“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8)
The devil knows us well. We are transparent to him just as we are to the heavenly angels.
He was one of them until he spoke his famous five statements of egomania:
1. I will ascend into heaven.
2. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.
3. I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north.
4. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds.
5. I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14: 13-14)
Then he became the ugly old devil. Most Christians believe there is a devil. He is running around looking for our weak spots – our Achilles’ heels – so he can attack us. Even though he may cause us some temporary pain by trying to pull us away from the Father’s love, he cannot succeed if we have given our hearts to God. It is amazing that he continues to try. He tried to tempt Jesus the same way!
What do you believe about him? Do you believe he is a fallen angel? Do you realize that he really was the most beautiful of all the angels and that he chose to rebel against God?
One more question as an aside: do you really believe that good angels exist and that they do God’s bidding? Angels are like the frosting on a cake. Some of us don’t really believe our cake should be anything but plain. Somehow we don’t think we deserve helpers that make our lives easier. We seem to want to have everything as difficult as possible so we can be as self-sufficient as possible. We don’t want to give God the credit for making our lives work. This mindset is one more way of failing to give God the glory. It is one more way the devil lies to us by denying God’s grace...God’s love.
And yet another question: do you believe that Jesus came to the earth, died on the cross to pay for our sins, became our sin, arose, and went to heaven where He sits on the right hand of His Father? I have to ask: do you realize that the Holy Spirit came to live in your heart when you accepted Jesus as your Savior? You know that you can ask your heavenly Father in the name of Jesus for whatever you need, and He’ll give it to you if you ask within His will, don’t you? He really will send His angels to protect you and keep you from falling. Trusting God is honoring God – giving Him the Glory.
The battle between the good and the evil angels is being fought over you because you are the apple of God’s eye and Satan, the fallen angel, hates you.
--And God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:26)
In summary, the ultimate question: Do you know how God loves you? He gave His only Son so you would not perish. Why can we not accept the simplicity of God’s love?
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Showing posts with label Do You Know How God Loves You?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Do You Know How God Loves You?. Show all posts
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June 5, Balaam’s Donkey, II
“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture’ saith the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:1)
When pastors of the flock of God’s chosen destroy and scatter the sheep, they can be guaranteed to face the wrath of God. Balaam, who was a prophet of the Lord, was commanded to help God’s chosen, but he shirked his job.
In my youth, people found the story of Balaam’s donkey amazing. As a child, I listened wide-eyed when my mother read it to me. Many preachers have avoided the subject of the talking donkey because it is written on one more page of the Holy Bible that we must believe...one more miracle that we must accept at face value. I have heard ministers say they were glad they did not have to believe the word of God in order to do their jobs. I wonder whether they are doing their work the way Balaam did.
As people have become more aware of the supernatural, they are not really surprised by this story. The sad fact is that people are believing pagan lore instead of the supernatural power of God.
Jesus rebuked the church of Pergamus in the book of Revelation. In Pergamus there was a huge altar to the idol of Zeus, the Greek god of thunder. Some people in the church were mixing their worship of Jesus Christ with the worship of Zeus. (Their pagan worship involved fornicating before the idols. To us in what we consider a more sophisticated era, this practice seems incredible; yet it is not unlike the use of pornography in our culture today.)
This idolatry was similar to that going on in Canaan when the Israelites took the Promised Land. Balaam, used by Satan, was influential in leading the people to worship the crude idols of the Moabites and to forsake God.
It is amazing to think that people could ever be so foolish as to worship idols, and it is astonishing that people were worshiping idols not long ago in history. Actually, idol worship has never stopped, and it is thriving in our churches today as pastors lead congregations into the idolatry of the mystical religions . “Innocent”practices not openly associated with idolatry have deep roots in worshiping statues that cannot think or speak.
I have digressed! Back to the story. King Balak said that he had noticed that if Balaam blessed something it was blessed and if he cursed something it was cursed. The kings said, “Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land”. (Numbers 22:6)
King Balak sent representatives with “the rewards of divination” in their hands to entice Balaam into arranging with God to curse the children of Israel. The greedy prophet bargained with God and found himself in serious trouble. Tomorrow we’ll finish the story.
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When pastors of the flock of God’s chosen destroy and scatter the sheep, they can be guaranteed to face the wrath of God. Balaam, who was a prophet of the Lord, was commanded to help God’s chosen, but he shirked his job.
In my youth, people found the story of Balaam’s donkey amazing. As a child, I listened wide-eyed when my mother read it to me. Many preachers have avoided the subject of the talking donkey because it is written on one more page of the Holy Bible that we must believe...one more miracle that we must accept at face value. I have heard ministers say they were glad they did not have to believe the word of God in order to do their jobs. I wonder whether they are doing their work the way Balaam did.
As people have become more aware of the supernatural, they are not really surprised by this story. The sad fact is that people are believing pagan lore instead of the supernatural power of God.
Jesus rebuked the church of Pergamus in the book of Revelation. In Pergamus there was a huge altar to the idol of Zeus, the Greek god of thunder. Some people in the church were mixing their worship of Jesus Christ with the worship of Zeus. (Their pagan worship involved fornicating before the idols. To us in what we consider a more sophisticated era, this practice seems incredible; yet it is not unlike the use of pornography in our culture today.)
This idolatry was similar to that going on in Canaan when the Israelites took the Promised Land. Balaam, used by Satan, was influential in leading the people to worship the crude idols of the Moabites and to forsake God.
It is amazing to think that people could ever be so foolish as to worship idols, and it is astonishing that people were worshiping idols not long ago in history. Actually, idol worship has never stopped, and it is thriving in our churches today as pastors lead congregations into the idolatry of the mystical religions . “Innocent”practices not openly associated with idolatry have deep roots in worshiping statues that cannot think or speak.
I have digressed! Back to the story. King Balak said that he had noticed that if Balaam blessed something it was blessed and if he cursed something it was cursed. The kings said, “Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land”. (Numbers 22:6)
King Balak sent representatives with “the rewards of divination” in their hands to entice Balaam into arranging with God to curse the children of Israel. The greedy prophet bargained with God and found himself in serious trouble. Tomorrow we’ll finish the story.
Visit Do You Know How God Loves You?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
...the uttermost part of the earth...(Acts 1:8)
Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
" is a book of 366 daily devotional readings.
