I Timothy 2:1-2 (Monday - Thursday)

I Timothy 2:1-2 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

MONDAY-Our Pastor preached on "Victorious Prayer" this past Sunday night. He mentioned from Acts 12:1-11, that our prayers should be prayers of: freedom, faithfulness, fervency, fellowship, faith, focus, and force. God has entrusted us and taught us how to pray (Matthew 6:5-15). We should pray for everyone. Those we know and those whoa re strangers. If we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, we should pray for them like we pray for our own family or congregation.

TUESDAY-from my NIV study Bible "Although God is all-powerful and all-knowing, He has chosen to let us help Him change the world through our prayers. How this works is a mystery to us because of our limited understanding, but it is a reality. Paul urges us to pray for each other and for our leaders in government. Our earnest prayers will have powerful results (James 5:16). "

WEDNESDAY- "Paul's command to pray for kings was remarkable considering that Nero, a notoriously cruel ruler, was emperor at this time (AD 54-68). When Paul wrote this letter, persecution was a growing threat to believers."

THURSDAY-It is a goal of mine to raise children who are peaceful, but know when to be loud and have fun. And, I want to be a part of a godly family. A family focused on Him. If we follow this command to pray, this will help us live godly lives. When things are going good in our lives, it is difficult to remember to pray, especially for other people. We are focused on ourselves and the way things are going in our lives. May our focus be on others and the lost world around us, so that they might see Jesus shine through us.

"...to the lost and battered lives adrift on stormy seas;
to the angry and confused, crying to be free,
from the chains of bondage that trap the soul in sin,
let the light of Jesus shine from deep within..."
-from the anthem "Shine Through Me" by David Whipple, Jr.

Weekend Edition

FRI: The KBC Discipleship Blog has entries about visitor's first few minutes on church property and what we can do as members to make them feel welcome
http://28nineteen.com/

SAT: Keith Getty video "Speak O, Lord"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ckhjcIOfV88

SUN: Mother's Day Tribute
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rsnjnA-JSgk&feature=related

Give thanks for your mother this weekend. "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." from Isaiah 66:13

Jesus and John Wayne

The Gaither Vocal Band's latest CD has a song entitled "Somewhere Between Jesus and John Wayne". This is a creative way to look at our ups and downs of walking the Christian road and our struggles with sin. While 'google-ing" for the lyrics to post on my site, I ran across this interpretation of the song, lyrics included...see what you think.

http://moreandmorechristianstuff.blogspot.com/#7623215106133898293

Old Friends

When the Cathedral Quartet stopped due to the passing of Glenn Payne, Bill Gaither put together a quartet and called them "Old Friends". The tenor and bass sing of the Cathedrals along with Wes Pritchard and Jake Hess. Quite a difference in age and personality, but it seems that the group molded together well because they had the same mind-set and had God-given talents. The "Old Friends" produced one of the more popular songs of that year while singing together: "Glory to God in the Highest."

God has given us many types of friends in our lives:
Old Friends
New Friends
Life-Long Friends

Worst Friends

Short-Term Friends
So-Called Friends
Best Friends
Childhood Friends
Faithful Friends
and many more...

In the ministry, we encounter many different types of friends. Sometimes, our relationship ends abruptly due to a call to another church. I miss those friends who I served with at each call, and I am thankful for the friends I currently serve with. God has blessed me with friends...old and new.

The Bible (especially the New Testament) has many writing of the greeting "dear friends...". How long has it been since you last wrote or called a "dear" friend? Too long? Give them a call or write them today.

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend." -- Albert Camus

"Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them..." --Michael W. Smith

Brother Against Brother

Many times in our every-day experiences, we encounter conflict. The Bible says that Christians will be persecuted. The road we have been given is not the easiest worldly road to walk. What makes is worse for us is when our own brother, friend, or co-worker does us harm or wrong.

When you put trust in leadership, you are buying into the system and saying I will give if you will give. We will both give of ourselves for the better of the company. When one of the parties fails to give, the other feels short-changed.

The Bible gives clear instructions on what to do in these times of conflict.

Matthew 18:15-19
15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

Jesus is with you always. He promises to be with you in any situation that two or three are gathered together in His name. Whatever you do, wherever you go...do it in His name and for His glory.

Weekend Edition (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) I Timothy I:18

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight,

FRIDAY: http://www.stilltruth.com/2006/1_timothy_1_18_20_fight_good_fight

SATURDAY: http://kevinpierpont.com/fight-the-good-fight-1-timothy-118-20/

SUNDAY: http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/5401.htm

I Timothy 1:17

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

MONDAY: From my Life Application Study Bible: “This verse is a typical doxology given by Paul as a natural, emotional response to these reflections about the mercy of God. Paul was so moved by God’s love that he was able to praise God spontaneously.” (p. 2188)

TUESDAY: Here is a YouTube link to a Michael W. Smith video based on this verse:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA-5rE94bvM

WEDNESDAY: Here is a link to the hymn “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/i/iigowise.htm

THURSDAY: Here is a link to the traditional doxology we use today:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/r/praisegf.htm

Weekend Edition: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday (I Tim. 1:16)

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

FRIDAY-"I was shown mercy...the worst of sinners"
Paul previously stated this comment. He refers to himself as the worst of sinners....the Apostle Paul! Of all people! We too, must remember, that all people sin. Even those who were inspired to record events for the Bible and write letters to churches. Church leaders sin, church members sin...it is just that our calling is a little different. We are all called to take the gospel to the world, but church leaders attempt to make the events of the church co-exist with the events of the world. Some church goers think about the church only when they are in the building. Others think of the church before they think of themselves...We have all (no matter what the calling) have been shown some sort of mercy.

SATURDAY-"Jesus Christ might display His unlimited patience"
My life shows that God has shown unlimited patience, or God would have gotten rid of me a long, long, long time ago. We all can testify about His patience shown in our lives. Sometimes His patience is in a specific trial we face. Do we go at it alone, do we ask for our neighbor's help, and then go to Him as a last resort? He is patient when we fail, when we fall, and when we call.

