The Solid Rock

Matthew 7:24-29 (NLT) ²⁴Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. ²⁵Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. ²⁶But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. ²⁷When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. ²⁸When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹for he taught with real authority – quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

As we wrap up our two-week focus on our appreciation of some of the older hymns and the Biblical messages they bring, I’d like to close with one of my youngest son’s favorite hymns. Every time our church had a sing-spiration night and asked the congregation for their favorites... David was always first to call out #448 – The Solid Rock. This is a great hymn to wrap up our series for it tells of comfort, hope, and encouragement that can only be found when built upon the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ.

The author of The Solid Rock is Edward Mote – a humble cabinet maker in London. The year is recorded as 1834, when walking to the cabinet shop, the words flooded Edward’s mind. By the end of the day he had written four verses. They were later set to music by William B. Bradbury, who interestingly enough selected a repetitious and rhythmic cadence, complimenting the repetitious and rhythmic sounds of a carpentry shop. The author, Edward Mote, eventually became a Baptist minister; however, his hymn reflecting the solid foundation of life in Christ is still a favorite among many denominations today.

You might be familiar with the story of the two houses built by the wise and unwise builders... but today, take special note of the last two verses. Jesus taught with authority – he taught from his heart. It wasn’t, nor is it today, a matter of religious laws or beliefs – it is a matter of building on a solid foundation that cannot be shaken by the world’s views. Our world, our society, our educational systems and teachings, our surroundings are all full of sinking sand. Build your life on Jesus Christ the Solid Rock!

The Solid Rock (Edward Mote, 1834)

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found; dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.

Lord God Almighty, our Father;

Thank you for the reminder in your Word and through the older hymns that our only hope is to build our lives on the sure foundation of Your Son, Jesus Christ. The world, our nation, our society, our school systems – all of it is sinking sand – all of it lures us away from You. Jesus’ blood and righteousness is redeeming hope for eternal life when Christ shall come again. Forgive our sins, and set us back on the right path.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  The Solid Rock appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, Charlotte, 1967.

I Think When I Read That Sweet Story of Old

Matthew 19:13-15 (NLT) ¹³One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. ¹⁴But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” ¹⁵And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.

The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were well-known for complicating the rules, laws, and stipulations of being the ‘chosen ones’ – those belonging to God. Jesus taught simplicity.

John 5:24 (NLT) ²⁴I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life.

The disciples must have been the original publicity agents trying to maintain the demands of overbooked schedules and standing-room-only attendees. They did their best to minimize distractions. Jesus taught simplicity.

 Luke 18:17 (NLT) ¹⁷I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.

I Think When I Read That Sweet Story of Old (Jemima Thompson Luke, 1841)

I think when I read that sweet story of old, when Jesus was here among men, How He called little children as lambs to His fold, I should like to have been with them then.

I wish that His hands had been placed on my head, that His arms had been thrown around me, and that I might have seen His kind look when He said, “Let the little ones come unto me.”

Yet still to His footstool in prayer I may go, and ask for a share in His grace, and if I thus earnestly seek Him to know, I shall find in His kingdom a place.

 

The simplicity of child-like faith is this...

Romans 10:9-10, 13 (NIV) ⁹If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ... Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

 

Lord God Almighty, our Father;

The Gospel message is so simple and uncomplicated. Simple trust in Your saving grace. Simple faith in Christ our Redeemer. Why are we so hesitant to proclaim this simple message to others? Forgive us. We come to you with humble hearts in child-like faith. Renew our passion to share this wonderful news of salvation to others.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional  I Think When I Read That Sweet Story of Old appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.

I Would Be True

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) ⁶Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Isaiah 7:9b (NIV) ^9bIf you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) ¹³You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Zechariah 1:3 (NIV) ³This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) ⁹The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Interestingly today’s featured hymn wasn’t written as a hymn, but as a poem to the author’s mother, assuring her of his intentions to remain true to his faith in God. It was his way to show his appreciation for the years she taught him of God’s love and the many years she prayed for him. The hymn was originally a poem entitled “My Creed” and the author was Howard A. Walter.

