Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

Examination of song: Cleland McAfee was one of the sons of John McAfee, one of the founders of Park College in Missouri. As the college preacher and choir director, Cleland often wrote songs for the choir that were aligned with the week’s sermon. He wrote this hymn “Near to the Heart of God” in response to the sudden passing of his two young nieces from diphtheria. That week, the choir sang the hymn in front of the quarantined house and then again the following Sunday morning at the church’s communion service.

Application: It’s not unusual for something to happen to disrupt my prayer time. It could be a phone call, a drop-in visit from a granddaughter, or a nagging kitty who demands attention. Needless to say, there is great wisdom in finding a quiet place to spend some alone time with God. Matthew 6:6 offers a suggestion of where to pray, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”

Oddly enough, I have found my “closet” to be in my car while I am driving! Even though I am aware of the traffic around me, I find that when I play soft instrumental hymns as I drive, I can easily talk with my heavenly Father. The conversations we have had in my car have been life-changing, and I cherish my time with Him in my “quiet place”.

God doesn’t care where we pray; He cares that we do pray. The Bible gives several locations in which prayer has been made.

• Bed – “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.” – Psalm 63:6
• Mountain – “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”  – Matthew 14:23
• Rooftop – “On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:” – Acts 10:9
• Riverside – “And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.” – Acts 10:9
• Prison – “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” – Acts 16:25
• Seashore – “And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.” – Acts 21:5

It truly doesn’t matter where we pray as we see in these examples. In fact, we can even pray inside of a fish… “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish’s belly,” (Jonah 2:1)! Seriously, what is important is the attitude we hold in our hearts and the desire we have to communicate with the Lord. Wherever we find ourselves praying, God promises to be listening!

Memory Verse: “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” – Psalm 55:17

Stretching your thoughts:

1. How important to you is spending “alone” time in prayer with God?

2. Where can you go for private time in prayer with God?

There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God;
A place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.

There is a place of full release, near to the heart of God;
A place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.

O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God,
Hold us, who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.

(from “Near to the Heart of God”by Cleland Boyd McAfee)

Scripture: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” – Jeremiah 33:3

Examination of song: William Walford is remembered as a blind lay preacher, who memorized large portions of Scripture that he would use in his sermons. In addition to the Bible, Walford would “write” poetry in his mind, and on one occasion, he recited the words of this hymn to a friend, who transcribed the poem. It wasn’t until several years later that the poem, Sweet Hour of Prayer” was put to music by William Bradbury, the same hymnwriter who composed the music for “Jesus Loves Me” and “Just As I Am” and many other well-known hymns.

Application: Recent studies revealed that the average time spent in prayer daily by Christians ranges from 1-7 minutes. Finding time to pray does not come easy, as distractions commonly interrupt the intent to commune with God. However, the reality is that even though prayer is often taken for granted, every Christian needs to realize that there is divine power in prayer, and the privilege it is to avail ourselves of the opportunity to communicate intimately with the Lord.

Prayer can be done wherever, whenever, and however we want. God is always accessible; that’s a Biblical truth. Psalm 55:17 states, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Unfortunately, because of the ease of God’s accessibility, there is no urgency to pray. We pray when it is convenient, necessary, or expected.

But what if we couldn’t pray? What if God was only accessible periodically? What if, like Queen Esther, we had to wait to approach our King until He summoned us? And how would it feel to not be summoned for extended periods of time? Imagine what it would be like to have to wait for an unknown period of time to ask for God’s help?

Thank the Lord, none of those situations is how it is for Christians. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the temple, that separated the “holy of holies”, wherein was God’s presence, from the other areas of the temple, was torn in half from top to bottom. The significance of this event was that access to God was no longer reserved for the priests, but anyone could now come to God at any time. “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;” (Matthew 27:51). God bids us to come to Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 has a very simple command, “Pray without ceasing.”

Take a moment to think about the One to whom we pray… the One who desires to hear our voices as it infers in Psalm 66:19, “But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.” It is the Creator of the universe, the One who spoke into existence the tiniest microscopic organism to the enormous planets and stars to everything in between, who desires to hear what is on our hearts. It delights Him when we share our hopes, fears, dreams, worries, questions, and whatever else we harbor within us with Him.

Prayer is essential in our practice of faith. Here are a few important reasons why we need to cultivate a passion for prayer.

1. Prayer helps us resist temptation.

• Jesus urged His disciples to pray to help them fight temptation.
• “And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.” – Luke 22:40

2. Prayer brings peace to our souls.

• Paul explains the necessity of praying for everything.
• “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

3. Prayer builds faith.

• Jesus teaches that seeing God answer our prayers helps our faith to grow.
• “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” – Matthew 21:22

4. Prayer brings us closer to God.

• David writes about the Lord and His greatness, and how God will hear the prayers of the righteous.
• “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

5. Prayer engages God’s mercy, grace, and help.

• The writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus understands all of our struggles in life because as man, He experienced them as well, and thus is ready to help us when we call out to Him.
• “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16

6. Prayer praises the Lord.

• The Psalmist encourages us to praise God always and for everything.
• “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” – Psalm 150:6

7 minutes a day isn’t much, but just imagine what 15, 20, or even more minutes would do when you spend that time engaging the power of the almighty God in your life! Jeremiah 33:3 has often been called “the phone number of God”. Why not give Him a call, and then make a concerted effort to keep in touch with Him every day!

Memory Verse: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” – Hebrews 13:15

Stretching your thoughts:

1. What steps can you take to make your prayer life more meaningful?

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father's throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,  my soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear to him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face, believe his word, and trust his grace,
I'll cast on him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

(from “Sweet Hour of Prayer” by W. W. Walford)

Scripture: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17

Examination of song:  The author of this song is Alice Jacobs, but there is no biographical information available.

Application: I’ve read this verse many times, but today, one word captured my attention: “Every”. According to the dictionary, “every” means each individual component in a group taken collectively. So, “every” good gift means every single gift or blessing of which we are aware and every single one of which we are not aware.

The more I thought about this, the more overwhelming it was. Thing about it… every good gift from God includes the biggies… family, health, career, etc., but it also includes all the little insignificant things that are often overlooked. Things like the following:

• Hearing the song of a Carolina wren in the morning
• Balancing a checking account on the first try
• Receiving a compliment about my hair from a stranger
• The power staying on during a storm
• Not breaking a bone when your horse steps on your foot
• Getting a “thinking of you” card in the mail
• Finding a $5 bill in the bottom of my purse
• My first peony blooming

There are so many of these “good and perfect” gifts that God consistently gives all throughout the day, and it is so overwhelming to realize! Psalm 5:12 states, “For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.” Imagine that! When God blesses, it indicates that He has found favour with me, and so often, I don’t even know it’s happening!!

A very old hymn, Count Your Blessings, tells me to number each blessing I’ve been given. That is virtually impossible to do because God’s blessings encompass EVERY good thing that God has chosen to bestow upon me. How can I even begin to recall every blessing when I often don’t even recognize when they happen? It truly staggers my mind when contemplating the true meaning of the word, “every” and how it relates to God’s goodness to me.

When I think of how God is responsible for EVERY good and perfect gift… not some, not most, but all of them, I can’t help but thank Him over and over and over. Giving thanks to God for every good thing I’ve experienced in my life would take an eternity. The good news is that with Christ as my Saviour, I’ll have an eternity to do just that!

Memory Verse: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Stretching your thoughts:

1. When you think that God is the giver of every good thing in your life, what comes it mind?

2. List at least 10 “little” gifts that God has given you.

God is good to us, dear children,
God is good through all the year,
Gives us all our food and clothing,
Homes and hearths and loved ones dear.
He sent all the happy summer,
Show'rs and sunshine warm and bright,
Trees and birds and grass and flowers,
Strength and gladness, day and night.

God loves all who are His children,
Keeps them safely night and day,
Loves to see them glad and helpful,
In their work and in their play.
Let us sing a song, dear children,
To the praise of God above,
Sing a song of glad thanksgiving,
Thanks for all His wond'rous love.

(from “God’s Goodness” by Alice Jacobs)

Scripture: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13

Examination of song: “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is a traditional gospel song, most likely originating in the late 1800s.  While the author is unknown, it is thought to date back to southern African-American churches of the 19th century. Its known history begins in 1940, when Kenneth Morris heard a porter singing it during a train trip. He then published the song with some revision, and it was recorded for the first time in 1941.

Application: One of my ministries after retirement is cleaning my church. It gives me a couple of days each week to be busy, and I truly enjoy it. One of the areas I dust and vacuum is my pastor’s office. Nearly every time I am there, I see my pastor sitting at his computer doing research for the messages he plans to preach to our church. His Bible is always open, and occasionally a reference book or two is as well. I mention this because my pastor is very learned in the Scriptures, and he has degrees from Bible college and seminary that attest to his years of study. Yet even though he has acquired all this knowledge, he still studies the Word of God continually to learn more and more about the Lord and to seek His guidance in shepherding his congregation. I share this not to praise my pastor (he would never like that!), but to emphasize that even those who have studied the Scriptures for years still need to cultivate their faith continually through an ongoing commitment to studying God’s Word on a regular basis. That is how to have a closer walk with Jesus, and we all should do likewise.

Deuteronomy 4:29 states, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” James 4:8 reiterates that action is required on our part to draw closer to God, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” Notice that both of these verses speak to a process that we initiate. We make the first move that draws God as close to us as we want Him to be.

Psalm 63:1-2 states, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.” Seeking God goes beyond sitting in a Sunday school class or worship service once or twice a week, and it’s applicable to everyone – whether you’ve been actively serving God in a ministry for years or a new convert. Think back to a time when you really cared about someone. Maybe a spouse or close friend. The key factor in getting to know that person was to spend quality time with them. It’s the same with God. We invest our time with Him in two key ways: prayer and Bible study. Prayer shares our heart with God; Bible study shares His heart with us.

“Daily walking close to Thee…” is part of the lyrics of this hymn. Want a closer walk with God? Take action daily. Pray and read His Word each day, and you’ll discover a walk with Jesus that is intimate, personal, and much more than you ever thought it could be! 1 Chronicles 28:9 promises, “If thou seek Him, He will be found of thee…”

Memory Verse: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” – Isaiah 55:6

Stretching your thoughts:

1. How would a “closer walk with Jesus” change your life?

2. What steps can you take today to make your walk with Him closer?

I am weak but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I'll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Thro' this world of toil and snares, if I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares? None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

When my feeble life is o'er, time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o'er to Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore. [Refrain]

Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

(from “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” - author unknown)

Scripture: “Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.” – 1 Chronicles 29:11

Examination of song: Carl Roberg was 26 years old when he wrote a poem entitled “O Mighty God”. It was published in his home country, but then forgotten until he heard it years later being sung to an old Swedish melody. Still, the poem, now a song, did not become well-known until years later. When it was heard by Stuart Hine, a missionary in Russia, he wrote additional lyrics. Eventually, it was brought to America after being heard by Dr. J. Edwin Orr, an American minister and hymnwriter, and gained popularity through the Billy Graham Crusades in the mid-1950s.

Application: There is no doubt that our God is great. Psalm 145:3 states, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.”  All throughout the Bible, we read of God’s majesty and His amazing works. One of the most incredible things about the Lord is that He doesn’t need anything to accomplish what He wants. He can simply use His voice to bring about His desires! Check it out!

The Power of the Voice of God

1. Creation

• “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” – Hebrews 11:3
• God’s voice brought everything into existence.

2. Natural events

• “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” – Mark 4:39
• God’s voice controls all aspects of the natural world.

3. Sickness

• “Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.” – John 4:50
• God’s voice has the power to heal.

4. Demons

• “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:” – Matthew 8:16
• God’s voice casts out demonic spirits.

5.  Death

• “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth…” – John 11:43-44
• God’s voice conquers death.

To know that the voice of God can do these things and so much more, how can we not exclaim, “My God! How great Thou art!”

Memory Verse: “Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” – Psalm 33:8-9

Stretching your thoughts:

1. What has God done in your life that has caused you to cry out, “How great Thou art!”

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy pow’r thru’out the universe displayed

When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze

And when I think that God His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die I scarce can take it in
That on the cross my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
And there proclaim my God how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

(from “How Great Thou Art” by Carl Roberg)

Scripture: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2

Examination of song: Helen Lemmel, the author of this hymn, loved music. As a child, she studied music with noted European teachers. Eventually, she married, but was abandoned by her husband when she became blind. Later, in 1918, she was given a small religious tract by a missionary going to Africa. When she read these words, “Turn full your soul’s vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him, and a strange dimness will come over all that is apart from Him”, she was profoundly affected. Helen later wrote, “Suddenly, as if commanded to stop and listen, I stood still, and singing in my soul and spirit was the chorus, with not one conscious moment of putting word to word to make rhyme, or note to note to make melody.” In the following week, the words continued to echo in her mind, becoming the inspiration for the beloved hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”.

Application: In our culture, athletes, celebrities, wealthy entrepreneurs, and social media personalities are often elevated to such heights that they are often followed by tens of thousands of individuals. Young people copy their hairstyles, fashion, mannerisms, and even thought processes, becoming self-cloned copies of these social icons. The individuals upon whose lives we focus on, tend to be what we emulate in our own lives. If our idol endorses a particular sneaker, we tend to wear those shoes. If our idol supports a particular political candidate, we tend to cast our vote for that person. If our idol lives an ungodly lifestyle, it becomes extremely difficult to live a life pleasing to the Lord because the tendency is to live as the one we hold in high esteem.

In order to live a godly life, we need to have a godly example. The Bible makes it very clear that Jesus is the One we should follow. Ephesians 5:1 states, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;” We focus on Christ in order to become more like Him. Colossians 3:10 reminds us that God is working in us to fashion us after the image of His beloved Son, “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” But what exactly does the Lord offer that the world’s cultural icons cannot?

Here are five key reasons to “turn your eyes upon Jesus”.

1. Jesus offers forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

2. Jesus offers direction in life. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6

3. Jesus offers perfect peace. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” – Isaiah 26:3

4. Jesus offers hope. “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” – Colossians 1:27

5. Jesus offers a future. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” – 1 Peter 1:3-4

There is no one that can offer what Jesus can. He offers a personal relationship to anyone who chooses to place their faith and trust in Him, and a life filled with abundant joy. He alone is the One worthy of our attention, our focus, and our worship!

Memory Verse: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2

Stretching your thoughts:

1. What are some other benefits from “turning your eyes upon Jesus” that you have experienced?

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

Thro' death into life everlasting, He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion-- For more than conqu’rors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

His Word shall not fail you--He promised; believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

(from “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen Lemmel)

Scripture: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” – Psalm 34:19

Examination of song: Horatio Spafford was well acquainted with suffering. After losing his first son from scarlet fever at the age of four, he lost his fortune in real estate when fire swept through Chicago in 1871. A few years later, his four daughters perished in a maritime disaster. En route to join his wife, the ship’s captain informed Spafford when they were over the site where his family’s ship had gone down. Unable to sleep that night, Spafford retreated to his stateroom and reportedly said to himself, “It is well; the will of God be done.” These words became the foundation of Spafford’s well-known hymn.

Application: Recently, I’ve had a family member experience numerous challenges in her life. While they were not on the same scale as the losses that Spafford faced, they were, nevertheless, very difficult to navigate, especially when occurring in such rapid succession. While there were many tears and sleepless nights, she held on to her faith, and slowly emerged from this chapter of her life knowing that God is truly faithful to His Word, and His plan for her life will come to fruition regardless of circumstances.

The same is true for anyone whose faith is in Christ. As children of God, we can be sure that God will take care of us and continue to be in control of all things. If struggles come our way, God will use them to grow our faith and draw us closer to Him. When we are overwhelmed and feel as though the sun will never shine again, we must cling to the truth of His Word, which tells us, “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15).

One important thing to remember is that God’s timing is not our own. He always has a reason for allowing tribulations to continue, and while it may be difficult to endure through these hard times, we can hope in Psalm 91:14-15, which records God’s words, “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” We must remember that our responsibility is to trust Him to lead us through any situation no matter how difficult, and when we do that, we can truthfully say, “It is well with my soul.”

Memory Verse: “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4

Stretching your thoughts:

1. In what situations did you feel hopeless, but God delivered?

2. What would you say to someone losing hope as they go through a hard time?

When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul

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

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

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

(from “It is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford)

Scripture: “And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?” – 1 Chronicles 17:16

Examination of song: Amazing Grace was written by John Newton as he reflected on David’s amazement at God’s grace upon the former shepherd’s life. Raised in a Christian home, Newton memorized many verses from the Bible and heard many stories from the Scriptures. However, after his mother passed, his life became more challenging, and he fell deeper into sin. He eventually became the captain of a slave ship. While some sites claim March 21st as his date of conversion, his own writings record, “That tenth of March is a day much remembered by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748… the Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters.”

Application: If accurate, John Newton and I share the “salvation” date of March 10th. However, mine was 220 years later! That isn’t the only thing we share. After his conversion, John’s spiritual growth was slow as was mine. It took me a long time to recognize all the areas of my life that needed a spiritual transformation (I keep finding more as the years go by!). But God was, and is, faithful, and He opened my eyes to a deeper understanding of Philippians 1:6, which states, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”. Sinners don’t become “perfect” on the day they accept Christ as Saviour. Instead, that is the day the Spirit of God begins the “good work” in us. That continuing work, that aligns our identity with Christ’s, is accomplished through the “amazing grace” of God.

The Biblical definition of “grace” is the unmerited, free, and undeserved favor of God. It is by His grace that we become a “new creature in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As we grow in our faith, the grace of God becomes more evident as our lives become transformed, making us more like His beloved Son.

Here are a few things that God’s grace does for us.

• God’s grace saves. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8)
• God’s grace strengthens. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
• God’s grace transforms. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:11-12)
• God’s grace justifies. “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:24)
• God’s grace provides eternal life. “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7)

Through the grace of God, John Newton eventually became a powerful evangelist, a strong advocate against slavery, and the writer of many hymns in additional to Amazing Grace. Upon salvation, we, too, become recipients of all the benefits of God’s grace. We become empowered by His Spirit to fulfill His purpose for our lives, and upon surrendering ourselves to Christ and allowing Him to have His way in our lives, God can accomplish amazing things through us by His grace! As we go through our lives, we must do as 2 Peter 3:18 instructs, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” It is truly remarkable to know that God invests as much as He does in each one of us! Not only is His grace amazing, but His love for us is as well!

Memory Verse: “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;” – I Corinthians 1:4

Stretching your thoughts:

1. How have you experienced God’s grace in your life?

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come:
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease:
I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.

(from “Amazing Grace” by John Newton)

Scripture: “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” – Matthew 6:26

Examination of song: This lyrics of this song were written by Civilla D. Martin, the wife of an evangelist. She and her husband had met a Christian couple, the Doolittles, who served as inspiration for this song. Mr. Doolittle was confined to a wheelchair, and his wife had been bedridden for over two decades, yet they radiated joy and peace in their lives that spilled over into others. During one visit, Mr. Martin asked how they held on to their faith in spite of all the challenges they faced each day, and Mrs. Doolittle simply said, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” That became the inspiration for the words to this song.

Application: In 2001, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a very difficult time, but the verses in Matthew 10:29-31 gave me the assurance that God was with me throughout every doctor visit and each radiation and chemotherapy session. Each time I saw a sparrow hopping around in the hospital parking lot, I reflected on these verses. Each time I saw a sparrow on the bushes in my yard, I was reminded of how much God cares for me.

Every time fear crept into my being, His sweet Spirit would remind me, “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (Jeremiah 31:3). Each appearance of that little bird was a feathered reminder of the truth of Scripture. Psalm 23:4 states, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”  For me, that valley was a chemotherapy room, but God was with me every time. His presence was real.

Joshua 1:9 states, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” The reality is that God, who willingly died in my place and paid for my sins with His own precious blood, is a God who truly loves me and cares about me. There is no doubt, and because of that I am able to face challenges and struggles in life knowing that I have a heavenly Father who is with me every moment of every day, and like Mrs. Doolittle, I can sing, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!”

Memory Verse: “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” – Matthew 10:31

Stretching your thoughts:

1. In what situations has God provided comfort and peace when you were fearful?

2. What verses gave you the assurance you needed?

Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy—
I sing because I’m free—
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

(from “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” by Civilla D. Martin)

Scripture: “From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.” – Psalm 113:3

Examination of chapter: This short psalm simply praises the Lord for who He is, and for what He can do.

Application: Praising God is so natural when things are going great, but praising Him in the “not-so-great” times is not as easy, yet it is so important to do so.

Why should we praise the Lord?

Isaiah 9:6 calls God, “…Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”, and Isaiah 40:28 adds, “…the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth…” Even if the Lord never did a single thing for us, He deserves to be praised because of who He is.

What is even more amazing is that this God that Isaiah has described sacrificed Himself for all humanity so that He could have a personal relationship with us. When I stop and reflect on who the Scriptures say God really is, it is overwhelming to think of how much He loves me! How could I not praise His holy name?

When should we praise the Lord?

As the psalms tell us, we should praise the name of the Lord always.

• “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1
• “So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.” – Psalm 61:8
• “Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.” – Psalm 71:8
• “Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.” – Psalm 145:2

How should we praise the Lord?

• With music: “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.” – Psalm 150:3-4
• With wholeheartedness: “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.” – Psalm 9:1
• Sacrificially: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
• To everyone: “I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.” – Psalm 108:3

Psalm 145:3 tells us, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” God deserves our praise not for what He has done or can do for us, but for who He is! Praise ye the Lord!

Memory Verse: “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” – Psalm 150:6

Stretching your thoughts:

1. What motivates you to praise God?

2. When was the last time you prayed without asking for anything, just simply praising the name of the Lord?

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done. 

(from “To God Be the Glory” by Fanny Crosby)