Thoughts from the Past – Sing Unto the Lord

Source unknown.

Here is another old post from the past as we will be observing Thanksgiving here in the U.S.
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Feb. 4, 2006
Sing Unto the Lord
(Edited.)


Psalm 147:1 Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

In his hymn "Come, We That Love the Lord" Isaac Watts wrote the words:

"Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God;
But children of the heavenly King may speak their joys abroad."

There are various excuses given for not singing in the assembly of the saints. There are people who excuse themselves with, "I can't sing" and refuse to participate. Some “don’t know the songs”.  (Well, if you don’t sing them, you never will.) Some consider singing boring.

Years ago my family met an evangelist and pastor who appeared to hate singing whenever Christians were gathered together. He declared it a waste of time and didn't want more than one hymn, or so, to be sung at any service where he was speaking so that he could get on with his preaching. To him, what he had to say, even in private conversation, was obviously much more important than praising and singing unto our God. Not knowing his attitude, we suggested that our families get together sometime in a home for hymn singing. He was absolutely struck dumb and couldn't even answer us - quite a feat for him, truthfully. Others of his family had to explain to us that he had no use for that. The question arose in our minds later as to whether a man with that kind of an attitude toward praising and worshiping God could even be saved. Only the Lord knows if he is. He surely doesn't show it by his obedience to the word in that area. (In retrospect I am inclined to think the man a narcissist, which would account for the self-importance at the expense of praising God.)

As the verse above states, singing praise to our God is pleasant and comely. His saints should find it enjoyable. I've known many saved folks who loved to sing praise to the Lord. Some of them "couldn't sing" either, but they growled or droned or hopped up and down the scale in spite of that and seemed to be have the greatest time - a pleasant time - singing unto the Lord!

Isaac Watts' comment "Let those refuse to sing who never knew our God..." somehow crystallizes the thought here. When people who profess to follow Christ have no desire, no pleasure, no joy in singing praise to Him and His Father, it may be that they "never knew our God." I understand that some people really cannot sing for some physical reason, and sometimes for some emotional reason. I'm not talking about that. But what of those who refuse to sing, and who refuse to be blessed in listening to others sing?

The best we can say for them is that they are saved but not filled with the Spirit nor the word of Christ.

Ephesians 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The "natural" outflow of being filled with the Spirit and the word of Christ is to sing! Have you ever pondered that? Even if it's "only" in our hearts, it's the reaction that God desires. Obviously it is not a proof of salvation or filling of the Spirit since there are those who can fake this quite well. But, God intends for us to minister to each other through music! He desires our sung praise. In the Old Testament we are told that He inhabited the praises of Israel! (Psalm 22:3)

How is it with you? Do you sing as you go about our work? Do you sing in the assembly of the believers - sing as if you meant it and had someone worth singing about? Those who don't have the greatest voices can hum or whistle as they work. We can all make melody in our hearts to the Lord.

A friend of mine who suffered from years of depression was so thankful when she could again wake up in the morning with a spiritual song or hymn going through her mind. She had prayed for a restoration of that from the Lord, and as she recovered from the depression it came back.

One young man my family knew whistled hymns on his job. A coworker recognized him as a fellow believer and they took turns whistling hymns as they worked together. They were ministering to each other even in the midst of the ungodly! (Psalm 23:5)

These are things to ponder. How can we include music and singing praise to the Lord more in our daily lives? Ask the Lord to show you. He will always aid us in doing His will as revealed in His word.

Hebrews 13:15-16 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

(First published here 8/7/2011.)
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Click here for more "Thoughts from Hymns".

Evening Song - Nothing but Grace

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain...

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Texas Memories - November Brights

Crepe Myrtle

Recipe Link - Slow Cooker Chicken

Photo belongs to The Blue House Kitchen.

Here's a link for this yummy looking recipe on The Blue House Kitchen from Phoebe's World blog:

Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

Word of the Day - Thanksgiving

 

THANKSGIV'ING, ppr. Rendering thanks for good received.

THANKSGIV'ING, n. The act of rendering thanks or expressing gratitude for favors or mercies.

- Webster’s American Dictionary… 1828

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Thanksgiving n.s. [thanks and give.] Celebration of mercy.

