The Lord is my……
By Barbara Henderson
There is a book called the Holy Bible. In that book Christians find a source of inner joy that is not there because of our outer circumstances, or because of change of our outer circumstances. Our source of internal joy comes from KNOWING that we have eternal life, and that never changes. The joy of knowing we will spend eternity with family and friends who are true converts of Jesus Christ gives inner joy and peace that is beyond any trial or sorrow that this world can throw at us. This doesn’t mean we suffer no pain, but there is a rock solid comfort in knowing though our pain and/or suffering last a thousand years, it is still temporary.
There have been two deaths that seemed to cut through my very soul. The death of my grandmother when I was 8 and the death of my sister when I was 43 are days that I cannot think about without still feeling pain and loss. Grandmother lived next door to us and I saw her every day and spent at least one night a week at her house. Her death was my first experience in the loss of loved one. The death of my sister was not quite as overpowering as the loss of Lily, simply because I had had all those years of being in church learning to know and believe the promises of God. Regardless, the first thing I thought of both times was that we would see them in heaven. Through gallons of tears, I clung, and still cling, to the sure knowledge that we will see them again. I have also lost my other three grandparents, my father in law, and two years ago my own dad. But, it seems that the first death and the death of a young person seem to hurt the worst. My mom said that in some ways the death of my grandmother (her mother in law) hurt her worse than the death of April because it was the first time someone that close to her died. I always think, ‘good grief!’ If the death of April and Lily are just shadows of death – then how incomprehensibly horrible must be the second death. (I think one reason the loss of my grandparents and mine and Jerry’s dads was not so overwhelming was because they had a lengthy illness before they died, so we had sort of grieved through the time of their illness. We weren’t really prepared for it, but maybe acceptance was easier. Although, it was still dreadful, and I still can’t get used to a world without my dad Marvin, and Jerry’s dad Elson.)
Of course there are things that happen in our lives that are painful beyond what words can describe that have nothing to do with death of someone. It is possible that most of the other hurtful things involve betrayal of one sort or another. We trust people to do one thing, and that isn’t what they do. Or we trust them not to do something, and that is what they do. We trust people to act in a way that is fair. We trust them to do what is right. We give our love or admiration to someone, and our affections are used against us to manipulate and maneuver people and events to suit their own lusts and greed. In these cases we can comfort ourselves with two thoughts.
First, we can be action based instead of outcome based. When Christians do what is right according to the teachings of the Bible, then we have done all we can do. The outcome is not in our hand. We answer only our own actions.
Second, we can look forward to heaven. Nothing sinful will enter heaven. Thankfully, even our own bent to sinning will not enter heaven. There really is a new world coming, and it will perfect as Christ is perfect.
However, anyone reading this is obviously alive and kicking and fighting to survive in the real world. We struggle to get through the sorrow and hurts that come our way. We struggle to stay thankful and humble when good things come our way.
Most Christians have memorized Psalm 46:1 which says, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ It is very interesting and good for the soul to consider all the ways the Lord helps us.
Titus 2:14 says, ‘Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works’.
How comforting to us to know that the Lord gave Himself for us, and that he is a very present help in trouble. Those who are saved by grace through faith can truly say,
‘The Lord is my……:’
The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation” he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2
And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 2 Samuel 22:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of m salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my light, and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him. Psalm 28:7
But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. Psalm 94:22
The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. Psalm 118:14
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:24
And I will bring the third part othrough the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I wil hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they say, The LORD is my God. Zechariah 13:9
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Hebrews 13:6
Because we know the Lord, we can also sing
‘Farther Along’
http://s0.ilike.com/play#Brad+Paisley:Farther+Along:225876:s6403494.8081870.12062261.0.2.37%2Cstd_fe388089412f446dbe52ac5ebbbfec06
Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder
Why it should be thus all the day long;
While there are others living about us,
Never molested, though in the wrong.
Refrain:
Farther along we’ll know more about it,
Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We’ll understand it all by and by.
Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer,
Go in the rain, the cold, and the snow,
When there are many living in comfort,
Giving no heed to all I can do.
Tempted and tried, how often we question
Why we must suffer year after year,
Being accused by those of our loved ones,
E’en though we’ve walked in God’s holy fear.
Often when death has taken our loved ones,
Leaving our home so lone and so drear,
Then do we wonder why others prosper,
Living so wicked year after year.
