WHAT TO TAKE INTO ETERNITY

Oswald Chambers, that grand writer from England, said God’s not interested in our doings but in our character…it is the only thing we can take with us into eternity. Think about that…we could work/serve Him all our lives, doing all kinds of wonderful, kind things and have them count for nothing when we appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ. And why??????  Because He is interested primarily in what we “are”…what we have allowed the Holy Spirit to accomplish IN us! We kind of loose sight of the fact that we are born in sin, with a very active sin nature that just about always wants us to do what we shouldn’t. And of course that starts with our thought processes…think it, entertain it, finally do it.

There are lots of places in the Word that speak to the renewing of the mind. If anything needs a makeover, our minds do. Especially when you think of them as a computer with a humongus hard drive. Everything that gets fed in, gets filed away for future reference. And all those accumulated thots and ideas are like filters, through which we run our experiences and observations, good, bad, somewhere in between. They definitely color our actions and re-actions to life situations, how we handle most things. When most of our input is negative and ugly, we see most of life from a negative and/or ugly perspective, then we act accordingly. We need to “unlearn” those points of view and the only one to enable us to do that is the Holy Spirit. That’s probably the hardest part of His job…bringing us to the place that we can see our bad thinking and behavior. When we mature to the point we can actually be aware of our crookedness and sinful thinking, we are making good progress down the path to fullness in Christ.

I once read an old tract that was called,”others may, you may not..” I only had one and lost it some place along the way. The point of it was that God is preparing us for whatever place He has for us to serve. Most places are unique to the one serving so it makes sense that the training would be equally unique. What God will allow one follower to do, He may not let you do. Why? You may never know until you are face to face with Him. But…He knows why you can’t, and you may be sure there is a reason. Obedience…one of the most critical character qualities but obviously one that matters very much to Him…obedience. Do you think Abraham WANTED to kill Isaac???? I’m sure He did not, but he followed the instructions God gave him, to the letter, without understanding. Could you? Could I? I wonder…

Another part of character changing is learning to “not go with the Flo.” We are living in a time period that the Bible describes as “calling right wrong and wrong right,” but that doesn’t mean we must do what we know is wrong, even just “a little” wrong. So many of God’s instructions for us, especially for family life, are completely turned around. Marriage has become “unnecessary” in general. Living together or multiple relationships are common. Divorce is commonplace. Affairs, one night stands, all are done everyday. And the affects on any children is disasterous in most cases. No wonder our character is so warped and twisted when all around us is totally contrary to what God has instructed  in His Word. He says, “one man, one woman, for life.” Most of us don’t want to go through the character-building exercise of working through a marriage, creating security for children, actually making a family…with His help all the way. Character…it isn’t changed and built overnight, it takes time and a lot of hard work, but I believe eternity will tell us, it was worth it.

ABIDE WITH ME

I know this is not a Christmas song but…one of Christ’s names is Immanuel which means Christ with us. I’ve always loved the concept of abiding…”settle down and make yourself at home”…which I believe is very critical to our developing an intimate relationship with Christ. He talks about it in John 15, encouraging us to “become” comfortable with Him. This hymn also encourages closeness. It was written by Henry Lyte in 1847,shortly before his own home-going.It has been a hymn of great consolation and encouragement ever since. Pastor Lyte was a sickly man but a very spiritual one. He suffered from asthma and tuberculosis. Despite his poor health, he was a tireless worker with a reputation as a poet, musician and minister. This is the man  who coined the phase,”it is better to wear out than to rust out.” He pastored for years in Devonshire, England but the climate caused his health to deteriorate and he moved to southern Italy where it was warmer. It is said for his last sermon to his poor parishioners, he literally had to crawl to the pulpit, but he did, and exhorted them to prepare themselves for the solemn hour when they too would join their precious Lord. He stressed the concept of ABIDING IN CHRISTON A CONTINUING BASIS. It is said he wrote this beautiful hymn just before he died, was sung infrequently in England at the time. In 1855 Henry Ward Beecher wrote a collection of hymns and noted that this one should be “read and not sung.” Later, a man named William Henry Monk , a music editor of a well-known Anglican Church Hymnal and included in the first edition of that hymnal published in 1861.