{Example 3} We should acknowledge our obligations to God for the many favours we receive, by continual praises and thanksgivings.

Tillotson’s  Sermons.

- Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language

Psalm 26:6-7 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

See, in the woodland, the leaves turning crimson;
Hark, how they rustle and fall to the ground.
Autumn, bright autumn is smiling and glowing,
Showing the treasures that now may be found.

Praise the Creator who giveth us richly
All His good bounty to use and enjoy;
Lift up your hearts and your voices in singing,
Joyful thanksgiving the days should employ.

Julia H. Johnston

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - Fairest Lord Jesus

Isaiah 4:2 In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. 

Titus 2:13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 

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Tennessee Memories - Bradford Brights

 Psalm 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name;
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Bradford pear tree.

Prayer for A Friend - by Annie Johnson Flint

 

Cyclamen

Prayer For A Friend

Friend of the Changeless Love,

Be with my friend today;

I may not serve her need,

For I am far away;

But Thou canst be with her,

Forever at her side,

To give her strength and peace;

To comfort, guard and guide.

Her friend and mine, to Thee I pray,

Oh, be Thou with my friend today!

God of the Changeless Years,

Be with my friend for aye,

Through years that give with lavish hand

And years that take away;

For Thou art still the same

Though all around be strange,

Thy love and care remain

Though all beside may change;

All else may fail or pass away,

Oh, be Thou with my friend for aye!

Annie Johnson Flint

1 Samuel 12:23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you...

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Evening Song - The God of the Impossible

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 

Luke 18:27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. 

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The Thousand Word Project - My Roses Red

Soft lay the autumn sun

Upon my roses red,

And lights my heart in praise

To God. My soul is fed.
MES

The Arrogant Patriarch - by Frank I. Snyder

"The Angry One" by F. Hodler

Here is an article I found online and published here in 2016.  At the present time - 2024 - I feel that it is again a much needed and timely reminder as many are embracing such men and women in the church context as well as in public life and politics. 

I received permission from the author to republish and distribute it as he is very burdened about this problem and trend in the Lord's church.  I am thankful for his generosity as I also feel there is a great need to get the word out. I have already published it at the Home Maker's Corner, but decided to copy the article in its entirety here too.

This article goes well with the post on "Spiritual Abuse and Those Who Crave It", and I would add that there are a good number of pastors who sadly fall into this category of the arrogant patriarch as well.

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The Arrogant Patriarch

by Frank I. Snyder
Original article.

Over the years I have met a generic person. I know this sounds a bit strange and the term “generic” may be a bit confusing, so let me explain. A generic person is not one person, but a kind of composite of people who share characteristics or traits. So this person is a composite of certain traits in people. These people are not all the same. They are different in many ways but they do share commonalities.

This person is ageless. One would think that this person would typically be “old” simply because we expect some of these traits from older people. Surprisingly, though, the people that have fit this generic description are not confined to the older generation. They are often younger people. Perhaps that is why they have caught my attention so readily. They have not been what most folks would typically consider “old.” I have witnessed these traits in people as young as 15. Most of them, however, have been between 17 and 55, the majority in their 30’s and 40’s.

This person is also genderless. I have witnessed these traits in both men and women. I will concede, however, that most of the ones who have evidenced these traits have been men. But please understand that I refer to this person with masculine pronouns more for convenience sake than to imply that these traits are only witnessed in men. Hence I have called this person the “the arrogant patriarch”.

The traits of the arrogant patriarch are as follows:

A confidence in his own intelligence: I do not mean to imply that he is intelligent. He may be very intelligent. But what defines him is his belief in his intelligence. Sometimes he is neither intelligent nor educated but still believes he is intelligent. Along with this comes a certainty about his views and opinions being correct.

I have encountered this phenomenon in a man with a PhD from Harvard and a man that was illiterate. The PhD, a professed born again Christian, questioned the biblical account of Creation and other accounts and justified abortion to the 9th month gestation. The illiterate man insisted to me that the Bible was full of errors. When I challenged him to show me one, he left the room. Then his wife whispered to me that he could not read. But that did not stop him or the PhD from rendering an absolute opinion. These folks tend to have an opinion about most topics. He is so certain and confident about his viewpoint because he believes in his own intelligence.