SUNDAY- "As an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life"
Paul said that Christ shown mercy through him, so that the world would see God's mercy in even the world's worst sinner. The most important thing is that the non-believers would see a difference in Paul and then repent to believe in Christ. Paul's life was an example. Our lives are examples to many people around us. Those we see and those we have no clue are watching everything we say and do. What are you doing to let people see Jesus in you?

(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) I Timothy 1:15

1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

In these verses, Paul is speaking of his own conversion. This verses is somewhat of a confessional statement. (Pohill)

MONDAY: trustworthy saying - If there is one thing I can tell you, a family member, or a stranger and always tell the truth about, it would be that Jesus came into the world to save the lost. Paul knew this from his conversion experience and we know it if we are saved. (John 3:16)

TUESDAY: deserves full acceptance – The Lord of all the universe (God) sent His one and only Son (Jesus) to die on a cross…be bruised, beaten, and killed, to pay the price for the sins we will commit while on this earth; this statement alone deserves full acceptance because we could not do the same. We could not sacrifice one of our children to pay the penalty of someone we did not know. For every person He create, this His sacrifice deserves full acceptance.

WEDNESDAY: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – This is salvation in a nut shell. We are all sinners…He came to save us all. He came as a Baby, grew into the one and only Perfect Man. The Perfect Man paid the price for the sins of the imperfect.

THURSDAY: of whom I am the worst – Paul shared this statement with Timothy and will repeat it in the next verse. Humility must be a strength in every minister’s heart. We are not perfect, and even as church leaders, we will fail and fail often. We sin. We all sin. “…that saved a wretch like me.”

Weekend Edition (I Timothy 1:14)

14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

FRIDAY - The grace of our Lord - God's grace was shown to us when He sent His Son to die on the cross for us. Our Lord is not only our Friend and Creator, He is our Savior who redeemed us from our sins. Our Lord is full of grace to share with us if we are humble in our walk and repent of our sins.

SATURDAY - was poured out on me abundantly - I am so thankful for the grace God gives to me and my family and my church on a daily basis (seen and unseen). I am thankful for the abundance of grace and how He freely gives even when we fail over and over and over…

SUNDAY - the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus - Our Christ is defined by love. (John 3:16) We are to be faithful in His call in our lives and faithful in our love to Him and our neighbor. We should follow His example (though He was perfect and we will never be) in believing through faith and sharing His love "by sharing what the Lord has done for you…by sharing of your faith…and show the world that Jesus Christ is real to you, every moment…every day!" (Share His Love, 1991 The Baptist Hymnal)

1 Timothy 1:13

13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man – Those of us who have accepted Christ as our personal Lord and Savior can relate to this statement. Before we were saved, we were walking in darkness. We once were something or someone we didn’t want/need to be. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God, but before we were saved, we lived with the sin day after day after day.

I was shown mercy – By the grace of God, we are shown mercy. Mercy: “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment ”. God showed us His compassion when we did not deserve. By faith, we believed in Him and through His grace, He showed us mercy and accepted us into His family.

1 Tim. 1:12

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

Paul thanks Christ - All of us, who are called “His”, should give thanks to Christ daily. He gives us strength and provides for us all our needs. God loves us and calls us His own. Christ considers him faithful - For Christ to consider us “faithful” is something I cannot fathom. As children, if our parents tell us we are being good or really listening, it means something more than if a stranger tells us. So, for our Heavenly Father tells us we are faithful is something to boast about.

Appointing me to His service - Jesus Christ appoints us all to His service. The definition of service is different for each person. Some serve Him as ordained ministers, others as Sunday School teachers, and others who just share what God is doing in their life with their friends each day.

New Scripture Reading

Read this and I will post a thought daily concerning these verses...

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The Lord's Grace to Paul

12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, 19holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

Final Observation on I Timothy 1:1-11

“...which he entrusted to me.”

Paul was entrusted by the Lord our God to spread the gospel. We are all commanded by the Great Commission to go out and tell, making disciples. Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

One thing to remember is, we all fall short of the glory of God. Our Pastor spoke last night about how we all sin. He said he would not trust his best fifteen minutes on this earth to earn his way into heaven. We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works or deeds.

I sin. And, I repent...early and often. How about you? Even though we sin and fall short of the glory of God, we are still commended to share the most inspiring, life-changing, and most holy Word of God. Our Heavenly Father has entrusted to us the Word of Life. Let's not hold on to it and be selfish. Let's share it.

How different would your life be if the person who first shared Christ to you...had never shared it. Thank God for His blessings, His Word, and His forgiveness by the death on Calvary.

Weekend Edition (Fri-Sun)

Continued observations from I Timothy 1:1-11

FRIDAY: The keys to love. Paul commands Timothy to serve in love. Paul gives three keys to love: a) a pure heart, b) good conscience, and c) a sincere faith

SATURDAY: Devotional time is important when you are a Christian. But, just as important when you are a leader of a group of Christians who rely on your anointing from Christ. If you wander from Christ, how can you lead your people closer to Him? “Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.”

SUNDAY: Law. Paul notes that the law is good. He remarks that the law is meant for the rebels and lawbreakers. In the world, we should obey the local law. Jesus reminded us to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. As Christians, we should obey the law, which is His Holy Word. “…glorious gospel of the blessed God…”

I Timothy observation cont...

God’s work is by faith. “God’s work – which is by faith.” False teachers were (and still are) trying to interpret many ideas by themselves instead of being led by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word. Watching TBN last night, I saw a speaker tell the crowd God had just told him that 33 people needed to call and give $10,000. Really?! Wow! I do not discount that God is able to do that. But is just so happens that I was watching the “Praise – A- Thon” where the raise funds for their broadcasting and this particular speaker is on each week saying about the same thing…

2nd thought on I Timothy 1:1-11

False teachers were abundant in Ephesus. Paul wanted to re-affirm the topic with Timothy. He had spoken with him once about it already. Paul deemed it important enough, to speak of again. “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia…”
It is important to stay in God's Word so you can not be led astray by false teachers of the Word.

