Writing On Eagles Wings

Scripture: “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Explanation of Song: Charles Gabriel (1856-1932) grew up on a farm in Iowa. During his early years, he learned to appreciate music from his father, a traveling music teacher. While he worked the farm, Charles would often create melodies in his head, and then write words for them when the day was finished. When his father died, Charles carried on the work of his dad teaching music. He decided he wanted to write a famous song and went on to compose many hymns, including “His Eye is On the Sparrow”. He wrote “My Savior’s Love” to express his gratitude and awe toward the sacrificial love of Jesus for mankind.

Application: As a Christian, I understand the importance of serving God. I love serving Him, but I realized that somewhere deep within my mind, I believed that my service was somehow connected to what God would do for me. This way of thinking was, of course, exclusive of salvation. Romans 6:23 clearly states that salvation is a gift from the Lord. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Unfortunately, the belief that my works were in some way an impetus for God’s blessings became a subconscious thorn in my psyche. And honestly, nothing could be further from the truth.

Isaiah 64:6 clearly states, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” I may have good intentions, but they are not going to influence God’s actions toward me in any way. That’s tough pill to swallow… especially for someone like me who struggle with pride. But truth is truth, and in this case, it’s a wonderful truth!

What is absolutely wonderful about this realization is that I am the recipient of so much from God simply because He loves me. Here are a few examples.

1. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

• This verse does not say “… for he careth for you when you share the gospel” or “…for he careth for you when you read your Bible every day”. God wants to help me through the struggles of life for one simple reason… He loves me! That’s it. No strings attached. No service required. As I struggled to grasp this, His Spirit quietly whispered into my mind, “What does your daughter have to do in order for you to love her and help her with the burdens she bares?” The answer is “Nothing”. I do what I can for her because I love her, not for what she can do for me. Well, that’s exactly how it is with God. He cares for me deeply because He loves me deeply. Jeremiah 31:3 states, “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.”

2. “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14)

• When life’s struggles and challenges become overwhelming; when I am unable to do anything to help myself, God promises to fight those battles for me. What do I need to do? Nothing. He tells me to “hold my peace”, which indicates a couple of things. First, grasp the spiritual peace He freely offers and trust Him. Second, do nothing. Be still. In the verse preceding this one, Moses tells the Israelites, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD”. God’s promise to fight for us is not conditional. He told the Israelites to “hold your peace”. Just like then, God doesn’t say He’ll fight for us IF we do something for Him. He simply says He’ll fight our battles for us. Why? Because He loves us.

3. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)

• This is so simple, it’s hard to comprehend. Want wisdom? Just ask and God will give it. Period. No specific tasks need to be completed to demonstrate your worthiness of God’s gifts or blessings. Think about it… salvation – freely given (Ephesians 2:8); divine protection – freely given (Isaiah 43:2); God’s peace – freely given (John 14:27); physical needs – freely given (Philippians 4:19). Why? Because He loves us!

We serve a “giving” God. He wants to give us good things; He wants to bless us, and He wants to help us live righteously through Christ. The only thing He desires from us is a relationship with Him through His Son, and that is only a prayer away because Jesus has already done the work for our redemption. Titus 3:5 affirms this, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost”. Truly, no one has ever cared for us like Jesus.

Memory Verse: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13

Stretching your thoughts:

1. Why is it so difficult to accept the blessings of God without feeling like we need to do something to earn them?

I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me.

He took my sins and my sorrows, He made them his very own;
He bore the burden to Calv’ry, and suffered, and died alone.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful is my Savior’s love for me.

(from “My Savior’s Love” by Charles H. Gabriel)

Scripture: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Explanation of Song: Frank Graeff (1860-1919) was a Methodist minister known for his happy countenance. He was often called the “Sunshine Minister”. Sadly, he faced a series of heartbreaks which threatened to destroy the joy of the Lord that he radiated to others. In his despair, he remembered the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and as he sang, 1 Peter 5:7 came to his mind. From that experience, he wrote “Does Jesus Care?” combining questions asking if God truly cares about us with the resounding answer “Oh, yes! He cares!”