I wrote this book as a Christmas gift for my daughter, who asked me to select her a daily devotional book. What began as a private project has become one way to carry out the Great Commission. I thank God that any people are following it. The reactions have been both encouraging and humbling.
When people tell me they are reading the book I'm moved to tears. People are reading it in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. What a blessing it is to be able to follow Christ's command to go throughout the world and tell people about him!
My dear friend Karlosheldon Cifuentes of Temuco, Chile, reads it each day. He said:
Do you know How God loves you? has been such a great book for me to understand How much God loves me. Every night, when I lay on my bed to read a new devotional, God teaches me something new and shows me also amazing things about him. The most important thing is that everything I have read from this book contains a biblical foundation. That makes it complete interesting. In fact, Do you know how God loves You? has shown me amazingly how to grow in God. It helps every Christian to get closer to God. The book contains material that helps everyone to know more about our almighty God. I really enjoy reading this book, because I can feel God teaching me new stuffs about him.
Visit Do You Know How God Loves You?
" is a book of 366 daily devotional readings. I wrote this book as a Christmas gift for my daughter, who asked me to select her a daily devotional book. What began as a private project has become one way to carry out the Great Commission. I thank God that any people are following it. The reactions have been both encouraging and humbling.
When people tell me they are reading the book I'm moved to tears. People are reading it in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. What a blessing it is to be able to follow Christ's command to go throughout the world and tell people about him!
My dear friend Karlosheldon Cifuentes of Temuco, Chile, reads it each day. He said:
Do you know How God loves you? has been such a great book for me to understand How much God loves me. Every night, when I lay on my bed to read a new devotional, God teaches me something new and shows me also amazing things about him. The most important thing is that everything I have read from this book contains a biblical foundation. That makes it complete interesting. In fact, Do you know how God loves You? has shown me amazingly how to grow in God. It helps every Christian to get closer to God. The book contains material that helps everyone to know more about our almighty God. I really enjoy reading this book, because I can feel God teaching me new stuffs about him.
Visit Do You Know How God Loves You?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
An Everyday Miracle
Exhausted from facing the daily obstacles in my life, unique but not nearly so difficult as others I have faced or that other people face, I went to bed in a tearful frame of mind last night. The barren land of chronic pain, boring chores, and thwarted dreams lay before me.
As I have done many times, I picked up my Bible with an attitude my heavenly Father may not appreciate. Nevertheless, He loves me, one of his weak children. Let me explain. I prayed last night, as I do when I'm struggling, "Lord, this Bible is Your word. I'm going to open it at random and let You show me what I need." This careless approach may be something my Lord finds offensive; yet He speaks to me through all my human flaws.
Last night was no exception. The Lord spoke to me through His word. To my surprise I opened the Bible to the first chapter of Nehemiah, a book not easy to find in the Old Testament. Nehemiah, who as an exile had become the king's cup bearer in a distant country, received a message that the survivors who had returned from exile to Jerusalem were in trouble. They suffered disgrace and danger because the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates had been burned.
When Nehemiah heard how his people suffered, he sat down and wept. After allowing himself to stop and acknowledge the sadness within him, he moved on to the solution that never fails. He prayed. First he expressed his feelings of love and honor for Jehovah, the true God.
Nehemiah prayed, "I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love Him and observe His commandments:" (Nehemiah 1:5)
Then he asked God to open His ears and eyes to the suffering of Nehemiah and the Jewish people. He confessed his sins and accepted responsibility for the sins of all his broken nation. He recalled God's promises and expressed delight in the Lord.
Finally he made his specific request. He prayed for the Lord, his God with great power and strong hands to attend to his specific needs. Nehemiah asked for prosperity and mercy. (To read the entire prayer, refer to Nehemiah, chapter 1)
Never would I reduce the one true God of the universe to a grandfather dispensing wealth simply because we remember to pray to Him. Instead I am stating simply that my Father reminded me He will supply my needs and help me succeed in life's challenges. This He will do for His glory and my security. The broken fences and torn down gates of my life He will help me restore. He provides the miracle of another day to serve Him until He calls me to His house to enjoy His presence forever.
Today I see the joys of opportunity, the challenges of life. I ask, "How, Lord, have You planned to lead me in your service today?"
As I have done many times, I picked up my Bible with an attitude my heavenly Father may not appreciate. Nevertheless, He loves me, one of his weak children. Let me explain. I prayed last night, as I do when I'm struggling, "Lord, this Bible is Your word. I'm going to open it at random and let You show me what I need." This careless approach may be something my Lord finds offensive; yet He speaks to me through all my human flaws.
Last night was no exception. The Lord spoke to me through His word. To my surprise I opened the Bible to the first chapter of Nehemiah, a book not easy to find in the Old Testament. Nehemiah, who as an exile had become the king's cup bearer in a distant country, received a message that the survivors who had returned from exile to Jerusalem were in trouble. They suffered disgrace and danger because the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates had been burned.
When Nehemiah heard how his people suffered, he sat down and wept. After allowing himself to stop and acknowledge the sadness within him, he moved on to the solution that never fails. He prayed. First he expressed his feelings of love and honor for Jehovah, the true God.
Nehemiah prayed, "I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love Him and observe His commandments:" (Nehemiah 1:5)
Then he asked God to open His ears and eyes to the suffering of Nehemiah and the Jewish people. He confessed his sins and accepted responsibility for the sins of all his broken nation. He recalled God's promises and expressed delight in the Lord.
Finally he made his specific request. He prayed for the Lord, his God with great power and strong hands to attend to his specific needs. Nehemiah asked for prosperity and mercy. (To read the entire prayer, refer to Nehemiah, chapter 1)
Never would I reduce the one true God of the universe to a grandfather dispensing wealth simply because we remember to pray to Him. Instead I am stating simply that my Father reminded me He will supply my needs and help me succeed in life's challenges. This He will do for His glory and my security. The broken fences and torn down gates of my life He will help me restore. He provides the miracle of another day to serve Him until He calls me to His house to enjoy His presence forever.
Today I see the joys of opportunity, the challenges of life. I ask, "How, Lord, have You planned to lead me in your service today?"
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Women's Program at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant, LA
The Women's Group will meet June 10, 2009, 6:30 pm, at New Hope Baptist Church, Choudrant, Louisiana. The program will be about Christ and the Church. Mary Lou Cheatham will be the speaker.