William Monk personally contributed fifty original tunes for the hymnal. In addition to his work as editor of this hymnal, considered by hymnologists to be one of the most important hymnals ever published. Additionally, he was choir director and organist at King’s College, London.

Henry Lyte’s text for this hymn was taken from the account of Christ’s walk with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and their statement, “Abide with us for it is toward evening and the day is spent,” Lk 24:29. Another of his hymns is “Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken.

I love the idea of God desiring us to abide with Him…not so much in a physical place but in the heart…to be so comfortable with him that we sense His nearness and we begin to “talk” with Him continually…the Scripture says to “pray without ceasing…” and I believe that is what is meant here. We abide with our spouse, we’ve gotten use to him/her and enjoy and look forward to being with him/her. Comfortable with the Lord and it CAN be attained along with contentment and rest…qualities that saints should aspire to and work toward. God desires us to be whole emotionally, and as we work on these concepts, emotional wholeness becomes a reality and we can rest in His desire and ability to care for us. Abide…what a beautiful word.

GUIDE ME O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH

One of the great problem in the church today is music…hymns…the younger generation does not care for hymns at all, just “praise music.” Personally, I prefer traditional hymns but I don’t mind the older chorus’ such as “Isn’t He, Jesus, Name Above All Names,” etc. A nice mixture can really enhance a worship service.

I recently received an early Christmas gift for my Kindle from my son Bill, a devotional entitled Amazing Grace, 366 Hymn Stories. As I began looking thru it I thought perhaps there are other bloggers interested in background to these hymns, so here goes.

This great hymn was written in the 18th century, in Wales. A young man named William Williams was preparing to go to medical school. He came across an itinerant preacher, Howell Harris holding evangelistic services, attended and came to Christ. One of the attractions to the services was gospel singing by the congregation. He decided to also dedicate his life to preaching the Gospel, traveled one hundred thousand miles over forty three years on horseback, preaching and singing. He wrote and sang in Welsh so that the listeners could learn the songs. He earned the title, “sweet singer of Wales.”

His inspiration for this particular hymn came from the record of the Israelites travels in the wilderness from Egypt to Canaan. Throughout all the 40 years of wandering God provided all they needed, food in the form of manna…fresh every day. Water as they needed it, their shoes never wore out and they followed a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He was always there…guiding!

Is this God of the Israelites the same God we worship today? Of course He is, problem for us is we don’t get to know him so that we can trust and wait for Him to supply our needs. We are very use to meeting our own needs by whatever means possible, sometimes without even consulting Him. It had taken me the better part of 30 years to learn some of the lessons of trusting and waiting…try it, you’ll like it!

In Full Thanksgiving Now We Come

In Full Thanksgiving Now We Come

To be Sung to the Tune of
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
(Alternate Tune) 

O Lord our Father and our King,

Your gracious Name we gladly sing;

Our minds and hearts to Thee we raise,

And lift your Name in glorious praise!

In full Thanksgiving now we come,

Where worldly tongues are sadly dumb.

With grateful hearts for all Thy grace,

The favor of our Father's Face.

His blessings many, showered down,

The chief, to see our Master's crown!

To walk with Him, as one made pure,

Secured in mercy through God's Door

That Door is Jesus, God's blessed Son,

God's precious Lamb, His Only One!

He took our sin, and made us clean,

So we may worship unashamed.

His Kingdom here is but a taste,

Of glory all we hope will haste!

But until realized then we stay,

And work and serve, and live and pray.

We thank you Father for Thy Love,

And for all else sent from above.

But yet we long for that glad day,

When in You presence we will stay!

O Lord our Father and our King,

Your gracious Name we gladly sing;

Our minds and hearts to Thee we raise,

And lift your Name in glorious praise!

Original Words by Pastor Bill Farrow
Valley Forge Baptist Church 

thinkingoutloud

PROMISES AND INTEGRITY...

