Journal for Christ

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

The Answer that forms the questions that leads to the Answer!

December 26, 2015

Worship: HOLY by Matt Gilman

Here we are, God, come before the throne of grace
Here we are, God, come before the mercy seat

I can see the lightning; I can feel the thunder
I can hear the voices proceeding from Your throne

Twenty-four elders bowing low, casting down their crowns of gold
And four living creatures crying out, day and night, night and day

Choruses:

Only one word comes to mind
There’s only one word to describe

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty

There is no one like You
You are holy, holy

Lyrics: http://lyricstranslate.com/en/Matt-Gilman-HOLY-lyrics.html

Video: https://youtu.be/5JGaAkW5Rpc

Witness:

It’s the day after Christmas. It’s raining outside. It has poured down so hard sometimes and my front walkway has at least 2- 3 inches of water in some places. I am weary (what’s new). I hoped to enjoy this season, but my lonely existence keeps nagging at me every waking hour. Praise God, I enjoyed the visit with my kids, but it was too short and her absence made the visit bittersweet. As I write this God breaks through my melancholic thoughts and reminds me with the words of a Matt Gilman song, that I can look to Him for my help and consolation.

God, I look to You, I won't be overwhelmed
Give me vision to see things like You do
God, I look to You; You're where my help comes from
Give me wisdom; You know just what to do

I will love You Lord my strength
I will love you Lord my shield
I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days I will love You, God

Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Forever all my days Hallelujah
Lyrics taken from <a href="http://www.elyrics.net/read/j/jenn-johnson-lyrics/god-i-look-to-you-lyrics.html" rel="nofollow">this page</a>

A marvelous song reminding me that You God, are in control. It begins with a prayer for vision and wisdom, moves to praise, and then to worship.

It begins on the knees

And moves to the heights

Oh may this ever be

My glorious rite!

WORD:

Ps 24:1-6

24 The earth is the Lord 's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters

3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord ?

Who may stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to an idol

or swear by what is false.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord

and vindication from God his Savior.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

SELAH

NIV

Ps 24:1-6

The King of Glory

A Psalm of David.

24 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,

the world and those who dwell therein,

2 for he has founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?

And who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

who does not lift up his soul to what is false

and does not swear deceitfully.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord

and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Selah

ESV

I have moved on to the second portion as highlighted. The first two verses deal with the One who created and owns every thing and every being. You might say this Psalm is much like the game Jeopardy, for it begins with the answer followed by the question. The ultimate answer is found in verses 1-2. This forms the basis of the questions that follow. However, unlike Jeopardy, each question is followed by a specific answer as well, but the Sovereignty and ownership of God forms the foundation and backdrop to the questions and answers that follow.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Abide with us Emmanuel

Again I remind you, as you read these journal entries, that they may seem out of season because they were written just before Christmas of last year, yet they have a timeless application to our lives. Surely, as the Christmas season approaches rapidly (this year has flown by very quickly to me), we can settle on and plan for a season of giving ourselves away instead of getting more for ourselves.

In the section on the WORD, I discuss the obvious and the obvious neglect in our lives. You will have to read it to see what I mean.

December 22 & 23, 2015

Worship:

Mighty is our God. Mighty is our King.
Mighty is our Lord, Ruler of everything.
Glory to our God. Glory to our King.
Glory to our Lord, Ruler of everything.

His name is higher,
higher than any other name.
His power is greater,
for He has created everything.

License

Standard YouTube License

Music

"Mighty Is Our God" by Studio Musicians (iTunes • AmazonMP3)

https://youtu.be/KiJv1C7Od7c

"No Other Name"

One name
Holds weight above them all
His fame
Outlasts the earth He formed
His praise
Resounds beyond the stars
And echoes in our hearts
The greatest One of all

His face
Shines brighter than the sun
His grace
As boundless as His love
He reigns
With healing in His wings
The King above all kings
The greatest One of all

Lift up our eyes, see the King has come
Light of the world reaching out for us
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God

Seated on high, the undefeated One
Mountains bow down as we lift Him up
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God

Find hope
When all the world seems lost
Behold
The triumph of the cross
His power
Has trampled death and grave
Our life found in His name
The greatest name of all

Lift up our eyes, see the King has come
Light of the world reaching out for us
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God

