1 Samuel 7:12, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
The word "hitherto" seems like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. Twenty years or seventy, and yet, "hitherto the Lord hath helped!" Through poverty, through wealth, through sickness, through health, at home, abroad, on the land, on the sea, in honour, in dishonour, in perplexity, in joy, in trial, in triumph, in prayer, in temptation, "hitherto hath the Lord helped us!" We delight to look down a long avenue of trees. It is delightful to gaze from end to end of the long vista, a sort of verdant temple, with its branching pillars and its arches of leaves; even so look down the long aisles of your years, at the green boughs of mercy overhead, and the strong pillars of lovingkindness and faithfulness which bear up your joys. Are there no birds in yonder branches singing? Surely there must be many, and they all sing of mercy received "hitherto." But the word also points forward. For when a man gets up to a certain mark and writes "hitherto," he is not yet at the end, there is still a distance to be traversed. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more toils, more strength; more fights, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, death. Is it over now? No! there is more yet-awakening in Jesu's likeness, thrones, harps, songs, psalms, white raiment, the face of Jesus, the society of saints, the glory of God, the fulness of eternity, the infinity of bliss. O be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise thy "Ebenezer," for-
He who hath helped thee hitherto
Will help thee all thy journey through.
When read in heaven's light how glorious and marvellous a prospect will thy "hitherto" unfold to thy grateful eye!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Pastor Chuck Smith
From Greg Laurie's blog:
"Last night, Pastor Chuck Smith was taken to the hospital and had what was described by his doctor as a “mini-stroke.” His doctor expects him to make a full recovery.
Let’s remember this beloved man of God in prayer, that the Lord would touch, bless, and heal him."
Please pray for Chuck and his wife Kay.
"Last night, Pastor Chuck Smith was taken to the hospital and had what was described by his doctor as a “mini-stroke.” His doctor expects him to make a full recovery.
Let’s remember this beloved man of God in prayer, that the Lord would touch, bless, and heal him."
Please pray for Chuck and his wife Kay.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
God's Christmas Tree, by Randy West
This song was written by my friend over 30 years ago, and is still one of my favorite Christmas songs ever written:
"On God’s Christmas tree,
Hung not a silver ball
No candy cane, choo choo train,
No, not a toy at all
On God’s Christmas tree,
No candlelight not one
But on His tree, Who died for me
Hung His only Son"
"On God’s Christmas tree,
Hung not a silver ball
No candy cane, choo choo train,
No, not a toy at all
On God’s Christmas tree,
No candlelight not one
But on His tree, Who died for me
Hung His only Son"
Monday, December 21, 2009
A Manger Without a Baby, By Lilly Green
The following is the testimony of a very dear lady who, her and her husband, endured what all parents fear - the death of child in the womb. Their courage, faith, and witness is a testimony of those who turn to Jesus in time of sorrow instead of turning away from Him. Never once did there faith fail. Faith in a heavenly Father who gave a Son, so all could live.
Here are Lilly's own words:
"I equipped the big walk-in closet in the living room of our tiny duplex with a green second-hand crib and stocked the built-in drawers with soft little layette items. Long, wispy, white curtains tied back with yellow ribbon made an inviting entrance to a close room. Everyday, my tummy grew larger. Everyday, I fingered and rearranged clothes, blankets, and toys. I felt happy and excited, despite the christening I gave many toilets and gutters. Even with the little white pills, I threw up several times a day for nine months.
The baby squirmed and punched, kicked, and danced. I massaged hands and feet that fluidly traveled across my abdomen, pressing tight under ribs, giving me indigestion. The mountain of head and back rose, fell, and shifted. I had always wanted to be a mother, and now I was.
November’s sun began dipping to the south. The air held a slight chill, even for California. I counted the days—expectation high. With my friend’s stethoscope, I listened to the music—the strong, steady rhythm of life. But two weeks overdue, the rhythm stopped.
Kelly and I met in mid-August 1973. We worked with an over-zealous ministry that concentrated so much on Christ’s soon return that we made many decisions abruptly and unwisely. One of those was to marry quickly with little preparation or counsel. I guess we feared the Lord might come back before we had a chance to have sex. The night Kelly introduced me to his parents for the first time, we calmly announced our engagement. For all they knew, I could have been an ax murderer. Actually, for all I knew, Kelly could have been an ax murderer. After we left, his folks “discussed” our decision long into the night and woke with hangovers in the morning. But they bravely came along side, and we did marry. In this time of “Maranatha madness,” we were encouraged by our pastor not to have children, but to totally commit to the “work of the Lord.” We married in October, and by February, I was violently throwing up—a sure sign I was to be a mother. We figured my pregnancy just had be a miraculous work of God. Of course, as our friend Jo put it, “Those who use faith as birth control are called parents!” And so we were to be.
By the time I was six months pregnant, we moved from the ministry’s communal quarters to a small duplex down the street. For the first time, Kelly and I lived alone. It was a precious and necessary time to actually get to know one another after several months of marriage.
Then the baby died. November was a blur of death, tears, comfort, cremation, and far flung ashes. Thanksgiving came and went. It was hard to feel thankful when my arms ached to hold my little one. As cheery Christmas songs began to filter through radio speakers and shopping mall sound systems, my ache grew to intense pain. One part of my heart leaned in to the Savior, understanding that He too felt pain and loss. I wanted to trust that I was safe in His love and care. Another part of my heart felt cold and brittle, betrayed by life and Lord. A battle raged. Tears seemed never-ending, dreams dashed. Questions went unanswered. Joyful Mary knelt by her beautiful baby Jesus in nativity scenes all over town, but my manger was empty.
Years have added layers of depth and understanding to my loss, but even today there is a raw place—a place of longing for our baby girl Noelle. With a new Christmas season right around the corner, I have been reflecting once again on the incarnation. What does Christ’s birth really mean to me? My thoughts, as they often do at this time of year, are interwoven with thoughts of the death of our first child. Noelle was named for Christmas—a reminder of the miraculous event when God came to earth as a baby. It has crossed my mind, “What would our lives be like if Mary’s manger had been empty. What if Jesus had never come?” My sense of loss is great, but the devastating loss of Christ as God’s gift to the world would be unfathomable. No high priest to intercede for me, no forgiveness, no fellowship, no whispers of comfort in the night, no eternal promise of heaven.
After the funeral home cremated Noelle’s remains, Kelly and I drove to a secluded wooded area near his grandfather’s cabin to spread the ashes. The tiny white box fit in the breast pocket of Kelly’s plaid shirt. He held my hand tightly as he led the way uphill, brushing by scratchy shrubs and tree branches. Weak in body and spirit, I struggled to fix my steps on the narrow rugged path. Tears fell and feet fell. When finally we reached the top, we prayed. We held one another and the remains of a life so little known, then threw her ashes to the wind to become a part of the trees and bushes in that special place.
Christ carries my death next to his heart. He came to set me free from the spiritual consequences of my sin. I am free, but the way is often rugged; and through my tears, I don’t always see too clearly. I have no idea what’s up ahead. But He is in the lead. He holds my hand, and all I need do is stick to the path and match Him step for step.
I met that tearful Christmas many years ago with empty arms, but because of the babe in Mary’s manger, because her manger was not empty, I continue to have hope."
Here are Lilly's own words:
"I equipped the big walk-in closet in the living room of our tiny duplex with a green second-hand crib and stocked the built-in drawers with soft little layette items. Long, wispy, white curtains tied back with yellow ribbon made an inviting entrance to a close room. Everyday, my tummy grew larger. Everyday, I fingered and rearranged clothes, blankets, and toys. I felt happy and excited, despite the christening I gave many toilets and gutters. Even with the little white pills, I threw up several times a day for nine months.
The baby squirmed and punched, kicked, and danced. I massaged hands and feet that fluidly traveled across my abdomen, pressing tight under ribs, giving me indigestion. The mountain of head and back rose, fell, and shifted. I had always wanted to be a mother, and now I was.
November’s sun began dipping to the south. The air held a slight chill, even for California. I counted the days—expectation high. With my friend’s stethoscope, I listened to the music—the strong, steady rhythm of life. But two weeks overdue, the rhythm stopped.
Kelly and I met in mid-August 1973. We worked with an over-zealous ministry that concentrated so much on Christ’s soon return that we made many decisions abruptly and unwisely. One of those was to marry quickly with little preparation or counsel. I guess we feared the Lord might come back before we had a chance to have sex. The night Kelly introduced me to his parents for the first time, we calmly announced our engagement. For all they knew, I could have been an ax murderer. Actually, for all I knew, Kelly could have been an ax murderer. After we left, his folks “discussed” our decision long into the night and woke with hangovers in the morning. But they bravely came along side, and we did marry. In this time of “Maranatha madness,” we were encouraged by our pastor not to have children, but to totally commit to the “work of the Lord.” We married in October, and by February, I was violently throwing up—a sure sign I was to be a mother. We figured my pregnancy just had be a miraculous work of God. Of course, as our friend Jo put it, “Those who use faith as birth control are called parents!” And so we were to be.
By the time I was six months pregnant, we moved from the ministry’s communal quarters to a small duplex down the street. For the first time, Kelly and I lived alone. It was a precious and necessary time to actually get to know one another after several months of marriage.
Then the baby died. November was a blur of death, tears, comfort, cremation, and far flung ashes. Thanksgiving came and went. It was hard to feel thankful when my arms ached to hold my little one. As cheery Christmas songs began to filter through radio speakers and shopping mall sound systems, my ache grew to intense pain. One part of my heart leaned in to the Savior, understanding that He too felt pain and loss. I wanted to trust that I was safe in His love and care. Another part of my heart felt cold and brittle, betrayed by life and Lord. A battle raged. Tears seemed never-ending, dreams dashed. Questions went unanswered. Joyful Mary knelt by her beautiful baby Jesus in nativity scenes all over town, but my manger was empty.
Years have added layers of depth and understanding to my loss, but even today there is a raw place—a place of longing for our baby girl Noelle. With a new Christmas season right around the corner, I have been reflecting once again on the incarnation. What does Christ’s birth really mean to me? My thoughts, as they often do at this time of year, are interwoven with thoughts of the death of our first child. Noelle was named for Christmas—a reminder of the miraculous event when God came to earth as a baby. It has crossed my mind, “What would our lives be like if Mary’s manger had been empty. What if Jesus had never come?” My sense of loss is great, but the devastating loss of Christ as God’s gift to the world would be unfathomable. No high priest to intercede for me, no forgiveness, no fellowship, no whispers of comfort in the night, no eternal promise of heaven.
After the funeral home cremated Noelle’s remains, Kelly and I drove to a secluded wooded area near his grandfather’s cabin to spread the ashes. The tiny white box fit in the breast pocket of Kelly’s plaid shirt. He held my hand tightly as he led the way uphill, brushing by scratchy shrubs and tree branches. Weak in body and spirit, I struggled to fix my steps on the narrow rugged path. Tears fell and feet fell. When finally we reached the top, we prayed. We held one another and the remains of a life so little known, then threw her ashes to the wind to become a part of the trees and bushes in that special place.
Christ carries my death next to his heart. He came to set me free from the spiritual consequences of my sin. I am free, but the way is often rugged; and through my tears, I don’t always see too clearly. I have no idea what’s up ahead. But He is in the lead. He holds my hand, and all I need do is stick to the path and match Him step for step.
I met that tearful Christmas many years ago with empty arms, but because of the babe in Mary’s manger, because her manger was not empty, I continue to have hope."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Prayer for Tiger Woods
I don't know if Tiger is a believer or not and it is not my intention to judge him. We know that Tiger has made some serious mistakes and hurt a lot of people who trusted him.
What I am asking is that Christian's everywhere pray for him. Imagine how it would make him feel if he knew that thousands of Christian's everywhere were praying for him, were willing to forgive him, and receive him into fellowship.
I believe that he is probably closer to being open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ than at any other time in his life. Let's reach out to the Father in prayer for Tiger.
What I am asking is that Christian's everywhere pray for him. Imagine how it would make him feel if he knew that thousands of Christian's everywhere were praying for him, were willing to forgive him, and receive him into fellowship.
I believe that he is probably closer to being open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ than at any other time in his life. Let's reach out to the Father in prayer for Tiger.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Glorious News!
Isaiah 9:6-7:
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
When God will Not Answer...
Proverbs 1:24-30:
Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.
Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. "Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
God Keeps His Promises
Galatians 4:4-5: "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."
Christmas reminds us that God kept His promise made some 5,000 years earlier. This should always be a comfort to us that, no matter what, God is as faithful as His Word.
This reminds me of another promise, John 14:1-3:
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
Christmas reminds us that God kept His promise made some 5,000 years earlier. This should always be a comfort to us that, no matter what, God is as faithful as His Word.
This reminds me of another promise, John 14:1-3:
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Funny laws that guide us, from Gayle Irwin
Law of Mechanical Repair
After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.
Law of Gravity
Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.
Law of Probability
The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
Law of Random Numbers
If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.
Law of the Alibi
If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.
Variation Law
If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).
Law of the Bath
When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.
Law of the Result
When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.
Law of Biomechanics
The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.
Law of the Theater
At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.
The Starbucks Law
As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.
Murphy's Law of Lockers
If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.
Law of Physical Surfaces
The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
Brown's Law of Physical Appearance
If the shoe fits, it's ugly.
Oliver's Law of Public Speaking
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy
As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it, or improve it.
After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch.
Law of Gravity
Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.
Law of Probability
The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act.
Law of Random Numbers
If you dial a wrong number, you never get a busy signal and someone always answers.
Law of the Alibi
If you tell the boss you were late for work because you had a flat tire, the very next morning you will have a flat tire.
Variation Law
If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).
Law of the Bath
When the body is fully immersed in water, the telephone rings.
Law of the Result
When you try to prove to someone that a machine won't work, it will.
Law of Biomechanics
The severity of the itch is inversely proportional to the reach.
Law of the Theater
At any event, the people whose seats are furthest from the aisle arrive last.
The Starbucks Law
As soon as you sit down to a cup of hot coffee, your boss will ask you to do something which will last until the coffee is cold.
Murphy's Law of Lockers
If there are only two people in a locker room, they will have adjacent lockers.
Law of Physical Surfaces
The chances of an open-faced jelly sandwich landing face down on a floor covering are directly correlated to the newness and cost of the carpet/rug.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
Brown's Law of Physical Appearance
If the shoe fits, it's ugly.
Oliver's Law of Public Speaking
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
Wilson's Law of Commercial Marketing Strategy
As soon as you find a product that you really like, they will stop making it, or improve it.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
"The Logical Song" by Supertramp
When I was young
It seemed that life was so wonderful
A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees
Well they’d be singing so happily
Oh joyfully, oh playfully watching me
But then they sent me away
To teach me how to be sensible
Logical, oh responsible ,practical
And they showed me a world
Where i could be so dependable
Oh clinical, oh intellectual, cynical
There are times when all the world’s asleep
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man
Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am
Now watch what you say
Or they’ll be calling you a radical
A liberal, oh fanatical, criminal
Oh won’t you sign up your name
We’d like to feel you’re acceptable, respectable, oh presentable, a vegetable!
At night when all the world’s asleep
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man
Won’t you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am, who I am ,who I am.
It seemed that life was so wonderful
A miracle, oh it was beautiful, magical
And all the birds in the trees
Well they’d be singing so happily
Oh joyfully, oh playfully watching me
But then they sent me away
To teach me how to be sensible
Logical, oh responsible ,practical
And they showed me a world
Where i could be so dependable
Oh clinical, oh intellectual, cynical
There are times when all the world’s asleep
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man
Won’t you please, please tell me what we’ve learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am
Now watch what you say
Or they’ll be calling you a radical
A liberal, oh fanatical, criminal
Oh won’t you sign up your name
We’d like to feel you’re acceptable, respectable, oh presentable, a vegetable!
At night when all the world’s asleep
The questions run too deep
For such a simple man
Won’t you please, please tell me what we've learned
I know it sounds absurd
But please tell me who I am, who I am ,who I am.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
A Simple Explanation of Baseball
This is a game played by two teams, one out the other in. The one that's in, sends players out one at a time, to see if they can get in before they get out. If they get out before they get in, they come in, but it doesn't count. If they get in before they get out it does count.
When the ones out get three outs from the ones in before they get in without being out, the team that's out comes in and the team in goes out to get those going in out before they get in without being out.
When both teams have been in and out nine times the game is over. The team with the most in without being out before coming in wins unless the ones in are equal. In which case, the last ones in go out to get the ones in out before they get in without being out.
The game will end when each team has the same number of ins out but one team has more in without being out before coming in.
When the ones out get three outs from the ones in before they get in without being out, the team that's out comes in and the team in goes out to get those going in out before they get in without being out.
When both teams have been in and out nine times the game is over. The team with the most in without being out before coming in wins unless the ones in are equal. In which case, the last ones in go out to get the ones in out before they get in without being out.
The game will end when each team has the same number of ins out but one team has more in without being out before coming in.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Glorious Result
Job 23:8-10: "Look, I go forward, but He is not there,And backward, but I cannot perceive Him; When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."
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