Many years ago, in the midst of one of the most troubling times of my life, I came across a very lovely verse, a verse that would sustain me many, many times over the years to come. It comes from Psalm 41:12, "Thou Lord upholds me in my integrity" The time period in my personal life way very stressful, especially financially, and I was a new Christian. I didn't know the Word very well, nor did I have any idea what the character of God was like. All I knew was that I was truly hurting and had no place to turn...I literally threw myself into God's arms, looking for mercy and leading. I realized I hadnothing financially, but integrity was something important to me.
I began to search the Word for promises, mainly because my Pastor told me God always keeps His promises because He cannot deny Himself. As I read, I journaled constantly, and wrote promises in red. I frequently memorized them, carrying a small notebook with me where I wrote them down to keep them with me. When God says HE upholds our integrity...that's it...it's like salvation, He gives and no one can take it away. Truth, right living, learning to control my thoughts and my tongue in order to interact with people in a godly way, all became very important to me. I found verses like: "Peace I give to you, My peace I give you..."John 14:27 and in the same area of Scripture He said, "I have told you these things that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete, John 15:11. I realized that if He could have that sense of peace and joy 24 hours from the cross...how could I not lean on Him for the same experience. Reality...the promise is there, it's up to me to hold onto it for myself, and believe He does what He says. That time in my life was very hard, but I really learned WHO He was, and how much He loved me, for no reason but that He chose to. Incredible, true, precious and available to you.

Want to Be a Honker

Jesus told us not to worry about our life and it’s needs. Psa 37 tells us not to “fret ourselves”…and the Apostle Peter tells us to “cast our cares on Him because He cares for you.  Good advice particularly for those of us that tend to fret or mull over things that are in our minds. The last few days I read some of this material in a devotional, thought it exceptional and would like to share it. It’s an illustration from nature.

Along with not worrying, Jesus told us to look at the birds, and how God cares for them. We may well wonder what in the heck we can learn from a bunch of birds. Well be prepared for a surprise, I was truly impressed by the following story about geese.

Winter is approaching and geese are flying south for the winter. They do this year after year. First, notice they fly united. They don’t fly separately, in random style because alone, they can’t go the distance. They are designed to flu in the usual V formation that we see in the fall and early winter. When the bird flaps it’s wings, the air movement created provides an uplift, easing the work load of the bird behind it. Together, their flight range increases about 71%. Even the youngest, weakest, and oldest geese can make the trip, because they accomplish together what they cannot accomplish separately. Here is the lesson: Scripture tells us, “let us meet together and encourage one another.” We are not called to fly solo! Occasionally a goose strays off on its own but soon becomes exhausted, loses altitude and ultimately pulls wearily back into formation. “Look at the birds,” and learn!

Every goose is a “pinch-hitter.” When one gets into a pinch, another goes to bat for him. Every formation has a “point goose.” He’s out front leading, setting the pace for the others. It’s a tough position because the point goose cuts the headwinds, meets the changing weather conditions, is the first to feel the rain in it’s face, the snow in its eyes and the ice on its wings. He keeps the formation on target whatever the situation. It’s hard, exhausting and lonely at times because there’s nobody ahead of him to be the wind beneath his wings. The formation depends on him to persevere, stay on track and get them safely to their destination.

Every church has a point goose…he’s called the pastor! Each department has a point goose, education, youth, finance evangelism, care ministries, etc.. They lead, set the pace, and give direction to those who follow. Point ministries are usually over-functioning and tend to burn out. Just before the point goose is exhausted, a space opens up in the formation and he slips back into it while another bird replaces him, seamlessly becoming the next point goose. Pinch-hitting for each other preserves the life of the formation. A great church isn’t about great staff, it’s about volunteers willing to pinch-hit whenever needed.

In the world of geese, the aged, very young and infirm are kept protected in the rear of the formation. But they aren’t isolated, discounted, or considered useless; they fulfill a vital role. They become the honking section and cheer for the leader. Inevitably bad weather threatens the mission. The going gets tough and the tough are struggling. From the rear of the formation a lone honk sounds, initiating a goose chorus honking encouragement to the point goose. We too need a “honking” section in times of stress, and that’s part of the responsibility of the church…encouraging! Speaking uplifting words, praying for us, some saying, ‘we are behind you, we’ve got your back.” Many servants of Christ have crossed there valley of discouragement because of the “honking” of an old, pock marked, battle-hardened, straggle-feathered honker, too stubborn to let a brother or sister quit on their watch! A few “honks” of encouragement can overpower a storm of complaints. So be an encouraging “honker.”