We love our children. We teach them about God’s love and guide them to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Tragically, too many young men and women who have grown up in Christian homes leave or drift away from the faith they once held fast as a child. Our society and our schools bombard them with world views that are contrary to what they have been taught with devastating consequences. This is especially hard for parents (and grandparents) who have taught their children in the best ways they know how to do; watching painfully as their child or children adopt world views.  All we are able to do is surround them with our prayers – knowing that God is faithful – knowing that the whole reason for the delay in Christ’s return is to provide more time for repentance.

There is a little bit more to the story of Howard A. Walter. At the age of 23 he left to study for a year in a foreign country, where this poem was written in 1907 and sent to his mother back home. He would only live for approximately 12 more years before succumbing to the 1918 flu epidemic in yet another country at the age of 35. We are never guaranteed length of life. Our main purpose in life is to make the most of every minute in remaining faithful to the Lord and true to whatever tasks He has called us to do.

Today, I ask you to join me in prayer for the families who have raised their children in the faith, but who are desperately praying for family members who have made other choices in life and drifted away from that saving faith. Pray that the Lord’s delay in His return will provide the time needed for our loved ones to return to belief in God and faith in Christ. Pray that our children would be ‘true’ ‘pure’ ‘strong’ and ‘brave’.

I Would Be True (Howard Arnold Walter, 1907)

I would be true, for there are those that trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there is much to suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare, I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

I would be friend of all – the foe, the friendless; I would be giving, and forget the gift; I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift, I would look up and laugh, and love, and lift.

I would be prayerful thro’ each busy moment; I would be constantly in touch with God; I would be tuned to hear the slightest whisper; I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod, I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.

 

Lord God Almighty, our Father;

Today we come to you not focused upon ourselves, but focused upon our children and any of our loved ones who have drifted away from the faith they once had in You. Surround them with your love; remind them of your grace and mercy; reassure them you stand but a whisper away – ready to receive them back again. Comfort the aching hearts of parents and grandparents.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  I Would Be True appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Isaiah 9:2, 6 (NIV) ²The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. ... ⁶For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 3:16-18 (NIV) ¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

Romans 14:9 (NIV) ⁹For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV) ³For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

There are many churches who recite the Apostle’s Creed, or similar recitation each week. The temptation is to view it as mere formality and the words end up sounding ritualistic and robotic. We don’t intend that to happen, but sadly over years it does. My challenge to you has the potential to do dramatic things in your life – if you are willing to take the challenge seriously. Otherwise, the challenge might only yield minimal effectiveness. Here is my challenge to you:

Learn the Story of Jesus. Or, if at one time you knew the Story of Jesus but it has faded inside you because you have somehow taken it for granted or unintentionally minimized it; then RE-learn the Story of Jesus. ‘Write it on your heart, every word!’ Make it personal – for indeed it is! And next time you have the opportunity to recite the Apostle’s Creed, or any other recitation of commitment... mean every single word you repeat.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus (Fanny J. Crosby, 1880)

Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.

Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that are past, how for our sins He was tempted, Yet was triumphant at last.

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, writhing in anguish and pain; tell of the grave where they laid Him, tell how He liveth again!

Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard.

 

Lord God Almighty, our Father;

We are so humbly grateful for the gift of salvation through your only begotten Son. I don’t understand how it is so easy for us to place such minimal emphasis on this Greatest and most Precious Story of Jesus – His birth, His death on our behalf, and His resurrection which provides our Blessed Hope. All of it a direct result of Your great love and mercy! Forgive us. Rekindle the passion we once held in our hearts and give us courage and boldness to share this news with others.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Tell Me the Story of Jesus appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.

 

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:21-26, 31-33 (NIV) ²¹Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: ²²Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ²⁴I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” ²⁵The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; ²⁶it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. ... ³¹For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. ³²Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. ³³For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NIV) ¹⁰So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ... ¹³For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Psalm 46:1 (NIV) ¹God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

If I were to make a list of the struggles, trials, moments of crises, emergencies, or grief during my growing up years, I’m sure it would be fairly lengthy. However, there is no need for that because it isn’t the focus. The focal point always was and continues to be – not my human faithfulness to God, for it is sometimes lacking and needs refreshing – but rather, the focal point is God’s faithfulness; His love; His mercy to see me through any adverse situation.

