"God of... Hosts"

    I would like to take some time now to better understand God, so our faith can flourish, by looking at bible verses that declare/describe God to be the “God of” something. What that something is, or rather what those somethings are, as there are many, is what this study will help you come to know. I hope it will draw attention to aspects of God that you may not have known or focused on and also refresh your heart’s appreciation for the ones you may already be familiar with.

    Let’s begin with “God of hosts” as it is the most used “God of…” phrase in the Bible, appearing 40 times in the Old Testament, 9 of which are found in Amos. It is often written as “LORD God of hosts,” “Lord GOD of hosts,” a few times as “the LORD, the God of hosts,” and twice as “O God of hosts” (in Psalm 80:7, 14).  

Side notes: The term “LORD of hosts” is used 245 times in the Old Testament, but we will limit our study to only the mentions of “God of…” in the Bible. Also, both “God of hosts” and “LORD of hosts” are phrases only found in the Old Testament.

    God declared Himself to be “the LORD, whose name is the God of hosts” (Amos 5:27), so what exactly does it mean? Who are the “hosts”?

    Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance/Hebrew Dictionary shows “hosts” (in every instance we are looking at) to be the Hebrew word: tseba’ah (H6635) This word, tseba’ah, is from the primitive word ‘tsaba’ (H6633*) and means ‘a mass of persons (or figurative things), especially regularly organized for war (an army); by implication a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically hardship, worship): - appointed time, (+) army, (+) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war (-fare).’

*tsaba (H6633) to mass (an army or servants) assemble, fight, perform, muster, wait upon, war

    This term draws our attention to God’s power and authority. He is able to do what He has said. He has a host at His command and servants ready and waiting to obey His command. He is almighty and He will accomplish all that He has declared!

“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him. O LORD God of hosts, who is mighty like You, O LORD? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.” (Psalm 89:7-8 NKJV)

    We can see the term “God of hosts” and leave it at that, just a term, but let your mind dwell on that for a moment. Considering it is like looking up into the night sky. You look up and see maybe a handful of stars at first, but then as you continue to look and your eyes adjust, more stars seem to come out of nowhere, tiny points of light suddenly fill what was moments ago simply a canopy of darkness and your mind fills with wonder as more and more stars continue to come into view.  

    Grab your Bible and turn to 2 Kings 6:14-17 where the King of Syria was making war against Israel. The prophet, Elisha, had a servant who was quite anxious about the enemy’s army surrounding them and so Elisha prayed that the LORD might open the young man’s eyes to the truth of the matter, then told him, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who with them” (v16). What did he see when the LORD opened his eyes? “…behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v17).

    This is our God, the very God we serve. He is the LORD God of hosts! ‘With God you are the majority’ is not a platitude, but the plain truth. He is the God of hosts. You can trust that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20)! We have no need to fear any person, for with our God, the God of hosts, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-37, be sure to read this reference – it is SO good!)!!

    God is able. He is the God of hosts, a description of ultimate power, ability, and capability – vast, untold resources and might – this is the God you serve! Do you trust Him? Are your eyes opening to His magnitude? Pray that they might be so that you can confidently put on His armour each day and stand strong in Him and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10-18), knowing without doubt that the very God of hosts surrounds you!

You can do it! So can I!! 

"The Purpose of Your Good Deeds" - Sermon

    This week, to finish off our lesson series on good works I've attached a sermon link and I really hope you will make time to listen to it, with an open bible and an open heart!

    The sermon is titled, "The Purpose of Your Good Deeds," it is presented by Andy Cantrell and was part of a Youth Series at Embry Hills church of Christ in Atlanta, Georgia.

    The things I would like you to focus on while you listen:

1. Good works are not about magnifying you, they are to magnify God! (Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 2:8-10)
2. As Christians, your behaviours/actions/words directly influence what the others perceive about God (Matthew 5:13-16)
3. You cannot be lukewarm! (Revelation 3:15)
4. You are the lens by which the world sees God - do you increase His greatness (make Him look magnificent) or do you decrease/minimize His greatness?

    God's reputation is on the line! You represent Him to the world!

    Throughout this week, if the Lord wills, take time to read and study the book of Titus! Ask God to help you "maintain good works," open your eyes and heart to the opportunities that are all around you. Be a beautiful representative of God!!

"...these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men." (Titus 3:8 NKJV)

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!