Geese have life-long relationships, fully committed to each other. When the ravages of time or circumstances make it impossible for a bird to continue the trip and it begins to lose altitude or fails to keep abreast of the formation, the gaggle provides it comfort, nurture and protection. Two strong geese leave the formation, flying with the “patient” safely between them, finding a sheltered location with food and water and make a home for the needy bird. They’ll stay with their ward until it either recovers or dies before joining another formation. For them, everything goes on hold to care for the ailing bird. What an example to us of self-sacrificing love! If a gaggle of birds can do it, surely God’s family ought to be able to do it.

Lost and stray geese are always welcomed into a formation. There is no elite club for geese. When a bird is separated from it’s gaggle by weather, accident or infirmity, it is taken into another and given full family status. Thee formation will alter it’s plans, reschedule it’s arrival time, and inconvenience itself to accommodate a straggler that needs them. Many bird newcomers arrive dirty, bedraggled, and ill fed. They are never turned away. God’s church isn’t a museum for masterpieces, its a hospital for those who have been hurt by life. Christ has no higher agenda than to welcome than to recruit, save, and adopt to adopt a stranger into the fold. We need to re-read the section in I Cor 6 that speaks to the issue of just who it is Jesus sends us out to recruit for His gaggle…we ourselves were taken into the formation, washed, sanctified, justified and given full family status! And thank God we were!!!!

KEEPING ON KEEPING ON…

The Scripture tells us ,”blessed is he who perseveres,” James 1:12. I’m sure I am not the only one that at times has felt like giving up, just throwing my hands up in the air and quitting…am I? Probably not. Simply because trouble comes to all of we believers, trouble that is especially designed to smooth off rough edges, teach us some valuable lesson God knows we would not learn any other way, or something along that line. I’ve been a believer for 36 years and in full time ministry for 29, believe me when I tell you I have learned some hard lessons…all at God’s hand, and looking back, I would not have missed even one. I said, “looking back.” At the time the emotion was not always positive. I’ve noticed in myself, every time God wants to make a major change/shift in my ministering, I initially fight Him…not always consciously, but a battle goes on in my heart and mind. Possibly, it would be better said the battle is in my mind. I’ve learned over the years, my mind is not reliable and neither are my emotions. My spirit is because it is controlled by the Lord. Very early on He begins to teach us discernment, some people have the spiritual gift of discernment, don’t always recognize it and frequently don’t trust it until someone much older in the Lord teaches them how and why. They are truly blessed because that gift is badly needed today within the body of Christ. There are many, many false teachers and con men coming into our churches and taking advantage of the flock. People with the gift of discernment can “sense” they are not really what they say they are. God knows this kind of thing would come about which is why He provides the church with such gifted people. They need to trust their relationship with the Lord and exercise the gift and not “feel” as if they are judging. I used those quotation marks on purpose because many times that happens…we make judgments all the time, all of us. But spiritual discernment is another whole thing…when the Spirit of God speaks in that still small voice, that’s discernment and we need to listen. Discernment needs to be exercised…trained. To do that and discern correctly, you must meditate on the Word, memorizing passages that speak to you and your gift, always compare what God is saying to your spirit with what He says in His Word. We know He will never contradict Himself so knowledge of Scripture is important. Be willing to observe and obey the conditions that go with His promises.Hebrews 5:14 tells us that “who by constant use have trained themselves and their senses to discern.” Practice means you may make mistakes, so be willing to learn from them, and grow in this area. When your head doesn’t know which way to go, trust your spirit, your Spirit trained spirit will guide you correctly. It takes faith to operate in the spiritual area, not reason, and if you are going to go for reasonable answers and guidance, you  will not develop discernment and will make many wrong choices and decisions. These times are usually when we most want to give up…we feel like a failure and are ready to quit. Don’t, just cling to God and remember this: “reasoning is a product of your head, discernment is a product of  your spirit. Your head doesn’t comprehend/understand spiritual things, you cannot count on it leading you correctly. But…God in His mercy will, and He will never let you down or leave you all alone. he will be there, especially when you want to give up because for many of us that is a “bottoming out “ experience and God meets lots of people at the bottom, and then makes great saints out of them because they have learned they can’t do it….but He can…and will.