Seated on high, the undefeated One
Mountains bow down as we lift Him up
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God
Jesus

The earth will shake
And tremble before Him
Chains will break
As heaven and earth sing
Holy is the name
Holy is the name of
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
[x2]

Lift up our eyes, see the King has come
Light of the world reaching out for us
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus Christ our God

Seated on high, the undefeated One
Mountains bow down as we lift Him up
There is no other name
There is no other name
There is no other name
There is no other name
Jesus

A-Z Lyrics HILLSONG WORSHIP Lyrics

"No Other Name" (2014)

Video: https://youtu.be/hnsXkZdDK30

Witness:

Well as you can see there is a large gap between my last journal entry and today. I went on vacation to visit the family and relaxed. I read devotional thoughts during the time and kept my prayer life alive, but rested from my journaling. It’s funny that during this special season where old catch phrases like “Jesus is the reason for the season” and” It’s Merry Christmas, not happy holidays” are bandied about, that the least amount of time is often devoted to prayer and meditation on the true meaning of the season. Even tomorrow I may not get to journal as I prepare for Christmas by doing some last minute shopping, wrapping and decorating. When the rush settles and the last gift is opened and the Christmas dinner consumed, where will Our Lord be in all this? I suspect that He faces the same problem His earthly parents faced on that special night long ago. There was no room in the inn and there is no room for Him in our lives. When I entered this season, I said it would be different, yet it seems that it is the same. I have failed miserably. I have not kept Christ in Christmas, rather I have just faced a mas(s) of worries and regrets instead. My Christmas has become a Christmess. Can you relate to what I am saying? I guess I could wallow in guilt and sorrow or I could do something about it. May this be my (our) fervent prayer, “O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!”.

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light;

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.

O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv'n;

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav'n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Where children pure and happy pray to the blessed Child,

Where misery cries out to Thee, Son of the mother mild;

Where charity stands watching and faith holds wide the door,

The dark night wakes, the glory breaks, and Christmas comes once more.

O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!

WORD:

Ps 24:1-2

The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.

NIV

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

KJV

The earth is the LORD’S, every square inch of it. Every nook and cranny. From the heights of Mt. Everest to the deepest depths of the sea. From the edge of the atmosphere to the center of the earth, all is His. That includes you and me. Am I stating the obvious? Yes, but what is an obvious observation to us, is not always obviously observed in our lives. We often walk around like "little sovereigns", thinking our life is all our own. We give lip service to His Lordship all the while our true motto is found in the poem written by William Ernest Henley (1849–1903) which came to be titled “Invictus” and ends with the words:

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.

Psalm 24 is a reminder and a clarion call to the acknowledge the Sovereignty of the Creator of this world and our lives.

Adonai, You’re the master of my fate

Heavenly Sar, You’re the captain of my soul

El Shaddai, Your power is endlessly great

Yahweh, Your loving kindness makes me whole

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Give me Jesus? I love to tell the story?

December 10, 2015

Worship: Give Me Jesus as sung by Fernando Ortega; I Love to Tell the Story by A Katherine Hankey

In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus, give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

And when I am alone
Oh and when I am alone
And when I am alone
Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus, give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

And when I come to die
Oh and when I come to die
And when I come to die
Give me Jesus

Give me Jesus, give me Jesus
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus

Songwriters
MOSES HOGAN

Published by
Lyrics © HAL LEONARD CORPORATION

Video: https://youtu.be/vu2E2FUcIiE

I Love To Tell The Story

Words: A. Katherine Hankey

Music: "Hankey" by William G. Fischer

Ps 66:16; Acts 8:4

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true;

It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems

Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.

I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;

And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

Refrain

I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat

What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.

I love to tell the story, for some have never heard

The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.

And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,

’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Refrain

Video: https://youtu.be/vDk5ket4xpI

Witness:

My hearts cry “Give me Jesus”. Nothing else of this world really matters. Whether I live in a mansion or a motel. Drive a luxury car or a lemon. Dine sumptuously or in simplicity. Nothing really matters only Jesus. As I write Fernando Ortega is singing:

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

One wonders what life would look like if we really, really practiced this. If we truly believed this confession and desire. The same goes for “I Love to Tell the Story”. When was the last time I told the story to someone? I will not go as far as someone who blogged on the internet that there were some praise & worship songs we shouldn’t sing because we are not living up to what the songs are saying. Yet, perhaps we should pause for a second sometimes and examine our lives. The song then may become a prayer instead of a profession and the chorus a confession.

WORD:

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.

NIV

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

KJV

Time has run out. I will share a thought gleaned from Spurgeon’s Treasury of David.

Psalms 24:1

Ver. 1. The earth is the Lord's, that is, Christ's, who is the "Lord of lords" (Rev 19:16); for the whole world and all the things therein are his by a twofold title.

First, by donation of God his Father, having "all power given unto him in heaven and in earth" (Matt 28:18), even whatsoever things the Father hath are his (John 16:15); and so consequently "made heir of all things." Heb 1:2.

Secondly, the earth is Christ's and all that therein is, by right of creation, for "he founded it", saith our prophet, and that after a wonderful manner, "upon the seas and floods."... All things then are Christ's, in respect of creation, by whom "all things were made" (John 1:3); in respect of sustentation, as upholding all things by his mighty word (Heb 1:3); in respect of administration, as reaching from one end to another, and ordering all things sweetly (Wisdom 8:1): in one word — "Of him, and through him, and to him, are all things." Rom 11:36. From hence we may learn

(1.) That Christ is "the King of glory", "Lord of Hosts," even Almighty God. For he that made all, is "Lord over all;" he that is the Creator of heaven and earth is Almighty (saith our Creed); able to do whatsoever he will, and more than he will too — more by his absolute power, than he will by his actual — "able to raise up children unto Abraham" out of the very stones of the street, though he doth not actually produce such a generation. His almightiness evidently proves him to be God, and his founding of the world his almightiness; for "The gods that have not made the heaven and earth shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens." Jer 10:11.

(2.) Seeing the compass of the world and all they that dwell therein are the Lord's, it is plain that the church is not confined within the limits of one region, or glued, as it were, to one seat only. The Donatists in old time, would tie the church only to Cartenna in Africa, the Papists in our time to Rome in Italy; but the Scriptures plainly affirm that the golden candlesticks are removed from one place to another, and that the kingdom of God is taken away from one nation and given unto another country that brings forth the fruit thereof; in every region he that feareth God and worketh righteousness is accepted of him. Acts 10:35. — John Boys.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

A little background

In this journal entry, I meditate briefly on what it might have been like for Mary and Joseph at the time they entered Jerusalem. I follow by a brief background into Psalm 24. Lord, You entered into a world unworthy of You. You were born into filth and also the clamoring din of people unconcerned about eternal things. To a people captive to sin but with a desired to be freed from political tyranny. Your mission to save from sin, not Caesar. Today, as then, this world is held captive by sin and concerned about freedom from political tyranny, their rights, and the freedom from poverty. They don't realize that true freedom comes from knowing You and that You have removed the barrier of sin that keeps us from You by sending Your Son into the world to die for the punishment of our sins and free us to glorify You by enjoying You forever. Free in the midst of political tyranny, loss of rights, and lack of material goods.

December 8, 2015

Worship: Lord I Need You as sung by Chris Tomlin

Verse 1:
Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You, I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Chorus:
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Verse 2:
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Yes where You are Lord I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Bridge:
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay

Video: https://youtu.be/_rR_Rdb1CTE?list=RD_rR_Rdb1CTE

Witness:

Skipped a day. Sat down last night and could not stay awake. Fell asleep several times as I read over a previous day. Finally woke up and went to bed at 1 am. Got up today and finished cleaning the house and hanging my laundry. I then got out all the Christmas stuff then but ran out of time because I was taking my mom out to eat. Now I sit here amidst the mess and am fighting fatigue as usual. How Mary and Joseph must have felt as they settled down before a feeding trough, amidst the mess and smell, exhausted from the trek from Nazareth. I will unpack and put pretty things up. They will sparkle and blink and twinkle, but for our Savior, through whom all things and creatures were created, there was only dust and the din of animals and voices from a city overcrowded with people. He created it all, all things were His. He deserved the best but was laid in the least. The Sovereign of the universe should abide in a palace but is born in a stable or worse, as some say, in an open courtyard in the center of the city.