Application: When you have a granddaughter who plans to be a vet, there is bound to be a plethora of animals in the household. Beyond the “normal” pets, we also have chickens and miniature ponies. One of my joys is to help her out by pet-watching when she goes on vacation. It’s pretty exciting when the ponies come up and nuzzle me, but when things go wrong, it can be very frightening.

That happened this past weekend. My granddaughter was about 1200 miles away visiting friends for a graduation, and I was babysitting the critters. When I ventured out Sunday morning before church to feed the horses, I found Halo, a sweet micro mini-horse, laying on his side. Now, I don’t know much about horses, but I know enough to know that this is NOT a good sign. I literally felt my heart rate race as I grabbed my phone to call my daughter and granddaughter. I felt so helpless and afraid for Halo because I had no idea what to do to help him!

To make this very long story short, two good “horse” friends came to administer some medication, and the vet was notified. I was tasked with keeping Halo up and moving, so we began our travels around the property. I wept as we walked, and then for a moment, when we paused on the front yard, I realized I had forgotten something very important. I looked down at Halo; he looked up at me, and I knew I needed to pray right then. I lowered my head to the top of his and prayed. Yes, I prayed with a pony. He stood quietly while I prayed, not even trying to grab a bite of grass, which he was strictly forbidden to have at this point. I then told Halo I was certain of one thing – God loved horses because they are the only animal in heaven that I know of that is mentioned in the Bible. As we continued to walk, I knew that no matter what happened, God was aware and in total control. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I was able to give thanks in this situation that Jesus walked with us as we resumed our medicinal walk; He was aware of all that was happening.

The outcome? I am happy to report that Halo is doing well. After oral medication and IV fluids, he finally perked up, ate, drank some water, and produced manure. We were out of the woods! 1 Peter 5:7 reminds me that nothing is too small to bring before the Lord. His Word tells me that I should always be “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”  Not some, but all because God cares about everything that we care about. Even a little pony.

Memory Verse:  “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” – Psalm 139:17

Stretching your thoughts:

1. What have you experienced that you felt was too trivial with which to trouble God, yet when you did pray, you found Him to be faithful to help and comfort you?

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth or song;
As the burdens press, and the cares distress, and the way grows weary and long?

O yes, He cares- I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades, does He care enough to be near?

O yes, He cares- I know He cares! His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

(from “Does Jesus Care?”by Frank E. Graeff)

Scripture: “And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20

Explanation of Song: Ada Habershon (1861–1918) wrote they lyrics to “He Will Hold Me Fast” in 1906 after being approached by Australian musician, Robert Harkness, to write a song about Christ’s preserving power. He wrote to Habershon after a new convert shared that he feared his faith was too weak to live the Christian life. After receiving her lyrics, he composed the music during a revival service, and 4,000 people sang it the very same evening.

Application: In Luke 15, Jesus shares three parables about the restoration of a cherished item: sheep, coin, and child. In the latter part of the chapter, He speaks about the prodigal son, who chose to leave his father and join his lifestyle with that of the world. The story ends with the son returning home, ashamed, but met by a forgiving father who runs to the prodigal and wraps his arms around him, rejoicing at the return of his precious son… proclaiming, “He was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:24).

An embrace is a gesture of physical affection that happens when someone wraps their arms around another person and  holds them closely. There are many synonyms for the word “embrace” such as hug, cover, welcome, cuddle and enfold. An embrace can be given for emotional support, security, and romantic feelings, etc. They vary in the type and frequency and are practiced globally. In addition to the various types of embraces, the way they are given and to whom vary from culture to culture.

One of my favorite hugs is a bear hug! Every time my hubby pulls me into his embrace and give me a long hug, I cherish it! It is such a delightful show of affection, and I know his hugs are just for me. Other hugs can be one-armed, a pat-on-the-back hug, a gentle embrace, or a quick side-to-side squeeze. Regardless of the type, a hug conveys affection from one person to another.

Did you know that God embraces us? Throughout the Bible, there are so many verses that I consider to be “hugs from God”, and each one involves His hands or arms. Here are a few of my treasured hugs from my Lord.

1. God embraces those who trust in Him.

• “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,” – Psalm 17:8.
• I recall seeing a picture of a mother hen with wings spread over her chicks protectively. In this verse, God’s embrace covers us, keeping us safe in His arms.