The student /teacher dynamic: This trait is more felt than easily defined. But the subtle idea conveyed by him is that he is the teacher (or should be) and you are the student. He may not actually say that he is the teacher and you are the student. He is not necessarily abrasive. He just acts like he is (or should be) the teacher. It is connected with his belief in his intelligence. Some folks will readily accept him as the teacher simply because they are swayed by his manner. He believes he should be in charge and acts like it. This in part leads to the next characteristic of the arrogant patriarch.

The tendency toward conflict with others: Conflict comes with others because he tends to act upon his belief in his own intelligence. He believes that his viewpoint is the correct one and his decisions are the best. Therefore, it is only natural that others should do what he suggests or do things as he would do them. Any other way is deficient. When conflict with others arises because of this, it is not his fault. Other people are just too sensitive, or are jealous or threatened by his superior giftedness. The problem always resides in others. It could not be in him.

The inability to follow: This guy is often perpetually unemployed or he is in business for himself. The reason for either circumstance is that he just cannot work for someone else. If he has a job, he is often in conflict with his superiors or disdainful of them. In a church situation, he is someone that has difficulty recognizing the leadership authority of a pastor (Hebrews 13:7, 17). Typically, he embraces the plurality of elders viewpoint in church governance, not because he believes it is biblical, but because it fits his personality. Complete equality in authority means less infringement on his independency. The truth is he is no more in deference to a plurality of leadership than he is to one leader.

One such man with whom there had been persistent issues in a local church was asked if he could follow the pastor’s leadership. His reply was, “A man is not a pastor because he says he is. He is a pastor if he is pastoral.” And who determines if he is pastoral? The patriarch. He was saying that if the pastor met his expectations, (the only correct criteria), then he would recognize his leadership. The problem is that all pastors have flaws and given enough time, the patriarch will find them. It is his justification for ignoring the counsel of a shepherd and following his own judgment. In his mind, he does not need pastoral leadership.

The tendency to pontificate about one or select Biblical topics: Often this person “goes to seed” on some area of theology or biblical interpretation. Often he becomes an expert on some biblical topic such as prophecy, family living, evangelism, election, living by grace or the nature of the church. It really does not matter what the topic might be, for he has mastered it. He is an expert and people who do not agree are ignorant or willfully rebellious against what he knows to be the truth. He outguns those who are ignorant of or not as studied in areas where he is a specialist. He rarely will deal with someone as studied as he. This, of course, confirms his belief in his opinions and ultimately his superior understanding.

A desire to limit exposure of his family or comrades to only his views: This trait appears virtuous as certainly all family heads, leaders and loyal friends should desire to protect those close to them from error. But this goes further than that. For when a family member, friend or loved one begins to be swayed by opinions other than the patriarch’s, he will often begin to resent the intruder’s influence. He will take steps to withdraw his family or friends from opinions he deems to conflict with his leadership. He will pull his child out of a class, require his family to sit only with him, or withdraw his family and go to another church. Sometimes no church is good enough because, to him, they are all in error or bound by unbiblical traditions. So he may form his own “church” where he is the pastor and where people can get the truth. If he stays in a church, he stays on the perimeter of involvement so as to retain control of information. This person will often home school / home church his family so as to “protect” them. But it really is not about protection of his family. He is protecting his patriarchal position.

A condescending attitude toward the opposite sex: If a man, he treats his wife or women in general not just as the weaker vessel but as the lesser vessel. If a woman, she tends to regard men as generally stupid and needy and takes a condescending attitude toward them. A man tends to think of most women as inferior beings by design and regards his role not just as protector but as director. Whether a man or a woman, this person tends to want to control the partner either by force of will or manipulation – all of this because of a basic belief in his superiority and of the partner’s inferiority. This is not to say that the patriarch does not love or care for the individual. He very well may love them. He is still manipulative and controlling.

These are seven common characteristics of this generic person that I have referred to as the arrogant patriarch. If you are one of them I am sure that you will not have kindly thoughts toward this writer. If you are not one of them, beware. You could easily become such.

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Micah 6:8  He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Evening Song - Saved by Grace (Someday the Silver Cord Will Break)

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 

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Some Autumn Photos from Western Michigan

Please go take a look at these photos from autumn last year in western Michigan. That is my old stomping ground as I have lived there several different times in my life. :-) There are parts of the U.S. where autumn is far beyond what most people can imagine for glorious color. Michigan is one of them, at least many years.

I put a small story about my Gramma in the comments, if you are interested. Please also leave the blogger some friendly feedback, if you feel so inclined. :-)

Fall 2023 Michigan

Photo property of Plants Amaze Me.

Halloween - More Than The Appearance of Evil

 

I decided to republish this again this year.

I didn't intend to write anything specifically about Halloween this year, but there are things I've seen and heard that make me heavy hearted. Too many Christians still don't get the fact that it is not a godly thing to be involved in. The world has worked overtime to make it attractive and cute for those who don't like the more sinister parts of it, and yet, today the evil side is much more "in your face" than it was when I was a kid. The cute and cozy facade is deceptive and enticing to people whose convictions and standards are negotiable based on whether they like something too much to give it up for the Lord.

I saw a short video on Instagram by a young mother who was basically saying, "Why can't we just tell our kids that Halloween is evil and of Satan and we don't have an alternative to it? We just don't do it."

Why indeed? 

My own family gave up Halloween fairly early, and my dad generally had no use for "alternatives to Halloween" that were popular at that time. Now, the so-called alternatives aren't even that "alternate." Some of the things that churches do are essentially just sanitizing occult and heathen practices so that they are less offensive. Whether it's a trunk or treat party, a harvest festival with pumpkin carving and bobbing for apples, or a "Reformation Day" party with costumes and the usual suspect games, many of the activities aren't essentially different from the practices that came from ancient witchcraft and the superstitions of All Hallow's Eve. They're basically just dressed up and rebranded for Christian consumption.

In addition to this, I learned recently that Halloween is also considered the LGBTQ+ "christmas." I'm not keen on linking to sources on this one, but if you don't believe it, I recommend that you do a little research for yourself. Try Googling "Halloween main LGBTQ holiday of the year". Yeah. It seems pretty clear that the homosexual and lesbian population of this country has been instrumental in increasing the popularity and social acceptability of Halloween. That they embrace it as their alternative to Christmas ought to give you pause if you desire to honor Jesus Christ with your life.

Christians who don't care what other's think of their actions and choices regarding these things need to consider carefully the scriptures about separating from evil, darkness, and the wickedness of this world.

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

What others see you doing and supporting is important. Appearances are things that other people see. And we aren't even supposed to be involved with things that appear evil - even if our motives aren't evil. In other words, it doesn't matter how you feel about it or whether or not you care for other people's opinions. It does matter if your testimony as a Christian is marred by associating with something that clearly declares itself to be a celebration of wickedness and darkness. Halloween is more than just an appearance. It is the genuine article - evil itself.

1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

If Halloween and its witchy trappings are so important to you - if you love them so much - that you refuse to give them up for God, that verse basically says that the love of the Father is not in you. That's strong language, and it should scare you a bit if you are one of those Christians.

Ephesians 5:11-12 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 

No fellowship. That means you don't participate at all. Even a little. It also means that Halloween and all the sinister and dark things around it, are unfruitful. And, instead of inventing "alternatives" and sanitized substitutes, it's time for Bible loving Christians to stand up and reprove these works of darkness.

A shame even to speak of those things. At the same time, we should avoid becoming preoccupied with telling every morbid and hideous details we can dredge up. Just sayin'...

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 

Do you actually need that explained?

1 John 1:5-7 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 

All that dark, devilish stuff is not of God. If you walk in fellowship with Him you can't have fellowship with those evil things. It's either/or. Either you walk in the light with God and not in darkness, or you walk in darkness and you are a liar and are not obedient to the truth. Those are harsh words, but they are not my invention. They are the clear words of God Almighty. If you have an issue with it, take it up with Him.

Because at the end of the day, when you try to say that the darkness and evil that is the holiday of Halloween is ok for you to participate in, you aren't justifying your choices. You are, instead, telling us more about your heart than you probably wanted us to know. But, more than that, God DOES know your heart. He also KNOWS His word. He isn't fooled by your excuses and justifications. 

1 Samuel 16:7 ...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 

Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 

What is the real alternative to participating in the works of darkness?

Titus 2:11-15  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

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Further reading:

Why We Do not Celebrate Halloween

Halloween and Other Things of Pagan Origin

What Would the Ephesian Believers Think of Halloween, Twilight, and Harry Potter In Christian Homes?

Evening Song - Power In the Blood

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

1 John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

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Tennessee Memories - Against an Autumn Sky

Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest,
and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

Letters to My Friend - What Do Calamities Mean?

What Do Calamities Mean?

When catastrophes happen, humanly we are tempted to try to interpret them. If there is a extra destructive hurricane or drought or wildfires or a large earthquake - whatever the event - we can start to wonder if "God is trying to tell someone something."

What does the Bible tell us, though?

Just because bad things happen to a certain area it does not mean that those people were worse sinners than others. It also does not mean that some unusual message is being given to us (like who to vote for, or where we should move).

In Luke 13 we read this:

Luke 13:1-5 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Continue Reading.

Evening Song - Jesus What A Friend for Sinners

Matthew 11:18-19 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. 

John 15:13-16 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 

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Tennessee Memories - Mrs. Alexander's Autumn Garden Part 2

The chrysanthemums were popular.

Worth Repeating - The Church Walking with the World

 
I have shared this parable in poem form before, but it seemed like it was time to share it again. It is a sobering reminder of how easy it is to be enticed away from the things of God to follow the ways of the world. It also is a reminder that this behavior isn't going unnoticed with God. Christian, beware.
1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

The Church Walking with the World

The Church and the World walked far apart
On the changing shores of time,
The World was singing a giddy song,
And the Church a hymn sublime.
“Come, give me your hand,” said the merry World,
“And walk with me this way!”
But the good Church hid her snowy hands
And solemnly answered “Nay!
I will not give you my hand at all,
And I will not walk with you;
Your way is the way that leads to death;
Your words are all untrue.”

“Nay, walk with me but a little space,”
Said the World with a kindly air;
“The road I walk is a pleasant road,
And the sun shines always there.
Your path is thorny and rough and rude,
But mine is broad and plain;
My way is paved with flowers and dews,
And yours with tears and pain.
The sky to me is always blue,
No want, no toil I know;
The sky above you is always dark,
Your lot is a lot of woe;
There’s room enough for you and me
To travel side by side.”

Half shyly the Church approached the World
And gave him her hand of snow;
And the old World grasped it and walked along,
Saying, in accents low:
“Your dress is too simple to please my taste;
I will give you pearls to wear,
Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form,
And diamonds to deck your hair.”
The Church looked down at her plain white robes,
And then at the dazzling World,
And blushed as she saw his handsome lip
With a smile contemptuous curled.
“I will change my dress for a costlier one,”
Said the Church, with a smile of grace;
Then her pure white garments drifted away,
And the World gave, in their place,
Beautiful satins and shining silks,
Roses and gems and costly pearls;
While over her forehead her bright hair fell
Crisped in a thousand curls.

“Your house is too plain,” said the proud old World,
“I’ll build you one like mine;
With walls of marble and towers of gold,
And furniture ever so fine.”
So he built her a costly and beautiful house;
Most splendid it was to behold;
Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there
Gleaming in purple and gold.
Rich fairs and shows in the halls were held,
And the World and his children were there.
Laughter and music and feasts were heard
In the place that was meant for prayer.
There were cushioned seats for the rich and the gay,
To sit in their pomp and pride;
But the poor who were clad in shabby array,
Sat meekly down outside.

“You give too much to the poor,” said the World.
“Far more than you ought to do;
If they are in need of shelter and food,
Why need it trouble you?
Go, take your money and buy rich robes,
Buy horses and carriages fine;
Buy pearls and jewels and dainty food,
Buy the rarest and costliest wine.
My children, they dote on all these things,
And if you their love would win
You must do as they do, and walk in the ways
That they are walking in.”
So the poor were turned from her door in scorn,
And she heard not the orphan’s cry;
But she drew her beautiful robes aside,
As the widows went weeping by.

Then the sons of the World and the Sons of the Church
Walked closely hand and heart,
And only the Master, who knoweth all,
Could tell the two apart.
Then the Church sat down at her ease, and said,
“I am rich and my goods increase;
I have need of nothing, or aught to do,
But to laugh, and dance, and feast.”
The sly World heard, and he laughed in his sleeve,
And mockingly said, aside--
“The Church is fallen, the beautiful Church;
And her shame is her boast and her pride.”

The angel drew near to the mercy seat,
And whispered in sighs her name;
Then the loud anthems of rapture were hushed,
And heads were covered with shame.
And a voice was heard at last by the Church
From Him who sat on the throne:
“I know thy works, and how thou hast said,
‘I am rich, and hast not known
That thou art naked, poor and blind,
And wretched before my face;’
Therefore take heed that thou repent,
Lest I cast thee from thy place.”

Matilda C. Edwards
(altered)

Philippians 3:18-19 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 

Revelation 3:16-19 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Evening Song - I Can't Even Slow Down

Philippians 1:21-23 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 

Hebrews 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Peter 3:11-12 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 
 

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Tennessee Memories - Mrs. Alexander's Autumn Garden Part 1

 

When you grow flowers you give to others far more than you will ever know.
- Anonymous -

Chrysanthemums

Mrs. Alexander and her husband were sweet neighbors of my family when we lived in Tennessee. She is with the Lord now, but it was a blessing and privilege to be have been able to know them.

October, 2005

Letters to My Friend - Thoughts On North Carolina and Loss

Dear Friend,

My heart is heavy for the people in Western North Carolina. We were aware that some serious destruction had happened last week. My husband has family there still and we checked in to make sure they were O.K. They were, but one household had just missed being in the worst of it. They are not terribly far from Asheville.

This weekend as I've looked at videos that are coming out of western North Carolina, Tennessee, and other areas, it was both horrifying and sobering. The speed at which rivers and creeks rose, mud slides started, and people's homes and vehicles were breached was truly frightening. And, knowing that so many have lost so much all at one time is overwhelming. The destruction is mind boggling.

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Evening Song - Under His Wings

Psalm 91:1-4 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 

Ruth 2:12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Autumn Fireworks

Firebush

Evening Song - God of the Impossible

Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 

Psalm 8:3-9 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! 

Matthew 19:23-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 

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Texas Memories - When the Rain Returns

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 

Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. 

We Have An Anchor

"In order to realize the worth of the anchor, we need to feel the stress of the storm."
Corrie Ten Boom

We Have An Anchor

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,

When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,

Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Refrain:

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,

For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;

And the cables, passed from His heart to mine,

Can defy that blast, thro’ strength divine.

It will surely hold in the Straits of Fear—

When the breakers have told that the reef is near;

Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,

Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.

It will firmly hold in the Floods of Death—

When the waters cold chill our latest breath,

On the rising tide it can never fail,

While our hopes abide within the veil.

When our eyes behold through the gath’ring night

The city of gold, our harbor bright,

We shall anchor fast by the heav’nly shore,

With the storms all past forevermore.

Refrain:

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

Priscilla J. Owens

Hebrews 6:17-20 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Evening Song - Held In His Mighty Arms

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...

Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear...

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Texas Memories - The Mercy of Rain

Matthew 5:44-45 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

The Shadow of the Cross by Annie Johnson Flint - A Poem and A Thought

 Worth Repeating

I have heard some sermons recently that made me want to pull this post forward and repeat it. (Originally posted Oct. 2021) In the volatile world we live in at present it is so important not to throw away our one precious life on something that has no worth in the bigger picture of God's perfect plan.

The Shadow of the Cross

O Christ! who once has seen Thy visioned beauty -
He counts all gain but loss,
And other things are naught if he may win Thee
And share with Thee Thy Cross

And he on whom its shadow once has fallen,
Walks quietly and apart;
He holds the master-key of joy and sorrow
That opens every heart.

The burdened souls that pass him on the highway
Turn back to take his hand,
And murmur low, with tear-wet eyes of anguish,
"You know - you understand."

And yet no other can his heart interpret,
His life is hidden, lone;
A holy seal is set upon his forehead,
And he is not his own.

O Cross of Christ! on me thy shade is resting,
Thy sacred marks I bear;
Earth holds for me no more of grief or gladness,
No anxious thought nor care;

Only henceforth, the bliss and pain commingled
Of sharing woes divine,
Of knowing I am called to eat His portion,
To drink His bitter wine.

