A Sparrow’s Song

Just outside our kitchen window, we have a grove of trees where the birds love to congregate. We have a couple of bird feeders there, one of which is fashioned like a church building. The birds like to congregate on the porch while they peck at the seed provided there. In the winter time we also hang from the tree branches colorful netting bags containing tallow and seed “bird balls” which we obtain at a local meat market. We very much enjoy watching the chickadees, sparrows, blue jays, and woodpeckers, and feel gratified that we are able to contribute to their warmth and well being.

As it happened, this last winter, the place was literally taken over by a meddlesome squirrel. Now, squirrels are fascinating little creatures, and it is also entertaining to watch their antics as they dart up and down the branches. Unfortunately, this little intruder had no time for our birds and we watched him, several times, literally chase the birds away, until none would venture back to feed. As fun as it was to watch the squirrel, we missed the birds and finally, taking matters into our own hands, we trapped the intruder and moved him to another part of the country where we trust he was able to re-settle in comfort.

As a result, I am happy to say that our birds are back. In previous summers, I have heard the cheery notes of a bird that, to my knowledge, I have never seen. I suspect it might be a wood sparrow. I hope that this summer my little friend will return and sing to me again. I have found the notes of its song on the piano. They are B, A, and F-sharp. The last note is usually repeated five times, although that can vary, and I imagine that the different repetitions each mean something different in its native language. When I whistle the little tune, I do believe it answers me. I finally set it to words:

In this wide and wondrous world
I am just a little bird,
But my Father cares for me
As He promised in His word.

There are numerous verses about birds, many of which have a message relevant to the human experience:

I heard a bird at break of day sing from the autumn trees
A song so musical and calm, so full of certainties,
I think no one could listen long – except upon his knees;
And that was just a simple bird alone among dead trees!

And this one: Said the robin to the sparrow,
“I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush around and worry so?”

Said the sparrow to the robin
“Friend, I think that it must be
They have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me!”

Didn’t Jesus say, “Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not a single sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge (and participating presence)? The very hairs of your head are all numbered. Never be afraid, then – you are far more valuable than many sparrows!” (Matt. 10:29-31) SO -

Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for Heav’n and Home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubt and fear;
Tho’ by the path He leads me, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing and hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!

- AND YOU!

“May God, the giver of HOPE,
fill you with continual joy and peace because you trust in Him—
so that you may have abundant HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13 Weymouth)

In Agape, Eulene

Wit’s End Corner

Dear Ones,

Few of us have not, at one time or another, found ourselves at “Wit’s End Corner.”  Perhaps more than ever in these stressful days of economic uncertainties, political unrest, and world-wide conflicts, do we come to the end of our own resources.

Did you know that the expression of being at “wit’s end” is straight out of the Bible?  A number of different disastrous situations are described in the 107th Psalm, this being among them:  “…their soul is melted because of trouble.   They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end!” (Psalm 107:23-31) That almost sounds like some of today’s newspaper headlines, doesn’t it?

The picture here is of mariners whose lives are spent sailing the seas;  their business is involved in shipping.  They see and experience the stormy winds and heavy seas.  One can imagine their boats riding the crest of the waves and then dropping down into the troughs, and there are undoubtedly times when they despair of life.  But when they reach their “wits’ end” they “cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses.  He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.  Then are they glad because they are quiet;  so He brings them unto their desired haven.” (vss. 28-30)

Every time “they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, He delivered them – saved them – brought them -out of their distresses.” The Psalm ends with this astute observation:  “Whoso is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord.” (vs. 43)

The Sea of Galilee is a harp-shaped lake about 14 miles long and 8 miles across at its broadest point.  The Jordan River flows through it from North to South;  its waters are therefore sweet and its fisheries, so prominent in the New Testament narrative, produced a flourishing export trade, famous throughout the Roman Empire.  Being 695 feet below sea level makes it a popular resort area, with warm temperatures from autumn to spring.  However, the position of the lake, in the depths of the Jordan Rift and surrounded by hills, makes it liable to atmospheric downdraughts and sudden violent storms.   Some of the disciples of Jesus were experienced fishermen, familiar with Galilee and its eccentricities.

On one occasion, recorded in Scripture, Jesus and His disciples set out one evening to cross the sea.   But there arose a great wind storm so that the waves began to fill their boat.  Jesus had been ministering to the crowds all day and, relaxing on a pillow in the boat, had fallen asleep.  The disciples, in spite of their years of experience, began to fear for their lives.  When they “cried unto the Lord in their trouble,” Jesus arose, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace!  Be still!” Immediately the wind ceased and there was a great calm…and they arrived at the other side of the sea.  (Mark 4:35-5:1)

Sometimes the “stormy winds” of life can cause a great deal of consternation:  Ill health;  financial reversals;  relational problems;  emotional upheaval;  all of which can blow up storms of pain, worry, stress, and depression – until our “soul is melted because of trouble”…and we are at our “wit’s end.”  What to do?  Where to turn?  How to cope?  But when we cry unto the Lord, He brings us out of our distresses, and calms the storm.  One beautiful contemporary song expresses it wonderfully:  “I know the Master of the wind;  I know the Maker of the rain;  He can calm the storm and make the sun to shine again.”  The secret is to  “know the Master of the wind,” and call upon His name.

Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner,”  Christian, with troubled brow?
Are you thinking of what is before you,  and all you are bearing now?
Does all the world seem against you,  and you in the battle alone?
Remember – at “Wit’s End Corner”  is just where God’s power is shown.

Are you standing at Wit’s End Corner,”  blinded with wearying pain?
Feeling you cannot endure it;  you cannot bear the strain
Bruised through the constant suffering,  dizzy, and dazed, and numb?
Remember – at “Wit’s End Corner” is where Jesus loves to come.

Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner”?  Your work before you spread,
All lying begun, unfinished,  and pressing on heart and head
Longing for strength to do it,  stretching out trembling hands?
Remember- at “Wit’s End Corner” the Burden-bearer stands.

Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner”?  Then you’re just in the very spot
To learn the wondrous resources of Him Who faileth not.
No doubt to a brighter pathway your footsteps will soon be moved,
But only at “Wit’s End Corner”  is the “God Who is Able” proved.

Author Unknown

Four times in this Psalm, the author laments:
“Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness,
and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

“May God, the giver of HOPE,
fill you with continual joy and peace because you trust in Him,
so that you may have abundant HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Rom. 15:13 Weymouth)

In Agape, Eulene

A Thorough Work

Greetings! 

One recent wintry morning, working to clear a path through another heavy fall of snow, my thoughts drifted back to my growing-up years.  I was brought up with the old adage that “a job worth doing is worth doing well!” and “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!”  

Among the many lessons my Dad taught me – from how to dry a sharp knife without cutting my hand – to how to fold my long underwear at the ankles so it wouldn’t be a bulge under my long stockings – to how to ’scribe’ in carpentry to mark and fit closely – to always telling the truth no matter what – one that stands out and, I think, helped to shape my character, was how to be thorough in whatever I undertook to do.  That lesson served me well throughout my school years, certainly during my years of secretarial employment, as well as all the years since.  Now it works well even when cleaning the snow from our decks and parking pad! 

When I came to learn more of the Scriptures, I discovered that this is quite a Godly principle.  What is God’s word on the subject?  “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men….”"  and “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” (Col. 3:23;  Eccl. 9:10) 

The context of the first quotation is addressed to employees (slaves, in Bible days) assuring them that they would receive their reward from the Lord for, in actuality, they were serving the Lord Christ.  I wonder how often we think of our menial tasks and daily duties as “serving the Lord Christ”?  Perhaps it would make a difference in our attitudes, as well as how carefully and how thoroughly we do our work. 

The context of the second quotation indicates that this life is very temporary and now is the time to apply knowledge and wisdom to our actions.  The grave holds no such opportunities!    

In giving us these instructions, it is evident that God Himself has set the example of thoroughness in His workings.  He Himself is perfect in every aspect of its meaning   “His law is perfect…;”    “His work is perfect…a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.”  “His way is perfect;  the word of the Lord is tried (purified); He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him…and He makes my way perfect.”  (Ps. 19:7; Deut. 32:4;  2 Sam. 22:31-33) 

“…and He makes my way perfect.”  In being conformed to His image, we are in the process of becoming as He is, by being “filled with His fullness.”  Jesus’ own prayer just before His glorification was that He might be in us as the Father was in Him, that we might “perfected into one” - in Them!   Then we are told that all Scripture was inspired by God, profitable for all things that we might be “perfected and thoroughly equipped to do good works.”   The author of the book of Hebrews prayed that “the God of peace, Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ…”  (John 17:21-23;  2 Tim. 3:16,17);  Heb. 13:20,21) 

The key, of course, is Christ “working in you.”  As self is diminished, and Christ is increased, it will be Him working in us, “to will and to do His good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:13) 

If it was in order for Epaphras to pray for the saints of his day that they might “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God,” surely it is appropriate for us to pray that we may also experience that standing “in Christ.” (Col. 4:12) 

It may take fiery trials and sufferings to bring about that
perfection/maturity/completeness, as it did our Elder Brother.  But, being one with Him, as we share in the fellowship of His sufferings, we will also share in the power of His resurrection.  (Heb. 2:10,11; Phil. 3:10; Heb. 5:8,9; 1 Peter 5:10) 

It pleased the Father that in His Son all fullness/completeness should dwell and we share in that completeness.   ”For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.  And you are complete in Him, Who is the Head of all principality and power.”  “Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you will perfect/complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Col. 1:18,19;  2:9-10;  Phil. 1:6) 

Thus we have a confident expectation of the thorough working of our Heavenly Father to conform us to His image, fill us with His Fullness, and to fulfill in us the purpose for which He created us. (Eph. 3:19) 

So, let us “let patience have her perfect work that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”  for “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.  (Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;  forsake not the works of Your own hands).”  (James 1:4;  Ps. 138:8) 

“Now may the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace in the believing,
that you may abound in Hope,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Rom. 15:13) 

In Agape, Eulene

Unsearchable Riches

Blessings to all, 

“I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight…and I will give you the treasures of darkness, and HIDDEN RICHES OF SECRET PLACES, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, am Jehovah…..and there is no-one else;  there is no God beside Me…”  (Isa. 45:2,3) 

When considering the treasures of darkness week before last, I became curious about the “hidden riches of secret places” in the same passage.   Gold, silver, minerals, and precious stones are generally found hidden in veins in the ’secret places’ of the earth.   Some minerals can be found at the earth’s surface; others lie far beneath the surface and can be removed only by digging deep underground, sometimes at great risk to the miners.  But the “hidden riches of secret places” that I believe are referred to here are of unfathomable value, and unsearchable at the human level.  They are “with our God” and are linked with “honor and righteousness.”  (Prov. 8:18) 

The Apostle Paul reveled in the fact that to him the grace was given that he should proclaim the UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST.  In his letters to the churches at Rome, Ephesus and Philippi, he refers to some of those riches. (Eph. 3:8) 

THE RICHES OF HIS GOODNESS and FORBEARANCE and LONGSUFFERING.  “It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.”   (Rom. 2:4) 

THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE, through which we receive “redemption and the forgiveness of sins through Christ’s atoning blood.”  (Eph. 1:7) 

THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY according to which we are “strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner being.”  (Eph. 3:16) 

“O the depth of the RICHES both of the WISDOM and KNOWLEDGE of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!”  Such wealth is truly  unsearchable. (Rom. 11:33) 

Material riches are not always desirable.  In fact, the Scriptures warn us against setting our hearts on earthly wealth.  “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.”   “He that trusts in his riches shall fall, but the righteous shall flourish…”   “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”   “And the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the Word and it becomes unfruitful.”  (Ps. 62:10;  Prov. 11:28;  22:1;  Mark 4:19)   

Moses understood the vast difference when he esteemed “the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt,” for he was looking forward to the reward he would receive.  (Heb. 11:26) 

Nevertheless, the promise to us is sure that “God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  (Phil. 4:19)  

Fanny Crosby wrote beautifully about those “UNSEARCHABLE RICHES”:- 

O, the Unsearchable Riches of Christ! 
Wealth that can never be told!
Riches exhaustless of mercy and grace,
Precious, more precious than gold!

O, the Unsearchable Riches of Christ! 
Who shall their greatness declare!
Jewels whose luster our lives may adorn,
Pearls that the poorest may wear!

O, the Unsearchable Riches of Christ!
Freely, how freely they flow,
Making the souls of the faithful and true
Happy wherever they go!

O, The unsearchable Riches of Christ! 
Who would not gladly endure
Trials, afflictions, and crosses on earth,
Riches like these to secure!

Precious, more precious -
Wealth that can never be told!
O, the unsearchable riches of Christ -
Precious, more precious than gold!

 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the HOPE of His calling, and what the RICHES OF THE GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS.”  (Eph. 1:17,18) 

“Now the God of all HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in the believing,
that you may abound in HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13)

In Agape, Eulene

Anchor of the Soul

Hello Everyone, 

There is a wonderful statement in Hebrews 6:13-20:  This is the way Weymouth translates vss.18 and 19:- “…..we may possess mighty encouragement – we who, for safety, have hastened to lay hold of the HOPE set before us.  That HOPE we have as an ANCHOR OF THE SOUL – an anchor that can neither break nor drag!” 

Being very much a prairie girl and having seen little of the sea or sailing, my knowledge of anchors was strictly limited to pictures!  So I went to the encyclopedia for more information.  An anchor is a heavy weight that is used to hold a ship or boat in place.  The most common kind of anchor is made of iron or steel.  A chain, made of special, high-grade steel, called an anchor cable, is fastened to the anchor and tied to the ship.  When the anchor is lowered to the bottom of the water, it catches in the mud to hold the vessel in place.  The type of anchor varies according to the size of the boat. 

The author of this passage in Hebrews assures us that God’s promises are like an anchor, both sure and steadfast, which can neither break nor drag!  How can we be really certain of this?  Well, the passage explains: 

When God gave His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, saying, “Assuredly, blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendents as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore…and in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed…”  And so, as the result of patient waiting, Abraham obtained what God had promised.  

Men swear by what is greater than themselves, and with them an oath in confirmation of a statement always puts an end to a dispute.  In the same way, since it was God’s desire to display more convincingly to all to whom the promise of salvation was made, how unchangeable His purpose was, He added an oath.  In this way, through two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for Him to prove false, we may have a strong consolation – “we who, for safety, have hastened to lay hold of the HOPE set before us.” 

The two immutable, or unchangeable things?  GOD’S PROMISE and GOD’S OATH.  Or we might say, His WORD and His NAME.  

Since there was none greater to whom to appeal, God made Himself a kind of third party or mediator between Himself and us.  So we have a double ground of confidence, in GOD the PROMISER Who gives us His WORD, and in GOD the GUARANTOR Who confirms it by His OATH.  There is therefore no possibility of our being deceived or disappointed.  Jesus offers us new hope because He has entered the innermost Sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, not only on our behalf (for us) but also ‘as a forerunner’, opening the way for us to follow Him and thus enabling us to draw near to God.  Also, like an anchor, He offers us a sure and an abiding confidence because, in the innermost Sanctuary of God’s Presence, He abides as our High Priest forever. 

Upon life’s boundless ocean where mighty billows roll,
I’ve fixed my hope in Jesus, blest anchor of my soul;
When trials fierce assail me as storms are gath’ring o’er,
I rest upon His mercy and trust Him more.

He keeps my soul from evil and gives me blessèd peace,
His voice has stilled the waters and bid their tumult cease;
My Pilot and Deliv’rer, to Him I all confide,
For always when I need Him, He’s at my side.

He is my Friend and Savior, in Him my anchor’s cast,
He drives away my sorrows and shields me from the blast;
By faith I’m looking upward beyond life’s troubled sea,
There I behold a haven prepared for me.

I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave;
I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave,
I’ve anchored in Jesus for He has pow’r to save,
I’ve anchored to the Rock of Ages.

             (L. E. Jones)

 We have an anchor that keeps the soul / steadfast and sure while the billow roll / Fastened to the Rock which cannot move / grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

 “May God, the Giver of HOPE,
fill you with continual joy and peace because you trust in Him,
so that you may have abundant HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13 Weymouth)

In Agape, Eulene

Treasures of Darkness

Dear Friends, 

“I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight…and I will give you the TREASURES OF DARKNESS, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who calls you by your name, am Jehovah…and there is no-one else;  there is no God beside Me…”  (Isa. 45:2,3) 

The suggestion of darkness evokes rather negative thoughts.  It is true that there is “a power of darkness” from which we need deliverance;   that nefarious deeds are done under cover of darkness;   that it is hard to find one’s way through the darkness;   It can be frightening to be in an unfamiliar place in the dark;   and it is frustrating to be “kept in the dark” when some knowledge would be so helpful. 

Yet, darkness also has a very positive aspect.  Apparently it does contain “treasures” that God has promised to give to us.  The day truly is coming when “there shall be no night…no more tears, no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain” for “all things shall be made new.”  Until then, in this veil of human mortality, God has seen the wisdom of our need to experience the darkness, to find the “treasures” therein, and the “hidden riches of secret places.”  The 104th Psalm is a dramatic description of God’s work of creation, and the making of darkness is attributed to the almighty Creator (vs.20)  Light and darkness are both alike to Him, and the darkness oft-times has a place in His purposes.  (Rev. 21:4) 

Mortal beings need the darkness of night to give our physical bodies rest.  There is a lovely children’s poem that personifies the Dark, and assures them that “…God made the Dark so Daytime could close its tired eyes / and sleep a while in comfort beneath the starry skies.  / The Daytime, just like children, needs rest from work and play / so it can give the children another happy day. / God made the Dark for children, and birdies in their nest.  / All in the Dark He watches and guards us while we rest.”   Trees and plants need the dark of winter to rest, replenish and prepare for another season of growth and fruitfulness.  Seeds need the dark moist soil to germinate and develop the life that is in them.  

So I began to search for some of the treasures of darkness.  In Israel’s escape from Egyptian slavery, God used the darkness of His Cloud to protect them and separate them from the enemy.   It was during a time of great darkness that God spoke to Abram and established His covenant with him.  He spoke to Jacob in visions of the night;  He appeared to Solomon by night, as He did to many others.   God sent food from heaven when the dew fell in the darkness of night.  It was in the midst of a violent storm at night that Jesus spoke peace to the elements and quieted the storm.  On another occasion, again in the midst of a dark stormy night, He appeared to His disciples walking on the water.  God visits us in the night.   We can receive instruction in the night seasons.   And He gives “songs in the night.”   

It is often in the “dark night of the soul” that we find ourselves drawn by the Heavenly Father to find life, rest, hope, and fruitfulness in the One Who is the Light.  In fact, He invites those who feel they are walking in darkness and have no light, to “trust in the Name of the Lord, and rely upon God.”  (Isa. 50:10) 

We hear testimony after testimony of those who have, and who now express thanksgiving for that time of darkness in their life’s experience.   Such a testimony is expressed in the following poem:  

He gives to me TREASURES OF DARKNESS; 
Before the day dawns He’s so nigh;
It is then we have wordless communion -
My Heavenly Father and I.
    He hovers above me;  
    His love, it enfolds me; 
    His joy is within me, 
    And I know that He holds me.
I see my past spread out before me,
And know what I could not know then:
How the bright and the dark worked together
For good;  and I praise Him, and praise Him, 
    And praise Him again.
He knows all that lies in the darkness,
While the light dwells ever with Him.
And the Father in Whom is no darkness
Will make clear what now is so dim.
For the treasures that lie in the darkness,
And the riches that now are concealed
By the One Who holds all of the secrets
Will some day by Him be revealed.          

  - Sarah Faris

“Therefore I will look unto the Lord;  I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me…when I fall, I shall arise; WHEN I SIT IN DARKNESS, THE LORD SHALL BE A LIGHT TO ME.”  (Micah 7:7,8) 

“Now the God of all HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in the believing,
that you may abound in HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13) 

In Agape, Eulene

The Chariots of God

Greetings! 

“The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands; 
The Lord is among them…in the holy place.”                          
(Ps. 68:17)  

The prophets, Elijah and Elisha, were both very familiar with the Chariots of God.   Elijah rode in one “by a whirlwind into heaven,” observed by Elisha, his successor. 

During the invasion of Israel by the great Syrian army which “compassed the city both with horses and chariots” Elisha sat calmly in his house without fear;  his eyes had been opened to see the invisible chariots of God.  His servant saw them, too, when Elisha prayed that his eyes might be opened.  “And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha!”  Indeed, there were more with Elisha than were with all of the army of Syria. (The story is in 2 Kings 6.)  

Earthly chariots are subject to physical laws and may be hindered or over-turned;  God’s fiery chariots are controlled by spiritual forces, and triumph over all hindrances!   Although our spiritual eyes may not as yet have been opened to see them, all around us on every side God’s chariots are waiting for us.  I do not doubt that if our “eyes were opened” to see into the spirit dimension, we would be surrounded with the “chariots of God.” 

The Psalmist further declares that “He makes the clouds His chariot.”  And Habakkuk speaks of the Lord’s fiery  “chariots of salvation, victory and deliverance.”   Sometimes such “chariots” take the form of some “cloud” of adversity:  disappointments, misunderstandings, unkindnesses, sufferings, defeats, “fiery trials which are to prove you.”  They may seem like ‘juggernaut cars of misery’ that would roll over us and crush us into the earth.  But they ARE chariots, chariots of triumph in which we may rise to those very heights of victory for which we have longed and prayed.  That which has been a crushing burden may become a glorious chariot to carry us to the heights of heavenly patience and long-suffering;  that misunderstanding, that humiliation, that unkindness, that disappointment, that loss, that defeat.  Rather than allowing such adversities to crush us and defeat us, we may use them as opportunities to overcome;  consider them as the chariots waiting to carry us to those places of victory we have so often longed to reach.  (Psalm 104:3;  Habakkuk 3:8) 

God’s will is somewhere hidden in the trial.  As we accept His will, whether known or unknown, we will hide ourselves in His invisible arms of love.  As we shut out every other thought by the one thought of submission to His will, and of trust in His love, we will find ourselves riding with God in a way we never dreamed possible.  No words can describe the wondrous places to which that one shall be taken who travels in the chariots of God!   He who rides with God rides above all ‘earth-born clouds!’  “No obstacle can hinder the triumphant course of God’s chariots!”  (Hannah Whitall Smith) 

Whenever we mount into God’s chariots we are translated away from the low, groveling level of life into “the heavenlies in Christ Jesus,” where we shall ride in triumph over all below.  So we need to be assured that the clouds of life, often so dark and gloomy, hiding the sunlight, are in reality THE CHARIOTS OF GOD! 

Many years ago when, as a young person, I was going through what I considered a grievous trial, I read something that pointed out this truth.   It blest me then, and through the years it has often helped me to rise above the earthly ‘turbulence’ of life’s circumstances.  

Oh, make my clouds Thy chariots,   
      So shall I learn to see
That the mist that dims the glory
      Is itself a light from Thee.

For the shadow of the wilderness
      To me shall sing aloud,
When I find Thy nearest coming,
      In the advent of a cloud.   

“Believe that your present trial is a thundercloud
with a rainbow sleeping in its folds.” 

“Now the God of all HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in the believing,
that you may abound in HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13)

In Agape, Eulene

Tangled Threads

Greetings! 

I once heard the story of a young woman who went to work in a textile factory.  Above each machine a sign was posted:  “If your threads get tangled, send for the foreman.” 

It wasn’t long before the threads with which she was working became terribly tangled.  The more she tried to untangle them, the more hopeless she became.    Finally, in desperation, she did send for help.  When the foreman came, he asked her why she had waited so long to call him.  She replied that she had done her best. 

He then reminded her, “Doing your best is sending for me!” 

When the threads of our lives get in a tangle, doing our best is sending for the Master, asking Him to straighten them out for us. 

Once in an Eastern palace wide
   A little child sat weaving;
So patiently her task she plied,
The men and women at her side
   Flocked around her almost grieving.
 
“How is it, little one,” they said,
   “You always work so cheerily?
You never seem to break your thread,
Or snarl or tangle it instead
   Of working smooth and clearly.”
 
“I only go and tell the King,”
   She said, abashed and meekly;
“You know He said, ‘In everything…’ “
“Why so do we!”  they cried.  “We bring
   Him all our troubles weekly.” 

She turned her little head aside;
   A moment let them wrangle;
“Ah, but,” she softly then replied,
“I go and get the knot untied
   At the FIRST LITTLE TANGLE!”

             (Author unknown)

 “Call upon me in the day of trouble;  I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me,” says the Lord.  (Ps. 50:15)

Another old song we have often sung:
The Savior can solve every problem,           
The tangles of life can undo;
There is nothing too hard for Jesus,
There is nothing that He cannot do.
(Matt 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27)

An unknown author has expressed the same thought in this beautifully descriptive piece:-

 The fingers that wove the rainbow into a scarf,  
    And wrapped it around the shoulders of the dying storm;
The fingers that painted the lily bell  
     And threw out the planets;
The fingers that were dipped in the mighty sea of eternity 
     And shaken out over this old planet,
     Making the ocean to drop and the rivers to stream -
The same fingers can take hold of these tangled lives 
     And make them whole again, 
     For He can make the crooked straight.” 

“Now the God of all HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in the believing,
that you may abound in HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13)

In Agape, Eulene

 

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Dear Ones, 

We are often drawn to contemplate God’s faithfulness, and I frequently pause to read again that 80-year old inspired hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”  I can generally get the sense of a word from its use but it is sometimes good to check the official definition.  It is actually defined as meaning “true or trustworthy in performance of duty, or the fulfillment of a promise or obligation;  constant;  loyal;  worthy of belief or confidence;  truthful.”  

Reading a familiar piece out loud can sometimes drive home the truth of its content with fresh clarity.  It enters the mind through the ear-gate as well as the eye-gate, so carries double strength.  Read these verses with me – slowly – meditating on each phrase:- 

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not:
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear Presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow -
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.

Great is Thy faithfulness!  Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided -
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

             (Thomas O. Chisholm, 1866-1960)

In God’s early dealings with His people He was declared to be “the FAITHFUL GOD Who keeps His covenant and mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations.”   “HIS FAITHFULNESS is established in the very heavens;  the heavens praise His wonders, and HIS FAITHFULNESS in the congregation of the saints.” 
(Deut. 7:9;  Psalm 89:2,5) 

The Apostle John assures us that  “If we confess our sins, HE IS FAITHFUL and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”   This sets us on the path of  “walking” with Him, and learning to know and experience His faithfulness to us – personally!  That’s why it was necessary for Jesus to become like us, so that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest enabling Him to atone for our sins.   “…the LORD IS FAITHFUL, Who shall establish you, and protect you from the evil one.” (1 John 1:9;  Heb. 2:17; 2 Thess. 3:3)   

So, then, we may hold unswervingly the profession of our faith, without wavering, for He Who promised is faithful.  Another one of His promises?:  “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but GOD IS FAITHFUL, Who will not allow you to be tempted above what you can bear, but will, with the temptation, also make a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  (Heb. 10:23; 1 Cor. 10:13) 

“FAITHFUL is HE WHO CALLS YOU, Who also will do it…” (1 Thess. 5:23,24)   

It is good to proclaim His Lovingkindness in the morning, and His Faithfulness every night.  Indeed, “His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning.  GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS.”   (Ps. 92:2;  Lam. 3:23)  

“Now the God of all HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in the believing,
that you may abound in HOPE
through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
(Romans 15:13)

In Agape, Eulene

I Cannot Tell

Dear Friends,

In the midst of the world’s celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem some two thousand years ago, I feel inspired to share the words of a wonder-full old hymn, the words of which have been very meaningful to me throughout the years.  May you also rejoice in the knowledge expressed in these words, and go forward into the New Year with great HOPE, Faith and Love.  (It may be sung to the tune of Londonderry Air.)

I cannot tell why He, Whom angels worship,
  Should set His love upon the sons of men,
Or why, as Shepherd, He should seek the wanderers,
  To bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that He was born of Mary
  When Bethlehem’s manger was His only home,
And that He lived at Nazareth and labored,
  And so the Savior, Savior of the world, is come.

I cannot tell how silently He suffered,
 As with His peace He graced this place of tears,
Or how His heart upon the Cross was broken,
  The crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, He heals the broken-hearted,
  And stays our sin, and calms our lurking fear,
And lifts the burden from the heavy laden,
  For yet the Savior, Savior of the world, is here.

I cannot tell how He will win the nations,
  How He will claim His earthly heritage,
How satisfy the needs and aspirations
  Of East and West, of sinner and of sage.
But this I know, all flesh shall see His glory,
  And He shall reap the harvest He has sown,
And some glad day His sun shall shine in splendor
  When He the Savior, Savior of the world, is known.

I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship,
  When, at His bidding, every storm is stilled,
Or who can say how great the jubilation
  When all the hearts of men with love are filled.
But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture,
  And myriad, myriad human voices sing,
And earth to heaven, and heaven to earth, will answer,
  At last the Savior, Savior of the world, is King!

Rev. William Y. Fullerton, 1929
#751 The Book of Common Praise (1938)
Tune:  Londonderry Air (Danny Boy)