“Faithful till death,” saith our loving Master;
Short is our time to labor and wait;
Then will our toiling seem to be nothing,
When we shall pass the heavenly gate.
Soon we will see our dear, loving Savior,
Hear the last trumpet sound through the sky;
Then we will meet those gone on before us,
Then we shall know and understand why.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Pleasant Thoughts and Mental Stability
Pleasant Thoughts and Mental Stability
I know you all have heard some idiot tell you to ‘think positive’, or ‘look on the bright side’ right when you were in the middle of some disaster. I hope you have managed to keep from giving them a good smack right up side the head for such stupid advice. The problem is that just thinking positive doesn’t do anything except push the problem to the back of your mind for however long you are able to stay focused on happy thoughts. Worldly positive thinking places the burden of changing things on the power of your thoughts. If you can work up enough positive energy, then things will improve. Whatever the situation, things will improve. Well, I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the energy to think that positively. However, there is a very helpful way of thought that brings lasting and good results. The Bible explained it in Philippians 4:8 which says:
‘Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things’.
These thoughts are to be in our heads and hearts all the time, whether we are going through difficult times, or whether we are on top of the mountain at the moment. Our basic thought patterns should be patterns of Biblical thinking. That definitely includes thinking on good things. Obedience to Christ will always bring about a better present and a better future no matter in what circumstances we may find ourselves.
Following these rules for thought are important in every era, every life, and every stage of life. Think about the following things for a minute or two. If you aren’t thinking on the things of Christ, then you may be thinking about some of the following things:
Civilization is declining.
Civility between individuals is declining. If you asked half the people of the world what they consider to be civil conduct or ordinary good manners, their answers would probably all relate to how they would like others to treat them. It wouldn’t have anything to do with how they personally treat others.
The economies of all nations are somewhere between total collapse and barely hanging by a thread.
The religions of the world are in decline. Instead of seeking to stand out as the truth and the right way to eternity, there is a move to blend all religions into a gray mire where everything is equally valid. It makes an awful mess sort of like my granddad’s cooking. Granddad used to make soup. He would open whatever cans he had in the pantry; dump them the same pan; stir and heat; and then bring it over to our house as his contribution to our dinner. My mother insisted that we eat what he served politely because she said he would not eat his meals with us unless he could contribute. We wanted granddad’s company, so we ate that stuff. Honestly, his burnt beans were better than his soup; but it was all just a conglomeration of things that did not go together at all. It was terrible. That is pretty much what you get when you mix all religions. You get an awful mess.
The decline in families is so dramatic that even the definition of ‘family’ is being changed.
And the list could go on. In fact, it does go on, and on, and on. It goes on in the news, television, internet, entertainment, church, and everywhere. In fact, there is nowhere to hide from the constant reminders that the world is in transition from bad to horrible.
What’s a body to do? If we think on actual dire circumstances of today, and the dire predictions for tomorrow, we just might lose our minds entirely. The line from the song ‘Working Nine to Five’ tells the truth when it says, ‘ It’s enough to drive a body crazy if you’ll let it’.
It is important to be aware of what is going on in the world around us. However, it is not wise to spend our days thinking of nothing else. The more you consider the depressing, frightening, tragic things of the world, the more you are stimulated to depression and worry. Perhaps you personally are a part of a tragedy, a sorrow, or a frightening situation right now this very minute. It is very real, and should not be taken lightly or ignored. However, it should not take all your thoughts to deal with it. In fact, you will be able to better deal with whatever you are facing if you follow the instructions in Philippians 4:8. which gives us specific instruction regarding what we are to think about.
We should think on:
Things that are true
Things that are honest
Things that are just;
Things that are pure,
Things that are lovely,
Things that are of good report.
The Bible is true. God’s word is true.
The Bible is honest and worthy of honor and respect. It is above average in every area.
The Bible tells us what is right and just.
The Bible is pure in every way. It is undefiled and clean.
The Bible is lovely. In reading it you are ‘won over’ to a better way of thinking and living.
The Bible is well thought of by those who have taken the time to actually study it.
It is this kind of thinking that provides you with an anchor in troubled times.
