Mary Crisp Jameson - copyright material







Saturday, December 27, 2014

A Matter Of The Heart

     It is getting close! That time of the year when we start to think of the new year and the changes we plan to make in our habits and our lives. It is sad, however, that most of us fail to maintain these resolutions. I am definitely in this category. Usually all my good intentions fade away within the first two months, if they even last that long.
     What is it exactly that will keep me on track? It might just be I truly need a complete change of heart. I don’t mean just wanting to change but really, truly desiring it. Sure I may want to lose weight but do I really want to give up my gluttony? Is it a matter of the heart?
     I heard someone say that they had been faithfully walking for several years. I asked, “How?” The reply was, “The trick is getting up, putting on those shoes, and getting out the door.”
     “Wow,” I thought, “that is so true. Once the exercise is started, I am enjoying the walk and feeling so good about the accomplishment.” It is the same with food, only in reverse. Once I have devoured that mouth-watering dessert, and not stopping with just one piece, I am hating myself for the over-indulgence.
     With what other habits do I need a change of heart? They say Social Media is a way to exchange information and ideas as well as stay in contact with each other. I am thinking, “How often do I grab my phone and go to Facebook the first thing every morning to see who said what and what may have happened that I “want” to know about?” Let me think about this one! What should I have grabbed the first thing in the morning that would help get me through my day? The answer is obvious. The Bible!  It just could be the best Social Media available. It provides information and wisdom. It lifts my spirit. It enlightens me. It keeps me in touch with the One who can lead me, support me, and solve the problems in my life. Through prayer and bible study I can stay in touch with the One who died for me so that I could have life eternal. Staying in touch with God every day is more important than any other habit I need to develop. This has to be a matter of the heart.

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4: 23

 

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas!

     Luke 2: 7, 13-14   “And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager; because there was no room for them in the inn….And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

     As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the new born Son of God.  Let us rejoice with the angels, praising God.  Let us proclaim, “Glory to God in the highest.”  Let us look to the cross and accept the love of the One who died for us. 

     John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

    Wishing all my blog friends and followers a very “Merry Christmas!”

Thursday, December 18, 2014

He Sees You!

     I don’t usually read the funnies in the newspaper, but every so often The Family Circus catches my eye.  This one was really humorous.  Two children were listening to the Christmas song, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.   When it got to the part, “he sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake,” the girl told her brother, “Santa’s really just kinda nosy, isn’t he?”
     After I finished laughing, I was instantly reminded of Jesus.  Not because I think that He is nosy, but because I know He sees all, knows all, and He cares.  He wants us to be good.  He also came to the town of Bethlehem as a newborn infant child.  Just as children are eagerly awaiting Santa Claus, there were those who were patiently waiting and eagerly watching for a Savior to come.
     Our God and creator has always been able to see and know all things.  He saw and knew what Adam and Eve had done before He encountered them in the garden after they had eaten of the forbidden fruit.   Many Old Testament people acknowledged that they knew God could see them,  as shown by Hagar, Sarai’ maid.  Genesis 16:13,  “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
     Proverbs 15:13 tells us, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.”
     Psalms 33:13-14 lets us know that God is watching and will be with us, “The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.   From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.” 
     God is not nosy; He is love.  With the innocence of a child, I believe and accept his birth and His death for me, and I truly want the excitement, laughter, and joy of a little child.  I want to come to Jesus as he desires me to come to him.  Mark 10:15, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.  And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
      In summary, Jesus is not Santa Claus.  He is much, much more.  He is the Father of Christmas!  He is the Savior of the world!  As the song goes, “he sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake, so be good for goodness sake….,”

    

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Up On The Roof Top

     With all the hoopla over some merchants wanting to get away from placing Christ in Christmas by using the term, “Happy Holidays,” I was impressed when I drove past our local McDonald’s and saw the sign on their marquee. It read, “merry CHRISTmas.”  That, my blog friends, is telling it like it is. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas!
     On the other hand, I have always enjoyed the jolly, joyful songs of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Up On The Housetop, and Jingle Bells; however, Away In A Manager, The First Noel, and many other such Christmas songs tell more of the true meaning of what Christmas.  
     Not being gifted with musical ability, however, I was inspired to try my hand at a jingle to the tune of Up On The Housetop. 
    
   UP ON THE ROOFTOP
    
Up on the roof top travelers pause,
Out of the city of Bethlehem,
Out in the barn a child is born,
All for the people, Christmas morn.

Ho, Ho, Ho!
Who wouldn’t go.
Down to the city of Bethlehem,
Out to the barn where Jesus is found.

First come the angels singing loud,
Oh! dear Lord, you filled it well.
Gave us a Saviour who will teach and heal, 
One who loves and in us dwell.

Ho, Ho, Ho!
Who wouldn’t go.
Down to the city of Bethlehem,
Out to the barn where Jesus is found.

Up on the roof top appeared a star,
Bringing in wise men from the land afar.
Out came the angels singing with glee, 
“Behold the Lamb, the great I AM!”

Ho, Ho, Ho!
Who wouldn’t go.
Down to the city of Bethlehem,
Out to the barn where Jesus is found.

Next came the Shepherds, they wanted to see.
Then came the wise men with gifts back then.
Here is a King surrounded in hay.
Out in the cold is where He lay. 

Ho, Ho, Ho!
Who wouldn’t go.
Down to the city of Bethlehem,
Out to the barn where Jesus is found.

Ho, Ho, Ho!
Behold the Lamb!
Out in the barn laid the great I Am.
                                     Mary Crisp Jameson
 

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Embracing Christmas with the Five Senses

     As I embrace Christmas this December and reminisce on Christmas past,  I find that I am blessed to have my five senses which have been used in so many ways to grasp the joy of the season.  Not only do we all use our five senses, but, during that very first Christmas, there were Shepherds, Wise men, and others who did so too. 

Do you hear what I hear?
     Current:  It’s the sounds of Christmas ringing in my ear. I hear the soundtracks of Christmas; the songs of “Away In A Manager,” “The First Noel”, “Joy To The World,” “Jingle Bells”, and so many, many more. I hear the friendly greetings of, “Merry Christmas!”  I hear the giggles of children expectantly waiting for Santa. I hear the carolers, both young and old. 
     First Christmas: Yet, on that first Christmas day when baby Jesus was born, there was the sound of a new born baby’s heartbeat.  There was the joyful sound of the angels announcing, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”  Along with the sounds of joy, there was probable the noisy sound of the stable animals when Jesus was laid in the manager.
     Jesus:   As the story of Jesus progresses, some would hear Jesus, himself, say, “‘Father, forgive them.”   Then there is Jesus’ own Father, in a voice from heaven, heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
 
Do you see what I see?
     Current: Sight is a wonderful experience. At Christmas, I see the sparkle of glittering lights and bright colored ornaments trimming the trees. I see candy canes, colorful ribbons and bows, pretty wrapped packages, and red poinsettias. I see toys, people busily shopping, and carolers delivering Christmas music and joy to all.  I see children excitedly unwrapping their long-awaiting presents. 
     First Christmas: On that first Christmas day,  there was the vision of a tiny baby lying in a manager filled with hay. There was the sight of a bright star proclaiming the kingly birth. There were joyful angels who appeared proclaiming the birth of a king.
     Jesus:  Who really knew on that first Christmas that this tiny infant would give us a vision of the cross where his blood ran red; a vision of the nails in His hands as He hung on that cross to give believers a life everlasting?
 
Do you taste what I taste?
     Current: When I was young, fruit at my house was not very plentiful, and I can remember the sweet juicy flavor of those long awaited apples and oranges. I taste the rich sweetness of fruitcake. I taste dressing, ham, turkey and all the trimmings that go along with a traditional Christmas dinner. I taste the cinnamon in hot apple cider.
     First Christmas:  I don’t have a clue what the meal was on that first Christmas day, but I know there was the taste of peace and joy. Christmas is love! You can taste it, and it mellows the soul.
     Jesus:   Jesus later demonstrated what we needed to taste when He broke the bread and said, “This do in remembrance of me.”
 
Do you smell what I smell?
     Current:  I smell the scent of cinnamon and spice, simmering hot apple cider, and the fresh scent of peppermint. I can take a breath and smell fresh cut cedar. I smell the aromas inside and outside the home.
     First Christmas:  On that first Christmas there was the fresh smell of the crisp, cool outside air. There had to have been the smell of dusty hay and the scent of unwashed livestock.  However, I imagine the joy surrounding the birth of Jesus overcame any of those unpleasant aromas.  When the wise men arrived there was the fragrance of frankincense and myrrh. 
    Jesus:  Jesus was pure giving us a crisp clean fragrance of love. Where He walked, people followed. Many of His disciples were fisherman. I imagine they knew the scent of smelly fish as they struggled with their nets. This was food for them and their families, but it was a labor they willingly gave up to follow Jesus.
 
Do you feel the touch that I feel?
     Current:  At Christmas and all during the year I have been able to feel the touch of a loving Mother and Dad. I feel the hugs of family. I feel the rough, prickly prick of a cedar branch. I feel the warmth from a hot cup of cocoa or apple cider.   
     First Christmas:  On that first Christmas there was the feel of a baby’s soft skin. There was the tender embrace from a mother for her tiny child. There was the feel of the rough texture of the swaddling clothes placed around the infant to keep Him warm from the chill invading the stable. This was a Savior touched by human hands. This was a Savior come to die for you and me. This was truly the touch of love.
     Jesus:  With Jesus’ death there appeared a different touch. There is a Living Touch in the hearts of all believers. When we are sad, when we are in trouble, and when we despair there is a gentle touch that lets us know we are never alone.

     This Christmas I want to use my senses to embrace the traditions, the Season, and the wonders of the amazing story of Jesus.   
     For those reading my blog who do not know Jesus as their Savior, I pray you will ask Him to come into your hearts.  It will be the greatest gift you can ever receive.  When I think of Christmas, I see the little children who "believe".  It is so easy for them to believe in Santa Claus.  ..."Believe! "... Why is it so hard to believe in Jesus?  All we have to do is call upon His name in faith.  He is not make believe and here for only a season.  He is real and with us daily.  The miracle of Christmas is that Jesus, God's own Son, was born on earth. Then He died on the cross to save us.  Next, there was the resurrection and He lives today in the hearts of those who believe. 
      Luke 2:11  “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”  John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

    

 

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Christmas is about Jesus

     Let's take back Christmas! It's not "Happy Holidays"; it's "Merry Christmas!" It's not all about St. Nick; it's about Jesus! The magic of the season was brought about by the birth of a King; the birth of a baby laid in a manager, and the wise men who brought gifts from afar. As the song goes, "Oh, come let us adore Him. Oh, come let us adore Him. Christ the Lord!"

 Christmas Is About Jesus
 
Christmas is drawing nigh;
All is jolly with halls decked in holly-
It's a wonderful time of the year!
There are songs of Jingle Bells and Silver Bells;
Families laughing, hugging, drawing near;
Ginger bread houses with cinnamon smells.
 
What a wonderful time of the year!
There are children giggling with glee;
Santa flying 'cross the hemisphere;
Ornaments on the tree.
Christmas is drawing nigh.
 
Sleigh bells ringing and people singing-
It’s a wonderful time of the year!
There are wrappings with ribbon and bows;
Smiles and Christmas cheer;
Stories of Rudolph with his bright, red nose.
 
What a wonderful time of the year!
There’s hope, peace, and goodwill;
A baby born with love to share;
A Savior come; a promise to fill.
 
Trees are adorned celebrating the Lord is born-
It’s a wonderful time of the year!
There are stories of wise men traveling afar;
Shepherds in the field on a night, so clear.
Shining bright, is a northern star.
 
Christmas is drawing nigh!
Not a time to let joy pass on by.
“Fa la la, la la la, la” –
More than gifts to give, my Jesus lives!
                                                           Mary Crisp Jameson


 



    

 

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Thanksmas!

     We have had our Thanksgiving Day feast and family time of being thankful and now moving on toward the Christmas Season.  Yet, Thanksgiving is not over.  We can and should continue to be thankful every day.  As I saw posted on face book, “Happy Thanksmas” is here! 
     Among the glitter, sparkle and shine, among the hustle and bustle of shopping, and among the merriment of wrapping gifts, we can be thankful for the baby born in a manger, a boy who grew up to be, in today’s worldly thinking, a homeless man; one who had no home to call his own and no bed to lay his head.  In today’s world, He was a man we might give a couple of dollars to for a bite of food or a cup of coffee .  We might say a prayer for this man, then pass on by.  We might look down on his shabby attire as we hurry to our nice warm homes and our cozy beds.   Yet, isn’t He the reason for the season? 
     As I think back to the man who was born in a stable filled with dusty hay and smelly animals, one who knew, as a boy, about the nails as he hammered beside his father, and one who knew about the cross as he healed the sick, I can’t help but be thankful for the wonder of His love. 
     In the devotional, Today In The Word, the writer uses the verse, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”   He goes on to explain “that we have an all powerful God of abundant riches. The riches of His glory are not just material; God’s riches include joy, peace, love, harmony, and faithfulness.”
     These are the gifts we need to seek and the gifts of which to be thankful. 
     So as we put up our trees filled with shiny lights and glittery Christmas cheer, I would like to say, “Merry Christmas and Happy Thanksmas!”

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Thanksgiving Day

     When we think of Thanksgiving Day, most of us remember it as a national day of celebration first proclaimed by President, George Washington.   Yet, our thankfulness should be expressed every single day, and this was first proclaimed by the Almighty God.    Philippians 4:6 tells us “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”   We are also told in Colossians 4:2 to “Continue earnestly in pray, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”   
     All that we have and all that we ever will have comes from God.  Therefore, we need to do as Psalm 69:30 and Psalm 95:2 says, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.  “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”



     I believe when we thank God every morning for whatever is going to happen during the day, joy will fill our hearts and whatever occurs will be easier to handle. 
     Though members of my family or close friends may “step on my toes” from time to time, I am thankful for them.  Though there are changes at work I may not like, I am so very thankful for my job.  I am so thankful for the loving people I am privileged to work with.  I am so very thankful that God covers me with His love and walks beside me through it all. 
    When we dread going to work, it may be time to say, “Thank you God for my job.”  When we are going through what some would call a “pity party”, then it is time to say, “Thank you God for my blessings.”   When we are offended by others, it is time to say, “Thank you God that these same people can love me in spite of my own faults.”  
     Every day is truly a day of Thanksgiving as we remember the words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks..."



Saturday, November 15, 2014

Tranquility in the Woods

     I haven’t been deer hunting in a very long time, but my husband built me a stand not far from our house, which sits at the edge of the woods, so I decided to give it a try. I must admit that I have become quite lazy, and it was hard to pull myself out from underneath my cozy covers to be on that stand before the break of day. As most hunters do; however, it became mind over matter. What is a few hours of loss of sleep compared to the pending excitement of a buck, wearing a trophy set of horns, stepping out into the range of fire? Hunters do not want to miss those opportunities.
     At first, all was quiet and, of course, dark. Shortly, daylight appeared, and with that came the soft sound of dew dropping onto the forest floor. Next, the birds began to chirp. A noisy squirrel scampered beneath a nearby tree.  This was paradise! A perfect peace with no one around to disturb my tranquility, a perfect time to thank God for His works in action, to thank Him for how He takes the beauty of the summer foliage and turns them into a fiery array of colorful reds, oranges, and yellow, and to thank Him for the supply of acorns creating an abundant crop for the woodland creatures. I am reminded of Psalms 119:23-24, “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
     In the midst of all this, my cell phone started to buzz with a text message. Did I just say there was no one around to disturb my tranquility? I was mistaken and very surprised. Never, would I have expected my daughter to be up this early, much less alert enough to text me. I quickly responded with a smiley face sign attached, "that I was wrong in thinking there was no one who would be bothering me this early in the morning, and I had just written that into my blog."  I quickly received a response along with her own unique sign that was so funny it had me almost laughing out loud. Immediately joy filled my heart. God had just sent me a rainbow of laughter at the least expected moment and in the least expected way. It was just another opportunity to thank Him for the love I share with those who touch my life, and no one touches my life any more than my daughter.  She strives to keep me young and fashionable, gives me laughter, and lets me feel cherished and needed. No matter how old our children get, they are always our children, and we want the best for them, so, on that count, she also keeps me on my knees before God thanking him for keeping her in the palm of his hand and praying for even more blessings upon her life.   
     Leaving my stand a few hours later I was still thankful for other special friends, and for my husband who lovingly constructed my own special place.  Even though I have to admit to a little disappointment in having only seen a few squirrels and a small doe, I felt refreshed.  I can truly say, “This is the day the Lord hath made…”   

(For some good hunting experiences, click on my book Guys In Camo  which is on Amazon as an ebook.

 

Monday, November 10, 2014

Staying Positive In A Negative World

     Have you ever gotten up in a really good mood only to go to work and be brought down by someone with a negative outlook? I mean, you smile and cheerfully say “hello,” only to be met with a grumpy unsmiling response. Suddenly, your mood has changed. Or you went to work and your co-worker started in on all the unpleasant changes taking place. Did that cause a change in your outlook or attitude about your job? Did your joy disappear?
     So just how do we stay positive and joyful in a negative world? How do we keep from being the grumpy person, ourselves, taking someone else’s joy away?
     First, we need to figure out what has created our grumpiness. Maybe, it is not being satisfied with what we have. We have not learned to be content. Maybe it is unforgiveness, financial problems, sickness, injury, or death of a loved one. The list could go on and on.
     Regardless of the reason, we all have choices on how we handle life’s events.
     Number one, I do not have to have a bad day just because someone else chooses to have one. I can be there for a friend, to listen and help, but as an on-going drama I do not have to get involved.
     Next, life is too short to let unforgiveness rob me of my joy. We have to realize that to harbor ill-will against someone else only hurts us. I firmly believe that unforgiveness prevents the Holy Spirit from working in our lives to give us complete joy. What is the loss of pride to make amends compared to the gain of a joyful heart?
     If the problem is financial, maybe we can manage to change our outlook on the way we choose to spend money and be willing to take some conservative measures.
     If the problem is changes at work, and those changes are out of our control, maybe it is time to be thankful we have a job, that is, if we truly enjoy the place where we work. If it is a job that we wake up every single morning and dread, it might be time to look for one that can provide a more rewarding experience. Again, life is too short not to enjoy what we do on a daily basis.
     Whatever the reason, I have to go back to “choices.” We have to choose to be joyful. We have to want to be cheerful. We have to want to wear a smile. We have to want to be friendly toward others. We should grasp every moment and strive to be positive and happy.
     When it comes right down to it, to stay positive in a negative world means we have to count our blessings. We will all have sorrow and trouble, but I believe how we choose to handle it will determine our joy. Proverbs 14:13 says, “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness.” What keeps the laughter in my heart is faith and belief in God’s Word and His promises. Hebrews 13:5 gives us words to live by and a promise, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
     In my weak moments and times of trials, I strive to remember Isaiah 40:31, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not be faint.”
     Knowing God is always with me gives me hope and joy! “…Be of good courage.” Strive to smile and laugh more. “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Magnify God's Name

     It excites me when someone sends a comment to my blog site, even if it is anonymous.  It means someone is reading it.  I’m only a small, quiet voice in a big world, and I often wonder, “Why do you blog?”  The answer, today, is that it is a small way of praising God and sharing my faith in the hopes it will touch someone's life. 
     Our entire motivation, in life, should be to praise the Lord and express our gratitude to Him.  God listens to every plea for answers to our daily problems and every cry for healing when our health is failing, but God wants us to praise Him.  Yet, how can we praise God enough for all the blessings He bestows?  David gives us a humble expression of gratitude and praise in 2 Samuel 7:26 when he says to God, “And let thy name be magnified for ever…”    

                 Magnify God's Name 
 
Your name is wonderful!
The name of Jesus.
The Lamb of God dining among sinners-  
The One born with no crown or worldly fuss. 
 
No other name so great-
Our Saviour, the Almighty, the Omniscient!
The promised Messiah- 
The Father's own Son was sent.

Prince of Peace, the only One-
A Mighty King;
Our Lord, Maker, The Great Creator-
Coming humbly, salvation to bring.    

Yahweh, Jehovah,
The Way, the Truth, the Light; 
Shepherd and Protector-
Teaching, healing and giving sight.   

The Peacemaker, Comforter,
The great I Am, is your name.
The Redeemer, the Rock-
Giving hope through sorrow, pain, and shame.  
 
Christ, the Beginning and the End,
A rejected Messiah wearing a crown of thorns;
Immanuel, the Living Bread;
One spit on and scorned.

The Son! The Lamb!
In life He was slain,
King of the Jews, King of Kings;
Death, burial, and resurrection brought total gain.
                                                                                    Mary Crisp Jameson

Sunday, October 26, 2014

The One God

    As I rested in “A Friendly Shade” I looked at the symbol used by our pastor on the front of our church bulletin and thought about the service of, One Church and One Mission, and how we should be united as One.  The symbol was so fitting with the service.
     In fact, I like the symbol so much, I hope he does not mind if I borrow his idea to use it for my blog today.  
     I see the number “1” forming the last leg of N, and being near the center of  the word “One”, as the # 1 emphasis that should be in our lives.

 
1           God should be # 1 in our lives and He should be in the center of it all.  He is the first one we should talk with when we wake up each morning and the last one we should talk with before we go to sleep at night.  He is the First and the Last, and He should be in the center of all we think, do, and say. 

Isaiah 41:4  "Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord—with the first of them and with the last—I am he.”
Isaiah 48:12 “Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last"
Revelation 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."

ONE  The ONE tells me God is omnipotent – He created all things and holds the power over all creation.  He is ever present.

 Revelation 19:6 “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!”


Breaking it down further:


O-  is for the Omega, the Only God.

Revelation 1:8 “ I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
 
     We are told in the scripture not to look to other Gods.  He is the  Only God who is in control of all things. 

Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Psalm 72:18   Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things!”

N- is for Jesus, who was born a Nazarene. 

Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

     Because of His birth, death, and resurrection, those who believe in Him shall forever have a God who is near at all times.

Hebrews 13:5For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

E- If we believe, we will have an Everlasting Father

Isaiah 63:16 “Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is your name.  

     There is a promise given to us from the ONE- and that is, an everlasting life.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
 

Malachi 2:10  "Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another ..."


 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Southern Gospel Songs

     As we were finishing up dinner tonight my husband said, “That was some good southern cooking.”  Of course, I thanked him, but couldn’t take all the credit.  My mother raised me to enjoy those kinds of meals, but she also took me to church, and I learned to also enjoy, what I call, good old southern gospel songs. 
     There are so many gospel songs which are seldom sang these days, yet they will always remain my favorites because they are the ones I grew up singing.  They taught me about God's great love.  
     The Old Rugged Cross tells how Jesus died on the cross to save those who believe in Him. I can only imagine the home He has prepared for me, a sinner.
 
“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.”

     Then Amazing Grace fills my heart with the sweet sound of peace and comfort.  I know I am saved by His grace simply because I believe.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!”

     Yes! There Is Power In The Blood.  His blood, which was shed, lifts me up out of the my sin.  It changes me and gives me a victorious life.  Because of the power of His blood, I will, one day, see Him face to face. 

Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There’s pow’r in the blood, pow’r in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful pow’r in the blood.
There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r
In the blood of the Lamb’
In the precious blood of the Lamb.”
 
    What A Friend We Have In Jesus tells me that Jesus is a friend who will be with me through grief, trials, and temptations.  He will be there when I am weak and heavy-laden.  He is a friend like no other!

“What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
….Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrow share?

     One of my all time favorites is In The Garden.  There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus walks beside me every day. 

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.”

     There are so many good, old time gospel songs.  I could go on and on about these songs which  taught me about God, but space does not permit; however, I have to add another song which I remember singing in G.A.’s as well as church services.  We’ve A Story To Tell To the Nations taught me that there is something we need to do for Jesus.  We are commissioned to tell others about Jesus and His death on the cross, “for whosoever believeth in Him shall be saved.”   

“We’ve a story to tell to the nations
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light.
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright,
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.”

     Finally, but not least, we should always Praise Him, Praise Him

"Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness;
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!"


     Why praise Him?  Because Love Lifted Me!

"Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me!"





   

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Power Of The Universe

      There is nothing that can bestow more peace than knowing God holds the power over all creation and events in our lives.  Just knowing I can place my loved-ones in God's hands and accepting His will for them provides a peace beyond understanding because I know God is all-powerful. 
 
          Power Of The Universe

Echoes cross the void and empty space;
There’s not a soul in this wondrous place.
Then, listen! The sound rings out with a mighty shout-
The earth rolls out.
Beauty and splendor are His making.
Seas appear, mountains erupt, the earth is shaking. 

There is power, wonder-working power;
Feel it! Look and watch every hour.
There is power through the universe-
Hear it, see it blossom and disburse. 

The sun, the moon, the stars-
The universe from earth to Mars;
Animals both large and small
Awaken to His call. 
See it, touch it, know the power
Throughout the waking hour.

The lightning flashes,
The thunder clashes-
Its bright!
Its light!
He holds the power,
In the stormy hour.
The wind whirls; it slashes;
The rain pounds and splashes;
Yet, He’s the master of the storm
Since this earth was born.

Watch for the Power-
Feel His presence in the refreshing shower.
It’s all around,
From the heavens down to the ground. 
Hear the power of His thunder;
Look at all the surrounding wonder.

There is power, wonder-working power;
It's among us every hour.
See it, touch it, feel it!
Let it blossom and flow. Let it fit. 
There is power in the peace-
The birds that twitter when the winds begin to cease.   

His blood flows evermore,
From His hands, His feet; Listen to the roar. 
Feel it! Savor it! The earth quakes.
See, the power as some come awake.
The solid rocks burst and split.
What power the blood does emit. 

See it, touch it, feel it! Accept the wonder of the Power-
Ruler over every hour.
Praise Him - Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Bow to the Power of the Heavenly Host!
                                      Mary Crisp Jameson

Psalms 145:11-12  "Thy shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom."