Little headaches, little heartaches,
Little griefs of every day.
Little trials and vexations,
How they throng around our way!
One great cross, immense and heavy,
So it seems to our weak will,
Might be borne with resignation,
But those many small ones kill.
Yet all life is formed of small things
Little leaves make up the trees,
Many tiny drops of water
Blending, make the mighty seas.
So those many little burdens,
Pressing on our hearts so hard,
All uniting, form a life's work,
Meriting a grand reward.
Let us not then by impatience
Mar the beauty of the whole,
But for love of Jesus bear all
In the silence of our soul.
Asking Him for grace sufficient
To sustain us through each loss,
And to treasure each small offering
As a splinter from His cross.
Gertrude Dugan (From Manna in the Morning)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
What's In YOUR Section Of The Wall?
The wall around Jerusalem, that Nehemiah was lead by God to rebuild, was so much more than just a fortification against adversaries, it represented the health and prosperity of the holy city. In the same way that the workers labored to build that wall, we, as Christians, are building the kingdom of God by serving Him. It shouldn't be merely a duty, but a great joy to all of us who are privileged to take part in it -- and if you are a Christian, there is a section of the "wall" for you to work on as your assignment from God.
Consider Nehemiah chapter 3. This chapter is a list of different people and families with their corresponding section of the wall to rebuild. Nehemiah 3:20 caught my eye...
After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the Angle to the doorway of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
Nehemiah 3:20
Of all the people, listed, this is the only one of whom it is specifically mentioned that he "zealously" worked on it. So how am I working my my section of the wall? Am I building with zeal and passion, or am I putting a mediocre effort into it? We each have section of the wall -- a part in God's kingdom; it's up to each of us how we serve!
Consider Nehemiah chapter 3. This chapter is a list of different people and families with their corresponding section of the wall to rebuild. Nehemiah 3:20 caught my eye...
After him Baruch the son of Zabbai zealously repaired another section, from the Angle to the doorway of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
Nehemiah 3:20
Of all the people, listed, this is the only one of whom it is specifically mentioned that he "zealously" worked on it. So how am I working my my section of the wall? Am I building with zeal and passion, or am I putting a mediocre effort into it? We each have section of the wall -- a part in God's kingdom; it's up to each of us how we serve!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Susanna Wesley's Prayer
Following up on my last post about prayer, I came across this prayer by Susanna Wesley -- a woman of God who lived 1669-1742. I think of a time in my Sunday School class, when my helper was praying, and one of the students intentionally belched during the prayer. It upset me considerably, and I made sure to let him know in a loving yet firm way that God is the Most High, not some kind of joke. Based on my experience with third graders, they know better than that. In these modern times when we so often do not fully appreciate the mighty God we're praying to, it was both sobering and refreshing to read the words of someone who truly had a healthy reverence and appreciation for the LORD.
"Enable me O God to collect and compose my thoughts before an immediate approach to thee in prayer. May I be careful to have my mind in order when I take upon myself the honor to speak to the sovereign Lord of the universe, remembering that upon the temper of my soul depends in very great measure, my success. Thou art infinitely too great to be trifled with, too wise to be imposed on by a mock devotion and dost abhor a sacrifice without a heart. Help me to entertain an habitual sense of thy perfections as an admirable help against cold and formal performances. Save me from engaging in rash and precipitate prayers, and from abrupt breaking away to follow business or pleasure as though I had never prayed. Amen."
If Jesus prayed with such consistency and reverence toward the Father, who are we to do any less?
"Enable me O God to collect and compose my thoughts before an immediate approach to thee in prayer. May I be careful to have my mind in order when I take upon myself the honor to speak to the sovereign Lord of the universe, remembering that upon the temper of my soul depends in very great measure, my success. Thou art infinitely too great to be trifled with, too wise to be imposed on by a mock devotion and dost abhor a sacrifice without a heart. Help me to entertain an habitual sense of thy perfections as an admirable help against cold and formal performances. Save me from engaging in rash and precipitate prayers, and from abrupt breaking away to follow business or pleasure as though I had never prayed. Amen."
If Jesus prayed with such consistency and reverence toward the Father, who are we to do any less?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Daniel in the Lion's Den
This week the lesson for Sunday School is Daniel in the Lion's Den. I've been thinking about what aspect to emphasize to my kids, since last week we studied a very similar story -- Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace. I don't want to be too redundant by re-emphasizing the principle of choosing the LORD over all else (even our own lives).
Should I discuss Daniel's peace of knowing that his soul was in God's hands? Yes, I think I will, but something else came to mind as I read over the passage. What got him into the lion's den in the first place? He refused to stop praying three times a day as he always had! It amazes me that this man was so faithful and consistent -- with and without the possibility of persecution. He wouldn't budge. Yet I look at my comparitively feeble prayer life, and I am ashamed.
If I even saw a glimse of the LORD the way Moses did, I would never take prayer for granted again, yet I know Him and the reality of the power of prayer, so I have no excuse!
That settles it! For the craft, I am going to have the kids make a praying hands door hanger to remind them, as they enter their rooms, that they always have an awesome opportunity to pray to the Most High God! And yes, I will be making one to hang on my door as well!
Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Daniel 6:10
Should I discuss Daniel's peace of knowing that his soul was in God's hands? Yes, I think I will, but something else came to mind as I read over the passage. What got him into the lion's den in the first place? He refused to stop praying three times a day as he always had! It amazes me that this man was so faithful and consistent -- with and without the possibility of persecution. He wouldn't budge. Yet I look at my comparitively feeble prayer life, and I am ashamed.
If I even saw a glimse of the LORD the way Moses did, I would never take prayer for granted again, yet I know Him and the reality of the power of prayer, so I have no excuse!
That settles it! For the craft, I am going to have the kids make a praying hands door hanger to remind them, as they enter their rooms, that they always have an awesome opportunity to pray to the Most High God! And yes, I will be making one to hang on my door as well!
Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. Daniel 6:10
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
LAST REQUEST
They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" Having said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7:59-60
Acts 7:59-60
LAST REQUEST
Perpetua followed our Good Shepherd so near,
Despite the thought of looming death with its gripping fear.
Despite the thought of looming death with its gripping fear.
This sister they tormented with her infant just born,
Hoping to take advantage of a mother's heart torn.
Hoping to take advantage of a mother's heart torn.
But God's Spirit inside her over temptation did prevail;
She stood without regret as hungry lions did assail.
She stood without regret as hungry lions did assail.
She left life to join the number of the heroes of Faith.
Someday I'll walk among them in His Presence – I can't wait!
Someday I'll walk among them in His Presence – I can't wait!
There's nothing like this joy that's to the world so contrary –
My Lord delivers me from the empty and temporary!
My Lord delivers me from the empty and temporary!
May my life, long or short be glorifying my Savior.
May it be to God a sweet aroma and pleasing flavor.
May it be to God a sweet aroma and pleasing flavor.
So when I die, at my funeral, don't cry, mourn or grieve.
Just everybody, at that time, read one last Scripture for me...
Just everybody, at that time, read one last Scripture for me...
Like Luke 23:43, because I'll be in Heaven,
How about Psalm 17:15, or Psalm 16:11!
How about Psalm 17:15, or Psalm 16:11!
Then please place in my coffin, before I get buried,
The love-note from the One to whom I'm forever married.
The love-note from the One to whom I'm forever married.
And for my name on my tombstone when it's placed at my head,
Please humbly engrave “Servant of Jesus” instead.
Please humbly engrave “Servant of Jesus” instead.
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones.
Psalm 116:15
Please copy and distribute freely!
Copyright © 2011 Brother Jeremy
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Waiting On The Lord
For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him.
Isaiah 64:4
A brother shared this verse with me when we were having fellowship the other day at Jack in the Box. The verse made me think about how many times I have come across the "wait on the Lord" theme in my reading of the Bible -- more than I can count. For reasons and in ways that we don't always understand, we have to wait patiently for God to act on our behalf. This is oftentimes part of His perfect plan. I get impatient...I've got to trust Him and know that He is God, and knows what's best. You can't crack an egg open to get a chick until the time is right for the chick to emerge.
Are you frustrated and discontent with something that is happening in your circumstances? Take courage! God sees the big picture, and has a plan for you -- He is for you and not against you! Take one day at a time, and rejoice in its beauty from the Lord.
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired
His understanding is inscrutable.
29He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
30Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Feel free to share a testimony about a time when your patience was rewarded in waiting upon the Lord.
Isaiah 64:4
A brother shared this verse with me when we were having fellowship the other day at Jack in the Box. The verse made me think about how many times I have come across the "wait on the Lord" theme in my reading of the Bible -- more than I can count. For reasons and in ways that we don't always understand, we have to wait patiently for God to act on our behalf. This is oftentimes part of His perfect plan. I get impatient...I've got to trust Him and know that He is God, and knows what's best. You can't crack an egg open to get a chick until the time is right for the chick to emerge.
Are you frustrated and discontent with something that is happening in your circumstances? Take courage! God sees the big picture, and has a plan for you -- He is for you and not against you! Take one day at a time, and rejoice in its beauty from the Lord.
28 Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired
His understanding is inscrutable.
29He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
30Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Feel free to share a testimony about a time when your patience was rewarded in waiting upon the Lord.
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