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Revelation's Books & Gifts
Revelation's, a Small Shop with a Big InventoryRevelation's Books & Gifts is a quaint little book and gift store on the Sterlington Highway (Highway 2) in Farmerville, Louisiana. It is located on the east side of town. It's loaded with Christian books and well-selected gifts. Before the holidays people buzz in and out of that little shop to select the sweet nectar of beautiful and meaningful gifts that will be remembered by the recipients.
The owner has invited me to sign Do You Know How God Loves You? in Revelation's on June 12, 2009, from 11 am to 1 pm. This big devotional book will make a unique Father's Day gift. Dad, the spiritual leader of the home, will benefit from the thoughts shared here.
Paul Elliott, the editor, gave me his input. This way the book has the perspective of both men and women.
Do You Know How God Loves You? goes beyond light devotionals. There are deep discussions of theology as it has been presented through the ages; practices of Chrisian living such as tithing, witinessing, and praying; and examinations of trends that are leading people away from traditional beliefs. Although the book has over 400 pages, the reader is asked to read an introduction each month and then only a page a day.
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Monday, May 11, 2009
What Is Different about Do You Know How God Loves You?
You don't have to look very far to find a daily devotional book. You can buy several online or in stores, and you can probably pick up a free one each month in your church.
What am I offering you that is different? People have told me they enjoy the stories about my friends and my family, as well as my own experiences. Others have told me that the thoroughness of the studies present sound theology. Perhaps you can find other books that offer these characteristics.
Several people have described the book as one that is easy to read, one that takes complex thoughts and expresses them in down-to-earth terms. I have written as God led me to so that I can show you how much He cares about you. Still others tell me it has good ideas with a more thorough treatment of each idea than they had expected.
There is something more: accessibility. Do You Know How God Loves You? is an interactive study to help you live successfully every day. Since I published the book five months ago, I have communicated with hundreds of people, who were either old friends I had not heard from in years or new friends who have blessed my life.
Many people I have talked with have deep concerns. I thank God that I am at a stage in my life in which I can take time to talk to people or merely to listen. The great blessing of interacting is the unique quality of the ministry of Do You Know How God Loves You?
Visit Do You Know How God Loves You?
What am I offering you that is different? People have told me they enjoy the stories about my friends and my family, as well as my own experiences. Others have told me that the thoroughness of the studies present sound theology. Perhaps you can find other books that offer these characteristics.
Several people have described the book as one that is easy to read, one that takes complex thoughts and expresses them in down-to-earth terms. I have written as God led me to so that I can show you how much He cares about you. Still others tell me it has good ideas with a more thorough treatment of each idea than they had expected.
There is something more: accessibility. Do You Know How God Loves You? is an interactive study to help you live successfully every day. Since I published the book five months ago, I have communicated with hundreds of people, who were either old friends I had not heard from in years or new friends who have blessed my life.
Many people I have talked with have deep concerns. I thank God that I am at a stage in my life in which I can take time to talk to people or merely to listen. The great blessing of interacting is the unique quality of the ministry of Do You Know How God Loves You?
Visit Do You Know How God Loves You?
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Participating in God's Family
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20)
Every holiday when young children give their parents gifts, the same happy drama is played out much to everybody's satisfaction. The preliminary is always the same. In order for the children to buy their parents gifts, the parents must make arrangements for the children to shop.
If it's Mother's Day, Dad discreetly slips away with the little person to buy something special for Mom. It is always special, whether it is a card or a diamond necklace. Even if the child makes the gift or card, a parent must help acquire the supplies. Suppose the child “works” to earn some money. No matter how the money is obtained, the parents usually furnish it. Whatever the child gives, the parent receiving the gift is thrilled to receive it, and the child beams with delight about pleasing the parent.
Suppose the children decide to prepare breakfast for Dad to celebrate Father's Day. Mom will make sure the right groceries are available, she will coordinate the meal, and finally she will make sure the kitchen is cleaned afterward. No matter how hard the children work on the project, a parent is assisting somewhere in the background. Everybody is thrilled with the outcome.
That's the way it is when Jesus graciously stands and knocks at our door. Jesus owns the door and the whole house, the earth beneath it, and the sky above it. The Father God wants us to open the doors of our hearts with joy. God describes Himself as our Father and us as His children. The Holy Spirit is ready and eager to move into every believer's heart. As any parent knows, it is an absolute delight to have your children help you. God in His grace does not rely upon us, but He delights when we participate.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him? (Luke 11:13)
God tenderly loves the children everywhere, and He loves that which is childlike in us. He gives us His salvation and more gifts than we ever realize.
And they brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:15-17)
Every holiday when young children give their parents gifts, the same happy drama is played out much to everybody's satisfaction. The preliminary is always the same. In order for the children to buy their parents gifts, the parents must make arrangements for the children to shop.
If it's Mother's Day, Dad discreetly slips away with the little person to buy something special for Mom. It is always special, whether it is a card or a diamond necklace. Even if the child makes the gift or card, a parent must help acquire the supplies. Suppose the child “works” to earn some money. No matter how the money is obtained, the parents usually furnish it. Whatever the child gives, the parent receiving the gift is thrilled to receive it, and the child beams with delight about pleasing the parent.
Suppose the children decide to prepare breakfast for Dad to celebrate Father's Day. Mom will make sure the right groceries are available, she will coordinate the meal, and finally she will make sure the kitchen is cleaned afterward. No matter how hard the children work on the project, a parent is assisting somewhere in the background. Everybody is thrilled with the outcome.
That's the way it is when Jesus graciously stands and knocks at our door. Jesus owns the door and the whole house, the earth beneath it, and the sky above it. The Father God wants us to open the doors of our hearts with joy. God describes Himself as our Father and us as His children. The Holy Spirit is ready and eager to move into every believer's heart. As any parent knows, it is an absolute delight to have your children help you. God in His grace does not rely upon us, but He delights when we participate.
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him? (Luke 11:13)
God tenderly loves the children everywhere, and He loves that which is childlike in us. He gives us His salvation and more gifts than we ever realize.
And they brought unto Him also infants, that He would touch them: but when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, “Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:15-17)
Who Am I?