2. God embraces children.

• “And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16
• Jesus loves children, and in this passage, His embrace encompasses holding them in His arms and blessing them. What a blessing to be the recipient of this hug!

3. God embraces believers.

• “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” – Isaiah 40:11
• With Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we are His lambs, and He embraces us as He carries us in His arms close to His heart.

4. God embraces the elderly.

• “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” – Isaiah 46:4
• Being embraced by God isn’t age-dependent. Even as a “senior saint”, He promises to carry me, and in that carrying, I am embraced close to the heart of my Lord.

Throughout the Bible, we read of God reaching down to His children and embracing them. Some embraces are protective; some are comforting, and some are simply the demonstration of a Father’s love. Oh, how wonderful to be hugged by God!

Memory Verse:  “Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.” – Psalm 73:23

Stretching your thoughts:

1. When is a time when you knew without a doubt that God was holding you close to His heart?

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He can hold me fast!

Refrain:
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so, He will hold me fast.

I could never keep my hold, He must hold me fast;
For my love is often cold, He must hold me fast. [Refrain]

I am precious in His sight, He will hold me fast;
Those He saves are His delight, He will hold me fast. [Refrain]

He'll not let my soul be lost, Christ will hold me fast;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast. [Refrain]

(from “He Will Hold Me Fast”by Ada R. Habershon)

Scripture: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” – Deuteronomy 33:27

Explanation of Song: Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) is perhaps one of the most well-known hymn writers of all time. However, her life was not without struggles. Many know that she was blind, but what is not as well-known is the fact that in her early years of marriage, she and her husband lost a baby shortly after the birth. She rarely spoke of this to anyone, keeping it to herself. In 1868, she was given a melody and asked if she could possibly compose a poem to go with it. After hearing it, she knew exactly what she would write. Within 30 minutes, she had written the lyrics to the comforting hymn in remembrance of her sweet baby who rested “safe in the arms of Jesus”.

Application: For years, I was a non-hugger, but then I discovered the joy of hugging in two wonderful ways. The first was when I fell in love with my husband. The strength of his arms around me made me feel safe and loved. Even after nearly 50 years of marriage, I still cherish each hug from him. The second was when my children were little. I lived for their little arms trying to wrap around me. The enormity of their love in those little hugs filled my heart with such joy.

Hugging others is such a boost for our emotional well-being, plus there are some great physical health benefits as well! Studies suggest that hugging promotes the release of oxytocin, the “love” hormone, whereby pain is reduced, sleep is improved, and overall happiness increases! Additionally, hugging reduces stress, boosts immunity, improves heart health, and lowers blood pressure!

What about our spiritual well-being? Getting hugs from God are great for that, too! Wait, what? Hugs from God? How does that work? The truth is we get hugs all the time from God, but because they’re in the realm of the spiritual world, we don’t always recognize them. Here are a few examples of some of the hugs Jesus gives us.

1. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

• This is one of the most important hugs ever! I didn’t earn this hug from God; He just gave it to me because He loves me.

2. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

• My burdens may be emotional, physical, mental… it doesn’t matter. God is ready to hug me, comfort me, and provide me sweet rest in Him.

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

• When God hugs me, He whispers peace to my soul because I know I can trust Him to take care of anything and everything in my life.

4. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” – Luke 4:18

• When my heart is broken, being held closely reassures me that I am not alone in my sorrow. I am being hugged by the One who deeply loves and cares for me, and that tells me, in time, all will be well.

These are just a few examples of godly hugs. It’s amazing how many hugs the Lord gives throughout the day! The Bible tells me, “His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.” (Song of Solomon 8:3). Getting a hug from God can provide strength, hope, peace, love, joy… there is so much that we get from knowing that His arms are wrapped around us! So, when you need a hug from Jesus, just open His Word, and you’ll get one!

Memory Verse:  “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8

Stretching your thoughts:

1. What verse reminds you that God is hugging you and keeping you close to His heart?

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels, borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.