"Paul seemed less concerned about the exact teachings of their system than about their promotion of controversy and schism in the fellowship." (Polhill, 408)

Note that Paul really didn't bother himself with what they were attempting to teach. He was worried about the division they were creating with the Gospel message he was trying to secure in the hearts of the people.

Division happens in families, relationships, and even churches. When the leadership of a church is more concerned about personal agendas, instead of knowing the hearts of their people and attempting to enhance their relationship in the Word and with Christ, division takes place. A pastor's job is not just to preach once a week and be a psychiatrist in the office through the week. His job is to Shepherd the people, know the people, and teach the people.

I heard this at a conference once: A pastor of a large church was asked why he wore a suit and tie every Sunday to church. He replied that he did so because it made him feel good, it was his best, and he was able to concentrate more on his teachings instead of worrying about his attire. The reporter asked him, how can you relate to young people in shorts and a t-shirt while you are in a suit and tie? The pastor replied...it is not my job to relate to the young people. It is my job to relate the Word of God to them.

False teachers are still abundant today. Know your pastors, ask them about their relationship with Christ, and pray for them.

Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

First Thought on I Timothy I:1-11 "Family of Faith"

Paul had a great family of faith. I am thankful for the fourteen Pauline Epistles. They have inspired my faith and encouraged my walk with Christ reading after reading. Paul wrote to many churches and individuals. He called Timothy, “my true son in the faith.”

We have all had those people who have influenced our lives in a great way. Great church leaders, fellow Christians, family, friends...mentors. I am thankful for my family of faith. Who has influenced your Christian walk? Give thanks for them in prayer. Are you influencing someone? You may not even know it, but I would bet that you are. You are a living, walking, example of Christ. Everything that you say and do is being absorbed by someone you would least expect. Probably, outside of the church walls.

Paul thought it was important to send Timothy not one letter, but two. He was affectionate, calling him son, and not only a son, but a true son.

I & II Timothy and Titus are referred to as the Pastoral Epistles. "They were addressed to individuals rather than churches, although they were concerned with issues that involved the entire congregation. The Pastorals are church letters, addressed to Timothy and Titus in their role as congregational leaders." from John Pohill's book, "Paul and His Letters."

More thoughts to come each day this week from this scripture.

Observations from I Timothy 1:1-11

Read this passage today...observations come tomorrow:

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Warning Against False Teachers of the Law

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

Devotional Break Until April 7

I will be prepping for a church music conference this weekend and heading out of town next week. The daily devotional will take a break until Monday, April 7.

Tunnel Vision

As a parent of two growing children, I assume I am in a tunnel vision mode. Like all parents at times, we see the daily events, weekly events, church events, worry about bills, wal-mart, bills, wal-mart, medicine, wal-mart...you get the drift, right?

A skilled parent is one who does everything possible to take advantage of every moment and also sees the big picture. The child will not remain 4 years old much longer...you won't get that time back.

It is hard to think about things like this when kids are running wild around the house, laundry is piled up, and dishes need to be done. But, each day we should see our children in a new light. A new vision. A vision which understands their limited time in our home, their every-wandering mind and thoughts, and their growing bodies and personalities.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Tracing the Footsteps of Jesus

article from "Christianity Today"

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/2008/001/2.20.html

Imagine

Here is a family.org article called "Imagine Yourself on the Cross". In a day where many worship service trends only focus on the positive and improving your life to the best it can be, this may not be a very popular article.

But, reflecting back on the Easter weekend, it provides some good thoughts for us to remember:

http://www.family.org/faith/A000001974.cfm

Weekend Edition: Happy Easter!

Friday: (Good Friday)
"Worthy is the Lamb"
Verse 1
Thank You for the cross Lord
Thank You for the price You paid
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love You came
And gave amazing graceVerse

2Thank You for this love Lord
Thank You for the nail-pierced hands
Washed me in Your cleansing flow
Now all I know
Your forgiveness and embrace

Chorus 1Worthy is the Lamb
Seated on the throne
Crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
High and lifted up
Jesus Son of God
The darling of heaven crucified
Worthy is the LambWorthy is the Lamb

Saturday: "Above All"
Crucified laid behind the stone
You lived to die rejected and alone
Like a rose trampled on the ground
You took the fall and thought of me
Above all

Verse 1Above all powers above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Verse 2Above all kingdoms above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth

Sunday: (Easter Sunday...He is Risen!)
"He Lives!"
I serve a risen SaviorHe's in the world today
I know that He is livingWhatever men may say
I see His hand of mercyI hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need HimHe's always near

CHORUS: He lives He lives
Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way
He lives He lives
Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives
He lives within my heart

Were You There?

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

Near the Cross

Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain
Free to all, a healing stream
Flows from Calvary’s mountain.

Refrain
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest beyond the river.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star
Sheds its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadows o’er me.

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand,
Just beyond the river.

Because He Lives

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2004/003/13.12.html

There is a Fountain

When a large religious service was being conducted at the Golden Gate Exposition in San Francisco, many people quickly became aware that the minister delivering the main address was not thoroughly orthodox. Although a gifted speaker, he began to direct most of his eloquence against the power of the blood of Christ.

Ruth E. Marsden relates that when his fluent oratory ended, a timid, elderly lady stood up in the midst of the crowd and softly began to sing a great hymn by William Cowper as a touching rebuttal to the modernist’s remarks.

A hush fell over the assembly as they heard those faint but familiar words: “There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins, and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.”

Before she could begin the second stanza, approximately a hundred people rose to join her.

By the time she reached the third verse, nearly a thousand Christians all over the audience were singing that blessed song of faith.

The triumphant, thrilling strains rang out loud and clear: “Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power, ’til all the ransomed church of God be saved to sin no more.”

Many were deeply moved as that humble believer stood up for her Lord and with the light of Heaven upon her face.
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There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood

(1) There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Emmanuel's veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that blood,
Lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains.
And sinners, plunged beneath that blood,

(2) The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though sinful, too,
Wash all my sins away,
Wash all my sins away,
And there may I, though sinful, too,
Wash all my sins away.

