Three Timeless Truths

I came across the following commentary by William Ward Ayer and thought it was worthwhile to pass on to our readers.

"Here are three timeless truths that I share with you from my life in the hope that they will be as meaningful and helpful to you as they have been to me. Think on these things:

1. Failure is not fatal. Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. It should challenge us to new heights of accomplishment, not pull us to new depths of despair. Failure is a temporary detour, not a dead-end street. Remember, the greatest failure is the failure to try.

2. Delays are not deadly. Too often we equate delay with defeat. Frequently the best thing that can happen to us is a wise delay in our plans. If it's worth having, it's worth waiting for...and often its value is enhanced by delay. Delaysare often God's way of teaching us the virtue of patience. And patience is more than a virtue; it is a required course in the school of life.

3. Pressures are not permanent. Some of the most comforting words in the Bible are these: "And it came to pass." Problems and pressures do not come to stay...they come to pass. They are temporary, transitory, and, like many of the irritations and vexations which we all have experienced, will evaporate when we realize that our internal resources are much stronger than the external pressures. Truly, greater is the power within you than any other power on earth." [William Ward Ayer]

Words of Wisdom

"Be not deceived: Evil company corrupts good morals." (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Thought: Companion to this is the adage: "Birds of a feather flock together" or "You are known by the company you keep." The role of peer pressure is seen in all these statements. Peer groups are both good and bad. If peer pressure keeps us from doing wrong and encourages what is right, we can see the positive side. The dark side of peer pressure is evident when peer pressure encourages the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol or any variety of illegal activities. These words of wisdom tells us to choose our friends carefully.

"The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot." (Proverbs 10:7)

Thought: In the Hebrew culture, one's name was considered more than a label, but ideally the outward expression of one's inner nature and character. A person's name was considered "an immortal part" of the person because it survived his death. Illustrations of this can be seen in the names Abraham Lincoln and Hitler. Though these men have been dead for a long time, the very mention of their names gives rise to their character. How often have doors of opportunity for you been opened or closed by the very mention of your name? Where ever you go, your name will speak long before you get a chance to open your mouth.

"...he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame." (Proverbs 10:5b)

Thought: Laziness in adulthood is the product of an idle youth. It has been said that "he who idles away the time of his youth will bear the shame of it when old." Proverbs indicates the root causes of an idle youth are the refusal to listen to parents, speaking ill of parents and wasting of father's resources on foolish and unnecessary things. On the other hand, some parents abandoned their parental responsibility for their children's laziness and bad name because they have used indulgence instead of restrain, emphasized pleasure instead of godliness, shown favoritism instead of love, passed over little wrongs instead of discipline and given in to demands instead of exercising parental control. Usually all this is done to "keep the peace" but he result is to reinforce bad behavior and rob the child of the good character traits needed for a productive life. Laziness is a negative character trait that leads to poverty and stealing. Young people must accept responsibility for who and what they are because of the choices they make. Parents who chose to run from parental responsibility must accept accountability for who and what their children are.

A New Song

The focus of my last few posts has been the comfort I have received from God through “songs in the night” and “songs of deliverance.” Since my last post I have continued my reading in the Psalms and I have come across what the Psalmist calls a “new song.” “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” [Psalm 40:3] The call to sing a “new song” can also be found in Psalm 33:3; 96:1; 98:1; 144:9; 149:1.

By a “new song” the Psalmist means a song of excellence about the fresh mercies from God - songs of praise and gratitude. Every time we experience the newness of God’s hand at work in our lives, we need to lift our voice in praise to God. How often do we get in a rut and continue to be thankful for what God has done in our lives months, even years ago and overlook the current blessings, answers to prayer or acts comfort and help?

When was the last time you “composed a new song” praising God for what He has done in your life and rehearsed it in the presence of those you come in contact with everyday? I am reminded of Jeremiah’s words in Lamentation 3:22, 22 when he said, “It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Why not compose a new song – your personal testimony of what God has done in your life and rehearse it in the presence of others?

My new song is about God’s enabling power to minister the Word of God even though experiencing physical problems. It is about His protection while traveling and His comfort through the long nights when I have not been able to sleep. Yes God’s mercies are new everyday and every day we need to compose our song of praise to God as a testimony to those around us of the goodness, love and mercy of God in our everyday lives. Once composed we need to sing it aloud, in the congregation and in the presence of God.

Your excuse for not having a new song – I can’t sing. You don’t have to be able to sing, just open your mouth and speak and a “new song” will come forth. A new song is nothing more than standing before God and men and rehearsing out loud [giving testimony] of what has done in your life.

Songs of Deliverance

"...thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

Ever since my fall was followed by surgery on my knee, I have been captivated by the references to songs in the Bible. As I mentioned previously, when I was not able to sleep I found comfort in music that was centered around the Word of God - songs in the night. Last night before going to sleep, one of the Psalms I read was Psalm 32 in which the Psalmist speaks of songs of deliverance.

The Psalmist speaks of God as his protector and hiding place. One of great comforts of the Psalmist was God's provision of songs of deliverance. As I laid in bed, I began to wonder what these songs of deliverance were. My final conclusion is that they are songs of praise to God for what He did in the life of the Psalmist. Reminders of God's previous help and protection in difficult times serve to comfort us in the lonely hours when our minds tend to move towards depressing thoughts of loneliness, helplessness and the feeling of being on a dead end street.

The consequence is that we can lift our voice and rejoice in the Lord and shout for joy. Not because of our difficulties but because we have a constant companion who will not forsake us. He will comfort us and, because of His love, wisdom and omnipotence, He will use our circumstances for His glory and our good.

Songs of deliverance are more than a rehearsal of what God has done. They are also expressions of our unfailing faith in our God. I have my own personal songs of deliverance. Do you? The greatest blessing we can have today is to be encouraged by the songs of deliverance in God's Word. Every Psalm is both a song in the night and a song of deliverance for those dark hours when everything looks so bleak.

Last night I was also comforted by a song written by Horatio G. Spafford following the death of his four daughters at sea.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain
It is well, with my soul,It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!

Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain

I Still Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4

The Christian faith is anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ. When Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, it was not the end of His story but just the beginning for on the third day he arose from the dead and changed history. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is about our past, present and future. In contrast to the chaos of modern thought, it gives my life direction and purpose. Modern thought whether it be philosophy or evolutionary science can only offer hopelessness and meaninglessness to life. Modern thought has failed to provide any satisfying answer to the questions of life - Where did I come from? Why am I here? and Where am I going? Their answer to these questions is wrapped up in the formula - time plus chance. A formula that has led modern thinkers to deny the validity of any universal truth. The limitations of the modern mind can be seen in its product - no hope, no meaning for life, no security or stability in life.

That's why I still believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ gives me hope, my life meaning, stability and security.The resurrection of Jesus Christ validates the written Word of God, the Bible. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was foretold and recorded in Scripture centuries before Jesus was born, lived, crucified and raised from the dead. One of the many prophecies proving the validity of Old Testament prophetic teaching is found in Acts 2:29 - 32. "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses." Peter is referring to David's prophetic statements in Psalm 16.

A validated Bible gives my life meaning and provides me with hope because it answers all the important questions - Where did I came from? - created in the image of God, Why I am here? - to glorify God, and Where I am going? - having trusted in Jesus Christ as my Savior my eternal destination is heaven. A validated Bible provides me an universal concept of both truth and right and wrong giving me security and stability.

The resurrection also validates the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. He is the eternal Son of God. The apostle Paul said: "God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ "Therefore He also says in another Psalm: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’" (Acts 13:33-35) In the original language, the word used here for begotten is used in reference to the resurrection. All other uses of this Greek word in the New Testament are used in context of the resurrection. The New Testament writers based their understanding of the deity of Jesus Christ upon the proven prophetic claims of the Old Testament.

To all who reject the resurrection of Jesus Christ I would simply ask, "Are you satisfied with a life built on meaninglessness, hopelessness and void of security and stability?" If not, I would invite you consider your need to trust in Jesus as your Savior. For more information we invite you to use the email envelope below and request thee FREE booklet Ultimate Questions. If you have any question, we would be glad to answer them for you.

Songs in the Night

“Yet the LORD will command his loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8

On a previous post I shared with you my accident. As a result of the accident, I had to undergo surgery on my leg to reattach the quad tendon to my knee. Since the surgery I have been unable to focus on anything for more than a few seconds, the pain medicine made me nauseous and most of my time has been spent sleeping.

Last night everything came to head. Unable to sleep, find a comfortable place to lie and very edgy, I fell apart. After hours of twisting and turning, I decided to put the TV on hoping that by focusing on something else would settle me down. Well it didn’t work and my anxiousness was growing by the second. At wits end I did what I should have done long before – pray for help. The Lord answered my prayer with “songs in the night.”

Still jumping from channel to channel with nothing but banal program content, I continued to channel surf. I came across a station playing worship music. Various Psalms had been set to music and as the music played, the words of the Psalms were inscribed over some of the most beautiful scenery.

As I began to listen to the music and read the words of the Psalms, I started to settle down and the next thing I knew it was morning. YES God has promised that “in the night his songs shall be with me.” As the day has progressed, I am reminded of a time 18 years ago when pain was my companion. I could not sleep or find a comfortable position. It was then, as last night, that the Lord also gave me “songs in the night.” I would lay on the floor with the radio on listening to a Christian radio station play a variety of God-centered music and find myself quieted down and would fall asleep finding relief from my pain.

God provides comfort in many ways and in the night He gives us His song. When your night seasons come, allow God’s Word to be your comfort. One of the Psalms set to music contained these words: “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” [Psalm 62:4 – 6]

I hope you will find comfort in your night season through “His songs.”

Nothing But The Blood of Jesus

“…without the shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22b) ”Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (1 Peter 1:18, 19)

The Bible is alive. A scarlet thread runs from cover to cover. Cut it anywhere and it bleeds. Blood begins to flow in Genesis 3:21 and continues running through Revelation when blood will flow to a horse’s bridle at the Battle of Armageddon. Over 400 times God inspired men to use the word blood in the Scriptures.

One characteristic of a false teacher is what they teach about the blood atonement of Christ. If they are wrong on redemption by the blood, they need to be avoided. The writers of the New Testament chose the word blood three times as often as the “cross” of Christ, five times as frequently as “death.”

Every time you see God making provision for our sin and delivering us from it’s corruption and captivity you find three very important components. One, God always chooses the method not man. Two, God always requires the death of a spotless, sinless substitute to die in one’s stead. Three, there is always the shedding of blood and it’s subsequent application.

The entire sacrificial system of the law was setup on these three principles. Every sacrifice anticipated the final sufficient, once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. So great was the anticipation that when John the Baptist saw Jesus, he cried out: “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Jesus offer Himself as a sinless, sacrifice for sin and in doing so His blood would be shed for the sins of the world. His sacrifice was the final offering for sin. When I confessed my sinfulness and helplessness and trusted in Jesus as my Savior, the blood of the cross was applied to my heart. Then and only then were my sins forgiven and my salvation became a reality. The hymn writer, Elvina M. Hall, said it best, “For nothing good have I where-by Thy grace to claim – I’ll wash my garments white in the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”

Have you been to the cross and in faith trusted in Jesus as your Savior? Has the blood of the Calvary’s Lamb washed your sins away? If not, why not go to Jesus in prayer and confess your sinfulness and your sin and ask Jesus to save you. He will and he will wash away your sin with the blood of His cross.