When I first began writing, my Uncle gave me this advice: “People need hope. People need to know about God’s love and mercy – His faithfulness. People need 'strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.'”

Dear friend, I do not know what struggles you are currently facing. Perhaps health issues, loss of dear loved ones, financial burdens, loneliness. But I do know this from years of personal experience: God is faithful. He never abandons us; His love is compassionate and His mercies never cease. Great is His Faithfulness.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness (T.O. Chisholm, 1923)

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not, as Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness, to Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

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

Lord God, our Father;

Once again we come to the humbling realization that faithfulness isn’t about us, although we are called to be a faithful people. Yet we stumble, hesitate, become overwhelmed and forget that the focus is Your faithfulness to us. You see us through difficult times. Your compassion, Your mercy and grace is new each morning to refresh us and remind us of the blessings You have provided – even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Thank you, dear Lord.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Great Is Thy Faithfulness appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Copyright 1923, Hope Publishing Co., Owner) Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.

I am So Glad that Jesus Loves Me

John 3:16 (NIV) ¹⁶For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 (NIV) ⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:10, 16, 19 (NIV) ¹⁰This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ... ¹⁶And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. ... ¹⁹We love because he first loved us.

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV) ⁴But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) ³The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

Among the first Bible verses that children learn is the abbreviated version of 1 John 4:16; God is love. Among the first Bible choruses that children learn is Jesus Loves Me. Most of my readership are in the senior season of life. Do you still believe Jesus loves you with the same passion you believed as a child? Do you still live like Jesus loves you? As we grow older, why is it that our fervency for the Lord grows older with us? I’m not sure I have an answer for this. But I do have a challenge for each of us, myself included: Praise God today for the many ways in which He has shown his love and care for you! Rekindle the passion you had in past years.

I am So Glad that Jesus Loves Me  (Philip P. Bliss, 1870)

I am so glad that our Father in heaven tells of His love in the Book He has given: Wonderful things in the bible I see; this is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.

Though I forget Him, and wander away, still He doth love me wherever I stray; back to His dear loving arms do I flee, when I remember that Jesus loves me.

O if there’s only one song I can sing, when in His beauty I see the great King, this shall my song in eternity be, “O what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”

I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me. I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me!

 

Lord God, our Father;

Sometimes our hearts grow weary with age and the effects of the aging process. But you already know that. You never leave us nor forsake us, and you are as close as our next whispered prayer. Rekindle in us the passion we once had for you and for sharing with others the greatness and mercy of your Love.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional  I am So Glad that Jesus Loves Me appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.

We've a Story to Tell to the Nations

Deuteronomy 6:4b-9 (NIV) ^4bThe LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength. ⁶These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Psalm 78:2-7 (NIV) ²I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old – ³things we have heard and known, things out ancestors have told us. ⁴We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. ^5b ...which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, ⁶so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. ⁷Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

Psalm 102:18 (NIV) ¹⁸Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD.

Psalm 71:14-18 (NIV) ¹⁴As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. ¹⁵My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long – though I know not how to relate them all. ¹⁶I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. ¹⁷since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. ¹⁸Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Ephesians 6:18-20b (NIV) ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, ^20b ...Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

We have a story – a reality – to tell to the Nations, and to all future generations. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (c.f., Romans 3:23). But God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son to be our Savior (c.f., John 3:16). Anyone who will declare that Jesus is Lord, and will believe in their heart will be saved (c.f., Romans 10:9-10). Jesus is our Shepherd (c.f., John 10:7-18); Jesus is the only way to Salvation (c.f., John 14:6-14); He will send the Holy Spirit and He will come again (c.f., John 14:15-29)!

We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations (H. Ernest Nichol, 1896)

We’ve a story to tell to the nations that shall turn their hearts to the right, a story of truth and mercy, a story of peace and light, a story of peace and light.

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations that shall lift their hearts to the Lord, a song that shall conquer evil and shatter the spear and sword, and shatter the spear and sword.

We’ve a message to give to the nations that the Lord who reigneth above hath sent us His Son to save us, and show us that God is love, and show us that God is love.

We’ve a Saviour to show to the nations who the path of sorrow hath trod, that all of the world’s great peoples might come to the truth of God, might come to the truth of God.

For the darkness shall turn to dawning, and the dawning to noonday bright, and Christ’s great kingdom shall come to earth, the Kingdom of love and light.

 

Lord God, our Father;

Forgive our excuses, our hesitations, and our neglect of proclaiming your truth to those within our sphere of influence. How can we keep such hope and promise to ourselves? With apostle Paul, I pray that we might declare it fearlessly as we ought – and with the Psalmist, even when we are old and gray to this generation and all those yet to come.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.

 

He's Coming

Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) ¹¹For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹²It teaches us ... to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Chirst, ¹⁴who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

2 Peter 3:13 (NIV) ¹³But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

Revelation 21:3-5 and 22:20 (NIV) ^21:3And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” ⁵He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ... ^22:20He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Isaiah 65:17 (NIV) See, I will create a new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

I believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, who was crucified and died, who was buried, but who was resurrected and now sits at the side of God the Father. Jesus awaits God’s command to gather His faithful servants. I do not believe in billions of resurrections, only in Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits (c.f., 1 Corinthians 15:20-23). I believe death is the cessation of life; no breathing, no thinking, no life signs discernable (c.f., Ecclesiastes 9:10; 12:7; Psalm 146:4). I believe all the faithful who have died, from all the generations past and present, are peacefully asleep in God’s loving care (c.f., John 11:11-15; Psalm 116:15 NLT). God does not forget his own, nor does he forget their DNA, and just as we were created in our mother’s womb, so we will also be created anew and our perishable will put on the imperishable bodies at the last trumpet (c.f., 1 Corinthians 15:51-57). It matters not where our bodies remain until Christ’s return, whether lost at sea, on the top of a mountain, buried in a mudslide, or in the neighborhood cemetery. The Blessed Hope of all Christians is this: Christ was resurrected, so shall all God’s faithful be resurrected on the Day when Christ returns!

He’s Coming (author unknown, ca 1800s)

How sweet are the tidings that greet the pilgrim’s ear, As he wanders in exile from home; Soon, soon will the Savior in glory appear, and soon will the kingdom come.

The mossy old graves where the pilgrims sleep, shall be opened as wide as before, and the millions that sleep in the mighty deep, shall live on this earth once more.

There we’ll meet ne’er to part in our happy Eden home, Sweet songs of redemption we’ll sing: from the North, from the South, all the ransomed shall come, and worship our heav;nly King.

Hallelujah, amen! Hallelujah again! Soon, if faithful, we all shall be there; O, be watchful, be hopeful, be joyful till then, and a crown of bright glory we’ll wear.

He’s coming, coming, coming soon I know! Coming back to this earth again; and the weary pilgrims will to glory go, when the Savior comes to reign.

 

Lord God, our Father,

Thank you for the promised Blessed Hope of resurrection for all those who believe. Thank you for the peace and reassurance that when we close our eyes in death it is just a temporary sleep – a peaceful rest from pain, suffering, and trials – until on that great triumphant Day when you call our names to come forth. Whether we sleep for a while in death, or whether we remain living and active, one thing is certain – You will come again! Until then may we be found watchful, hopeful, and joyful for your promise.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  He’s Coming appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

Matthew 26:36-46 is the familiar story of Gethsemane. Today, I challenge you to dig out your Bible and read the text for yourself. Use your preferred translation, but try to avoid paraphrases.

Following the Last Supper, Jesus knew the time was at hand. His heart was overwhelmed with sorrow (v. 38) and I have to imagine that it wasn’t just for the task Jesus faced – abuse, beatings, death on the cross – but also the heartbreak of knowing there would still be generations of people who would die in their disbelief. Much of his grief was on our behalf and not his own!

His last request? Stay with me (v. 36). Keep watch with me (v. 38). Pray with me (v. 41). Sadly, we know the response of the disciples. Yet do we fare any better today? Can we spend more than a few hurried moments in prayer before our mind wanders, or before we tire, or become distracted? Is prayer a priority of our day, or something tacked on in haste before we go to bed?