(3) Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power,
'Til all the ransomed Church of God
Be saved, to sin no more,
Be saved, to sin no more,
'Til all the ransomed Church of God
Be saved, to sin no more.

(4) And since, by faith, I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be 'til I die.
And shall be 'til I die.
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be 'til I die.

Weekend Edition

Friday (14th) O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Today's hymn, "O Sacred Head Now Wounded," is so old that historians are not sure to whom to attribute the writing. Most people believe that an monk abbot by the name of Bernard (1091-1153) of Clairvaux, France was the man who put it together. It was first found in the Latin and the words can be found in a medieval poem which had seven parts. Each part of the poem would address a certain part of Christ's body, (feet, knees, hands, side, breast, heart and face.) These words were from the 7th part and was first entitled, "To the Suffering Face of Jesus Christ." Years later it was translated into English by James Alexander, and the music was written by a German composer during the Renaissance period. There are some people who do not care for hymns like this one which are written in a minor key and sound so sad. But read the words carefully; the message to us is very powerful.

Saturday (15th) Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone
The hymn, “Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?” originally read “Shall Simon bear the cross alone, and other saints be free.” Thomas Shepherd, the author, used his hymn after preaching about Simon Peter, who was believed to have been crucified upside down. Later, the hymn was altered to refer to Jesus. The hymn was written in 1693 and a year later, Shepherd made his own decision to take up the cross and follow Jesus. He left the Church of England, where he was pastor in a beautiful church building and became an independent preacher in Nottingham barn. He felt he could proclaim the true gospel of Christ.

Sunday (16th) Room at the Cross for You
"The basic reason I have written songs is that I love God and Christ has loved me. Most of my songs are the outgrowth of real experiences with Christ. I think they appeal to people because I have had trials, heartaches, and sorrow in my own life, and I know what I write about." At the age of 17, Ira Stanphill (1914 - )wrote his first gospel song. He traveled with evangelists, playing the piano, organ, ukulele and accordion. At one of these meetings the sermon was entitled, Room at the Cross. Stanphill wrote the words down on a scrap of paper. Later, after finding the words again, he was quickly wrote the tune and words for the hymn, "Room At The Cross For You."

from: http://schaefer-family.com/hymns.htm

Lead Me to Calvary

http://www.tanbible.com/tol_sng/leadmetocalvary.htm

Alas and Did My Savior Bleed (At the Cross)

This hymn was penned by Issac Watts, the Father of English Hymns. Watts wrote his hymns thinking as a Bible student, not a musician. That is what we need more of today!

Watts took himself back to the time of the crucifixion and studied all the documents he could find and put himself in the situation as if her were there. He was so moved about the suffering of Jesus, he wrote a rather graphic verse which many hymnals today do not use:

"Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, thine,
and bathed in its own blood,
while all exposed to wrath divine
the glorious Suff'rer stood."

Prolific hymn-writer Fanny Crosby was moved and influenced by Watt's writings. This hymn, in its day, was today's equal for "Just As I Am."

Ralph Hudson completed this hymn, much later, by adding the refrain. The marriage of these two (verse and refrain) make up a widely appreciated hymn for any season in the church today.

1 Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
and did my Sovereign die?
Would he devote that sacred head
for sinners such as I?

Refrain
At the cross, at the cross,
where I first saw the light,
and the burden of my heart rolled away;
it was there by faith I received my sight,
and now I am happy all the day!

2 Was it for crimes that I have done,
he groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

3 But drops of grief can ne'er repay
the debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give myself away;
'tis all that I can do!

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

http://www.tanbible.com/tol_sng/christthelordisrisentoday.htm

Catch-Up Devotions....

So, yes, I admit that the snow really got to me. I did not post a devotion this weekend! So, here are four (one for Friday-Monday) to catch things up a bit.
------------------
1) Story behind "The Power of the Cross" by Keith Getty
http://gettymusic.com/insight2.asp?id=16

2) Story behind "In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty
http://gettymusic.com/insight2.asp?id=28

3) Story behind "See What A Morning" by Keith Getty
(One of my favorite Easter songs ever)
http://gettymusic.com/insight2.asp?id=25

4) Story behind "The Communion Hymn" by Keith Getty
(A remarkable new hymn setting remembering the Lord's Supper)
http://gettymusic.com/insight2.asp?id=108

Happy reading...

Crown Him with Many Crowns

Today is Matthew chapter 11...
--------------
http://www.tanbible.com/tol_sng/crownhimwithmanycrowns.htm

"Crown Him with Many Crowns"

Matthew Chapter 10 (if you are following the gospel)
----------------
Here is the story (from the book I am using as a reference) behind "Crown Him with Many Crowns"

http://books.google.com/books?id=5rkeABYCSjUC&pg=PA97&lpg=PA97&dq=story+behind+crown+him+with+many+crowns&source=web&ots=C3Zhido-PF&sig=YWthN9ZHqpaurXWlimijjjdqbrU&hl=en#PPA100,M1

"He Lives!"

Today is Matthew chapter 9 if you are reading through the gospel
-----------
Here is a link to the story behind "He Lives"

http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2007/002/9.17.html

Jesus Paid it All

Today is Matthew chapter 8 if you are reading through the gospel
----------------
Here is a brief story to "Jesus Paid it All" found in "Songs of Easter" released last year.
----------------
Elvina Hall was inspired by a pastor's message about Isaiah 1:18. She was distracted during this message as many members of her church were dead due to the civil war (recently completed). The pastor prayed after this message and during this very lengthy prayer, she began to be led to write down her thoughts about the price Jesus paid (like her former church members (for our Spiritual freedom.

After the prayer, she took the notes to her pastor and he realized that she had put into a few short verses what he had been trying to do for an hour: clearly explain Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross.

The music was composed by her choir director to a tune which he composed earlier, but disliked the lyrics. They matched perfectly with Hall's new text.

3/2/08 "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"

If you are reading through the gospel of Matthew, today is chapter 7.
----------------
Issac Watts, the father of English hymnody, has over 700 published hymns. Born in 1674 in England, he once said, "the singing of God's praise is the part of worship most closely related to heaven; but its performance among us is the worst on earth."

Watts began early in his life attempting to fulfill his calling as a pastor, but health kept getting in the way.

An inspiration to the hymns may have began when Watts was entranced by Galatians 6:14 "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."

The tune was found in 1824 and it still widely sung today.

"When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

(unused verse...but I like it!)
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all."

3/1/08 "Old Rugged Cross" --Stories Behind Easter Hymns

Today begins a 23 day devotional set of stories behind some hymns of Easter. Today is the "Old Rugged Cross." If you are reading through Matthew on "The Journey to Easter" read chapter 6 today.

------------

The Old Rugged Cross


During the early years of his ministry, Rev. George Bennard was “praying for a full understanding of the cross and its plan in Christianity.”


Consequently, he spent many hours in study, prayer and meditation, until he could say, “I saw the Christ of the cross as if I were seeing John 3:16 leave the printed page, take form and act out the meaning of redemption.”



During these days the theme of what was to be his most successful song came to him. He was staying in the Methodist parsonage at Pokagon, Michigan, while engaged in series of service in the Pokagon Church when he finally perfected his song and wrote down the words and music.


“Old Rugged Cross Day” is observed annually at this Church, and on a large stone nearby is carved the names of the original singers and the significance of the event. The song became immediately popular. Introduced before a large convention in Chicago, its fame spread rapidly throughout the Christian world.



Today, a twelve-foot high wooden cross stands on a roadside near Reed City, Michigan, honoring the composer. On it are the words ‘Old Rugged Cross.” A sign reminds passersby that this is the “Home of Living Author, Rev. Geo. Bennard.”
—Ernest K. Emurian

++++++++++
The Old Rugged Cross[1]
1

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Chorus So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.


2

On that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.


3

In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.


4

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory for ever I’ll share.


[1]Eckert, Paul, Steve Green’s MIDI Hymnal, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1998.

2/29/08 "Matthew Chapter 5-The Journey to Easter"

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%205&version=31

2/28/08 "Matthew Chapter 4-The Journey to Easter"

The Temptation of Jesus
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Jesus Begins to Preach
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

The Calling of the First Disciples
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Jesus Heals the Sick
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

2/27/08 "Matthew Chapter 3-The Journey to Easter"

Here is a link to Matthew chapter 3 from bible gateway.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=3&version=31

Remember, that starting March 1, I will feature the stories behind one Easter hymn per day through Easter. If you have one particular song you would like to know about, let me know by leaving a comment.

2/26/08 "Matthew Chapter 2-The Journey to Easter"

Matthew Chapter 2 (starting yesterday we are attempting to read one chapter of Matthew each day leading up to the last chapter on Esater Sunday morning.)

The Visit of the Magi
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east[b] and have come to worship him."
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ[c] was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: " 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'[d]"
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east[e] went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

The Escape to Egypt
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."[f]
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."[g]

The Return to Nazareth
After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."
So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

2/25/08 Matthew Chapter 1-The Journey to Easter (Devotional 2 of 2)"

Today is the day you can start reading the Gospel of Matthew (one chapter a day ) and end up with the last chapter of the Gospel on Easter Sunday morning. So, start the Easter journey today with Matthew Chapter 1.

Here is a link to read on-line:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=1&version=31

2/25/08 "Do Not Call List" (Devotional 1 of 2)

There are a couple of things in life I can do without, but they seem to follow me around: walmart and telemarketers.

I would much rather shop in a 'mom and pop' store than walmart (no offense to any who works/ed there).

I think because we have student loans, and one credit card, we get the record number of phone calls each day from random sales people who don't speak the English language well.

I was awoken this morning at 7:15 am by one. That's not a good way to start off the morning!

So to change the focus, here is a verse I will put my trust in today:
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. -Psalm 17:6

I am thankful that no matter what, God does not put us on His 'no call list'. But, we should be faithful in prayer. Bro Mark said one time for us not to give our 'shopping list' prayers to Christ. Be true, honest, and sincere. Jesus taught us how to pray in Matthew 6. Don't try to set a record for most theological words in a row...just give Him your heart.

2/24 "Making the Most of the Time That's Left"

While reading Dr. James Dobson's book "Straight Talk to Men: Timeless Principles for Leading Your Family" I read the following poem about a man and his son. And about how quickly the time passed from the child being a child to becoming a man. We are to value the time we have with our friends, family, and our God. We are to be bold witnesses and fulfill the Great Commission.

If you are parents, read this poem and then embrace the remaining time you have left with your children before they are parents...themselves...

Little Boy Blue
by Eugene Field (1850-1895)
The little toy dog is covered with dust,
But sturdy and stanch he stands;
And the little toy soldier is red with rust,
And his musket moulds in his hands.
Time was when the little toy dog was new,
And the soldier was passing fair;
And that was the time when our Little Boy Blue
Kissed them and put them there.
"Now, don't you go till I come," he said,
"And don't you make any noise!"
So, toddling off to his trundle-bed,
He dreamt of the pretty toys;
And, as he was dreaming, an angel song
Awakened our Little Boy Blue---
Oh! the years are many, the years are long,
But the little toy friends are true!
Ay, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand,
Each in the same old place---
Awaiting the touch of a little hand,
The smile of a little face;And they wonder,
as waiting the long years through
In the dust of that little chair,
What has become of our Little Boy Blue,
Since he kissed them and put them there.

2/23/08 "Power of the Cross"

from www.gettymusic.com

Story Behind: The Power of the CrossHymn for Communion

"The Power of the Cross" is a meditation on the sufferings of Christ.
Over the past couple of years, we have been working through the Apostles Creed and writing hymns teaching the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.

The Creed teaches that 'He suffered under Pontius Pilate', and in communion we are commanded to 'remember his death 'til he comes'. In the New Testament, Paul and the Apostles often preached and prayed in more detailed and visual ways about the cross, turning all of our senses to Christ's sufferings and their significance.

Stuart and I considered how the reality of His sufferings should penetrate our worship services and were challenged by the need to explain the overwhelming significance and implications these have for our lives. In our congregational worship the sufferings of Christ have often only been given a surface glance and it is hardly surprising that the theological meaning often remains confused:

'This the power of the cross
Christ became sin for us
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross.'

Our hope is that the hymn; "The Power of the Cross" will be a resource to the church as a declaration of what we believe; a challenging reflection on Christ's sufferings and a powerful song for Easter or Communion services.

It is also our hope that people will be challenged again by the wonder and the power of the cross.

2/22/08 Psalm 90:4

Psalm 90:4 "For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night."

These words are from my Life Application Study Bible (C) 1997

"Moses reminds us that a thousand years are like a day to the Lord. God is not limited by time. It's easy to get discouraged when years pass and the world doesn't get better. We sometimes wonder if God is able to see the future. But don't assume that God has our limitations. God is completely unrestricted by time. Because he is eternal, we can depend on him."

2/21/08 "Singable Doctrine"

Starting March 1, I will be sharing stories and lyrics from 23 different Easter songs leading up to Easter morning on Sunday, March 23.

Until then, here is an interview (posted Wednesday) with Keity and Kirsten Getty (writers of "In Christ Alone" and many other good church hymns).

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/february/30.52.html

2/20/08 "Superman...or SuperMan"

Many of you know I have collected Superman memorabilia for over 20 years. I have an unopened Super Powers Superman figure from 1983. It is one of my favorite possessions.

Did you know that there are some similarities of Superman to Jesus? Superman IS a fictional character, but it is a unique witnessing tool to compare the two figures.

Check out this website: http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/superman.htm to see more on this topic. Some believe in Superman...but I believe in the only Super Man to ever live without sin, Jesus.

2/19/08 "Prayer"

See the article called "What Makes Prayer Work" from Focus on the Family...

http://www.family.org/faith/a000001917.cfm

2/18/08 "It Is Well"

The writer of "It is Well with My Soul," Horatio Spafford, once took a trip to reunite with his wife following a tragic loss. Days earlier, his wife had set sail with their 4 daughters on a trip to England, on a ship that sank. Spafford was to receive a 2 word telegraph from her, with the words, “Saved Alone.” Spafford, when he reached the point in the Atlantic where his daughters perished, there wrote the words to this hymn:

"1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

(REFRAIN) It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound,
and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul."

Faced with this same tragedy...what would your soul write?

2/17/08 "Complaining"

I can't stand complainers....oh wait...did I just complain?!?

A form of the word "complain" is found 29 times in the Bible.

Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without complaining or arguing..."

Here's a question for you...how have you done just today with obeying this particular scripture?

For me...I struggle with this. Complaining seems to follow me around; whether I am complaining about UK's recent basketball struggles or a church member is complaining to me about something going on at church.

Unfortunately, it seems that staff members (since I have been in the ministry) encounter complaining as they walk down the hallway to assist in worship and even sometimes...the bathroom!

This tells me a couple of things.
1) You have to have tough skin to lead people in any environment. If you have more than one person in a room, you automatically have two opinions.

2) Sometimes, we as worshippers, tend to lose our focus when coming into corporate worship. On Sundays, is your focus on the order of service, the fact that the music minister has picked out too any songs you don't know, or is it on the God we serve, worship, and bow down to?

3) Flexibility is key when working with people. In the ministry, especially I have grown to understand that no matter how much effort we put into planning, things usually don't go they way we want them to.

The next time you go to worship...do your very best not to complain. When you complain, I assume someone is around you listening. That is one negative opinion shared in a group setting which you never know how many people are listening. A negative comment in a group setting releases the positive energy in that setting like a inflated balloon that was let go to release it's air. It has been proven that it actually takes fewer muscles in the face to smile than it does to frown. Figuratively, you can also say it take s less effort for us to NOT complain than it does TO complain.

You never know until you try it. Let me know how it works!

2/16/08 "Preparing for Worship"

Saturday is an important day for everyone. We make plans to visit relatives, take trips, etc. One thing that we possibly overlook is to prepare ourselves for the worship to come on Sunday. We should do all things possible when we have a chance to prepare ourselves for corporate worship.

Things to consider:
+ Don't just read God's Word...meditate upon it
+ Plan a family worship time where you pray, sing, and study together
+ Spend time in prayer asking God to continue leading your congregation in worship through the staff He led there, and to be with all in attendance to chance their hearts and minds.
+ Don't plan anything on Saturday nights to that you will be rested for the next morning.

I urge you to take the time (myself included) and prepare yourself for the corporate worship time tomorrow. If you have any other ways to prepare...let me know...there are many other possibilities!

"Change my heart, O God,

make it every true...

Change my heart, O God,

may I be like You!"

2/15/08 "Christian Valentine Thoughts"

Christian Ways to Celebrate St. Valentine's Day
1) Give your life to Christ: God is love and the source of true love. God loved us enough to die for us and St. Valentine loved God enough to die for God's Truth. What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day then to commit or recommit our lives to Christ.

2) Stand up for the truth and proclaim the Gospel of God's love: Sometimes it is dangerous to stand up against injustice, hatred, and prejudice. Sometimes it is difficult to oppose the world's view of things to proclaim the truth of God's Love.

3) Die to self for another: The Bible says that this is love that a person lay down their life for their friends. I have counseled a number of couples before performing their marriage. Each time I have asked them if they would be willing to die for the other. Not once have they failed or even hesitated to say, "Yes!" In a clear cut case of life or death many would die for the ones they love. But in our day to day lives few are presented with a life or death situation. On the other hand, every day we presented with opportunities to die to self. In other words to sacrifice our wants for the wants of another. Try it this Valentine's Day. Sacrifice what you want for what your loved ones want.

from: http://www.geocities.com/alexstevenson.geo/valentine/index.html

2/14/08 "Valentine"

2/13/08 "More Snow References"

Matthew 28:3 "His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow."

Revelation 1:14 "His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire."

"Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow,
yes, whiter than snow.
Now wash me, and I shall be
whiter than snow."

2/12/08 "Snow"

I am thankful for the snow Kentucky received over the last few days. Did you know that "snow" is mentioned 23 times in the Bible?

Most notably:
Psalm 51:7 "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

2/11/08 "These Are They"

"These Are They"

The oceans give up of the dead
That are in themThe graves open wide
To set captives free
And those who are roaming the Earth
rise to meet themAbraham's seed
as the sands of the sea

These are they
Who have come out of great tribulation
They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb
They have come through much sorrow into great jubilation
They're redimeded by the blood of the Lamb

And like a strong and mighty army
Their voices are ringing
Oh great cloud of witnesses
They sing freedom's song
As they enter the country
Built by their own fathers
The promissed homeland
They've looked for... so long

And all the strangers
And all the pilgrims
They'll be no longer strangers
All the tired and the weary wanderers
They'll wander no more
The table is spread for the great celebration
And the welcome home banner
Flies over the door

2/10/08 "Joy"

Psalm 16:11 (NIV)
11 You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

"There is joy in the Lord
There is love in his spirit
There's hope in the knowledge of him
There's a fountain that flows
Like a river from heaven
Abounding in love to my soul

All blessing and honor are his
And all glory and power are his
Let all wisdom and strength
Be the Lord's in this place
Let all glory be given to him
There is joy in the Lord
There is love in his spirit
There's hope in the knowledge of him
There's a fountain I know
Every time I am near it
My heart overflows to the Lord"
By Cheri Keaggy

2/9/08 "Dance"

Today, we are taking Gracie to a mini-dance camp sponsored by the DCHS cheerleaders. It will be to the songs by Disney (which are her favorite: Hanna Montana, High School Musical, etc.)

I am glad excited for her. One, because both kids are feeling well and I don't think "pox" are an issue. Two, because she is always energetic. She loves to dance.

Here is an excerpt from God's Word on dance:

Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

2/8/08 "Hope"

As many of you know, Sarah's mom, Brenda has been surviving cancer for over a year now. My mom's brother has currently been diagnosed with cancer as well. I am the on-line chairperson for the Hancock County Relay for Life. Visit the site here: http://events.cancer.org/hancock

God gives us hope each day in the valleys and on the mountains. Those who fight cancer battle each day just to attempt to live a semi-normal life. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 to donate to the local Relay for Life and help find a cure.

Visit http://www.sharinghope.tv/ for some videos to help inspire hope in your life.

2/7/08 "Waiting"

We are waiting around to see if our kids get chicken pox...(see: http://www.dennisandsarahcook.blogspot.com/) so while we are waiting, we will pray.

Have you ever waited for something that was truly important to you? Did God respond to you (for better or worse) while you waited? We are to be patient when praying to God. God will make all things work in His own time. Don't rush the Master Builder.

If we have sickness, pain, and/or loss, we know that God is bringing the one chapter to an end, and beginning another. We are the book, but God is the Author. If we are not patient, and try to write our own story, the outcome will not be divine.

Wait on the Lord.

I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford
I need Thee, O, I need Thee, every hour I need Thee
O, bless me now my Savior, I come to Thee.

2/6/08 "Quiet Time"

Psalm 119:145-152 (NIV)

"I call with all my heart; answer me, O Lord,
and I will obey your decrees.
I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes stay open through the watches of night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, O Lord, according to your laws.
Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
Yet you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever."

2/5/08 "Pain"

C. S. Lewis- "“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”

Hebrews 12:11- "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Because He Lives (stanza 3) by Bill and Gloria Gaither
"And then one day I'll cross the river;
I'll fight life's final war with pain;
and then as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.

Because He lives I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He hold the future,
and life is worth the living, just because He lives."

2/4/08 "Contentment"

This thought is from I Timothy 6:8. It was included as part of the morning sermon by Bro. Mark.

I Timothy 6:8 "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

It is hard to distinguish between our needs and wants. Paul reminds us to be content with what we have. When we tithe, we are to give on our faith that God will supply our needs. Can you determine your actual needs compared to your wants? If you are living your life for God, He will supply all you could ever need. Besides, you can't take it with you when you go...

"I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.
Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today."

2/3/08 "End of the Beginning"

I have said and will continue to say (until I am proved otherwise) that David Phelps is the best solo singer of my lifetime. His ability to descriptively share the melody of a song, fluent vocal phrases, and unparalleled range makes the first sentence hard to argue with.

He sings a song called "The End of the Beginning" which speaks of a witnessing opportunity on an airplane flight. As we worship today, we should not take for granted that someone in our congregation could have the beginning of their new-life start today.

Here is the video of the song...rejoice in the talents of this man, rejoice that he sings to no one but the Lord, rejoice that this song has reached millions across the world, and that it could also change the lives of the lost in the future...

2/2/08 "Speak O Lord"

Here is the story behind the hymn "Speak, O Lord" By Keith Getty (from www.gettymusic.com):

Songs For Services: Speak O Lord
Hymn for the preaching of the word

One of Christianity's distinctives is that we worship a God who has spoken - who is not silent. From God the Father, speaking the world into creation, to speaking through His Living word in Christ, to speaking by His Spirit through the written word.

Throughout history the word of God has transformed the most proud leaders and the most hopeless victims, the greatest civilisations and the remotest of villages, in every age to every corner of the world - so incredible is its power.

Often today however the preaching of the word has been diminished in value – from its prominence in a service to its passion, but most of all in our own expectation each time we sit down and ask God to speak to us.

In Isaiah the people were performing many acts in the name of God and the Lord said "This is the one to whom I will turn my face – he who is humble and contrite and trembles at my word".

It is our prayer that through the power of the spirit, this hymn will prepare people to humbly listen to the bible being taught and respond to the huge consequences it has on their lives.

After "In Christ Alone" and "The Power of the Cross" this is the most requested Getty/Townend hymn on our website. It is used both to introduce the sermon and to introduce a service. We used it both before and after a sermon when we were with Anne Graham Lotz as a way of affirming the message. It also works well as a choral and solo piece.

To hear a clip and see lyrics, click here:
http://gettymusic.com/USA/lyrics.asp?id=154

2/1/08 "Picture of Grace"

worth watching until the end...

1/31/08 "Life"

Life comes at you the hardest when you least expect it. When you are married it is even harder when things come at your spouse at the "speed of life" and you cannot do anything to help but listen.

Sometimes we look at our days and hope that something we did was meaningful...worthy of living the past 24 hours. It is easy to look back at our "to-do-list" and think we really didn't accomplish too much.

Steven Curtis Chapman sings a song to this theme called "One Heartbeat at a Time"...here are the lyrics:

"You're up all night with a screaming baby
You run all day at the speed of life
And every day you feel a little bit less
Like the beautiful woman you are
So you fall into bed when you run out of hours
And you wonder if anything worth doing got done
Oh, maybe you just don't know
Or maybe you've forgotten

With every 'I know you can do it'
Every tear that you kiss away
So many little things that seem to go unnoticed
They're just like the drops of rain over time
They become a river"

You, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time
Making history with every touch and every smile
Oh, you, you may not see it now
But I believe that time will tell
How you, you are changing the world
One little heartbeat at a time."

Never underestimate your impact on the people around you...your Christian influence may be the only "Jesus" some people get each time they are around you. If Jesus lives in you, you are His "Walking, Talking, World-Changer." That's quite a title! Wear it proudly.

1/30/08 "Thanks"

The storms passed last night and we are safe...now what? Give thanks. Too many times we ask for God's guidance and when we get it, we forget to say thank you. How rude of us!

Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

"Give thanks with a grateful heart
give thanks to the Holy One
give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say 'I am strong'
let the poor say 'I am rich because of what
the Lord has done for us'
Give thanks..."

1/29/08 "Storms"

Last night, we had some strong winds come through Lewisport. The meteorologists say that we should expect storms tonight.

As a kid, I used to be scared of storms...the noises and bright flashes of lightening. The disciples were even scared for their life one time while in a boat during a storm...

Matthew 8:23-27
"Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

We should have faith in our storms of life. God already knows the outcome. God will be in control of our life if we let Him be.

"'Til the storm passes over
'til the thunder sounds no more
'til the clouds roll forever from the sky
hold me fast let me stand
in the hollow of Thy hand
keep me safe, 'til the storm passes by."

1/28/08 "Toothpaste"

When I was a youth at Beaver Dam Baptist, I remember the youth minister, Doug King, doing a children's sermon while attempting to brushing his teeth. He started off greeting the kids and then asking them to wait a second while he got a toothbrush and toothpaste out of his blazer pocket. He held the toothbrush and then asked a child to help him put toothpaste on the brush. The kid put some on and then Doug said that was too much and he wanted the child to put the toothpaste back in. The child had a puzzled look on his face, tried to put it back, and then said that he couldn't put it back in. It was too late.

Then, Doug went on to mention that sometimes when we speak, we say things that we can't take back and that we should think about what we say before we say it. In my church years, I have had many people say things I was not quite expecting. Some folks have said many nice things and other made me wonder if they had talked with Christ over the past few centuries...

These devotions are important to me because it focuses my thoughts on Christ each day, instead of my personal needs and desires. So each morning as you brush your teeth, remember the toothpaste whitens your teeth, protects them from germs, and cleans them. Your devotional time each morning also helps to clean your thoughts and protect them from worldly things.

1/27/08 "Verse of the Day" from biblegateway.com

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”- Ephesians 6:12-13

1/26/08 "Plans"

So yesterday I wrote about us looking forward to nothing to do. Turns out today, Sarah was in bed all day with a terrible migraine. Evidently, God had plans for Sarah to endure that while I did my best to entertain the kids.

God must think it humorous when we talk about "our plans" and "our dreams." Our plans should be His plans for us found in His Word.

Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

1/25/08 "Rest"

If you are like me, you can hardly believe it is Friday...again! It seems like just yesterday I was at home with 2 sick kids and as another week has flown by, the kids are up playing and bickering as usual!

Since it is the weekend, I was looking forward to a weekend of rest. Since I typically work on Sundays my weekend is Friday and Saturday. We have nowhere to go today or tomorrow and we are thankful.

Jesus even rested and our Creator showed an example of rest when He created our existence.

Here are some scriptural references of rest in the Bible:
Gen 2:2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.

Psalm 62:1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.

Matt 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Maybe you know of some more...but remember as you enjoy this weekend to leave time for rest so that you may never grow weary of serving the Lord.

1/24/08 "As the Twig is Bent"

As the Twig is Bent
By Dennis and Nan Allen

This song is about raising children...as you read it, give thanks to God for the time you had or the time you are currently having while bringing up your children.

"There's a little boy with tousled hair at his father's knee
listening to nursery rhymes and stories of the sea
But the tales are not of Godly men, they're only make believe
they are nothing more than nursery rhymes and stories of the sea

Well the little boy becomes a man searching for the truth
remembering the voices now from days out of his youth
but the words he hears inside his head don't tell him what to be
'cause they're nothing more than nursery rhymes and stories of the sea

Well the little boy with tousled hair at his father's knee
needs much more than nursery rhymes and stories of the sea
He needs someone to share God's love and show him how to pray
for the truth that's planted in his heart will mold the man someday

As the twig is bent is how the tree will grow
As the mind is planted is how the heart will know
If you lead a child to Jesus that's where his feet will go
For as the twig is bent is how the tree will grow"

1/23/08 "The Man in the Mirror"

From Max Lucado "When God Whispers Your Name"

"I stand a few feet from a mirror and see the face of a man who failed...who failed his Maker. Again. I promised I wouldn't, but I did. I was quiet when I should have been bold. I took a seat when I should have taken a stand.

If this were the first time, it would be different. But it isn't. How many times can one fall and expect to be caught?

Your eyes look in the mirror and see a sinner, a failure, a promise-breaker. But by faith you look in the mirror and see a robed prodigal bearing the ring of grace on your finger and the kiss of the Father on your face...

Your eyes see your faults. Your faith sees your Savior.

Your eyes see your guilt. Your faith sees His blood.