It isn’t only an anchor in troubled times. It is an anchor in all times. We are supposed to think about the things that we can do, how to do our jobs and tasks better, how to make do with what we have, how to get a little more out of what we have, how to care for our families, how to get the food down that picky eater, how to get shoes on the last kid who outgrew the shoes they had, and a million things like that. At some point, dictated by common sense, we will have exhausted all the solutions humanly possible. That is the time to turn things over to God and stop thinking about them. (Of course God should be in our thoughts all the time – even when we are thinking about how to solve problems. But at some point, we just have to turn the problem over to him. That is the time our thoughts should turn to the good things of God.)
The problem comes in when we stop thinking about how to solve the problems and start worrying about the problems. Christians should not fall into that trap. We should fall into a pattern of thinking on the good things of life and standing on the promises of God. As His children, we are under His protection. He will care for us in the way that is best for us, and best carries out His will, and best gives Him the glory. How much better to be thinking about the good things of God and thanking him during all events and things than try to learn that way of thinking when we are in the middle of turmoil.
We need to learn to be action based and not outcome based. That means to just do the very best we can in any and all situations. Our actions should be within the boundaries of Christian living. That means living within the boundaries set by God for us in the Bible. Our thinking should please God. Our actions should please Him. The outcome of our actions is not in our hands. It is in the hands of God.
Have you been following God’s instructions for living, but not getting the results you have wanted or expected? Did you treat someone kindly and get a kick in the face in return? Did you work sun up to sundown on something only to have the project totally fail? Our lives would be better if we just get up each morning planning to follow the instructions given to us in the Bible to the letter. If Christians began to measure our success by that yard stick instead of by the outcome of our actions, then we would have a better grasp of how successful we really are. What may look like a failure may be a great success to God. What looks like success to man may be a big failure to God.
In addition to thinking right, Ephesians 6:13 gives us sound instructions. It says, ‘Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’
I love that verse.
We are to stand, ready to move forward as the Lord makes a way.
We are to stand wearing the whole armor of God.
And we are to think on good things while we are standing.
I have found that often while making a good effort to think on the good things of Christ instead of a problem, a solution may come to mind. Or a solution may come from an unexpected source. Or, I may just wind up living through something that gradually gets better. We don’t know how anything will end. Honestly, we don’t usually know exactly how or when a problem began. The only thing we can be sure of is that the best way to handle anything is to follow the instructions for pleasing God given to us in the Bible.
A good Bible verse to remember is 2 Timothy 1:7 which says, ‘For God hath not give us the
spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.’
It is not jumping to conclusions to say that thinking on the good things of God and mental stability are connected. This is not a cop-out to avoid dealing with the difficulties that arise in our lives. We have to do all that we can in whatever situation we find ourselves. But once we have done what we can do, it is our privilege to set out minds on better things. Don’t forsake the good things God offers His children by spending time worrying about things over which you have no control.
Remember Psalm 4:1 which says, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’
So, no matter what in what trouble you may find yourself and your family, God is a refuge and strength., and a very present help in trouble.
Here is the game plan for facing trouble AND for just living as pleasantly as possible all the time, whether in trouble or not:
Remember that God is a very present help in time of trouble.
Put on the armor of God.
Stand fast.
Do what you can do.
Think on the good things.
I am sure you have heard the saying that goes something like this:
Plan your work.
Work your plan.
God has given us the plan for dealing with whatever the day brings.
It is our job to work the plan.
By the way, since God is a very present help in trouble, why not tell your troubles to Him?
Pour out your heart to Jesus. He will listen. He will help you.
Tell it to Jesus
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/e/tellitto.htm
Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that’s well known.
You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Are you troubled at the thought of dying?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
For Christ’s coming kingdom are you sighing?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
AND
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/f/wafwhij.htm
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other hymns to set your soothe a troubled heart an set one’s mind on better things.
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/o/lotearms.htm
(What a fellow ship, what a joy divine……)
Blessed Assurance
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/l/e/blesseda.htm
(Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine…..(
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/t/ctlrisen.htm
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/h/ahtpojn.htm
All the Way My Savior Leads Me
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/t/altheway.htm
Hallelujah for the Cross
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/a/l/hall4cro.htm
(the winds of hell hath blown, the world its hate hath shown, yet it is not over thrown – Hallelujah for the cross!)
A Wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/e/h/hehideth.htm
(A wonderful savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burdens away….)
Are You Washed in the Blood
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/r/aruwashd.htm
(Are you fully trusting in grace this hour…….)
The Love of God
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/o/loveofgo.htm
(Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man ascribe by trade, To write the love of God above, would draint he ocean dry. Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky…..)
Be Thou My Vision
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btmvison.htm
(Be thou my vison, O Lord of my heart: Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art……..)
And finally – one more thing.
The things of great power in this world are:
The love of God
God’s written Word – the Holy Bible – inerrant, relevant, and sufficient.
Music – Godly music for good - worldly music for evil.
Barbara Henderson
http://tobarbara.blogspot.com
http://flingitinthepancooking.com
http://chirpyscats.com We have seven (7) Siberian kittens born February 10, 2011
I know you all have heard some idiot tell you to ‘think positive’, or ‘look on the bright side’ right when you were in the middle of some disaster. I hope you have managed to keep from giving them a good smack right up side the head for such stupid advice. The problem is that just thinking positive doesn’t do anything except push the problem to the back of your mind for however long you are able to stay focused on happy thoughts. Worldly positive thinking places the burden of changing things on the power of your thoughts. If you can work up enough positive energy, then things will improve. Whatever the situation, things will improve. Well, I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the energy to think that positively. However, there is a very helpful way of thought that brings lasting and good results. The Bible explained it in Philippians 4:8 which says:
‘Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things’.
These thoughts are to be in our heads and hearts all the time, whether we are going through difficult times, or whether we are on top of the mountain at the moment. Our basic thought patterns should be patterns of Biblical thinking. That definitely includes thinking on good things. Obedience to Christ will always bring about a better present and a better future no matter in what circumstances we may find ourselves.
Following these rules for thought are important in every era, every life, and every stage of life. Think about the following things for a minute or two. If you aren’t thinking on the things of Christ, then you may be thinking about some of the following things:
Civilization is declining.
Civility between individuals is declining. If you asked half the people of the world what they consider to be civil conduct or ordinary good manners, their answers would probably all relate to how they would like others to treat them. It wouldn’t have anything to do with how they personally treat others.
The economies of all nations are somewhere between total collapse and barely hanging by a thread.
The religions of the world are in decline. Instead of seeking to stand out as the truth and the right way to eternity, there is a move to blend all religions into a gray mire where everything is equally valid. It makes an awful mess sort of like my granddad’s cooking. Granddad used to make soup. He would open whatever cans he had in the pantry; dump them the same pan; stir and heat; and then bring it over to our house as his contribution to our dinner. My mother insisted that we eat what he served politely because she said he would not eat his meals with us unless he could contribute. We wanted granddad’s company, so we ate that stuff. Honestly, his burnt beans were better than his soup; but it was all just a conglomeration of things that did not go together at all. It was terrible. That is pretty much what you get when you mix all religions. You get an awful mess.
The decline in families is so dramatic that even the definition of ‘family’ is being changed.
And the list could go on. In fact, it does go on, and on, and on. It goes on in the news, television, internet, entertainment, church, and everywhere. In fact, there is nowhere to hide from the constant reminders that the world is in transition from bad to horrible.
What’s a body to do? If we think on actual dire circumstances of today, and the dire predictions for tomorrow, we just might lose our minds entirely. The line from the song ‘Working Nine to Five’ tells the truth when it says, ‘ It’s enough to drive a body crazy if you’ll let it’.
It is important to be aware of what is going on in the world around us. However, it is not wise to spend our days thinking of nothing else. The more you consider the depressing, frightening, tragic things of the world, the more you are stimulated to depression and worry. Perhaps you personally are a part of a tragedy, a sorrow, or a frightening situation right now this very minute. It is very real, and should not be taken lightly or ignored. However, it should not take all your thoughts to deal with it. In fact, you will be able to better deal with whatever you are facing if you follow the instructions in Philippians 4:8. which gives us specific instruction regarding what we are to think about.
We should think on:
Things that are true
Things that are honest
Things that are just;
Things that are pure,
Things that are lovely,
Things that are of good report.
The Bible is true. God’s word is true.
The Bible is honest and worthy of honor and respect. It is above average in every area.
The Bible tells us what is right and just.
The Bible is pure in every way. It is undefiled and clean.
The Bible is lovely. In reading it you are ‘won over’ to a better way of thinking and living.
The Bible is well thought of by those who have taken the time to actually study it.
It is this kind of thinking that provides you with an anchor in troubled times.
It isn’t only an anchor in troubled times. It is an anchor in all times. We are supposed to think about the things that we can do, how to do our jobs and tasks better, how to make do with what we have, how to get a little more out of what we have, how to care for our families, how to get the food down that picky eater, how to get shoes on the last kid who outgrew the shoes they had, and a million things like that. At some point, dictated by common sense, we will have exhausted all the solutions humanly possible. That is the time to turn things over to God and stop thinking about them. (Of course God should be in our thoughts all the time – even when we are thinking about how to solve problems. But at some point, we just have to turn the problem over to him. That is the time our thoughts should turn to the good things of God.)
The problem comes in when we stop thinking about how to solve the problems and start worrying about the problems. Christians should not fall into that trap. We should fall into a pattern of thinking on the good things of life and standing on the promises of God. As His children, we are under His protection. He will care for us in the way that is best for us, and best carries out His will, and best gives Him the glory. How much better to be thinking about the good things of God and thanking him during all events and things than try to learn that way of thinking when we are in the middle of turmoil.
We need to learn to be action based and not outcome based. That means to just do the very best we can in any and all situations. Our actions should be within the boundaries of Christian living. That means living within the boundaries set by God for us in the Bible. Our thinking should please God. Our actions should please Him. The outcome of our actions is not in our hands. It is in the hands of God.
Have you been following God’s instructions for living, but not getting the results you have wanted or expected? Did you treat someone kindly and get a kick in the face in return? Did you work sun up to sundown on something only to have the project totally fail? Our lives would be better if we just get up each morning planning to follow the instructions given to us in the Bible to the letter. If Christians began to measure our success by that yard stick instead of by the outcome of our actions, then we would have a better grasp of how successful we really are. What may look like a failure may be a great success to God. What looks like success to man may be a big failure to God.
In addition to thinking right, Ephesians 6:13 gives us sound instructions. It says, ‘Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’
I love that verse.
We are to stand, ready to move forward as the Lord makes a way.
We are to stand wearing the whole armor of God.
And we are to think on good things while we are standing.
I have found that often while making a good effort to think on the good things of Christ instead of a problem, a solution may come to mind. Or a solution may come from an unexpected source. Or, I may just wind up living through something that gradually gets better. We don’t know how anything will end. Honestly, we don’t usually know exactly how or when a problem began. The only thing we can be sure of is that the best way to handle anything is to follow the instructions for pleasing God given to us in the Bible.
A good Bible verse to remember is 2 Timothy 1:7 which says, ‘For God hath not give us the
spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.’
It is not jumping to conclusions to say that thinking on the good things of God and mental stability are connected. This is not a cop-out to avoid dealing with the difficulties that arise in our lives. We have to do all that we can in whatever situation we find ourselves. But once we have done what we can do, it is our privilege to set out minds on better things. Don’t forsake the good things God offers His children by spending time worrying about things over which you have no control.
Remember Psalm 4:1 which says, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’
So, no matter what in what trouble you may find yourself and your family, God is a refuge and strength., and a very present help in trouble.
Here is the game plan for facing trouble AND for just living as pleasantly as possible all the time, whether in trouble or not:
Remember that God is a very present help in time of trouble.
Put on the armor of God.
Stand fast.
Do what you can do.
Think on the good things.
I am sure you have heard the saying that goes something like this:
Plan your work.
Work your plan.
God has given us the plan for dealing with whatever the day brings.
It is our job to work the plan.
By the way, since God is a very present help in trouble, why not tell your troubles to Him?
Pour out your heart to Jesus. He will listen. He will help you.
Tell it to Jesus
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/e/tellitto.htm
Are you weary, are you heavy hearted?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you grieving over joys departed?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus,
He is a Friend that’s well known.
You’ve no other such a friend or brother,
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Do the tears flow down your cheeks unbidden?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Have you sins that to men’s eyes are hidden?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Do you fear the gathering clouds of sorrow?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
Are you anxious what shall be tomorrow?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
Are you troubled at the thought of dying?
Tell it to Jesus, tell it to Jesus.
For Christ’s coming kingdom are you sighing?
Tell it to Jesus alone.
Refrain
AND
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/f/wafwhij.htm
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other hymns to set your soothe a troubled heart an set one’s mind on better things.
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/o/lotearms.htm
(What a fellow ship, what a joy divine……)
Blessed Assurance
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/l/e/blesseda.htm
(Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine…..(
Christ the Lord is Risen Today
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/t/ctlrisen.htm
All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/h/ahtpojn.htm
All the Way My Savior Leads Me
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/t/altheway.htm
Hallelujah for the Cross
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/a/l/hall4cro.htm
(the winds of hell hath blown, the world its hate hath shown, yet it is not over thrown – Hallelujah for the cross!)
A Wonderful Savior is Jesus My Lord
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/e/h/hehideth.htm
(A wonderful savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burdens away….)
Are You Washed in the Blood
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/r/aruwashd.htm
(Are you fully trusting in grace this hour…….)
The Love of God
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/o/loveofgo.htm
(Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man ascribe by trade, To write the love of God above, would draint he ocean dry. Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky…..)
Be Thou My Vision
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btmvison.htm
(Be thou my vison, O Lord of my heart: Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art……..)
And finally – one more thing.
The things of great power in this world are:
The love of God
God’s written Word – the Holy Bible – inerrant, relevant, and sufficient.
Music – Godly music for good - worldly music for evil.
Barbara Henderson
http://tobarbara.blogspot.com
http://flingitinthepancooking.com
http://chirpyscats.com We have seven (7) Siberian kittens born February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Benefits of Fearing Almighty God
There is a People in the World that Fear God’s Name
(This is referring to the God of the Bible of course – and no other gods. In fact, by fearing the God of the Bible, we are set free from fear of other gods. )
‘There is a people in the world that fear God’s name.
There is a heritage peculiar to that people;
present comforts in the soul,
earnests of future bliss.’
Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary Psalm 61:5-8
‘THERE IS A PEOPLE IN THE WORLD THAT FEAR GOD’S NAME;’
Are you one of these people who fear God’s name? Many people call themselves Christian, but have no idea of what it really means to be a follower of Christ. Many other Christians take no thought that their personal actions show fear of God, OR show personal self will. Rather, they rely on God’s mercy and forgiveness, thinking He will always overlook their willful and rebellious actions. The Christian who truly loves God will consider God’s sacrifice in making a way that the individual can be reconciled to Him. He or she will attempt to live his or her life in a manner that shows gratitude for such sacrifice and love. The Christians who truly fear God’s name will love God more than they love themselves. This will show in how they live their lives.
‘THERE IS A HERITAGE PECULIAR TO THAT PEOPLE;’
Our heritage is at least in part salvation and fellowship with the Lord.
A great danger for all Christians is to be exposed to anything that separates us from the God of our salvation. No Christian is ever too old to consider the children’s song that says:
‘Oh be careful little eyes what you see,
little hands what you do,
little ears what you hear,
little feet where you go,
little heart what you love….’
If you neglect to be careful of all these things, you are in danger of separating yourself from God’s fellowship. There no joy in the life of a Christian who is without good fellowship with God. An earthly comparison is when a husband and wife are at odds with each other. Neither is happy nor content until the rift between them has been repaired. So is our fellowship with God. If something is standing between the Christian and God, the obstacle should be dealt with ASAP.
‘PRESENT COMFORTS IN THE SOUL,’
Psalm 46:1 says, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ What can be more comforting than this? If the fellowship between the individual Christian and God is on sound footing, then help will be there for whatever trial the Christian may face. Think how marvelous the help if an entire New Testament Church is in solid fellowship with Christ.
‘EARNESTS OF FUTURE BLISS.’
‘Earnests’ is defined as a ‘sign, foretaste, or pledge of something to come; a portion of something, given or done in advance as a pledge of the remainder.’
Our earthly blessings are ‘earnests’ from God. They are just ‘tastes’ and ‘shadows’ of the good things to come when we live in heaven. By faith we know that the things of heaven and eternity are greater than our capacity to know and understand. (1 Corinthians 2:9) I never dream of understanding rocket science or trigonometry. It seems dull and boring to me, and without any use what so ever. However, I do dream of heaven and what it will be like there. By the good things I have and seen and experienced on earth, I have a foretaste of heaven. I believe the evil I have seen and experienced are foretastes of hell.
I thank God that through Jesus Christ I will never fully experience or understand the horrors of hell.
I thank God that through Jesus Christ I WILL experience heaven in its entirety.
Matthew Henry’s Bible commentary is available free online at http://christnotes.org
Fearing God has great benefits. (http://biblegateway.com )
1. Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
2. Psalm 19:9
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
3. Psalm 34:11
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
4. Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
5. Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
6. Proverbs 1:29
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
7. Proverbs 2:5
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
8. Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
9. Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
10. Proverbs 10:27
The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Proverbs 10:26-28 (in Context) Proverbs 10 (Whole Chapter)
11. Proverbs 14:26
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
12. Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
13. Proverbs 15:16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
14. Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
15. Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
16. Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
17. Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
18. Proverbs 23:17
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
19. Isaiah 11:2
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
20. Isaiah 11:3
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
21. Isaiah 33:6
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
22. Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
http://biblegateway.com
(This is referring to the God of the Bible of course – and no other gods. In fact, by fearing the God of the Bible, we are set free from fear of other gods. )
‘There is a people in the world that fear God’s name.
There is a heritage peculiar to that people;
present comforts in the soul,
earnests of future bliss.’
Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary Psalm 61:5-8
‘THERE IS A PEOPLE IN THE WORLD THAT FEAR GOD’S NAME;’
Are you one of these people who fear God’s name? Many people call themselves Christian, but have no idea of what it really means to be a follower of Christ. Many other Christians take no thought that their personal actions show fear of God, OR show personal self will. Rather, they rely on God’s mercy and forgiveness, thinking He will always overlook their willful and rebellious actions. The Christian who truly loves God will consider God’s sacrifice in making a way that the individual can be reconciled to Him. He or she will attempt to live his or her life in a manner that shows gratitude for such sacrifice and love. The Christians who truly fear God’s name will love God more than they love themselves. This will show in how they live their lives.
‘THERE IS A HERITAGE PECULIAR TO THAT PEOPLE;’
Our heritage is at least in part salvation and fellowship with the Lord.
A great danger for all Christians is to be exposed to anything that separates us from the God of our salvation. No Christian is ever too old to consider the children’s song that says:
‘Oh be careful little eyes what you see,
little hands what you do,
little ears what you hear,
little feet where you go,
little heart what you love….’
If you neglect to be careful of all these things, you are in danger of separating yourself from God’s fellowship. There no joy in the life of a Christian who is without good fellowship with God. An earthly comparison is when a husband and wife are at odds with each other. Neither is happy nor content until the rift between them has been repaired. So is our fellowship with God. If something is standing between the Christian and God, the obstacle should be dealt with ASAP.
‘PRESENT COMFORTS IN THE SOUL,’
Psalm 46:1 says, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ What can be more comforting than this? If the fellowship between the individual Christian and God is on sound footing, then help will be there for whatever trial the Christian may face. Think how marvelous the help if an entire New Testament Church is in solid fellowship with Christ.
‘EARNESTS OF FUTURE BLISS.’
‘Earnests’ is defined as a ‘sign, foretaste, or pledge of something to come; a portion of something, given or done in advance as a pledge of the remainder.’
Our earthly blessings are ‘earnests’ from God. They are just ‘tastes’ and ‘shadows’ of the good things to come when we live in heaven. By faith we know that the things of heaven and eternity are greater than our capacity to know and understand. (1 Corinthians 2:9) I never dream of understanding rocket science or trigonometry. It seems dull and boring to me, and without any use what so ever. However, I do dream of heaven and what it will be like there. By the good things I have and seen and experienced on earth, I have a foretaste of heaven. I believe the evil I have seen and experienced are foretastes of hell.
I thank God that through Jesus Christ I will never fully experience or understand the horrors of hell.
I thank God that through Jesus Christ I WILL experience heaven in its entirety.
Matthew Henry’s Bible commentary is available free online at http://christnotes.org
Fearing God has great benefits. (http://biblegateway.com )
1. Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
2. Psalm 19:9
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
3. Psalm 34:11
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
4. Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
5. Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
6. Proverbs 1:29
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
7. Proverbs 2:5
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
8. Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
9. Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
10. Proverbs 10:27
The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Proverbs 10:26-28 (in Context) Proverbs 10 (Whole Chapter)
11. Proverbs 14:26
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
12. Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
13. Proverbs 15:16
Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
14. Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
15. Proverbs 16:6
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
16. Proverbs 19:23
The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
17. Proverbs 22:4
By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
18. Proverbs 23:17
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
19. Isaiah 11:2
And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
20. Isaiah 11:3
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
21. Isaiah 33:6
And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
22. Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
http://biblegateway.com
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