Scott McKain's book Collapse of Distinction: Stand out and move up while your competition fails (NelsonFree)
is one I've been studying. McKain teaches that only the businesses that differentiate themselves from others survive. He is asking me, the reader, to ask myself what makes me stand out from the crowd.
My business is encouraging you to buy my books, I must first let you know who I am. In the context of Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living Here is the answer to the question, “Who am I?” Whatever I am on a deeply personal level is irrelevant. When you look at the book, you want to know why I am qualified to answer such a profound question and to ask you to spend a few minutes every day for a year examining the answer.
First, let me tell you that I am a sinner saved by grace. In my lifetime, even after I was saved by God's grace, I have not always lived a sinless life. Frequently, God has chastised me and brought me back into His will.
Second, let me tell you that I am not a scholar who has attended seminary. My careers have included teaching and nursing. I have diligently studied God's word, received instruction from Bible teachers and pastors, read extensively, and prayed for guidance.
Third, I have a compelling desire to share with you the knowledge that Jesus Christ made the supreme sacrifice for you – that He loves us enough to pay your sin debt and my sin debt. Please refer to January 1 in DDo You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
Beyond that desire, I want to share with you a way to walk in the love and guidance of our Lord every day. My business is to place this book in your hands so you can experience my ministry of showing you ways to walk daily in the light of Christ's love. I am an ordinary person with an extraordinary desire to help you realize how much God loves you.
is one I've been studying. McKain teaches that only the businesses that differentiate themselves from others survive. He is asking me, the reader, to ask myself what makes me stand out from the crowd. My business is encouraging you to buy my books, I must first let you know who I am. In the context of Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
Here is the answer to the question, “Who am I?” Whatever I am on a deeply personal level is irrelevant. When you look at the book, you want to know why I am qualified to answer such a profound question and to ask you to spend a few minutes every day for a year examining the answer. First, let me tell you that I am a sinner saved by grace. In my lifetime, even after I was saved by God's grace, I have not always lived a sinless life. Frequently, God has chastised me and brought me back into His will.
Second, let me tell you that I am not a scholar who has attended seminary. My careers have included teaching and nursing. I have diligently studied God's word, received instruction from Bible teachers and pastors, read extensively, and prayed for guidance.
Third, I have a compelling desire to share with you the knowledge that Jesus Christ made the supreme sacrifice for you – that He loves us enough to pay your sin debt and my sin debt. Please refer to January 1 in DDo You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
Beyond that desire, I want to share with you a way to walk in the love and guidance of our Lord every day. My business is to place this book in your hands so you can experience my ministry of showing you ways to walk daily in the light of Christ's love. I am an ordinary person with an extraordinary desire to help you realize how much God loves you.
Friday, May 8, 2009
A Real Book
A friend of mine was astonished when she realized that Do You Know How God Loves You? is a paper book – what she calls a “real book” printed in ink on paper. She had been looking at the videos on You Tube, including the book trailer by Misty Taggart, Do You Know How God Loves You?, “Ten Ways to Listen” , and “Thoughts for Meditation” . Also she had been reading the blogs mentioned on Facebook and following the links there. She is a member of the group, Do You Know How God Loves You? on Facebook.
When she saw the big book with its beautiful cover, she was astonished. BookSurge suggested the price of $26.99 for it because of the amount of material and the size of the book. It is 416 big pages in readable but not large print. The pages are 10 X 7 inches and the book is 1 inch thick. Its shipping weight is 2 pounds.
The plan for using it is to read 1 page per day during individual quiet time. Since there are 366 individual inspirational devotionals,1for each day of the year, the price for each day is less than 7 ½ cents.
In addition to the daily devotionals, there are 2 extra pages of material at the beginning of each month. These studies help the reader to focus on the monthly subject.
Another friend commented on the thorough index, which is 5 pages with double columns of topics that make this book a good topical study.
Some people have told me that they plan to read the book again next year. Others have started at the beginning and have read several days at a time.
As I wrote this book, I prayed, meditated, and studied. It was my aim to give the reader something to bring spiritual comfort while supplying knowledge of God. Whenever possible I included the portions of scripture related to each subject on the pages with the devotionals because I believe that God's holy word will show us what we need to understand about Him.
“So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
When she saw the big book with its beautiful cover, she was astonished. BookSurge suggested the price of $26.99 for it because of the amount of material and the size of the book. It is 416 big pages in readable but not large print. The pages are 10 X 7 inches and the book is 1 inch thick. Its shipping weight is 2 pounds.
The plan for using it is to read 1 page per day during individual quiet time. Since there are 366 individual inspirational devotionals,1for each day of the year, the price for each day is less than 7 ½ cents.
In addition to the daily devotionals, there are 2 extra pages of material at the beginning of each month. These studies help the reader to focus on the monthly subject.
Another friend commented on the thorough index, which is 5 pages with double columns of topics that make this book a good topical study.
Some people have told me that they plan to read the book again next year. Others have started at the beginning and have read several days at a time.
As I wrote this book, I prayed, meditated, and studied. It was my aim to give the reader something to bring spiritual comfort while supplying knowledge of God. Whenever possible I included the portions of scripture related to each subject on the pages with the devotionals because I believe that God's holy word will show us what we need to understand about Him.
“So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Goodness and Mercy
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness. . . .” (Galatians 5:22)
When we follow the Lord, goodness goes before us, follows us, and surrounds us. Having accepted the grace of salvation, we are the children of God. Goodness is a feast at the spiritual table prepared for us. God's good blessings are everywhere we look: in the beauty of the little sparrows at the bird feeder, the red camellias in the snow, the cup of coffee with chicory.
Even in our adversity – especially in our adversity – we see God's goodness! When we ask God to show us the world through His eyes, we see all things in a new way. It becomes easy to thank Him in all circumstances. It is a great irony that we never know how much we need God until the events of life show us. Then our eyes are opened, and we can clearly see His goodness. In our hearts, the Spirit places hope that rises to strengthen our faith. Every day we have challenges that strengthen us like exercise.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)
The mercy of God is a manifestation of His goodness. Flowing like a stream coming from the sacred fountain, it is provided to us in marvelous ways. There is pardoning mercy. We know that we deserve punishment, but He excused us from the sentence that we have earned. In His goodness, our Father has sought us and offered us redemption through His Son's cleansing sacrifice. He has given us new birth.
Our Father has adopted us into His family of love and given us a new name, Christians. He has placed a banner of love over us, surrounded us with His angels, placed a shield of protection around us, and sent His Spirit to dwell within our hearts. He has in these ways extended our protecting mercy.
He has sustained us with all the good things we need. Not only has He supplied our physical needs; more significantly, He has nourished our spirits with His outflowing of His spiritual wisdom when we have asked for it. When we fall into sinful behavior and repent, He provides His forgiveness. In these ways, He continues to give us His sustaining mercy.
Whatever we have needed, He has provided. He has promised that if we ask within His will, He will give us whatever we ask. He knows what we should have before we know. From the Lord's fountain of goodness flows His supplying mercy.
How do we respond to the Lord's goodness evidenced through His mercy that pardons, protects, sustains, and supplies? We offer praise for who God is and thanks for what He has done. There is an ongoing dialogue between the Creator and His Creation. The Holy Spirit nudges us to share goodness and extend mercy to other people, not because we want it to return to us as in the popular pagan concept of karma, but because we feel a desire to bear fruit.
When our lives here on earth are finished, He will change our residence to His house, where we will live forever in bliss. We are pleased with the goodness and mercy He provides; we are delighted with what He has promised. God is good!
When we follow the Lord, goodness goes before us, follows us, and surrounds us. Having accepted the grace of salvation, we are the children of God. Goodness is a feast at the spiritual table prepared for us. God's good blessings are everywhere we look: in the beauty of the little sparrows at the bird feeder, the red camellias in the snow, the cup of coffee with chicory.
Even in our adversity – especially in our adversity – we see God's goodness! When we ask God to show us the world through His eyes, we see all things in a new way. It becomes easy to thank Him in all circumstances. It is a great irony that we never know how much we need God until the events of life show us. Then our eyes are opened, and we can clearly see His goodness. In our hearts, the Spirit places hope that rises to strengthen our faith. Every day we have challenges that strengthen us like exercise.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)
The mercy of God is a manifestation of His goodness. Flowing like a stream coming from the sacred fountain, it is provided to us in marvelous ways. There is pardoning mercy. We know that we deserve punishment, but He excused us from the sentence that we have earned. In His goodness, our Father has sought us and offered us redemption through His Son's cleansing sacrifice. He has given us new birth.
Our Father has adopted us into His family of love and given us a new name, Christians. He has placed a banner of love over us, surrounded us with His angels, placed a shield of protection around us, and sent His Spirit to dwell within our hearts. He has in these ways extended our protecting mercy.
He has sustained us with all the good things we need. Not only has He supplied our physical needs; more significantly, He has nourished our spirits with His outflowing of His spiritual wisdom when we have asked for it. When we fall into sinful behavior and repent, He provides His forgiveness. In these ways, He continues to give us His sustaining mercy.
Whatever we have needed, He has provided. He has promised that if we ask within His will, He will give us whatever we ask. He knows what we should have before we know. From the Lord's fountain of goodness flows His supplying mercy.
How do we respond to the Lord's goodness evidenced through His mercy that pardons, protects, sustains, and supplies? We offer praise for who God is and thanks for what He has done. There is an ongoing dialogue between the Creator and His Creation. The Holy Spirit nudges us to share goodness and extend mercy to other people, not because we want it to return to us as in the popular pagan concept of karma, but because we feel a desire to bear fruit.
When our lives here on earth are finished, He will change our residence to His house, where we will live forever in bliss. We are pleased with the goodness and mercy He provides; we are delighted with what He has promised. God is good!
10 Ways to Listen
With the realization that you will spend eternity with God comes the concept that you can start enjoying a more intimate relationship with Him here and now on earth. Now is the time to become accustomed to spending time in the presence of your God by sitting before the Lord and humbly listening for His voice as you meditate and pray.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thoughts for Meditation
The entire month of October in DO YOU KNOW HOW GOD LOVES YOU? is dedicated to growing closer to the Lord. Near the beginning of the October chapter, I have placed this meditative prayer on page 300. We often fail to realize that meditation focused on the one true God is to be practiced. I am sharing here with you so you can meditate with me about the love relatoinship available with the Lord.
Lord, I give myself to You.
Fill me with Your love and power.
Show me how I must serve You and let Your blessing fall on me
So that I can do Your will.
Lord, I give myself to You.
Fill me with Your love and power.
Show me how I must serve You and let Your blessing fall on me
So that I can do Your will.
Growing Closer to the Lord
When Ruth, my sister seven years older than I am, was young she had a baby duck. (This event happened before I was born.) For sport, she was chasing her duck through the yard. Our dad had removed the wooden frame that protected the well so he could repair it. The results were not as bad as they could have been.
Monday, May 4, 2009
How do you see Jesus?
Do you see Jesus with pity when you contemplate Him at Gethsamane as He lies there on the ground praying to God the Father? There are drops of blood coming from His face as He anticipates being separated from His Father because the other Persons of the Godhead will turn away. Do you see Him being whipped, spat upon, and ridiculed while He stands there and says nothing? Do you see on the cross Jesus going through hideous torture? Or do you see Him ascending into heaven?
You have seen Him at the head of the bed of your dying loved ones, haven't you? And you have felt His comfort when you suffered. In the good, giddy times, the image of Jesus has slipped away. Why is it that we don't see Him except when we are broken? I believe that we don't remember to seek Him in the really easy times in life. During the good times, He seems too far away, as we lose sight of Him.
We shall see Him in heaven as He is! John told us we will see Jesus Christ in His glorified form. His clothing will be a glorious brilliant garment with a golden belt, His hair will be pure and white, His eyes will be as a flaming fire, His feet will look like fine brass. and He will be in the midst of His glory. (Revelation 1:13-15) In Revelation 4 and 5, we read details of the glory of the triune God with more brilliant light emitting from the throne than we can imagine -- a light far brighter than that of the sun, yet painful to our eyes. As we pass through the Bema judgment and when we see Him in the glory that exceeds the power of words, we will not pity Him for His suffering, and He will not comfort us for our pain or chastise us for our foolishness. We will see Him only with love and adoration. He will discard all that is not good in our thoughts and remembered sins.
Beloved . . . we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2)
He will transform us to be like Him and to enjoy complete fellowship with Him. He will shed His glory on our beings, and we will stand boldly before God's throne.