Link to listen to sermon "The Purpose of Your Good Deeds":

https://embryhills.com/listen-study/all-sermons/2010/05/01/purpose-of-your-good-deeds 

Why Do We Do Good Works?

    Sometimes it may feel that you are throwing your pearls in the pig pen when you do good works for less than appreciative people, but it is then that you must remember for whom we do these good works. We do them to show our faith, our love, and our appreciation to God for His faithfulness, love, and blessings!

"And whatever you do, do it heartily,

as to the Lord and not to men."

(Colossians 3:23 NKJV) 

    We do good works, not for glory and praise (Matthew 6:1-4) but to reflect God's light into the world. We, through our kindnesses and mercies, show people God, who may not have seen Him any other way. Good works can open doors and open hearts. God's light can shine in places that need His light, simply because of our kindness and care, and in turn He will be glorified!

    We do good works because we have abundance from God. He has blessed us with so many provisions to enable us to share and care for others (2 Corinthians 9:8)

    Consider 2 Corinthians 1:3-4:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any troubles, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted."

God ALWAYS exemplifies the good He wants us to do in the world!

Read this verse again and fill in the blank with "love/loved":

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all _______, who ________ us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to _______ those who are in any troubles, with the _______ with which we ourselves are _________.

Read again using "blessings/bless/blessed"
Read again using "help/helped"
Read again using "encouragement/encouraged"

    Do you get the picture?

    God exemplifies it, so we know what to do and how to do it, and He supplies what we need to accomplish it, so we have no excuse not to do it!

    Doing good works should be who you are. A Christian should be different from the world. Their mind should be constantly renewed in their purpose of proving to the world "what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

• You have received love from God --> love others (1 John 4:11) 
• You have received comfort from God --> comfort others (2 Corinthians 9:8)
• You have received blessings from God --> be a blessing to others (Hebrews 13:16) 
• You have been upheld by God --> uphold others (Isaiah 41:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• You have been forgiven by God --> forgive others (Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:13)

    What else can you add to this list?

    Don't give up on doing good! When we do good, we reflect God's light in to the world, that He may be glorified! Renew your mind daily by remembering from whom all blessings come and determine to show the world that God has provided a better way!

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap 
if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, 
especially to those who of the household of faith." 
(Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!

New Theme: Good Works

    Did you know that we were "created in Christ Jesus for good works"? God prepared them, so "we should walk in them" (Ephesians 5:10)!

    What are these good works that God has prepared?

    Let's look at some verses that outline some good works that we, as women, should walk in:

"The older women likewise*, that they be reverent 

in behaviour, not slanderers, not given to much wine, 

teachers of good things - that they admonish the 

young women to love their husbands, to love their 

children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, 

obedient to their own husbands, that the word of 

God may not be blasphemed." 

(Titus 3:3-5 NKJV)

*"likewise": indicates that the things listed before (in verse 2) also apply to the older women: be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.

    Applying all of these to who we are and what we do will bring glory to God and that is what good works are supposed to result in.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, 

so that they may see your good works and 

give glory to your Father who is in heaven." 

(Matthew 5:16 NKJV)

    In Ephesians 2:9, we read that salvation is a gift from God, it is "not of works, lest anyone should boast." All of our efforts in doing good are for one purpose only - to bring glory to God! That through them we may be "to the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:6,12,14).

    When you shine your light before others, through good works and kindnesses, you are showing God's more perfect way to others! (Romans 12:1) Consider James 2:14-17 where it states that if a brother is in need and we simply say to him, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," and we have done nothing to warm or fill him then our faith, without these works, is dead. God wants us to "not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16)

    We all have differing abilities. We must use our abilities to do what WE are able to do! Please read Romans 12:3-8. Pray for opportunities to use your abilities and your abundance to benefit others and bring glory to God.

    Encourage the young wife. Embrace the young mother. Cheer on your sister. Fortify your husband. If you can create things useful to others, do so to fill the need! If you can help someone monetarily to help them through a hard time or help them achieve a goal (university, college, upgrading their skills), then do it happily!

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, 

that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, 

may have an abundance for every good work." 

(2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV)

    God provides so that we can share - we have no excuse and every reason to obey!

    Magnify God today by eagerly walking in the good works He has prepared for us to walk in! Let your behaviour and your kindness be to the praise of HIS GLORY!!

You can do it! So can I!!

Nature is Consistent, Are We?