Refrain:
Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials, only a few more tears! [Refrain]

Jesus, my heart’s dear refuge, Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages, ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait in patience, wait till the night is o’er;
Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore. [Refrain]

(from “Safe in the Arms of Jesus”by Fanny Crosby)

Scripture: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

Explanation of Song: Elvina Hall (1820-1889) was a member of a church choir and quietly penned a poem during her pastor’s message. Later, when she shared this poem with him, he, in turn, showed it to the church’s organist, who had composed a melody, but had no words to accompany it until now. In 1865, the hymn was published after three individuals, Elvina Hall, her pastor, Reverend Schrick, and the organist, John Grape, collaborated to make her original poem a beautiful memorial to the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrifice.

Application: In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday to remember all American military personnel who lost their lives in service to our country. While not established as a federal holiday until 1971, the day of remembrance actually began in 1865 in Charleston, SC as Decoration Day. It was a day set aside to honor the imprisoned Union soldiers who perished in prison there during the Civil War. Flowers were placed on their graves and hymns were sung in the remembrance of these brave men and their sacrifices. Now celebrated on the last Monday in May, flags are lowered to half-staff around our nation as we honor and remember the sacrifice of those who gave all they had for the cause of liberty and national sovereignty, protecting our country from the threat of tyranny, foreign invasion, and global terrorism.

For the Christian, we have another “memorial” day to remember and honor. While the exact date is unknown, the event is globally recognized. It involves the death of one man who willingly sacrificed Himself for every person who ever lived. He died for the cause of spiritual liberty, saving us from the consequences of sin, God’s wrath and judgement, and an eternity of punishment in hell. Of course, I am referring to the sacrifice Jesus made upon the cross of Calvary.

Unlike those who visit the graves of military personnel to lay flowers upon them, Christians cannot honor the Lord in this manner. While the Bible tells us that three days after His burial, there were a group of ladies who went to the tomb to anoint the body of Christ in love and remembrance, they were unable to do so. Upon arriving at the site, the ladies were greeted by an angel who declared, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” (Matthew 28:6).  

The crucifixion of Jesus is historically a fact; His burial is a fact, and most wondrous of all, is that His resurrection three days after His death is a fact that cannot be denied. The Bible tells us that He was seen by over 500 individuals in the 40-day period after His resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:6 verifies this, “After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once;”.

Jesus died to protect our souls from hell. He offered His precious blood to pay the price for our sins and make a way for us to be reconciled to God. His CHOSE this path… this destiny… for you and me.

This Memorial Day as we remember those who gave their lives for our beloved country and its citizens, take a moment to remember the Son of God who died so that we might live forever in heaven with Him… and remember the cost.

Memory Verse:  “After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:25

Stretching your thoughts:

1. Take a few moments to reflect upon what Jesus gave up to give us salvation.

2. Then, take a few more moments to reflect upon what He endured to give us salvation.

3. Now take another moment to thank Him for all He sacrificed to reconcile us to Himself.

I hear the Savior say, "Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray, find in Me thine all in all."

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow'r and Thine alone,
Can change the leper's spots and melt the heart of stone. [Refrain]

For nothing good have I where-by Thy grace to claim;
I'll wash my garments white in the blood of Calv'ry's Lamb. [Refrain]

And when, before the throne, I stand in Him complete,
"Jesus died my soul to save," my lips shall still repeat. [Refrain]

(from “Jesus Paid It All”by Elvina Hall)

Scripture: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” – 2 Timothy 3:16

Explanation of Song: Philip Bliss began his adult career as a music teacher and wrote his first song in 1864. It became a hit, and soon he held music conventions and concerts, but he did not truly care for secular music. He wanted to write hymns, and so he did for evangelists, including D. L. Moody, and their crusades. Some of his well-known hymns are “Almost Persuaded”, “Hallelujah, What a Savior!”, “Dare to Be a Daniel”, and “Wonderful Words of Life”, which was published in 1874. Just two years later, while heading to a Moody revival, Bliss tragically perished at the age of 38, along with his wife, in a horrific train accident.

Application: There have been many times when I’ve read stories in the Bible, and I’ve thought, “How could they?” For example, after seeing all that God did to deliver them from Egypt, how could the Israelites turn from Him so quickly and fashion a golden calf to worship? Later, we read in the New Testament, perhaps one of the most incomprehensible actions taken by a disciple of Jesus. How could Judas Iscariot betray the Lord for thirty pieces of silver? He had been an eyewitness to so many of the miracles that the Lord had performed during His ministry; he was an intimate member of the twelve closest people to Jesus, yet Judas still took matters into his own hands. Instead of trusting God and His perfect plan, he chose to follow his own agenda, which of course, led to the crucifixion of Christ.

It’s so easy to look at others and ponder their behaviors, but when I take a good hard look at myself, I see similar actions in my life that could easily be categorized as rejections or betrayals of Jesus. While I may not have traded the life of my Saviour for thirty pieces of silver or created a golden statue to worship, I have realized that I am guilty of my own acts of idolatry.

First, I often choose other things over my time with Jesus. I don’t necessarily neglect reading my Bible, but instead of making my time with God a priority, it is placed way down on my list of things to do, and when that happens, there are many times I never get to it. Trading my time with God for time with things such as social media, yardwork, shopping, etc. is an area that needs an immediate readjustment. It doesn’t mean these other things are wrong to have in my life, but when they become more important than spending time with Jesus, I have a problem that needs a remedy.

My problem is that I have taken the Bible for granted. As long as I can remember, there has been at least one Bible in my home, and I expect there always will be. Unfortunately, that is not the case everywhere. There are so many countries in this world where Bibles are not allowed. In many places, the Bible is actually outlawed. People in Somalia (20 million people), North Korea (26 million people), Iran (93 million people), and China (1.4 BILLION people) cannot have a Bible without fear of imprisonment or execution. How fortunate I am that I live in a country that allows me to have a Bible and openly worship the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is a blessing to have the actual Word of God in my hands, and here are just a few reasons as to why it is so important to read it.

1. To know God –

• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1

2. To have eternal life –

• “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” – 1 Peter 1:23

3. To grow our faith –

• “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” – Romans 10:17

4. For protection against sin –

• “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” – Psalm 119:11

5. For guidance through life –

• “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psalm 119:105

6. For joy –

• “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.” – Jeremiah 15:16

Imagine what it would be like to have no access to the written Word of God. Let us all determine to make reading the Bible the highest priority in our lives, for in doing that, we will become more and more of what God desires for us to be!

Memory Verse: “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4

Stretching your thoughts:

1. Just for a moment, imagine never having accessibility to a Bible. How does that impact your attitude toward spending time regularly reading the Scriptures?

Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty, teach me faith and duty.

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed one, gives to all wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life;
All so freely given, wooing us to heaven.

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Sweetly echo the gospel call, wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior, sanctify forever.

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

(from “Wonderful Words of Life”by P. P. Bliss)

Scripture: “The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” – Matthew 8:8

Explanation of Song: Ira F. Stanphill wrote “Unworthy” in 1949. The song addresses our spiritual unworthiness due to our sin and our transformation into someone “made worthy” by Jesus. He wrote this hymn in response to an evangelist suggesting he write a song about heaven and God’s grace. Stanphill is known for writing other notable hymns such as “Room at the Cross For You” and “Mansion Over the Hilltop”, and “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”.

Application: As a teacher, I noticed many different types of behaviors in the school setting. It didn’t matter if it was student to student, student to teacher, or teacher to teacher. People were very quick to point out someone’s mistakes, but slow in recognizing successes. For example, if I were to make an error in spelling on a worksheet, my students would immediately point it out. If a child struggled to spell a word, a few snickers could be heard in the room. My co-workers sometimes felt the need to provide unsolicited advice on how I should change my approach to teaching. Interestingly, praises for accomplishments did not come so easily.

It seems to be so much easier to judge the faults of others than to praise them for their successes. 1 Samuel 30:6 tells of a time when the people discouraged David and how he handled it. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” When his failures were pointed out to him, he turned to his God for the encouragement he desperately needed.

There are many reasons, however, why we should strive to encourage and support others instead of tear them down.

First and foremost, it is a biblical command. Ephesians 4:29 states, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” When we uplift others with genuine words of encouragement and praise, it is if we are applying a balm to an ailing heart. Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

Second, it is the manifestation to others of our faith in Christ. Hebrews 10:23-24 states, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”. When we provide positive feedback to others, they become motivated to continue serving the Lord. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Those “good works” include seeking to grow in their own faith, striving to do the will of the Lord, and uplifting others.

Lastly, Hebrews 3:13 states, “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” While we know that in our sin, we are truly unworthy of any praise, we must remember that in Christ, we do become worthy in God’s eyes. It is nothing of ourselves, but everything in Him. Many times, our sins are brought to our attention by ourselves or the comments of a “well-meaning” friend. When we become overwhelmed by our sins… our failures… our walk with Jesus is damaged. We pull away from God; we stop associating with fellow believers, and we stop serving the Lord. Feelings of unworthiness stem from a deceitful heart as Jeremiah 17:9 cautions, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”. We start to believe we are worthless, incapable, and beyond hope.

To conquer these feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness, we must do as David did. We need to turn to One who gives our lives value, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” That includes us! Our unworthiness has been washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ, and we have become worthy in the transformation that He has made possible in our lives! He has a purpose and plan for our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

As an ambassador of Christ, our job is to show the love of God to 1) our brothers and sisters in Christ, 2) the world, and 3) ourselves!! Jesus became our Saviour to make us a new creation in Him. We are no longer “unworthy” because of our sin, but we are “worthy” in HIM! Philippians 4:8 reminds us, “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.” Whether you are looking in a mirror or at another individual, think on these things!

Memory Verse: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Stretching your thoughts:

1. When you view your reflection in a mirror, how could you make that a habit in “encouraging yourself in the Lord” at the start of each day?

Unworthy am I of the grace that He gave
Unworthy to hold to His hand,
Amazed that a King would reach down to a slave
This love I cannot understand

Unworthy, unworthy, a beggar in bondage and alone
But He made me worthy and now by His grace
His mercy has made me His own

Unworthy am I of the glory to come
Unworthy with angels to sing
I thrill just to know that He loved me so much
A pauper, I walk with the King

Unworthy, unworthy, a beggar in bondage and alone
But He made me worthy and now by His grace
His mercy has made me His own

(from “Unworthy”by Ira F. Stanphill)

Scripture: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

Explanation of Song: Charles F. Weigle (1871-1966) was a traveling evangelist who spent long hours away from home. One day, when he arrived home from one of his meetings, he found a note from his wife which said that she was leaving with their daughter as she no longer could continue the hard life of being married to an evangelist. Unfortunately, she died three years later, leaving Weigle feeling like a failure. The despair he felt was so overwhelming, he contemplated taking his own life believing that no one cared for him. As time passed, God’s love and peace broke through his depression, and he realized that Jesus had never left him, never forsaken him as the Scriptures promised. Within 20 minutes, he had written the well-known hymn, “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus”. The last 15 years of his life was spent as a professor teaching and inspiring young men and women in the faith at Tennessee Temple University, where the music center is named after him.  

Application: When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, I remember one lady at my church who casually asked me if I knew what sin I had done to which God was allowing this illness in my life. To say I was stunned, hurt, and speechless was an understatement, and of course, my mind was immediately burdened in the attempt to find the answer. Was my cancer really the result of something that had I done?

What about others that suffered life-altering illnesses? Were they being punished for some sin in their lives as well?

Whenever questions arise about how God works in our lives, the answers can always be found in His Word. The Bible does indeed address sin and sickness.

1. First, Romans 5:12 states, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Sickness became a part of our world as a direct result of sin. The perfect eternal state of life without disease or death ended when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God in the garden of Eden. God pronounced His judgment upon mankind in Genesis 3:19, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” From that moment, mankind would face both physical and spiritual death.

2. Secondly, sickness is a natural consequence of certain decisions or situations. For example, if a person chooses to smoke cigarettes, he or she increases the chances of one day having lung cancer. A second example would be if a person lives a sedentary lifestyle and eats unhealthy foods, diabetes and heart disease may develop. Galatians 6:7 states, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” There are many ways that mistreating one’s body can result in illnesses and disease.

3. Thirdly, God allows sickness in our lives to manifest His power and bring Him glory. When Jesus healed a blind man, the question was asked about who sinned, the man or his parents. Jesus responded in John 9:3, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” Additionally, Jesus explained the purpose of Lazarus’ illness in John 11:4, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” Lastly, God allowed the Old Testament patriarch, Job, to endure great suffering to demonstrate his faithfulness to the Lord and God’s ultimate deliverance. Job 1:9 states, “And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?”

4. Finally, there is a spiritual sickness that can occur in the lives of believers. Isaiah 59:2 tells us that our personal sins create a barrier between ourselves and God. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” When we choose to sin, we pull ourselves away from the Lord. The Bible makes it clear that we cannot serve our own sinful desires and God at the same time. To restore our fellowship with God, we must confess our sins and repent of them as it states in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Seeking forgiveness from God heals the “sickness” of sin in our souls and restores our fellowship with Him.

In each situation, whether physical or spiritual, God is present. His Word tells us that He never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5). He cares deeply for us… more deeply than we can truly comprehend in this temporal existence. Never forget that God sacrificed His own beloved Son to make a relationship with Him possible. That alone speaks to how much we are loved and cherished to the Lord. As a saved child of God, we never face terminal illnesses or any other situation life throws at us alone. God is always with us. Even when the outcome is not what we had hoped it would be, we can be assured that God is with us and continues to care for us as no one else can.

Memory Verse: “For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” – Isaiah 41:13

Stretching your thoughts:

1. It is hard to see others suffering, but trusting God in each situation is imperative. How can you develop your trust in God for situations that you cannot control or understand?

I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true.
I would tell you how He changed my life completely;
He did something no other friend could do.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There's no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me;
O how much He cared for me.

(from “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus”by Charles Weigle)

Scripture: “Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.” – Psalm 25:15

Explanation of Song: Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932) faced great hardship in her life including losing both of her parents at an early age. Saved at the age of 10, she kept a positive outlook as she felt it was her duty as a “soldier of Christ”. Later as a young adult, she developed crippling rheumatoid arthritis and also lost both of her adoptive parents. Despite the debilitating pain in her hands, Annie found solace in writing short poems of encouragement and using them in her hand-lettered cards. Eventually, her poems were noticed and published. In 1919, she wrote the hymn “I Look Not Back” that explains why she focuses on Jesus and not her physical sufferings. She believed that God had laid her aside for a purpose, and her faith in Him never faltered.

Application: When I was growing up, cell phones had yet to be invented and taking pictures was not as common as it is today. As a result, I must rely on my memory to recall special people or events in my life that happened long ago. Most of my memories remind me of good times, like my wedding or the birth of my grandchildren. However, some memories are not so good and take me places I don’t particularly want to go. When I reflect back on certain things, like family deaths or job problems, I feel the negative emotions that go right along with them.

The worst memories I have revolve around past sins. When I reflect back on certain sins in my life, I am filled with remorse and struggle with the forgiveness my mind knows I have received from God, but my heart finds it difficult to accept. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds me that “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” I find myself wrestling with the guilt and memories of the past, and often the result is another rush to the Lord begging for forgiveness. My mind has to remind my heart of two very important biblical  truths.

1. According to 1 John 1:9, God forgave me the first time I asked Him to do so.

• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

2. Hebrews 10:17 assures me that God has forgotten the sins He has already forgiven.

• “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.”  

The Bible also warns against turning back toward sin in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” If it was a temptation back then, it is a temptation today. Being saved doesn’t mean that I am immune to the temptations of sin. That is why God provides a way out every time we face any temptation to sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Jesus was tempted Himself, so He completely understands the fleshly battle we face with sin. He has given us the strength of His Spirit to say “no” and the weaponry of Scripture to be the foundation of our defense against sin. First and foremost, don’t look back!

When God poured out His judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s wife was warned to not look back as she was fleeing the city (Genesis 19:17). However, she chose to disobey the Lord, and turned to look at all that she was leaving. My speculation is that she wasn’t looking back in curiosity. Instead, she was looking back in regret for the sinful lifestyle she was leaving behind. As a consequence, her sin was her doom. Genesis 19:26 records the consequence of her disobedience and sinful desires, “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”

In Philippians 3:13, Paul instructs us to look to our future, not to our past. “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Focusing on what we used to be and do hinders our relationship with Jesus. In much of Paul’s writings, he uses the analogy of athletic competition. Runners don’t keep their eyes on the starting line; they focus on crossing the finish line and winning the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). Hebrews 12:2 explains where our eyes should be, “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.”

So, I am not to look back upon my rebellious years, former toxic relationships, or the bad habits from which God has already saved me. They only serve to create self-judgment and keep me enslaved to sin. Instead, I am given a beautiful recipe for creating new and glorious memories that serve only to strengthen my faith in my precious Jesus. Philippians 4:8 encourages me with these words, “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.” That which God has prepared for  my future is far better than anything I left behind!

Memory Verse: “I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” – Psalm 16:8

Stretching your thoughts:

1. What is it that causes you to doubt full forgiveness of past sins?

2. What verse(s) can help you remember that God “remembers them no more”?

I look not back; God knows the fruitless efforts,
The wasted hours, the sin, the deep regrets.
I leave them all with him who blots the record,
And graciously forgives, and then forgets.

But I look up into the face of Jesus,
For there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled;
And there is joy, and love, and light for darkness,
And perfect peace, and ev'ry hope fulfilled.

(from “I Look Not Back”by Annie Johnson Flint)

Scripture: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

Explanation of Song: Eliza E. Hewitt (1851-1920) wrote many hymns, including “Singing I Go Along Life’s Road” and “More About Jesus”. The words to “When We All Get to Heaven” came to her as she studied John 14. This is the chapter where Jesus tells His disciples that He is going to heaven to prepare a place for them, and one day, He will return to take them back to heaven with Him. While John 14:2 is clearly seen in the first stanza, many other passages of Scripture can be seen in the other three stanzas as well. Hewitt’s friend, Emily Wilson, added the music to the words of the song that became one of the most well-known hymns about heaven.

Application: Recently, I was thinking about heaven and what it would be like. Of course, we don’t have an exact picture, but there’s one thing of which I am certain. Heaven is going to be the most incredible place ever!

When I was outside walking, I was simply amazed by the natural beauty all around me. The trees were various shades of green; the sky was clear blue and dotted with white puffy clouds, and the flowers added splashes of vibrant colors here and there. A soft breeze could be felt, and the morning songs of birds echoed around me. As beautiful as earth can be, it most certainly will pale in comparison to the glory of heaven!

I must confess, with only a few descriptions of heaven in the Bible, my personal vision of God’s eternal dwelling place is not nearly as impressive as what I’ve seen traveling in this world. Revelation 21 speaks of jeweled gates, resplendent angels, and streets of gold, but in my mind’s eye, I find it hard to imagine anything more lovely than the natural beauty of places like Yosemite National Park, the Swiss Alps, or the fjords of Norway. At times, I wonder if heaven will be like the first few days in the garden of Eden, a place blessed by the actual presence of God, untainted by the ugliness of sin.

Then I remember that God’s thoughts and ways are so much higher than mine, and even in my most imaginative dreams I couldn’t even begin to understand the splendor of heaven. Isaiah 55:9 states, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” It occurs to me that there would be no way I could even begin to fathom the glory of God’s dwelling place were He to put it in words for me. It is impossible because heaven is beyond my scope of understanding. Everything that I think is beautiful here; everything that amazes me in God’s magnificent creation is only a fraction of what my carnal mind can grasp in its sinful, mortal state. Trying to understand what heaven will be like is akin to trying to figure out God. It just cannot be done.

One day, I know my faith will become sight! Heaven will be more beautiful, more amazing, more incredible than anything I could ever imagine, but the best part will be that first moment when I actually see my precious Saviour, Jesus, my blessed Redeemer; I will be actually be in the presence of my God! Oh, what a moment that will be, and then when He walks with me, showing me the wonders of my heavenly home… “What a day of rejoicing that will be!”

Memory Verse: “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” – Revelation 21:23

Stretching your thoughts:

1. Are you confident that you will be in heaven? If not, please reply to this post. I’d be happy to show you from God’s Word how you can know for certain that you’ll be there one day with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sing the wonderous love of Jesus; sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions, bright and blessed, He'll prepare for us a place.

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!

Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we'll behold.
Soon the pearly gates will open; we shall tread the streets of gold.

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!

(from “When We All Get to Heaven”by Eliza E. Hewitt)