WORD:

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.

NIV

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

KJV

I promised more background on this psalm. It will be of interest to those who like history and history is important when it comes to understanding the Bible. Others may not see the need. Bear with me and I will move on from this little historical excursion. Rather than take time to put someone else’s words into my own I will just copy and paste what others have said.

Occasion of writing:

David's authorship is allowed by most critics; and the most probable period of the composition is the time when David determined to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the tabernacle which he had prepared for it on Mount Zion (2 Sam 6:12).

This sacred hymn was probably written to be sung when the ark of the covenant was taken up from the house of Obededom, to remain within curtains upon the hill of Zion. The words are not unsuitable for the sacred dance of joy in which David led the way upon that joyful occasion.

Ps. 23 expressed a longing after the house of Jahve on Zion; Ps 24 celebrates Jahve's entrance into Zion, and the true character of him who may enter with Him. It was composed when the Ark was brought from Kirjath Jearim to Mount Zion, where David had caused it to be set up in a tabernacle built expressly for it, 2 Sam 6:17, cf. 11:11, 1 Kings 1:39; or else, which is rendered the more probable by the description of Jahve as a warrior, at a time when the Ark was brought back to Mount Zion, after having been taken to accompany the army to battle (vid., Ps 68). Ps 15 is very similar.

Use of the Psalm in History:

Genesis 23

It appears to be an antiphonal psalm. The people (or a Levitical chorus) opened with verses 1-2, a leader asked the questions in verses 3, 8 a, and 10 a, and the chorus or the people answered with verses 4-6, 8 b and 10 b. It was sung in Herod's temple each Sunday, and some connect the psalm with our Lord's entrance into Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday. For years, the church has assigned this psalm to be read on Ascension Day, the fortieth day after Easter. Christians see Jesus Christ as "the Lord of Glory," first of all returning to heaven after His passion (Eph 4:8; Col 2:15), and then returning in glory to establish His kingdom (Matt 25:31). This explains the repetition of "Lift up your heads" in verses 7 and 9. The psalm presents a threefold privilege God has given His people.

There you have it, it’s background (as unclear as it is) and its use in history. Warren Wiersbe hints at three privileges that God has given His people. Let me share his outline as well as some other commentator’s.

We Are Stewards Who Enjoy His Goodness in Creation (vv. 1-2)

We Are Worshipers Who Experience His Grace in Redemption (vv. 3-6)

We are Victors Who Celebrate His Glory in Conquest (vv. 7-10)

A. ASCENT TO THE HOLY PLACE (24:1-6)

B. ENTRY OF THE KING OF GLORY (24:7-10)

(from Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament Copyright © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries; Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament Copyright © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries. All rights reserved.)

The Lord is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, v. 1-2.

The great question: Who is fit to minister to the Lord in His own temple? v. 3-6.

The glory of God in His entrance into His temple, v. 7-10.

Tomorrow I hope to start back with the actual text of Psalm 24. Forgive me for this little excursion into the background of this psalm. It’s something I like to know before I enter into a passage, but don’t always take the time to do so. Knowing the background can serve as an anchor to keep one from straying too far and wading into dangerous waters.

How to view your circumstances

December 6, 2015

There is a new wonder in heaven: God is on earth and man is in heaven - Thalassios the Lybian

Worship: Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy) as sung by Chris Tomlin

"Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)"

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her king
Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns
That all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy

Joy, unspeakable joy
And overflowing where no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul, never lets me go

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders of His love

Joy, unspeakable joy
And overflowing where no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul, never lets me go

A-Z Lyrics CHRIS TOMLIN Lyrics

Video: https://youtu.be/tC3SwhJsLqU?list=RDtC3SwhJsLqU

Witness:

My pastor has begun a new 3-week series called, “When God doesn’t make sense”. He said one thing I remember clearly. I don’t think it is original with him I found it online attributed to someone named Hope T. Nevertheless, it’s the saying, not the source that is important. The saying goes like this:

We often try to understand God’s goodness through our circumstances when we ought to be understanding our circumstances through God’s goodness.

— Hope T.

This simple, profound statement really helps me during this Christmas season. Of course, when you read this it will no longer be Christmas time, however, this truth is timeless. I believe this was what kept Joseph on track, so that when he finally faced his brothers, who had sold him into slavery years earlier, he was able to say:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Gen 50:20-21 NIV

This is my hope during this season when my wife has chosen not to be with me. What are you facing today? In light of the quote above and Joseph’s declaration, in which way are you responding to it?

WORD:

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.

NIV

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

KJV

In reading about this psalm one commentator mentioned that some think that this psalm may be a compilation of several psalms because of the seeming diversity of thought.

Because of several abrupt changes in subject matter, many have judged that this psalm is made up of selections from three poems originally independent (vv. 1,2; 3-6; 7-10)

This may be so, but my question then is, if that is so, why did the compiler put these verses together? If there is a logical link to each section, then why assume that this was a compilation of verses in the first place?

At first sight this psalm seems to be composed of two quite separate fragments (vers. 1-4 and vers. 7-10); whence Ewald has laid it down that, in their origin, the two parts were wholly separate, and that the union took place subsequently. But a careful consideration reveals points of unity which favour the view that the connection was intended from the first, and is essential and congenital.

I will give more background to this psalm tomorrow. The day grows late and I have a meeting in the morning I have to get up for.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Joyful, groaning hope!

Not much has changed since I wrote this. I am still tired and God is still lifting me up. One thing seems hopeful. My wife has agreed with me that it is time to talk. God is moving hearts and going out before me in battle. Hallelujah!

December 5, 2015

Worship: The First Noel (Holy is the Lord) by Hillsong

The first Noel the angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, noel
Holy is, holy is the Lord

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night

Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord

That hath made heaven and earth of naught

And with his blood mankind hath bought.

Noel, noel

Holy is, holy is...
Noel, noel
Holy is, holy is...
Noel, noel

Holy is, holy is the Lord

Video: https://youtu.be/hVUSG2o0w8g

Witness:

Time hurls on towards 2016 as I write this. Reading my journal entry from a month ago and I was saying I was going to slow down and really enjoy the meaning of the season. That has not yet appeared. I have read a smattering of Christmas thoughts from various gift books I bought for my wife and I have been going to “sleep” listening to a Christmas album each morning (remember I work the night shift). I am fighting a cold which does not help. Various obstacles have prevented me from going to bed before 11 am or noon, so I sleep later. This keeps me from getting anything done. No time to decorate and celebrate. Yet God keeps showing up and lifting me out of my doldrums. The song above was one such experience. The ending of the song is sung in an ever rising crescendo and lifted me up, as it were, with the holy seraphs singing “Holy is, Holy is the Lord”. I heard this as I went to sleep. When I woke up I changed the album playing and began to read some of those gift books I spoke of above. One of those books tells the history behind certain Christmas carols. Today I read about “Joy to the World” which was an adaptation of Psalm 98. Isaac Watts wrote it in light of what David may have said if he wrote it after Christ had come. After reading the history of the song and the author’s thoughts, as well as various supporting Scriptures, I read through the song’s lyrics which were included as well. As I was reading, I realized that the music playing in the background was Joy to the World! After it ended, a portion of the song from Handel’s messiah started to play. It was from Isaiah 9:6:

Isa 9:6

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

NIV

And that was the scripture on the page across from the song. As I write this, Chris Tomlin is singing his version of Joy to the World!

Joy, unspeakable joy
And overflowing where no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul, never lets me go

WORD:

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

2 for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.

NIV

Ps 24:1-2

24 The earth is the Lord's, and

the fulness thereof; the world

and they that dwell therein.

2. For he hath founded it upon

the seas, and established it

upon the floods.

KJV

My soul rejoices in the goodness of God and all He has done to lift me up. However, my body groans with the lack of sleep and sickness. The scripture that comes to mind is Romans 8:19-21:

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to

be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not

by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,

in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage

to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. NIV

The earth is the Lord’s. He has made it and has subjected it to futility, because of humanity’s sin. From there come death and decay and disease. Yet we have this confident hope!

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the
pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but
we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly
as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of
our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen
is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope
for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Rom. 8:22-25 NIV

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

The Answer that forms the questions that leads to the Answer!

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Abide with us Emmanuel

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Give me Jesus? I love to tell the story?

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

A little background

How to view your circumstances

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Joyful, groaning hope!

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