You have seen Him at the head of the bed of your dying loved ones, haven't you? And you have felt His comfort when you suffered. In the good, giddy times, the image of Jesus has slipped away. Why is it that we don't see Him except when we are broken? I believe that we don't remember to seek Him in the really easy times in life. During the good times, He seems too far away, as we lose sight of Him.
We shall see Him in heaven as He is! John told us we will see Jesus Christ in His glorified form. His clothing will be a glorious brilliant garment with a golden belt, His hair will be pure and white, His eyes will be as a flaming fire, His feet will look like fine brass. and He will be in the midst of His glory. (Revelation 1:13-15) In Revelation 4 and 5, we read details of the glory of the triune God with more brilliant light emitting from the throne than we can imagine -- a light far brighter than that of the sun, yet painful to our eyes. As we pass through the Bema judgment and when we see Him in the glory that exceeds the power of words, we will not pity Him for His suffering, and He will not comfort us for our pain or chastise us for our foolishness. We will see Him only with love and adoration. He will discard all that is not good in our thoughts and remembered sins.
Beloved . . . we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. (I John 3:2)
He will transform us to be like Him and to enjoy complete fellowship with Him. He will shed His glory on our beings, and we will stand boldly before God's throne.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Send Me!
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then said I, 'Here am I; send me.' ” (Isaiah 6:8)
The seraphim have the responsibility of hovering over the throne of God. We know that God does not need them, and He does not need any of us. He does not need the universe. No matter what He creates or if He allowed all His creation to disappear, He would still be God. And yet the seraphim have the vocation of guarding God's holiness.
We have our jobs too. After the seraph placed a coal on Isaiah's tongue, God asked a rhetorical question. Any question He asks is rhetorical. Since He already knows the answer, He asks to help us get our hearts right. He is running a volunteer army, not a draft board. He knows our answer to every question before we ask; yet in His perfect wisdom, He does not make us feel coerced. After Isaiah was cleansed of unrighteousness, God asked, “Whom shall I send?” Then He went on to ask, “Who will go for us?” (I believe that the word “us” referred to the triune nature of God.)
For the first time in his life, Isaiah was learning what he was supposed to do . . . what his mission in life . . . his purpose . . . his reason to be was. “Here am I: send me!” Can't you just imagine that he shouted those words with reverent enthusiasm. It was not a tentative response. He was a transformed man. His unclean tongue became a spirit-filled, heaven-sent flame.
At Christmastime we love to listen to Handel's Messiah. Most of the words in that magnificent cantata are quoted directly from Isaiah's book, which foretold the events of the coming of the Messiah to the earth. Also he prophesied much about the end times. Few men have been more inspired by the Holy Spirit than Isaiah was.
The mission God gave him on the day of the vision was a strange one. He was to go and tell people about the Lord, but God let him know that most of them would not believe. (6:9) His job was to tell, whereas the Holy Spirit's role is to convict. God told Isaiah to go to the children of Israel. He told us to go into all the world and to preach the gospel to everyone. (Mark 16:15)
Like the seraphim and like Isaiah, we need to have an attitude toward God that says “Only Thou art holy” and “Here am I.” After we have given our hearts to Him, He will commission us to do what He has planned for us in His own way and His own time. Meanwhile, we must pray with bold fervor, “Send me!”
The seraphim have the responsibility of hovering over the throne of God. We know that God does not need them, and He does not need any of us. He does not need the universe. No matter what He creates or if He allowed all His creation to disappear, He would still be God. And yet the seraphim have the vocation of guarding God's holiness.
We have our jobs too. After the seraph placed a coal on Isaiah's tongue, God asked a rhetorical question. Any question He asks is rhetorical. Since He already knows the answer, He asks to help us get our hearts right. He is running a volunteer army, not a draft board. He knows our answer to every question before we ask; yet in His perfect wisdom, He does not make us feel coerced. After Isaiah was cleansed of unrighteousness, God asked, “Whom shall I send?” Then He went on to ask, “Who will go for us?” (I believe that the word “us” referred to the triune nature of God.)
For the first time in his life, Isaiah was learning what he was supposed to do . . . what his mission in life . . . his purpose . . . his reason to be was. “Here am I: send me!” Can't you just imagine that he shouted those words with reverent enthusiasm. It was not a tentative response. He was a transformed man. His unclean tongue became a spirit-filled, heaven-sent flame.
At Christmastime we love to listen to Handel's Messiah. Most of the words in that magnificent cantata are quoted directly from Isaiah's book, which foretold the events of the coming of the Messiah to the earth. Also he prophesied much about the end times. Few men have been more inspired by the Holy Spirit than Isaiah was.
The mission God gave him on the day of the vision was a strange one. He was to go and tell people about the Lord, but God let him know that most of them would not believe. (6:9) His job was to tell, whereas the Holy Spirit's role is to convict. God told Isaiah to go to the children of Israel. He told us to go into all the world and to preach the gospel to everyone. (Mark 16:15)
Like the seraphim and like Isaiah, we need to have an attitude toward God that says “Only Thou art holy” and “Here am I.” After we have given our hearts to Him, He will commission us to do what He has planned for us in His own way and His own time. Meanwhile, we must pray with bold fervor, “Send me!”
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Jesus, Always the Same
“Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
How have you changed? How has our nation changed? How has the environment changed? But Who never changes?
He is our Prophet, Priest, and King. As our Prophet, He came and spoke to us about His Father, the Holy Spirit, Himself, heaven, all our relationships, and the future. Now He sits on the right hand of His Father and fills the roll of the Great High Priest. One day He will come to earth as the King and will reign forever. His circumstances and His occupation have changed, but the essence of who He is, was, and shall be never changes.
He is the always the same. What never changes about Him? First, let’s consider the term Jesus Christ. Jesus is His name. Derived from the Hebrew name “Joshua” (Y’shua or Je-Hoshua), it means “Jehovah is salvation.” Christ, His title, means “the Anointed One, the Messiah.” True theology never changes. We may learn more from studying, but the truth of Jesus Christ is always the same.
What is the unchanging Jesus Christ like? He is God. To discuss all His characteristics would take years! Jesus is powerful: as a man, strong enough to walk miles every day and drive the money changers from the temple; as God, powerful enough to calm the sea with a word, wither a fig tree with a word, create the entire universe – omnipotent!