One of my favorite old hymns was first written as a poem by William W. Walford, dated sometime prior to 1842. Interestingly, William Walford shared something in common with another renown hymn writer, Fanny Crosby – they were both blind. Some of Walford’s poetry was written down by Thomas Salmon, a pastor, who left for the United States in 1842, and it was then that Walford’s poetry was published and later set to music by William B. Bradbury. Most likely Walford never knew his poetry had become a favored traditional hymn.

One additional note of interest, the word ‘sweet’ originally carried the connotation of respected. For William Walford, clearly spending time in prayer was considered esteemed and held in high honor; for there, although living in darkness without eyesight, he could glimpse the face of his Redeemer. Indeed, what an honor it is to spend time, communicating from our heart, sharing personally with God, our Father and Lord.

Sweet Hour of Prayer (William W. Walford, 1842)

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known; in seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare, by thy return, sweet hour of prayer.

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, thy wings shall my petition bear, to Him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless: and since He bids me seek His face, believe His word and trust His grace, I’ll cast on Him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! The joys I feel, the bliss I share, of those whose anxious spirits burn, with strong desire for thy return! With such I hasten to the place where God my Savior shows his face, and gladly take my station there, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

 

Lord God, our Father,

Forgive us for the times when we take the ability to communicate personally with you for granted. Forgive us when we take it lightly, or put prayer along with Band-Aids in the ‘for emergencies’ tool kit. Prayer is precious. Prayer is a sacred gift you give us to talk with you. Our words don’t have to be practiced or eloquent, we just simply have to share our heart with you. Thank you. Teach us to be a people of prayer.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional  Sweet Hour of Prayer appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Special courtesy ‘Thank You’ to Alison Brown for her wonderful piano accompaniment on Sunday’s worship service, particularly the arrangement for Sweet Hour of Prayer.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.

The Hymn Story (history) posted at

 https://www.hymnsofchristianworship.com/sweet-hour-of-prayer.html

Let the Lower Lights Be Burning

Luke 1:76-79 (NIV) ⁷⁶And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, ⁷⁷to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, ⁷⁸because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun [Christ] will come to us from heaven ⁷⁹to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.

John 1:4-9 (NIV) ⁴In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ⁶There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. ⁹The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

The first scripture text today, our passage from Luke, is the song of Zechariah in praise and thanksgiving for the birth of his son, John – more familiarly known to us as John the Baptist. John was not the True Light promised from God as the gift of salvation; but John was the one to bear witness to all that the True Light was soon coming.

The second scripture text today, our passage from John, clarifies that Jesus Christ, sent from God, is the True Light and the only way to salvation to all who would believe. This passage clarifies that John was not the True Light, but the one to bear witness that Christ was the True Light.

More than 2,000 years later, do we have a place in this story? What were the words of Jesus on this topic?

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) ¹⁴You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Many years ago my husband and I were blessed to take a trip with my brother and his wife up along the coastline of Maine, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, then returning to the mainland. We called it ‘The Lighthouse’ tour because all along the way we visited the various lighthouses along the coast. The lighthouses were spectacular and each held a wonderful history. Yet there was something else; smaller lights, lesser lights, all lighting up the rocky coast the entire trip. Perhaps we haven’t been called to be a ‘lighthouse’, perhaps our purpose is to be a smaller light along the shore. Christ says, we are the light of the world and we have a purpose to shine whatever light we have... for our sakes? Hardly. Our purpose is that others may see the light and glorify God.

 

Let the Lower Lights Be Burning (Phillip P. Bliss, 1871)

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy from His lighthouse evermore, But to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.

Dark the night of sin has settled, loud the angry billows roar; Eager eyes are watching, longing, for the lights along the shore.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother; some poor sailor tempest tossed, trying now to reach the harbor, in the darkness may be lost.

Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave! Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

 

Lord God, our Father,

Sometimes we get the idea that because we aren’t one of the more spectacular lights that our witness isn’t as important as someone more gifted, more talented, more popular than we. Forgive our short-sightedness; for you have called each and every one of us to be a light that leads others to you. Open our minds and hearts to the opportunities you give us to shine forth your light.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

The devotional  Let the Lower Lights Be Burning appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Advent Christian Hymnal, ACGC, 1952.