     As we conclude our thoughts on the "Nature" theme let's consider Genesis 8:22. In the context of this verse Noah has offered sacrifice to the LORD and God, having received the sweet aroma, declares that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood, God also makes this declaration:

"While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, 

cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, 

shall not cease.” (NKJV)

    Night follows day, spring follows winter... we come to know these 'patterns' and we expect them. We can count on them because of their constancy. Constancy is a quality of being dependable. A quality of being enduring and unchanging. We, as Christians, should be an example of constancy in our faith and in our walk. 

    Can you be counted on for certain behaviours? Are those behaviours good or are they bad?

    Consider these instructions today:

"...be an example to the believers in word, 

in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 
(1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV)

"...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works, 

in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 

sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one 

who is an opponent may be ashamed, 
having nothing evil to say of you." 
(Titus 2:7-8 NKJV)

    Both of these instructions were included in letters written to young preachers, and yes, preachers must be examples to the church, but they are also members, just like you and me. We all need to exemplify these instructions; there are people watching us all the time, some known to us, some not. We need constancy and consistency in our example!

    Just as we count on the sunshine to follow the rain and the day to follow the night, let us be people whom others can count on to be lights in this world of darkness!

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see 
your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." 
(Matthew 5:16 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!

Nature Praises God - So Should We!

    Good morning! I hope you're having good days! As we continue in our Nature theme, let's consider how all creation praises the LORD and gives Him all the glory: 

Psalm 148

PRAISE the LORD!

Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!

Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!

Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him all you stars of light!

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens,

And you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

For He commanded and they were created.

He also established them forever and ever;

He made a decree which shall not pass away.

Praise the LORD from the earth,

You great sea creatures and all the depths;

Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

Mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars;

Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl;

Kings of earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth;

Both young men and maidens; Old men and children.

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

For His name alone is exalted;

His glory is above the earth and heaven.

He has exalted the strength of His people,

The praise of all His saints - Of the children of Israel,

A people near to Him.

Praise the LORD!
(New King James version)

    This psalm covers everything in the heavenly realm and in the earthly realm! "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!" (Psalm 150:6)

    Holman Bible Dictionary defines 'praise': 

"Praise comes from a Latin word meaning “value” or “price.” Thus, to give praise to God is to proclaim His merit or worth. Many terms are used to express this in the Bible, including “glory,” “blessing,” “thanksgiving,” and “hallelujah,” the last named being a transliteration of the Hebrew for “Praise the Lord.”

    When we are thankful to God, we are giving Him praise. We are acknowledging His blessings, His majesty, and His dominion.

    We are commanded through the New Testament to be thankful, to give thanks always (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God has blessed us with a new life through His Son, we are to proclaim, in sincere thankfulness and true appreciation, the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)! When we open our eyes to God, His word, and the wonders of His creation our hearts should overflow with reasons to praise God, giving our lips a ready resource for declaring God's goodness to others (Acts 4:20)! 

"I will bless the LORD at all times; 

His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; 

the humble shall hear of it and be glad.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me, 

let us exalt His name together."
(Psalm 34:1-3 NKJV)

    Where can you begin? Read the whole of Ephesians 1 and 2 and meditate on the blessings found only in Christ! Take time to read Philippians to learn how to be thankful and full of praise in every circumstance. Step outside (or look out the window) and meditate on the plants, the trees, the animals that God created. Look at your own self, your senses, and your abilities; consider all the time God has blessed you with so far. Show true appreciation by thanking Him for all these things and by using your time, your words, and abilities to His glory!  

Learn to be thankful. Value the blessings God gives you.

Fill yourself up with gratitude for God and praise Him!

Praise the LORD! 

You can do it! So can I!!

Nature: The Tenacious Mustard Seed

    "...I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, 

you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' 

and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." 

(Matthew 17:20 NKJV)

    As we continue our theme of Nature, I would like you to consider the tiny mustard seed. The photo at the bottom of this post shows mustard seeds. They are, individually, about the size of the head of a dressmaker's pin.

    Throughout the Bible we can read of God using lowly items (in man's estimation) to do or exemplify great things.

    For example:

• A spoken word - the earth and heavens were created (Genesis 1-2)
• A leader's rod - awe-inspiring miracles in Egypt (Exodus 4-14)
• A simple red rope - salvation from Jericho's destruction (Joshua 2:1-24; 6:22-23)
• An army of only 300 men - conquered over 135,000 men (Judges 7)
• A leather sling and a smooth stone - an enemy giant is felled (1 Samuel 17)
• Faith as a mustard seed - can move mountains (Matthew 17:20)

    A mustard seed is tiny, but it is known to have great tenacity. Tenacity means persistence, determination, perseverance. I have heard that a mustard seed can grow and develop in the harshest of conditions. They are hearty and their determination to sprout will in many ways "move mountains." They will crack the great rocks that they are growing up through. They will lift and crack concrete that has been set over them in their determined pursuit of development.

    You may feel small in comparison to the seemingly mountainous obstacles you face in your path, but God encourages you to keep trying, to keep trusting, to keep growing! He is near to you and wants you to lean on Him (James 4:7-8).

    Let your faith be like the determined mustard seed. Take root in the gospel of Christ and drink nourishment from the bottomless wells of God's love and provision. Seek the SON, lift your face toward Him!

    This makes me think of the lovely passage in Psalm 27; verse 8 says, "When You said, "Seek My face", my heart said to You, "Your face Lord, I will seek.""

    Continue to seek the Lord's face this week. Let your perseverance and determination to do God's will fuel your continuing development as a Christian. Flourish in your faith! Be a tenacious mustard seed!!

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 

rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, 

as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."

(Colossians 2:6-7 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!

Nature Magnifies God

    Good morning! I've chosen a new theme for the next few weeks: Nature. This week, as trees are once again flourishing, plants are growing daily in our gardens, and the birds and bunnies are abundant in our hedgerows, we will consider how Nature magnifies God and how it declares His greatness?

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Day unto day utters speech,

And night unto night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech or language

Where their voice is not heard.

Their sound has gone out through all the earth,

And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tent for the sun,

Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.

Its rising is from one end of heaven,

And its circuit to the other end;

And there is nothing hidden from its heat."

(Psalm 19:1-6 NKJV)

    As small children, our very first understanding of God comes from our joy of nature - the feel of the cool grass under our toddling feet, the bright endless sky, the squint-causing sunshine, the soft breezes that carry bubbles and dandelion fuzz in swirls around us, and the feel of oh-so-fluffy, furry soft animals.

    All of it declares the greatness of the Master Creator.
    All of nature magnifies God to us!

"For since the creation of the world 

His invisible attributes are clearly seen, 

being understood by the things that are made, 

even His eternal power and Godhead [deity]..." 

(Romans 1:20 NKJV)

    Step outside this week, or sit where you can look out a window, and appreciate the beauty God has created. Let it tell you of His mighty power and His wondrous creativity!

    All of creation declares God's greatness. We, as part of God's creation - the part He declared as "very good" (Genesis 1:31) - should make use of EVERY opportunity to magnify Him to others!

"Oh, magnify the LORD with me,

and let us exalt His name together."

(Psalm 34:3 NKJV)

You can do it! So can I!!

Sing and Make Melody - Purer in Heart, O God, Help Me To Be

    For the final hymn in our "Sing and Make Melody in Your Heart" series I have selected a song that is a plea we all should be making to God, a plea for purity:

"Purer In Heart, O God"

(written by Fannie E C Davison, 1877)

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;

May I devote my life wholly to Thee

Watch Thou my wayward feet;

Guide me with counsel sweet;

Purer in heart, help me to be.

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;

Teach me to do Thy will most lovingly.

Be Thou my friend and guide;

Let me with Thee abide;

Purer in heart, help me to be.

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;

That I Thy holy face one day may see.

Keep me from secret sin;

Reign Thou my soul within;

Purer in heart, help me to be.

    All I could find out about the writer of this song was her life span: 36 years (1851 - 1887). This song is known to have been written in 1877, when she was 26 years old.

    A sincere prayer, a plea for purity of heart.
    Seeking God and asking His help.
    Simply beautiful.

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (1 John 3:1-3 NKJV)

    Do you have this hope? Are you a child of God? If so, purify yourself!

purify - it is a verb, an action - a daily action, sometimes a moment to moment action. It means to make/keep pure, to continually remove anything that pollutes or contaminates. A conscientious heart is needed to keep watch always.

    What can pollute our hearts? The all-encompassing answer - SIN. The more problem specific answer - anything that tempts you or turns your attention from God and godly behaviour. I'll list a few:

~ Lust/Pornography: It. Is. Everywhere. Let's keep it simple. If you are married, your husband is the only person you have the right to look at (or think about) in any state of undress. Period. Do not allow yourself to see (or think about) someone's nakedness in reality, in a book, OR on a screen. God has blessed you with the gift of marriage, don't disregard it or disrespect it, honour it!

If you are NOT married, there is NO ONE in this world whom you have a right to be viewing (or thinking about) in any state of undress, in reality, in a book, OR on a screen. It's just that simple. Sexual temptation is one of the strongest tools the devil has in his toolbox. Be diligent about your purity in this matter. Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Ephesians 5:1-7, and consider Matthew 5:27-30 (not a command only for men).

~ Filthy Language/Swearing: If it's in your heart, it will come out of your mouth. Don't let it in. Turn off the reel/streaming/TV. Stop the conversation. If it is in your heart already, begin purifying your heart, determine daily to remove it from your thoughts (Psalm 19:14). Please read Colossians 3:1-17 and Ephesians 4:29-32.

~ Complaining: Complaining is a way of life in North America. The world allows you to believe that it shows your acute awareness of your surroundings and your supposed rights. We complain about everything. Sarcastic humour is everywhere. Did you know that when you complain you bring yourself down, you bring others down, and you disobey God? Read Philippians 4:14-15. What can you do instead of complaining? "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

~ Anger: Anger/agitation can make us spew complaints. We are to be very careful of our anger. The only rightful anger is that of defending God and His word if it is being blasphemed, but that type of anger does not lose its rational thought, it does not lose control; it is under complete control and appropriate and allows our words/behaviour to be in check (1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Colossians 4:5-6). So if your anger does not fit that description, purify your heart of it. Stop and get it under control. Work daily at it. Some verse to study: Psalm 4:4-5, Ephesians 4:26-27, James 1:19-20, Colossians 3:1-17, also consider Proverbs 29:11.

~ Jealousy: Jealousy and coveting what others have/get is another problem area that spurs on complaints. Are your resentful of the work you have to do? You finish your “paying job” and you have another whole day’s worth of work waiting for you: tidying up the house/yard, making dinner, washing the dishes, doing the laundry… you see your husband and family lounging on the couch waiting for their evening meal and you start complaining how you’re the only one who does any work in the house, nobody appreciates you, etc. etc. If jealousy-based complaining is your weakness, pause in your complaining and consider ALL that you have: a functioning body and mind, a husband and/or family to love, food to serve them, amenities to make your life easier. Take the time to read and really think on James 3 and 4 this week. Read and re-read those two chapters and add in Psalm 73. Pray that God would help you overcome your compulsive complaining and develop a heart that is pure in its praise and appreciation of God's gifts and blessings!  

    Trust in God. He will give you the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:18). Trusting in His goodness, His rightness, and His hope He has given you will help you to keep yourself pure in heart every day. 

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:7-8,10 NKJV)

Purer in heart, O God, help me to be!

You can do it! So can I!!

Link to listen to hymn:

Sing and Make Melody - Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart

    This week let's think on a simple song of praise:

"Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart"

(written by Henry Smith, 1978)

Give thanks with a grateful heart;

Give thanks to the Holy One;

Give thanks because He's given

Jesus Christ, His Son.

(Repeat)

And now let the weak say, "I am strong",

Let the poor say, "I am rich",

Because of what the Lord has done for us.

And now let the sick say, "I am whole",

Let the bound say, "I am free",

Because of what the Lord has done for us.

Give thanks (give thanks),

give thanks (give thanks),

give thanks!

    A simple song that reminds us of a vitally important part of our daily life - giving of thanks to the Lord.

    There are 33 verses throughout the Bible that include the term "give thanks." In Psalm 107 alone, it shows up 5 times in this way: "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men." In every case, the thanks is directed to the Lord.

"Now let the weak say, "I am strong""

    Paul recounts his pleading three times to the Lord for a "thorn in the flesh" to be removed, in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Jesus answered Paul in this way, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."

    How does Paul respond to this? "Therefore most gladly, I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak then am I strong." (NKJV)

    When we wholly lean on God in our physical troubles, He shows us His strength and upholds us and helps us. He makes us strong and able to endure!

"Let the poor say, "I am rich""

    James instructs us to not show partiality toward people. In Chapter 2, verse 5 he reminds, "Listen, my beloved brethren; has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of heaven which He promised to those who love Him?"

"Let the sick say, "I am whole""

    Similar to the account of Paul and his physical ailment, we need to be able to look past the temporary and see the big picture. If you are a Christian, a child of God, you are whole. God has made you whole - spiritually. Your body may fail, but it is only a tent/jar/vessel for your soul. Focus on keeping your soul healthy and whole by reading, studying, and applying God's word and being thankful to Him for the hope we have through Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10)!

"Let the bound say, "I am free""

    "For you are all sons of God though faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-29) This neutralizes/does away with every "class" the world has ever created to categorize/separate people - religious, social, and gender. God sees His children. He has told us to see fellow Christians as brothers and sisters. Equal. Joint heirs (Romans 8:16-17).

    All of these statements can be boldly declared because the Lord has provided us with strength (Ephesians 6:10-18), riches (Colossians 2:2-3, Ephesians 2:6-7), wholeness (1 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 3 John 2), and freedom (Acts 2:38, Romans 6, Galatians 5:22-23, "against such there is no law")!

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad." 
(Psalm 126:3 NKJV)

    I encourage you to give thanks to the Lord this week - in abundance! He has blessed us with so much, let's show appreciation for it!

"The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart safely trusted in Him, and I am helped;

Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,

and with my song I will praise Him."

(Psalm 28:7 NKJV)

    Fill your heart up with praise and thanksgiving and join in singing with understanding!

You can do it! So can I!! 

Link to hymn:

Sing and Make Melody - Is It For Me, Dear Saviour?

    As we continue with the "Sing and Make Melody in Your Heart" series, the song I have selected for this week asks us a question:

"Is It For Me, Dear Savior?"

(by Frances R. Havergal, 1871)

Is it for me, dear Savior, Thy glory and Thy rest,

For me, so weak and sinful? Oh, shall I be so blessed?

Chorus:

O Savior, my Redeemer, what can I but adore,

And magnify and praise Thee and love Thee evermore?

Is it for me, Thy welcome, Thy gracious "Enter in."

For me They "Come, ye blessed", for me so full of sin?

(Chorus)

O Savior, precious Savior, My heart is at Thy feet;

I bless Thee, and I love Thee, And Thee I long to meet.

(Chorus)

I'll be with Thee forever, and never grieve Thee more;

Dear Savior, I must praise Thee, and love Thee evermore.

(Chorus)

    This song is written from the perspective of someone who is 'poor in spirit' (Matthew 5:3). They recognize their need for a Saviour ("me, so weak and sinful") and with humble hearts they joyfully praise God for the gracious gift He freely gives ("...what can I but adore and magnify and praise Thee and love Thee evermore," consider Ephesians 2:1-13).

    God wants us to recognize our need for Him. He wants us to seek Him and find Him (Acts 17:26-27), and that takes humility on our part! God wants us to humbly submit to His will, acknowledging His love and care shown through His commands. God does not want us to see ourselves as worthless rags, constantly wondering if He hears our prayers or if we are worthy of His time and/or blessings. I have heard true humility defined as, "not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less." Humility is not berating ourselves continually, it is thinking more of God and His goodness and giving Him all the glory for the blessings you receive!

    God wants us to joy in Him! He wants us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Does a plant that refuses to lift its head toward the sun grow and flourish as it should? Lift your face to God, trust in His love, trust in His forgiveness when you repent of your sins, trust in His ability to help you and "make all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).

    I especially like that third stanza of this song: 

"O Savior, precious Savior, My heart is at They feet;

I bless Thee, and I love Thee, And Thee I long to meet"

    What does it mean to "bless" God? We often think of blessed meaning "happy or joyfully content" - and it does mean that when Jesus teaches the beatitudes in Matthew 5, but in this case, when used toward God (ex: Ephesians 1:3), 'bless' means to "eulogize" - 'to speak beautiful words (about).'

    As Christians, we are to bless God. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Focus on the thought repeated in verses 6, 12, and 14: "to the praise and the glory of His grace" (v.6), "to the praise of His glory" (vv.12, 14). Also read and consider 1 Peter 2:9.

    We are to speak beautiful words about Him! We are to give Him praise, we are to give Him the glory! How can we do that if we consider ourselves worthless? How can we declare His greatness and the depths of His love, if we refuse to delve into them ourselves?

    So when you sing this song and you wonder, "Is it for me? Is the dear Saviour's glory and rest for me?" Let your mind and heart answer with a resounding "YES!!! It is for me!!" And let your heart pour out its praise and appreciation for God's love, mercy, and grace!! Let your mind and mouth fill with beautiful words to speak about God and declare His wonderful goodness! 

You can do it! So can I!!

Link to hymn: