PSALM 119:165 GREAT PEACE

No matter how I feel deep within my soul,

I need only to remind myself that God is in control.

And then I am at peace

Though the problems may not cease,

For I can trust the One who made me whole.

Karen Sue Hale

October 30, 1986

GREAT PEACE

          September 11, 2001 – Like our parents remember Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, my generation will never forget the day the twin towers collapsed into rubble and dust.  I was sitting at my desk in the auto dealership accounting office where I worked.  My supervisor came by and asked if I’d heard the news that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center and one of the towers was on fire.  I had not because I didn’t turn on the car radio that morning.  Someone else came in and said, “A second plane has hit the other tower, and it looks intentional!” As my coworkers flew up the stairs to gather around the television, I sat in stunned disbelief. 

       Realizing I was completely alone in the office, I remembered that the only and best thing I could do about this tragedy was to pray.  Therefore, in the silence of the empty room, I bowed my head and asked the Lord to watch over the people in New York and to give us peace in the midst of the confusion, horror, and fear.  I took a moment to call my sister who works at a law office.  She was watching it all unfold on TV and gasped, “Oh my gosh!  The tower just disintegrated!”  I hung up the phone and tears flowed as I prayed for families of victims and firefighters and policemen who would risk and lose their lives.

       At lunch I watched news reports of a plane hitting the Pentagon and a plane ditched in a field to keep it from reaching its intended target.  I prayed for wisdom for President Bush and peace for his wife.  I was upset by the tragedy, but I was not unsettled.  The Lord restored my peace as I exercised my faith in his sovereignty and control. 

       Fear of more attacks gripped the nation. Reports on the radio told of local schools giving parents the option to pick up their children early.  I was keenly aware that my home lies between an airbase and a major airport and only two miles from Bell Helicopter. Even with the feeling that my house had a target painted on the roof, I had to agree with our CFO when he said, “If we cease to be productive, the enemy wins.”  He was talking about the terrorists.  I was thinking about Satan.  If he could take my focus off of God’s power, he would win.  I determined not to let him and continued to pray, and God gave me great peace.

LUKE 14:13-14 SEE THROUGH JESUS'S EYES

SEE THROUGH JESUS’S EYES

 by Susan R. Slade

Depending on how you look at it, I qualify for this guest list on at least 3 of the four items. By myself, I would be just below the federal poverty level. I’ve had both legs amputated above the knee and am extremely challenged by cerebral palsy with limited use of one hand. I am also legally blind! Before everyone lines up to play the violin, just invite me to dinner (LOL)! All kidding aside, Jesus is describing those people who are often set aside or ignored at best, and sometimes even ridiculed. When I was about seven or eight years old, a woman came up to Nana and me in the mall and declared, “Why do bring her out, so that people have to look at something like that!” I know now that the lady’s words were due to ignorance and arrogance, but at the time all they were was painful. She may have assumed that I was unable to understand her, but I understood the hatred and rejection of every word! This is only one of a multitude of encounters like it, but Jesus’s love for me and my devotion to Him has helped me to overcome and rise above the prejudices of fallen humanity, remembering that I am treasured by God. Unfortunately, many of the kind of people Jesus described are still met with similar attitudes. Examine your own response to the people with these challenges you cross paths with each day. Are you viewing them with human eyes or through the eyes of the One who died on the cross to save them as well as you?

1 Samuel 16:7b for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

PSALM 119:154 PRESERVE MY LIFE

Preserve my life according to your promise.

Preserve my life according to your laws.

Preserve my life according to your love.

Keep me safe from the enemy’s jaws.

You alone are able to redeem me.

You alone have compassion so great.

You alone can look inside and see me.

And for your deliverance I wait.

Preserve My Life

     I remember when I was a child, we were on vacation staying with my grandmother.  She and I were sleeping in the same bedroom.  I woke up during the night and saw a man crossing the backyard, coming toward our window.  I was frozen and speechless with fright; but as he drew nearer I closed my eyes tightly and prayed silently, “Dear Jesus, protect us!”  Just as I heard him trying to get in the window, Grandma snored deeply and loudly.  The man ran away. The next morning my mother thought I must have had a bad dream or was telling her a wild tale to get attention until my dad came in wondering why the screen was torn away from that window on one corner.  Was it a coincidence that Grandma snored at just the right time?  I don’t believe so.  I choose to believe that God answered the prayer of a frightened child and delivered me from harm. 

God in his sovereignty does not always deliver his children from harm. If you are not faint-hearted or weak-stomached, Read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.  Try to find an updated version that includes the stories of Christians who gave their lives because of their faith in the twentieth century. Marvel at the courage given them by the grace of God.  Remember that courage is not the absence of fear but continuing to persevere when fear says to run and hide.  Courage stems from confidence in the grace of God. We can have courage knowing that when we cry out to God, he is able to deliver us.  We also know that if he chooses not to deliver us from harm on this earth, then he is taking us home to be with him.

Not many of us in America in the year 2003 can say that we have been persecuted or have suffered greatly because of our faith. Some may have faced discrimination in the job place or professors in college who delighted in making sport of Christians in front of the entire class.  However, we have not been beaten, imprisoned, or threatened with death.  God has blessed me with acquaintances from other countries who did face this type of persecution and continued to take a bold stand for Christ. I pray if the day comes that I am threatened with physical harm because I follow Christ, the Lord will help me to stand firm in him. May I have confidence that he will preserve my life (if not here, then in heaven) and may I refuse to turn from his statutes.

        

LUKE 14:11 HUMBLE YOURSELF

HUMBLE YOURSELF

Luke 14:11 (AMPC)

For everyone who exalts himself

will be humbled (ranked below others

who are honored or rewarded),

and he who humbles himself

(keeps a modest opinion of himself

and behaves accordingly)

will be exalted (elevated in rank).

What does it mean to “humble” yourself? Does it mean that you talk down about yourself to others or downplay your God-given gifts? Certainly not! God says we are “. . . My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure)” (Malachi 3:17). He also tells us we are “. . . a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). That verse contains the key—glorifying God! We humble ourselves by remembering to give the Lord the credit and the praise for any goodness in our character, any achievement we attain, everything that would cause people to praise us. We turn that praise heavenward giving the glory to God. How else do we humble ourselves? We assume, as Jesus did, the position of a servant (Philippians 2:7). In fact, Jesus declared servanthood to be the key to leadership:

Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

The Lord Jesus humbled Himself to become like those He created. The Creator and King of the universe came specifically to serve others, even to the point of dying for us. I am to emulate Christ. Therefore, I must humble myself to serve.  

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

Humility consists of these things:

·      Having a realistic view of yourself

·      Choosing the lowest place

·      Serving others

·      Giving God all the praise for your achievements

PSALM 119:148 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

In the Middle of the Night

Before dawn’s light

I will hope in your word.

In the middle of the night

My thoughts are on you, Lord.

You answer me whenever

I call with all my heart.

Your statutes last forever:

From your word, I won’t depart.

    “When I’m worried, and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep. Then I go to sleep counting my blessings,” croons Bing Crosby in the movie White Christmas. “Instead of counting sheep, talk to the Shepherd,” is a saying someone gave to my mother. If your eyes are open “through the watches of the night”, perhaps it would be a good time to pray and meditate on what God promises as well as thank him for what he has already done for you.

       I often wake up in the middle of the night.  In fact, I rarely sleep all the way through a night.  Sometimes when I awaken at 2:00 a.m., a person may come to mind.  I take that as the Holy Spirit nudging me to pray for that person.  I pray for specific needs they have, thank God for my relationship with them, and pray that the Lord will always draw them closer to himself.

       Other times, I just can’t go back to sleep even though no specific friend or family member comes to mind.  That is a good time to count blessings and pray for loved ones.  A Bible on the shelf by the bed makes it easy to use the time to read scripture.  Memory verse cards in the drawer of the nightstand give ready access to God’s promises.

If I fall asleep while reading, meditating, or praying, I don’t consider that rude.  I have other times of day that I alertly study God’s word and pray.  I believe God uses his word, his promises, and the assurance that my prayer is heard to calm my mind and let me rest.  Often when I fall asleep with my thoughts turned to God, I awake with him already on my mind.

So the next time you wake in the middle of the night, try praying and meditating on God’s word until you are ready to go back to sleep. Keep your Bible or memory verses handy for those times.  You may even want to keep a prayer journal next to the bed to jot down the name you were called to pray for and the date. Don’t be surprised if you later find out that was a significant time in the person’s life.  God is able to use even your sleeplessness to draw you nearer to him and to bless others.  

PROVERBS 18:15 TIME FOR SCHOOL

TIME FOR SCHOOL

It’s that time again. Teachers, parents, and students are preparing for the beginning of a new school year. When I was a teacher, my year began in late August rather than January. Life revolved around the school calendar. Teachers are preparing their classrooms, their lesson plans, and I hope their hearts for a new set of students. Parents are buying school clothes and trying to find everything on that long list of supplies without spending a fortune. Children are trying to milk all the fun out of summer before sitting behind desks again but at the same time, getting excited to see their “school friends” again. So where does Jesus fit into all this?

Teachers: As you prepare your room, prepare your heart to love each child in your care. As you arrange the desks, pray for the students who will fill them.

Parents: As you take your child to try on clothes and buy supplies, talk with them about the upcoming year. Talk not only about obeying the teacher and how to deal with bullies, but about how the Lord would have us relate with others. Encourage them with Proverbs 18:15 and other verses about how wise it is to learn. Pray not just for them, but WITH them, entrusting them to the Father’s care while they are away from you.

Students: If you are an older student reading this, take seriously the opportunities that school gives you. Not just the opportunity to acquire knowledge but the opportunity to “shine like the stars” as a witness to those who do not yet know Jesus.

Philippians 2:15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.

PSALM 119:143 STANDING ON HIS WORD

God Sees

August 1988

God sees the total plan:

            I see only today’s rejection.

God sees the picture perfectly:

            I see a dark reflection.

God’s thoughts are perfectly clear:

            I must bring mine under subjection.

God is able to lead me:

            I must follow His direction.

     STANDING ON HIS WORD

     When I’m weary from being gung-ho in service, when I’m feeling rejected and low enough to play handball against the curb, when I’m upset by the cares of this life, I need to stand upon the word of God.  Sometimes I exhaust myself trying to do everything that needs to be done all at once and all by myself.  However, the Lord says “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). I need to let the Lord set priorities for me and take time each day to rest in him through prayer.

      Being different from the world has its price.  At times I’ve been rejected and disliked because of taking a stand for Christ.  But when I’m tempted to have a pity party, I remember, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering” (Isaiah 53:3a) and “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also…” (John 15:20).  Christ is not asking me to endure anything close to the suffering and rejection he suffered on this earth.

      Sometimes upsetting circumstances arise…death of a loved one, financial worries, fear of war. May I trust God’s word that says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

      Lord, help me to stand upon your truth. Give me understanding of what I read in your word so that I can live my life boldly for you!

LUKE 13:11-13 DAUGHTER DELIVERED: HYPOCRITE HUMBLED

DAUGHTER DELIVERED:

HYPOCRITE HUMBLED

By the Roving Reporter

Jewish Synagogue: As you may recall, I have been following the itinerant rabbi Jesus of Nazareth. He has been traveling throughout Galilee and Judea sharing what he calls, “the Good News of the Kingdom of God,” while healing and delivering many people along the way.  Jesus is in the habit of attending synagogue services each Sabbath, and is often invited to read the Jewish scriptures and/or teach from them. This particular sabbath was no different until Jesus looked up from the Holy scripture he was explaining and beheld a severely crippled woman. My exclusive interview with this woman and other witnesses follows.

Roving Reporter: Ma’am, tell us why you came to the synagogue today? Had you heard Jesus was there?

Woman: As you saw, I was completely bent double and had been that way for eighteen long years! My only view all day long was my own feet. All people saw of me is the back of my head or my derriere. Made it difficult to hold a conversation with anyone, much less develop close relationships. Plus, my entire health was compromised due to the position I in which I was frozen. My insides were all cramped up making it difficult to breathe, let alone eat!  I hungered for the encouragement of the scripture readings each sabbath but felt unworthy because of the spirit of weakness that oppressed me, keeping me from being a productive member of the community.

Roving Reporter: Did you specifically go there to seek healing from Jesus of Nazareth?

Woman: I went there to worship the Lord God. The word in the streets was that this man, Jesus, was a great prophet and worker of miracles. God Almighty knows I needed a miracle. However, I did not want to approach him, fearing the judgment and reproach I might receive.

Roving Reporter: Then what precipitated your encounter with Jesus, the Healer?

Woman: In the middle of the service, Jesus called me over to Himself.

Bystander: That’s right! She did not make the first move. The Master called out to her.

Woman: I approached him with trepidation, not knowing what to expect. Jesus gently put his hands on me like a father comforting his daughter. Time stood still, and I held my breath as Jesus uttered the words, “Dear woman, you are free. I release you forever from this crippling spirit.”

Roving Reporter: How did you manage the courage to even try standing up straight?

Woman: It was as if his touch connected me to a power source I had never known before. Somehow, I knew that Jesus had the key to my prison, and I was now freed forevermore. I immediately stood up straight and began glorifying God with all of my being.

Bystander: That was an astonishing turn of events! Those of us who have seen her hobbling around town for years were amazed by the loving power Jesus displayed in healing her. However, the ruler of the synagogue put a damper on the entire event.

Roving Reporter: Yes, I heard him rebuke the people for coming for healing on the sabbath. What’s that about?

Bystander #2: According to many rabbis, healing is considered “work” and, therefore, not allowed on God’s Holy Sabbath.

Woman: Jesus placed the synagogue ruler on the hot seat by calling him out as a hypocrite. He pointed out that even the rabbis and synagogue leaders free their animals to get a drink on the Sabbath. Therefore, I, as a “beloved” daughter of Abraham should be freed to drink of the grace of God on the Sabbath. He actually called me “beloved!”

Bystander: Those hypocritical Jewish leaders left with their tails between their legs! Even though they wouldn’t admit it, they knew their view of the Sabbath was not in keeping with God’s command to do good to people.

Bystander #2: The rest of us shouted joyfully and joined the woman who was now standing tall in glorifying God!

Roving Reporter: Thank you all for taking time to speak with me.

I never cease to be amazed by the happenings surrounding this Jesus of Nazareth! Could it be that he really is the long-awaited Messiah of the Jews? Time will tell. For now, I will continue to send reports from the road as Jesus seems to be making his way to Jerusalem. 

PSALM 119:136 STREAMS OF TEARS

Streams of Tears

Written October 11, 1987

Susie Hale

“My eyes shed streams of water

because they do not keep Thy law.”

I stepped out of my house today

and wept at what I saw…

I wept to see a dying world

spinning toward destruction,

Listening to the devil’s lies,

ignoring God’s instruction.

I cried because our children

grow up thinking wrong is right.

“How can it be a sin, Mom?

It’s on TV every night!”

My eyes fill up with tears

because our teens are led astray.

They’re told if they desire real love,

they must “go all the way”.

Then I looked at my own friends,

adults approaching thirty.

I taste my tears because I fear

we no longer see sin as dirty.

And has our parents’ generation

also put their blinders on?

I weep to think that no one

will stand up and say, “That’s wrong!”

Not only is sin bad because

it causes people pain,

But because it shows the calloused way

we treat God with disdain.

The psalmist wept, and so do I

because God’s laws are ignored.

Help me to esteem Your word,

oh Lord, I now implore.

      Do we long for understanding of God’s word?  Pray that he will tenderize your heart and renew your mind so you will be able to discern truth.  Pray that he will enable you to hear the Holy Spirit steering you away from evil influences.  Weep over the condition of our nation and our world and pray that our merciful Father will give us time to bear witness to the truth of his salvation.  Teach your children and encourage your friends to do what is right and not follow the crowd.  The psalmist says, “Redeem me from the oppression of men,” and the Phillips translation of Romans 12:2 begins, “Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold.”  Pray the first part of this psalm. It may cause you to weep for the condition of our lives, but I believe your life will be changed as mine was in 1987.