
When I have a hard day and I feel the impulse to quit or be depressed, I think of your mom. Each morning she chose willingly. Presenting her body as a living sacrifice to God, (Romans 12:1).
Unable to move a muscle, yet totally willing and trusting in God’s healing hand, over a very long period of time. We’re not talking weeks, or long months, we’re talking years.
You see, what made your mom so special was how she was thinking.
She must have wrestled with God, (ironic, someone who couldn’t move a muscle, but was all “life” in mind and heart).
Wrestling with God, she appeared to be one who prayed as Jacob: “I won’t let go until You bless me,”(Gen. 32:24).
Your mom told me the first time I came to the house to visit, after 5 years of being paralyzed: “I consider it a privilege that God would choose me to go through this, and put me in this chair.” (She had one special wheelchair.)
I almost think I should write the word Selah, meaning pause and think about this after this statement. She used the word privilege when talking about being paralyzed from the neck down. Needing assistance of a respirator to breathe. Privilege that she was chosen to suffer so much loss.
I am so sorry for all the loss you girls have had to experience as well. The hugs you will receive in heaven. They will never end.
Your mom also told me, “I always loved God, even from a young age, but since I’ve been ‘in the chair’ God is so close to me. The closeness is indescribable.” And there is huge evidence of this.
I would not be writing word after word if this were not so.
I truly believe that when I hear encouragement to have an intimate relationship with Jesus, I think of your mom and her relationship with Him.
The Bible tells us that He will keep you in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Him (Is. 26:3).
Your mom’s mind was on god and His will and ways. She had a deep peace that passed all understanding, (Phil4).
These choices are noteworthy.
And when talking about the struggles in her marriage, (as, every married person has struggles in marriage), she never complained one bit.
Not one ounce, nada, nothing.
She simply asked me, “Have you ever read the book called The Power of a Praying Wife? Your mom was not able to run fast in body, but she quick to run to God in prayer.
And we had many opportunities to pray those wonderful prayers right from that book, because of your mom’s great disability, it seemed as if your mom had these prayers memorized.
God was using your mom to help me in so many ways.
And when things weren’t really going her way, while waiting in a hospital bed for week upon week, unable to find health care to get back home,
“Can we pray that when Joe comes, that he will see that I am concerned about him and all that is going on in his life with the girls?”
Now girls, I am sure that you’ve heard, that when mamas not happy, ain’t nobody’s happy. Not with your mama, instead of being absorbed in her own grief of seeming unanswered prayer, she prayed that she would be focused and concerned with your dad and you.
Girls, this is what a most beautiful woman looks like.
God had done a work in her. I think that is where the word glorious fits in.
The Bible does tell us that “We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10).
Your mom couldn’t walk, but follow Jesus, she did.
And in that hospital room, Rm. 609, in which she found herself for weeks on end, she asked me if I would call the elders from her church to come to anoint her with oil and pray the prayer of healing over her. She continually said, “God told me that I was going to walk again.”
The elders of the church did come. They prayed, and still, your mom, silently hoped and waited. She was an example of acceptance with joy. That’s why I write these letters, “for now and again.”
Your mom hoped in God, she believed what He said. Period.
She waited, with tears that she couldn’t wipe from her own face, she believed:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”Jer. 29:11-13.
S.H. Spurgeon wrote a little poem, and your mom’s story makes me think of it: “Put thou thy trust in God; In duty’s path go on; Fix on Himself thy steadfast eye, So shall thy work be done.”
“Though years on years roll on, His mercy shall endure; Though clouds and darkness hide His path, His promised grace is sure.”
On the very last visit I had with your mom, (which I had no idea it would be,) she told me, “Toni, I have some homework for you. I want you to learn a song.” So I asked, “What song is that?” She answered, in that whisper voice she had, “It is well with my soul.”
“OK Jenny, I’ve got that one, for next time.”
I never got a chance to sing it with her, but at least now I know the song she left singing:
“When peace like a river, Attendeth my way, When sorrows, Like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, It is well, with my soul.” It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
“My sin, O the bliss Of this glorious tho’t. My sin not in part But the whole Is nailed to the cross And I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord, O my soul!”
And, Lord, haste the day When my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back like a scroll! The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend, “Even so, it is well With my soul. It is well, with my soul, it is well,
it is well with my soul.”
Girls, I hurt for you in that you miss your mom so much. I know these letters may bring tears, but I pray they fill your heart with love and comfort, For now and again.
Do we smell of fear and let doubt lead the way?
Like a skunk that’s afraid, pray we are not near.
Or as a pig slopping in a muddy mess, doing only as he pleases, “Dear Lord, save us from the stench of selfishness. May displeasing You, be our greatest dread and fear.”
“Dear Lord, give those who claim to know Your name, a cleansing stream, an emptying. That newness of life and acceptance with joy, peace like a river would splash on us a fragrance of Light.”
Today, a meditation on words penned almost a hundred years ago; Ina D. Ogden, “Speak your exhortation to ears ‘poor in spirit'”:
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do, Do not wait to shed your light afar; To the many duties ever near you now be true, Brighten the corner where you are.
Brighten the corner where you are! Brighten the corner where you are! Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar; Brighten the corner where you are!
What kind of fragrance do we bring in the room? Is it a critical spirit. Thinking we know what’s right? “Dear Lord, reveal to us our failure and sin, that we might ask forgiveness and let Your light shine in us again.”
Perhaps the brokenness and deep hurts will prove to be, a place where we might have a gentle spirit and compassion. Perhaps God will help us have a tender spirit, gracious, gentle, a-c-c-e-p-t-i-n-g.
When pain comes, and darkness, we are tested and tried. Are we going to believe the Good Word only, when things go right?
Oh, to believe that “The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does,” Psalm 145:17.
Oh, how we are tested during times of loss, to believe:
Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear, Let not narrow self your way debar; Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer, Brighten the corner where you are.
The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation, Psalm 118:14.
This is the phrase I must sing. Let us today, wake up in faith, knowing, that God is with us. Let’s forget about ourselves and allow His light to beam:
Here for all your talent you may surely find a need, Here reflect the bright and Morning Star; Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed, Brighten the corner where you are.
A fragrance of light. A fragrance of peace. The Lord Jesus will take our burdens so today, we are free to sing: Brighten the corner where you are! Brighten the corner where you are! Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar; Brighten the corner where you are!
Let us go now, in increased faith, to love and consider others and be a fragrance worth . . . remembering.
“Loved with Everlasting love, led by grace that love to know. . .”
The Hymn by George Robinson, I Am His, and He is Mine, 1876, is especially speaking to my heart as I sit on a couch in 2018, reading the words aloud.
This world seems to coldly whirl by and grab, push, and shove, but this timeless hymn carries me, as if “grace” took my hand out of anxiety and stress, and an impossible mess, to remind me:
I’m Loved with everlasting love, Led by grace that love to know; Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!
Oh, this full and perfect peace! Oh, this transport all divine! In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.”
How my frame is weak and my heart grows weary, thoughts of doubt and terror flood in, “I can’t do this. I’ll never make it through. There is nothing left for me to do. Temptations to escape and lose this race flood to my view.
But, the Spirit breathing from above, saves me from inner turmoil, time and time again. My Rescuer, my Comforter, my present Help in need, the Spirit of the living God, He does “fall afresh on me.”
This new day, the Spirit says, “Rise,” open the hymnal. Though sitting on my living room couch, I feel as if carried to view the beauties and the healing powers of creation. Increased faith helps to lift my eyes:
“Heav’n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green; Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen;
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, Flow’rs with deeper beauties shine, Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine;
Since I know, as now I know, I am His, and He is mine.”
I pray, “Let me know Lord, even now, that ‘I am His, and He is mine.'”
Scriptures suddenly flood my mind, washing the filth of the faithless world away: Be still and know that I am God. (1) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (2) In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (3)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (4)
Hymns and the word build faith like no other. God hears our prayers and leads us to sing. He wants us to remember, . . .
Him:
“Things that once were wild alarms
Cannot now disturb my rest,
Closed in everlasting arms,
Pillowed on His loving breast;
Oh, to lie forever here,
Doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear
I am His, and He is mine.”
A prayer:
“Dear Lord Jesus, teach me to number my days.
That I walk, knowing, believing I am a child of the living God.
That I would not walk in a way that seems orphaned and restless.
Today, let me put my hand in Yours, Father, and allow You to lead me.
Trusting with joy that You provide all I need for this moment.
Spirit lead my eyes to “look to the hills.” Give me a new song to sing.
I am Yours Lord, and You are mine, today, tomorrow, for all of time.
Amen, Amen. And, in Jesus’ name, Amen, again and again.
During times of a storm, great waves bring on fear and distress. Loss brings about heartbreak and pain brings about loss of breath. How do we ride above the waves? What does the Word of God have to say?
“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things,” Philippians 4:8.
What’s true? What’s noble? Where is the good report?
There is only One who stands and rises above this test. He is Jesus. He is the One who is lovely. He is valiant and noble. He is a giver of life. He offers His Spirit to minister to us.
Call on His name. Weep in His arms. He is able to bring violent waves to a still and calm. How? I don’t know. But He is faithful. He has touched me in the past, and He is here right now.
I write so I can remember, even in times of darkness, “Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves you. Yes, Jesus loves. Yes, Jesus.”
My eyes and my ears, become flooded with worldly realities, and my thoughts repeat them back to myself. Stress and distress is only magnified, until I cry out His name, and wait.
He is here. He is there. By my side. He’s with us now. That is why I love Him so much. Yesterday, and today, and no matter what comes. He is present. He is all powerful. He knows everything. His love is supernatural.
So, I look for words, and He reminds my restless heart, “Look at old hymns and Psalms.” I open the hymnal, with barely the desire, but I obey, because He is my Lord.
And He lifts me out of my dark thoughts, and He lifts me out of doors: This is my Father’s world, And to my list’ning ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas— His hand the wonders wrought.
He’s opened my eyes to see the wonder of His skies, and somehow my heart is intent to read on, and stop thinking of earthly things that prove to break me down: This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.
My Good Shepherd has presently “made me to lie down.” Not in terror and darkness but on a pasture of green. He is present. He is with me.
He warned us. He did. But did we have any idea that “tribulation” would look like this? In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
I read aloud the words that flow next:
This is my Father’s world: Oh, let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world, The battle is not done: Jesus who died shall be satisfied, And earth and Heav’n be one.
There is only One that is good, and that is God. Oh, how we need Him now. To flood our thoughts and help our hearts beat. He is the Lord. I can rejoice in Him. Jesus said, in His love letter for us, knowing that we would face trouble and loss:
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25 and 26, are beyond our comprehension. But with every ounce of my being, I reply, “Yes, Lord. I believe this.”
And for that reason I can, right now, presently, in the midst of waves and darkness,”Rejoice in the Lord.”
Phil. 3:1 reminds me that, this “is a safeguard for you.”
“Speak in psalms and hymns,” God’s word says, so aloud I speak the greatest of all comfort songs:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
We might not be happy about the current affairs, but we can always find refuge in the presence of our Lord. I will quiet my restless heart and stop to rejoice, in the King of my heart, and the lover of my life.
Together in weakness we might be, but He will give us breath. He is our Victory. He brings day in our dark night.
This is My Father’s World, Maltbie Babcock.
Psalm 23. The Holy Bible.
anxious, sinful life.
In helping parents and friends talk about God to children as they walk along the way, today we take a Zinnia seed and explore the wonders of God. Let’s talk to the kids and bring God in ordinary things:
Yes, fruit. Well, in this case a flower. Beautiful and bright.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”Jer. 29:11-13.
And He lifts me out of my dark thoughts, and He lifts me out of doors: