Thoughts from the Past – The Land of the Dying

April 18, 2006 (edited Dec. 2016)

The Land of the Dying 

Owen, in his last hours, dictated a short letter to a friend. His secretary had written, “I am yet in the land of the living,” when Owen said, “Stop, change that. Write, I am yet in the land of the dying, but I hope soon to be in the land of the living.” - Source unkown

Romans 8:18-23 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

Truly we live in a dying world that is in bondage to corruption. Death and dying are as common as the vegetables and meat on our plates at dinner time.

Years ago I was looking at a web site that showed a picture of a mountain in West Africa where two missionary doctors had been traveling. The jeep rolled off the road and they were both killed. The writer (who later became my father-in-law) commented, "One would not think death could be so beautiful from a distance." And it was a beautiful mountain in a rugged sort of way.

And yet, think of this splendid, comforting thought: In spite of the dying state of the world we live in, how wonderfully beautiful it is! What beauty surrounds us - mountains, seas, skies, forests, plains, and even the austere beauty of the deserts. The ornamental plumage of birds, the fine architecture of seashells, the delicate coloring and structure of flowers all declare the tender care of a wise Creator. How gorgeously the Lord has arrayed this dying world, that He intended to be a living one! Think then what heaven must be like - the true land of the living!

Think what the Kingdom will be like! We are told the desert shall blossom as the rose,

Isaiah 35:1-2 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

Think of the new heavens and new earth. It defies the abilities of our feeble minds!

Revelation 21:1-3 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

As the children of the living God we are a living people with a living future! We will see what this glorious creation will be like when it is no longer under the bondage of corruption!

John 10:28  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.

(First posted on this blog - 9/11/11)

Guest Post - A Work In Progress

Today I'm sharing a post from my dad.

A Work In Progress

By Stephen Van Nattan
Edited by Mary E. Stephens

That is what we are. When a person hears the Gospel, understands it, and confesses faith in Jesus Christ, a process starts. No one ever was made perfect the instant they were born again.

1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

"Perfected" in this text means COMPLETE. The cup is empty, and it is filled in time. The yarn is woven by grandma's hands, maybe for many days, and eventually the sweater is completed.

So, how do we keep the process going forward and not stop and live an unfinished life?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

There is NO WAY you can arrive at Christian perfection in a moment of time. It takes a lifetime for most of us. We must stop this clever trick of using this fact to explain our slowness and sin as we move through the process. If you know you are not making progress toward perfection, you are backslidden. You need to repent and get back in the race with the rest of the saints on their way to perfection.

But, there is a caution here. I will illustrate.

Ed had been born again for years. He loved the Lord and participated in leadership in his local church., Ed also smoked. He was one of the few people who smoke in moderation and not in addiction, and smoking was a pleasure to him, not a burden.

Ed was walking downtown, and a lady from his church came along with her young son. Ed always removed his cigarette and held it to the side instead of smoking while talking to people. The lady and Ed chatted for a while, and as they parted, the young son told his mother, "Mommy, it must be OK to smoke, Uncle Ed smokes."

The boy considered Ed a godly man. When Ed heard the boy's words, he was smitten deeply. He decided on the spot to stop smoking if his choice would cause a boy to violate the teachings of his mother. Ed quit cold turkey never to smoke again.

That is how we are perfected. The key is that Ed was ready to be taught by the Holy Spirit. When the scene played out, which was clearly planned by God the Holy Spirit, Ed did the right thing and moved on to perfection.

Are you teachable? Can the Holy Spirit arrange for you to have a life experience, or read some text from the Bible, and you will at once see God talking to you and move on to perfection?

That is exactly what the Apostle Paul is talking about here:

Philippians 3:12-14 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Get this straight please...

1. The great Apostle clearly did not consider himself a completed (perfected) work. Stop parking in front of your failures.

2. Follow after. Grab ahold (Apprehend) of the life God offers you just up ahead.

3. Keep PRESSING toward the mark. This is Paul using the public games of Rome again. The prize is perfection, and it is a race to be run to win it.

Again, are you teachable? Are you still running the race? If you do this, you WILL reach the prize one day. We are not talking about sinless perfection, a doctrine of devils taught by some. We are talking about arriving where God wants you to be.

One last question we have to answer: How do I know when I am perfect the way the Bible teaches?

Jesus answers:

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

As long as you have something you need to deal with in your life in order to be like God, you are still a work in progress.

So, you will never be as perfect as God in this life. What does this mean? It means you will never stop running in this race until you are in the presence of God.

Don't stop now, please.

Don't worry. Anything you do not get right now will be taken care of by Jesus:

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.

Word of the Day - Trouble

Word of the Day - 

Trouble

Job 34:29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him?...

Job 38:22-23 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, Which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

Psalm 9:9-10 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Though troubles assail us

And dangers affright,

Though close friends should fail us

And foes all unite,

Yet one thing secures us,

Whatever betide,

The promise assures us,

"The Lord will provide."

John Newton

Continue Reading.

Are You Content Today?

 

Quote: Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you thought your life
would be like and learn to find joy in the one God has given you.

Today a good portion of the world will be celebrating St. Valentine's Day. It has been romanticized and fantasized about so much that it actually causes some people quite a lot of misery. Discontent, resentment, disappointment, and actual grief will all play their part today in some people's lives. 

But, what has God given you? Are you learning to be content in the life and place that God has you right now? The Apostle Paul wrote, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11 

To want is to lack. A lot of people will be "wanting" things today that they don't have or won't get. Yet, Paul tells us that he learned to be content in the midst of the lacks in his life - one of which was not being married and with not plans to marry. I know it isn't easy. I was 38 when I got married. But, contentment is a learned virtue, not a gift of the Spirit. It may be a hard lesson, but it can be learned. 

Hebrews 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Why can we learn to be content? Because Jesus Christ has said He will never leave nor forsake us. Actually, it says "thee." In the KJV this signifies "you, singular", not "you, the group." If you are His, He has promised to be with You, Yourself, right where you are this moment - whether married, single, in a family, in a group or alone. He is with YOU. That is the basis of our contentment. Jesus Christ Himself. 

And, ...in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9) Is that not enough?

Oh, wonderful love that takes me,
Though wretched and stained with sin!
Oh, marvelous grace that makes me
All holy and pure within!...

...Oh, matchless mercy that rates me
Joint-heirs with the sinless Son!
Oh, golden glory that waits me
When tempests and clouds are done!

All things are mine, for I am His;
Oh, infinite gifts divine!
God gave His Son, His only one;
And all that He has is mine.

Annie Johnson Flint

Never Alone - Encouragement for the Hurting

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 

John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 

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Ephesians 2:12-13 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: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 

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"I AM WITH YOU"

It is not always comfort to remember
That "God is in His Heaven",
When heavy clouds have hidden all the sunshine
And we are tempest-driven;
When all the world is desolate and lonely,
Or filled with hate and strife;
When hearts grow weary with their cares and troubles,
And grief and sin are rife.

It does not help that God is in His Heaven,
For that seems far away;
No voice comes down to us from that high silence,
No answer when we pray;
Up there, we think, the ceaseless hallelujahs
That rise around the throne
Must dull the echoes of earth’s lamentations,
And drown the sad heart’s moan.

But here is comfort - "I am with you alway
The Faithful and the True
And I will never leave thee nor forsake thee,
The long, hard journey through,"
For Jesus Christ is present help and refuge,
Not far, but very near;
Our Light, our Guide, our Shepherd, our Consoler,
A Saviour Who is here.

by Annie Johnson Flint
[altered]

Matthew 28:20 ...lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

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Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. 

Evening Song - I'm In the Gloryland Way

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. 

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Behold, I Stand and Knock - A Poem by Martha Snell Nicholson

 

Behold, I Stand and Knock

God pity all abroad tonight!

The sodden moor lies spent

Beneath the fury of the storm;

The angry skies are rent

With ragged flashes. My poor hut,

Too chill and dark and small

To shelter even one lost lamb,

But comes a knock, a call.

"Behold, I stand without and knock.

But open unto Me,

And I will come and sup with you,

And your companion be."

I looked around. There scarce was room

For me, and surely none

For guest (O heart, suppose I had

Denied that Lovely One!)

He entered in. He dwells with me.

I do not heed life's storms;

I need but turn and cling to Him

Who reassures and warms.

And all the rooms of this my heart

Are wide and warm and bright,

A banquet hall where I may sup

With Him, my Lord, my Light!

Martha Snell Nicholson

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any
man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,
and will sup with him, and he with me.

Hitherto and Henceforth - A Poem by Annie Johnson Flint

Hitherto and Henceforth

...Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.  1 Samuel 7:12

Hitherto the Lord hath helped us,
Hitherto His hand hath led,
Hitherto His arm protected,
Hitherto His bounty fed;
Will His love desert us wholly,
Will His heart our need forget,
Will His presence clean forsake us,
Who hath never failed us yet?

Still His constant care surrounds us,
Keeping watch by day and night,
And His faithful promise tells us
We are precious in His sight.
He hath set no bounds, no limits,
To His ceaseless gifts of love;
He hath named no times, no seasons,
When His pledge untrue shall prove.

Let the Past we know assure us
Of the Present's certain aid,
Till the Future's dark forebodings
In the light of faith shall fade;
Still He hears our supplications,
As our days our strength shall be;
And His grace is all-sufficient
For the needs of you and me.

Annie Johnson Flint

The Court of the King - A Poem by Annie Johnson Flint

The Court of the King

With the staff that had failed in my need
Where the road had been stony and steep;
With the lamp that was smoking and dim,
Though the darkness was growing more deep;
Weary, too weary to pray
And too heavy-hearted to sing,
Faint with the toils of the way
I came to the court of the King.

There where the fountains fall cool,
Their waters unfailing and pure;
There where the ministering palms
Stand like His promises sure,
Oh! there was peace in its shade,
Oh! there was rest in its calm;
And its sweet silences lay
On my bruised spirit like balm.

Long did I kneel in His court,
And walk in His garden so fair;
All I had lost or had lacked
I found in His treasuries there;
Oil to replenish my lamp,
His kindness a crown for my head,
For the staff that had wounded my hand
The rod of His mercy instead.

A garment of praises I found
For the sullen, dark garb I had worn,
And sandals of peace for the feet
That the rocks and the briers had torn;
Joy for my mourning He gave,
Making my spirit to sing,
And, girded with gladness and strength,
I passed from the court of the King.

Annie Johnson Flint

Psalm 23:2-3 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me
beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths
of righteousness for his name's sake.

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Photos taken and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

An Encouraging Sermon and Amazing Grace

A blessed New Year to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.

A very good reminder to start the New Year. 

Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

   

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Today also marks the 250th anniversary of John Newton first presenting the hymn "Amazing Grace" to his congregation when he preached on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17. 

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’d first begun.

John Newton

Is Today A Sad or Lonely Day?

If today is a sad day, a lonely day, a hard day for you, know this - there is One who sees your struggle and His love for you is greater than any human love ever could be. Faint not, weary one; you are of much value to Him. He sees, He cares, and He will be with you in your time of difficulty.

Lamentations 3:21-26  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Matthew 14:27  But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

This may not be a cheerful day for you by the world's standards, but knowing that Jesus Christ is with you is a good reason to be of good cheer.

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It Is Jesus

There is a Voice through Earth's wild clamor calling,
To all the heavy laden and oppressed,
Sweet as the cooling dew at even falling;
"Come unto Me and rest."

It is the voice of Jesus still entreating,
To all the comfortless and all the sad;
Day after day His tender call repeating,
"Come unto Me and I will make you glad."

There is a Hand outstretched in tenderest pity,
Where all the weary and the wandering roam,
Waiting to lead them to the heavenly city,
To bring the homeless Home.

It is the hand of Jesus, still upholding,
Strong to deliver, mighty still to keep;
And none shall pluck from out that safe enfolding,
The weakest one of all His blood-bought sheep.

There is a Form that walks life's stormy ocean,
Bidding the noise of wind and tempest cease;
Crying along through all the wild commotion,
"In Me ye shall have peace."

Oh, it is Jesus coming o'er the waters,
As once He walked the waves of Galilee,
Speaking to all earth's shipwrecked sons and daughters,
"Be not afraid; have faith, have faith in Me."

There is a Love that longs with deep affection
To gather all the sin-sick sons of men,
Beneath its wings of shelter and protection,
And give them health again.

It is the love of Jesus, sweet with longing,
His full salvation to the world to give;
Crying to all the dead, earth's highways thronging,
"Come unto Me, come unto Me and live."

by Annie Johnson Flint

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

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johnmarshallfamily.com

Evening Song - It Is God that Gives the Increase

1 Corinthians 3:6-9 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

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johnmarshallfamily.com - We recommend the Marshall's music. You can buy it here - both recordings and some printed music composed by members of the family.

Poems for the Storm Tossed Soul

 

His Billows

They are God's billows, whether they go over us
Hiding His face in smothering spray and foam,
Or, smooth and sparkling, spread a path before us,
And to our haven bear us safely home.

They are God's billows, whether, for our succour,
He walks across them, stilling all our fear,
Or to our cry there comes nor aid nor answer,
And in the lonely silence none is near.

They are God's billows, whether we are toiling
Through tempest-driven waves that never cease,
While deep to deep with clamor loud is calling,
Or at His word they hush themselves in peace.

They are God's billows, whether He divides them,
Making us walk dry shod where seas had flowed,
Or lets tumultuous breakers surge about us
Rushing unchecked across our only road.

They are God's billows, and He brings us through them;
So has He promised, so His love will do;
Keeping and leading, guiding and upholding,
To His sure harbor, He will bring us through.

Annie Johnson Flint

Psalm 42:7-8 and 11 Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life... Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Not Down, But Through

 

"When Thou passest through the waters,"

Deep the waves may be and cold,

But Jehovah is our refuge,

And his promise is our hold;

For the Lord himself has said it,

He, the faithful God and true;

"When you come to the waters

You will not go down, but through."

Seas of sorrow, Seas of trial,

Bitter anguish, fiercest pain,

Rolling surges of temptation

Sweeping over heart and brain...

They will never overflow us

For we know His work is true;

All His waves and all His billows

He will lead us safely through.

Threatening breakers of destruction,

Doubt's insidious undertow,

Will not sink us, will not drag us

Out to ocean depths of woe;

For His promise will sustain us,

Praise the Lord, whose word is true!

We will not go down, or under,

For He says, "You will pass through."

Annie Johnson Flint

Isaiah 43:2-4 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour...

Are You Grieving? It's OK to Make Holiday Changes

Worth repeating.

Recently I've had a bad case of writer's block. Also, my extended family had more sad life changes to deal with in October, one of which was one of my mom's brothers unexpectedly going to heaven. And a dear friend's mother also got her promotion to glory earlier this year. So, it felt like maybe I should post this again this week. I apologize I didn't get it up on Sunday in anticipation of Thanksgiving in the U.S. This was originally published in 2021. 

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning
them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

Dear Friend, 

So many people have lost loved ones over the past two years. The numbers are so high that it sometimes seems impossible. I was talking with a sweet older lady in our church assembly and she was remarking about this, and since she is in her 80s I know it isn't just my imagination.

Holidays, birthdays, and special family events can be especially hard when you have a fresh grief. Well, honestly, they can be hard even when the grief isn't all that fresh any more.

Thanksgiving is my family's biggest holiday of the year. Last year (2020) was our first one without my mom with us. It was hard, but this year was harder. Last year we changed things up quite a bit. My husband had to work most of Thanksgiving week, including the day itself. Some family was in town the week before and so we decided to celebrate then instead. Since we were having dinner on another day, we decided to get take out from a nice restaurant. It was Brazilian, so it was not at all like our traditional Thanksgiving meal. I think we had a homemade dessert or two. I chose not to move the table away from the window so that the table would seem full with five of us. It was a hard, but it went well.

This year was different...

Continue Reading.

Guest Post - Stewardship

Stewardship

by Steve Van Nattan

The favorite sermon topic of the average Baptist preacher is stewardship. Of course, this short sighted preacher has only the offering plate in mind, and he always hammers the sheep to pay their tithes. Some even use Faith Promise, a totally unbiblical concept, to convince us to pay our tithes forward in the form of vows based on the gifts of God we do not yet have. "Take therefore no thought for the morrow..." [Matt. 6:34] Ever hear that from someone? God holds you responsible for ONLY what you have now. [Also see: 2 Cor. 8:11-14]

So, what is involved in stewardship?

In terms of everything God made, the part we can see and live in, stewardship involves Space, Time, and Matter. How we use these three is the bedrock of stewardship, that is, whatever part of the whole universe God has given to me to control and use. This is a rather large piece of stuff to try to conceptualize, right?

But, a simpler way to deal with the topic is in these three resources which God gives us all, whether much or little:

Time, money, and energy. 

I suggest you take your share of these resources into the laboratory of your mind and soul for examination. For the next week, end your day with a quiet time, and list the ways you used your Time, Money, and Energy, and how much of it clearly was for the benefit of Jesus Christ. Write it down.

Do not make lofty goals for a week. Do the self-examination. Then the next week, look at your previous week, and every evening decide one thing you will do different the next day. It may be to stop by and visit some old lonely saint. It may be to take another Christian out for coffee or lunch. It may be to vigorously watch for a homeless person and see that they have a good lunch, either with you, or deliver it to them.

The notion that tithing is the beginning and end of stewardship is cheap stewardship, and it asks very little of you.

You see, stewardship is so often about doing to others, and the money is the resource that makes it possible. Our time we must also factor in and make space for the deed to play itself out. It is cheap stewardship to hand a ten dollar bill to a homeless person. What is a noble use of my resources is when I invest all three, time, money, and energy to meet someone's need.

I Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

In this text we see no money in stewardship, at least a minimum of cash. What we see is that we are given gifts from God to use to minister to others, both the saved and the sinners. Those gifts are always one or all of the three: Time, Money, or energy. And, God does not expect the same amount of energy from me as he does from you. Verse 11 is the Energy aspect. God may give you lots of energy or ability. I must not use you as my model for ministering. But, I must be a steward of the energy He has given me.

Are we so busy, or plain selfish, that our home is seldom used to entertain the saints? Peter commands us, "Use hospitality." Time, Money, and Energy may mean leaving an evening open, buy some good cuts of beef, and invite some struggling saints to your home for fellowship. It simply all depends on who has the preeminence in your life, Jesus and his people, or YOU?

How about those college students in your church who are far from home and may be lonely? If you have them over, I suggest you also invite some older extrovert senior in your church who loves Jesus so that the students can mix up and learn about the old ways from the past. Ask your senior friend to prepare a short Bible devotional to end the evening.

Jesus does not only give you resources based on your need. He also gives you gifts based on what you did with what He already gave you. To see Him teach this, read Matthew 25:14-30.

Enough said. Now, go be a good steward, not for me, but for Jesus.

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Editor's Note: Some of us have limitations - physical, financial, mental, time - that seem to make it harder to do these things. Some may actually have been tricked into believing that if they don't have money to give there isn't much they can do or that money is the only thing that really counts. Some preachers will even belabor the idea of "giving till it hurts," implying that if you don't you lack faith. But, that isn't what the Bible says. In fact, the church in Corinth gave themselves before they gave their money. 2 Corinthians 8:4-5 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Have you ever stopped to consider what the health of the body of Christ would look like if Christians gave themselves to God's work before they gave their money? I have a feeling it would be a lot better than it generally is at present.

Maybe you should ask the Lord to help you use your imagination or to stretch yourself a little. Set aside some time and energy to phone a Christian lady who could use encouragement (can't we all?) and just talk. Take the time to send out some Bible verses or Christian poetry in texts or email to ladies you know. Ask someone what you can pray for them this week, and then make sure you do it. Buy one or two extra items to give to someone in your church or neighborhood who is struggling to make ends meet. Pray extra for your friends on social media who are going through hard things. Give some flowers from your garden to someone. Send snail mail to someone. Share the bounty of your garden or fruit trees. Use the wakeful hours of the night to pray for others. 

Your list may have things that apply to your God-given abilities very specifically, but whatever the case, there are things you can give beyond the offering plate. There are many ways we can be better stewards of our time, energy, and resources. We just need to ask the Lord to help us find them. 

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 

Worth Repeating: The Mercy and Grace of Prayer

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

There are many blessings that we have in Christ, among them is the mercy and grace of prayer.  Do you know the difference between mercy and grace?  Grace is unmerited favor - the blessing and kindness and love of God given to us even though we don't deserve it.  Grace tends to get all the publicity these days.  I think it's because grace tells us we're loved in spite of ourselves while mercy reminds us we're sinners who deserve judgment.  Mercy is the withholding of deserved judgment - although we deserve the wrath and justice of God for our sin, He passes over us because we are in Christ Jesus, who is our passover (1 Corinthians 5:7).

One of the miracles of prayer in the New Testament is that we have direct access to the throne of grace, where we obtain both mercy and grace.  In the Lord Jesus, God has made us kings and priests , Revelation 1:6, and a royal priesthood, 1 Peter 2:9.  Because of that we have access to the very throne of God, to the mercy seat in heaven, through our High Priest.  In Old Testament times only the earthy high priest had access to the mercy seat, but now every believer can go directly before the Lord with his or her requests. Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Continue Reading.

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Are you feeling weak? This has been a hot summer for a lot of us in the northern hemisphere and a soggy winter for some in the southern. There is so much trouble and drought and cause for concern around the world these days, it can be exhausting dealing with the daily things in front of us while knowing that so much trouble is brewing in so many ways. But God...

Here are some thoughts on weakness for you to ponder.

Word of the Day: Weakness

Letters to My Friend - Don't Let Your Story Die

Dear Friend,

Don't let your story die.

 - unknown -

I don't remember where I found this quote, but it is a thought of profound importance. I think that one of the reasons some people's lives become so empty and barren before they physically die is because they let their story die. They give up in their minds or their hearts and they stop trying. This is sad. It is also a very poor use of the one precious life we have been given by God.

For the Christian this is doubled because it is not only a waste of life, it is a waste of the spiritual life that God has given us as well. We never come to a point in our lives where we are allowed to quit being a Christian and just live out the rest of our days. I have known people who have quit on life before their time was up. I have known Christians who at some point sat down and turned all their ministries over to other people and mostly or entirely stopped trying.

Continue Reading.

A New Page of Short Poems

Poppies. Central Texas.

I added a new collection of short poems at The Home Maker's Corner.

The Place of Peace

At the heart of the cyclone, tearing the sky

And flinging clouds and the towers by

Is the place of central calm;

So here in the roar of mortal things

I have a place where my spirit sings,

In the hollow of God's hand.

- Edwin Markham -

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Read More.

Living for Christ In Chronic Illness

I have added a new section to The Home Makers Corner. I hope that it will be of help to your or someone you know. This is a menu page of various articles, poems, thoughts, and helps.

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Link to the page: Living for Christ In Chronic Illness

Excerpt:

John 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Having dealt with chronic health conditions for much or all of my life, this is a subject that is close to my heart. I have been, perhaps, slow in making it a separate subject here on The Home Maker's Corner, but in some respects this may have been a good thing since experience tends to lend better understanding. At this point in time (2022) we are beginning to feel the lasting effects of Covid-19. Some people are struggling to regain their previous health and there is no timeline to tell us how long it will take, so this section of the HMC may be more needful than it even was before.

If you are dealing with chronic illness or health conditions yourself, or if you have a loved one who is, I hope that you will find something here that will encourage, edify, instruct or otherwise bless you. I have already written a series of articles and I hope to prepare them to be published here over the next months.