Jesus is gentle. He has always had a wholesome, compassionate, and loving relationship with the children, the weak, the lame, the downtrodden, the retarded, the widows, the orphans, and the bereaved. With all His tenderness and sweetness, He is, however, no pushover. His meekness is the essence of His almighty power submitted to the will of His Father so that He could become the sacrificial Lamb to pay for our sins.
Jesus is the God of grace and forgiveness; yet He is intolerant of sin. For some, this statement represents a contradiction; but for Jesus and the believer, there is no problem here. If there is any doubt about these two sides of Jesus Christ’s personality, study the book of James. He receives us through His grace and saves us unto good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
Jesus is the God of Glory. Only He, who has made Himself low and given His life for us, is worthy to open the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 5) The glorified Jesus is so dazzling that our human eyes are overwhelmed. Like His Father and the Holy Spirit, His glory shines likes a flame. In one word, He is perfection.
Jesus Christ is unique when He is compared to all other gods. Only Jesus has been crucified and resurrected. He is also unique in that becoming a follower is not the result of works. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9) Quoted from Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)
The following is a delightful video. At the end there is a request for money, which I did not add.
How have you changed? How has our nation changed? How has the environment changed? But Who never changes?
He is our Prophet, Priest, and King. As our Prophet, He came and spoke to us about His Father, the Holy Spirit, Himself, heaven, all our relationships, and the future. Now He sits on the right hand of His Father and fills the roll of the Great High Priest. One day He will come to earth as the King and will reign forever. His circumstances and His occupation have changed, but the essence of who He is, was, and shall be never changes.
He is the always the same. What never changes about Him? First, let’s consider the term Jesus Christ. Jesus is His name. Derived from the Hebrew name “Joshua” (Y’shua or Je-Hoshua), it means “Jehovah is salvation.” Christ, His title, means “the Anointed One, the Messiah.” True theology never changes. We may learn more from studying, but the truth of Jesus Christ is always the same.
What is the unchanging Jesus Christ like? He is God. To discuss all His characteristics would take years! Jesus is powerful: as a man, strong enough to walk miles every day and drive the money changers from the temple; as God, powerful enough to calm the sea with a word, wither a fig tree with a word, create the entire universe – omnipotent!
Jesus is gentle. He has always had a wholesome, compassionate, and loving relationship with the children, the weak, the lame, the downtrodden, the retarded, the widows, the orphans, and the bereaved. With all His tenderness and sweetness, He is, however, no pushover. His meekness is the essence of His almighty power submitted to the will of His Father so that He could become the sacrificial Lamb to pay for our sins.
Jesus is the God of grace and forgiveness; yet He is intolerant of sin. For some, this statement represents a contradiction; but for Jesus and the believer, there is no problem here. If there is any doubt about these two sides of Jesus Christ’s personality, study the book of James. He receives us through His grace and saves us unto good works. (Ephesians 2:10)
Jesus is the God of Glory. Only He, who has made Himself low and given His life for us, is worthy to open the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 5) The glorified Jesus is so dazzling that our human eyes are overwhelmed. Like His Father and the Holy Spirit, His glory shines likes a flame. In one word, He is perfection.
Jesus Christ is unique when He is compared to all other gods. Only Jesus has been crucified and resurrected. He is also unique in that becoming a follower is not the result of works. If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9) Quoted from Do You Know How God Loves You?: Successful Daily Living
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)
The following is a delightful video. At the end there is a request for money, which I did not add.
Friday, May 1, 2009
It Is Well with My Soul
"It Is Well with My Soul"
The Story Behind the Hymn Quoted from Wikipedia:
"It Is Well with My Soul" is a very influential hymn penned by hymnist Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss.
This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.
The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for Palestine. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor. The colony later became the subject of the Nobel prize winning Jerusalem, by Swedish novelist Selma Lagerlöf.
My Story:
When my husband, Bobby, died after suffering five years of paralysis caused by a variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome, I thought about all the meaningful hymns he used to play in church on his trumpet. Since this was one of my favorites, I decided to ask the congregation to sing it, and Mickey Cloud, the music minister, listed it in the funeral program. Most of the men who were pall bearers at his funeral were musicians. All of them sang beautifully. I wish I had a recording of those men and the congregation, including former music students, singing "It Is Well with My Soul." It was one of the most touching performances of it I've ever heard.
After all we went through, my family and I could truly say, "It Is Well with My Soul" because we understood it was and is well with Bobby Cheatham's soul. Bobby had such a special gift that I believe God was ready to call him home to join in the music of heaven praising the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
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.
The Story Behind the Hymn Quoted from Wikipedia:
"It Is Well with My Soul" is a very influential hymn penned by hymnist Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss.
This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.
The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for Palestine. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor. The colony later became the subject of the Nobel prize winning Jerusalem, by Swedish novelist Selma Lagerlöf.
My Story:
When my husband, Bobby, died after suffering five years of paralysis caused by a variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome, I thought about all the meaningful hymns he used to play in church on his trumpet. Since this was one of my favorites, I decided to ask the congregation to sing it, and Mickey Cloud, the music minister, listed it in the funeral program. Most of the men who were pall bearers at his funeral were musicians. All of them sang beautifully. I wish I had a recording of those men and the congregation, including former music students, singing "It Is Well with My Soul." It was one of the most touching performances of it I've ever heard.
After all we went through, my family and I could truly say, "It Is Well with My Soul" because we understood it was and is well with Bobby Cheatham's soul. Bobby had such a special gift that I believe God was ready to call him home to join in the music of heaven praising the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
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.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
J. B. Coats
Summerland, Mississippi, is a little community not far from Hot Coffee and Taylorsville. This is my old stompin' ground. My cousins live at Summerland, and we go to their church there for the Gregg family reunion. My cousins, who can sing like birds, pitched in at our last family reunion and made the good old-old time J. B. Coats songs come alive. They invited me to come up to the front and join in, but I could not have added anything to their lovely music.
Summerland is the place where J. B. Coats used to live. Actually, he lived at Gitano, Mississippi, a tiny dot on the map near Summerland. His claim to fame is based on one wonderful song he wrote. (He wrote others, but this one is the most famous.)
Many musicians have recorded this heartfelt song. Here is the version Elvis Presley did:
Quoting the Biography of J. B. Coats:
J.B. Coats was born on April 6, 1901, in Summerland, Mississippi. He attended the schools of his area and was both a student and lover of music all his life...His formal education was continued with study at Mississippi Southern College and Louisiana State University. He also studied music with Julius Rishing, J.E. and Alvis O. Thomas and T.B. Mosley. When just a lad about fourteen, he began teaching music classes and conducting evangelistic singing. Mr. Coats was a teacher in public schools most of his life...He was the composer of many loved gospel songs with "Where Could I Go" haveing been printed and sung most widely. Others of his outstanding songs are "A Wonderful Place", "My Soul Shall Live On", "I'm Winging My Way Back Home", and "Tomorrow May Mean Goodbye". Many of his songs have been recorded by leading quartets and singers...Mr. Coats was associated with Stamps-Baxter Music Company and a lifetime staff writer for them...He joined the Baptist Church and served more than thirty years as a Deacon before answering the call to the ministry. He died on December 15, 1961.
-----
When Myrtle was a little girl, J. B. Coats used to go to the church she attended, Fellowship Baptist Church, near Taylorsville, Mississippi, and conduct singing schools in the summer. He taught her to sing alto.
Summerland is the place where J. B. Coats used to live. Actually, he lived at Gitano, Mississippi, a tiny dot on the map near Summerland. His claim to fame is based on one wonderful song he wrote. (He wrote others, but this one is the most famous.)
Many musicians have recorded this heartfelt song. Here is the version Elvis Presley did:
Quoting the Biography of J. B. Coats:
J.B. Coats was born on April 6, 1901, in Summerland, Mississippi. He attended the schools of his area and was both a student and lover of music all his life...His formal education was continued with study at Mississippi Southern College and Louisiana State University. He also studied music with Julius Rishing, J.E. and Alvis O. Thomas and T.B. Mosley. When just a lad about fourteen, he began teaching music classes and conducting evangelistic singing. Mr. Coats was a teacher in public schools most of his life...He was the composer of many loved gospel songs with "Where Could I Go" haveing been printed and sung most widely. Others of his outstanding songs are "A Wonderful Place", "My Soul Shall Live On", "I'm Winging My Way Back Home", and "Tomorrow May Mean Goodbye". Many of his songs have been recorded by leading quartets and singers...Mr. Coats was associated with Stamps-Baxter Music Company and a lifetime staff writer for them...He joined the Baptist Church and served more than thirty years as a Deacon before answering the call to the ministry. He died on December 15, 1961.
-----
When Myrtle was a little girl, J. B. Coats used to go to the church she attended, Fellowship Baptist Church, near Taylorsville, Mississippi, and conduct singing schools in the summer. He taught her to sing alto.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
I’ll Tell You Why I’m Not Going!
“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.” (II Peter 3:18)
How many times have you heard someone say, “I’ll tell you why I’m not going to church”? The reasons go like this:
I cannot abide the preacher...the choir director...the deacons. On the front row every Sunday there are a bunch of hypocrites, who lie, steal, and cheat. Sunday they are the biggest Christians you’ll ever see, and Monday morning they are scoundrels. They are keeping me from church. I don’t want a part of God if these are His people. I’ll get more out of going to the lake than sitting in that church with that bunch of sinners calling themselves Christians. I don’t want anybody like that preaching to me or teaching my Sunday school class.
There are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t let anyone steal your joy in the Lord! Realize that these people are growing in grace. Try to see them as God sees them: through the love of Christ. Be sure that God is seeing you through the grace of Christ’s love. If you have not already claimed Christ’s saving grace through His shed blood, do so.
Turn your eyes toward Jesus and away from other people’s faults. Forgive them as you wish people would forgive you for the most stinking thing you have ever done to anybody. When you see mean-spirited persons on the front pew of the church (or even in the choir!) and you cannot help noticing them, thank God that they are in church. How much worse would they be if they were not there? How much has God already worked on them?
Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Remember that they are sinners saved by God’s grace. We are all growing in the Lord, and He hasn’t finished with us yet. Pray for them and thank God for the opportunity. Be especially kind to people who have offended you. Read and reread Matthew 5, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Go to church for encouragement from the Lord and to assemble yourselves with others to encourage them. All those other sinners saved by grace in God’s church need to see you there, where they can receive a hug and a handshake with your smile. They need to hear you say something sweet.
Did you know that there are little children who never receive kind and encouraging words except on Sunday in church? Did you know that there are elderly people who go all week without touching another human being except for the ones they hug in church?
How many times have you heard someone say, “I’ll tell you why I’m not going to church”? The reasons go like this:
I cannot abide the preacher...the choir director...the deacons. On the front row every Sunday there are a bunch of hypocrites, who lie, steal, and cheat. Sunday they are the biggest Christians you’ll ever see, and Monday morning they are scoundrels. They are keeping me from church. I don’t want a part of God if these are His people. I’ll get more out of going to the lake than sitting in that church with that bunch of sinners calling themselves Christians. I don’t want anybody like that preaching to me or teaching my Sunday school class.
There are a few things to keep in mind. Don’t let anyone steal your joy in the Lord! Realize that these people are growing in grace. Try to see them as God sees them: through the love of Christ. Be sure that God is seeing you through the grace of Christ’s love. If you have not already claimed Christ’s saving grace through His shed blood, do so.
Turn your eyes toward Jesus and away from other people’s faults. Forgive them as you wish people would forgive you for the most stinking thing you have ever done to anybody. When you see mean-spirited persons on the front pew of the church (or even in the choir!) and you cannot help noticing them, thank God that they are in church. How much worse would they be if they were not there? How much has God already worked on them?
Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Remember that they are sinners saved by God’s grace. We are all growing in the Lord, and He hasn’t finished with us yet. Pray for them and thank God for the opportunity. Be especially kind to people who have offended you. Read and reread Matthew 5, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Go to church for encouragement from the Lord and to assemble yourselves with others to encourage them. All those other sinners saved by grace in God’s church need to see you there, where they can receive a hug and a handshake with your smile. They need to hear you say something sweet.
Did you know that there are little children who never receive kind and encouraging words except on Sunday in church? Did you know that there are elderly people who go all week without touching another human being except for the ones they hug in church?
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