Keep me forever, Lord, beneath that shadow,
Lest, haply, I should lose
My life for something less than Thy sweet service,
Or one dear pang refuse.

by Annie Johnson Flint

Philippians 3:7-10 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 

Do others see the sacrificial mind of Christ in you and me? Do they see His tenderhearted compassion and His pleasure in seeing people do the will of His Father? How does the shadow of the cross fall upon your own life? What are you willing to give up that Jesus Christ and His love may be shed abroad through your life to others? 

Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

This is a tough calling to live up to. Of course, we can't without the help of the Holy Ghost enabling us.

One of the most horrifying things that has come to light among Christians over the last few years is the unbelievable selfishness. There is so much about "my rights," "my autonomy," "my body," "my choice," "my family," "my president," etc. If we stop to consider how the shadow of the Cross might affect our thinking we can't help but realize that the mind of Christ is often opposed to these things.

Jesus gave up His "rights" as God. Philippians 2:6-8 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 

He gave up His autonomy to become a man limited by the physical world and to die in agony in a human body. Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

He gave His body to be broken as a sacrifice for us. 1 Corinthians 11:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you... 

He chose to humble Himself (Php. 2:8), and to do the will of the Father, no matter what it cost Him. John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

He gave up His home in heaven. Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. He gave up communion with His Father while on the cross. Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And He gave up His earthly family to do the work God gave Him. Matthew 12:46-50 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

He gave His allegiance to God alone and did not take shortcuts to power. John 2:24-25 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. Luke 4:5-12 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

You see, Jesus' objective from before He arrived on earth was to die on the cross for our sins. He came to serve others, not to be served. Matthew 20:25-28 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

This is the example we are meant to follow. 1 Peter 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

This is what it means to walk in the shadow of Jesus Christ's cross, as Annie has called it. It is to live in remembrance of that great sacrifice, knowing that because He rose from the dead we have the power through His indwelling Spirit to actually live this way. Is it hard? Yes. Will there be sacrifices? Absolutely. Will it sometimes be painful? Without a doubt. But the thing is - He is worthy. Our rights, our families, our autonomy, our political leader, even our bodies, are not worthy. 

Does that sound counter-intuitive? Unreasonable? That's because our thoughts are not His thoughts (Is. 5:8-9), and we are the ones who need to change our thinking to reflect the mind of Christ. We are not called to defend our rights, to force the world to be good or to make any nation "great again." We are called to be burden bearers (Gal. 6:2) like Jesus and to carry the glorious gospel of Christ to every creature (Mark 16:15, Luke 19:10). 

Romans 12:1-3 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

It is our reasonable service because Jesus Christ is worthy. Were it not for Him we would have no hope and no relationship with God. Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  

The cares and troubles and complications of this life should not trouble us like they often do. We should be pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Php. 3:4), and striving to walk worthy of Him. We should be showing the marks of Christ's suffering and love in our lives as we point others to Him. 

Colossians 1:10-14 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

Evening Song - Trusting Jesus

2 Corinthians 3:4-5 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 

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The Thousand Word Project - One Lovely Day...

 

A Short Thought - God Is Love

Even in the midst of our sorrows and struggles, God is still love. His love is everlasting. His love is the greatest love. It is the most powerful force in existence. Did you ever think of that? It is a safe place to rest your weary soul.

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

John 15:12-14 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Evening Song - Like A River Glorious

 
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

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The Thousand Word Project - Cat Tales

 

Cats can do aerobics in their sleep like this. :-) 

The First Temptation

 

A new article at The Home Maker's Corner:

There was a video I saw recently on Facebook about fitness and food. The woman who posted it was obviously obsessed with fitness and was mixing up physical and spiritual things. She used a couple of audio clips, which I had heard somewhere before and it really struck me this time. The man talking (who is not identified) says that Satan's greatest weapon of mass destruction is food. He continues that, "The very first temptation in the history of the world was a food temptation. The very first temptation of Christ was a food temptation." He goes on to state that the children of Israel went down into Egypt and were slaves there for 400 years because they were looking for food. He then quotes 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (Which doesn't really prove a lot in relation to these claims. Also, he was quoting a modern translation of the Bible.)

So, let's just see what the King James Bible actually says. We'll start in Genesis even though that wasn't the first temptation in all of history.

The Garden of Eden

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