ONWARD !

I was traveling recently out west and saw a sign and the landscape of the country behind me in the rear view mirror. How time flies and how many of the good things in life pass so quickly without being able to fully appreciate.
Also the road ahead still has many new and wonderful events to come on down the road. So this got me thinking" forget what lies behind AND PRESS ON to what lies ahead!"

I was reading a sermon by Charles Spurgeon in which he comments on Phil 3:13-14
ONWARD! 

"Paul’s statements in the Text call us to look at him under four aspects—
first, as forming a just estimate of his present condition: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended.” 
Secondly, as placing his past in its proper position: “Forgetting the things which are behind.” 
Thirdly, as aspiring eagerly to a more glorious future: “Reaching forth unto those things which are before.” And fourthly, as practically putting forth every exertion to obtain that which he desired: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:13-14)



































It is good to have a humble opinion, and to stay alert in our daily battle against sin and have a " just estimate" of our present condition. (We have not yet attained, are not already perfect; there is still much wanting in all our duties, and graces, and comforts)Spurgeon comments-
"Many of us are exceedingly good-tempered when nobody provokes us; some are wonderfully patient because they have a sound constitution, and have no racking pains to endure; and others are exceedingly generous because they have more money than they need.
A ship’s seaworthiness is never quite certain till she has been out at sea! The grand thing will be to be sound before the Living God in the day of trial. I pray every Believer here to get off his high horse, and to remember that he is, “Naked and poor and miserable” apart from Christ—and only in Jesus Christ is he anything at all! And if he thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself, but does not deceive God."

I  can get distracted by the cares and worries of this life in my walk on this earth. I MUST PRESS ON and stay focused on the " broad picture" the prize. Must forget what lies behind that would impede my walk with Christ.

Matthew Henry's commentary states-

 "As he who runs a race never takes up short of the end, but is still making forwards as fast as he can, so those who have heaven in their eye must still be pressing forward to it in holy desires and hopes, and constant endeavors and preparations. The fitter we grow for heaven the faster we must press towards it. Heaven is called here the mark, because it is that which every good Christian has in his eye; as the archer has his eye fixed upon the mark he designs to hit. For the prize of the high calling. Observe, A Christian’s calling is a high calling: it is from heaven, as its original; and it is to heaven in its tendency. Heaven is the prize of the high calling;..—the prize we fight for, and run for, and wrestle for, what we aim at in all we do, and what will reward all our pains. It is of great use in the Christian course to keep our eye upon heaven. This is proper to give us measures in all our service, and to quicken us every step we take; and it is of God, from whom we are to expect it. Eternal life is the gift of God (Rom. 6:23), but it is in Christ Jesus; through his hand it must come to us, as it is procured for us by him. There is no getting to heaven as our home but by Christ as our way."

So though life changes things and we get discouraged  we need to go ONWARD and FORWARD.
I was thinking about a song writer Michael W. Smith who has walked with the Lord for many years and still writes and sings songs that speak of God's sovereignty and care over us. I want to aspire to fiinish this race and pursue Christ.

"Even what the enemy means for evil

You turn it for our good

You turn it for our good and for Your glory

Even in the valley, You are faithful

You're working for our good

You're working for our good and for Your glory"

Reaching down in endless grace
You're the lifter of the lowly
Compassionate and kind
You surround and You uphold me
And Your promises are my delight

Sovereign Over Us

(2014 Sparrow Records- Michael W. Smith)

"Sovereign Over Us"

There is strength within the sorrow

There is beauty in our tears

And You meet us in our mourning

With a love that casts out fear

You are working in our waiting

You're sanctifying us

When beyond our understanding

You're teaching us to trust

Your plans are still to prosper

You have not forgotten us

You're with us in the fire and the flood

You're faithful forever

Perfect in love

You are sovereign over us

You are wisdom unimagined

Who could understand Your ways

Reigning high above the Heavens

Reaching down in endless grace

You're the lifter of the lowly

Compassionate and kind

You surround and You uphold me

And Your promises are my delight

Your plans are still to prosper

You have not forgotten us

You're with us in the fire and the flood

You're faithful forever

Perfect in love

You are sovereign over us

[x2]

Even what the enemy means for evil

You turn it for our good

You turn it for our good and for Your glory

Even in the valley, You are faithful

You're working for our good

You're working for our good and for Your glory

[x2]

Your plans are still to prosper

You have not forgotten us

You're with us in the fire and the flood

You're faithful forever

Perfect in love

You are sovereign over us

[x2]

You're faithful forever

Perfect in love

You are sovereign over us

"Your plans are still to prosper
You have not forgotten us
You're with us in the fire and the flood
You're faithful forever
Perfect in love
You are sovereign over us"

" those times in life.."

I was thinking how there are times in life that human comfort and words just don't comfort adequately. How we need to hear from God alone to strengthen us! Others can sin toward us or hurt us in a way that may not be evident to the person. We may not hear a clear response from God to our pleading but we present our requests and wait patiently. At times we wait and we feel alone and in a silent place and we know it will be God alone that will help us.Other's words do not comfort our souls and we need fresh strength from the Lord.








I am reminded of this verse when I feel that loneliness in prayer or trial and know that I need the comfort of God alone.

"Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David's two wives also had been taken captive..... And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul,each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:5-6

My first response at those times in life is to want to take the situation into my control instead of trusting God in the pain or hardship.

Matthew Henry's commentary says of the verse:
 "Thus apt are we, when we are in trouble, to fly into a rage against those who are in any way the occasion of our trouble, while we overlook the divine providence, and have not that regard to the operations of God’s hand in it which would silence our passions, and make us patient.
and also states-
"David’s pious dependence upon the divine providence and grace in this distress: But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. His men fretted at their loss. The soul of the people was bitter, so the word is. Their own discontent and impatience added wormwood and gall to the affliction and misery, and made their case doubly grievous. But David bore it better, though he had more reason than any of them to lament it; they gave liberty to their passions, but he set his graces on work, and by encouraging himself in God, while they dispirited each other, he kept his spirit calm and sedate."

O how I wish I naturally could be more in a "spirit of calm and sedate" and "set my graces on work." when hard times come my way.

Later in this chapter is recounts :

"David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. 

Nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that had been taken. David brought back all. David also captured all the flocks and herds, and the people drove the livestock before him,and said, “This is David's spoil.” (1 Sam 30: 18-20)

I read decades ago that God redeems the time and restores. I do believe this. Forgiveness is one good example of God restoring and redeeming our lives. Time passes and we feel loss, but God's speed is not naturally calculated and restoration can come in a blink.

Rescue is needed many times in our lives. We are without strength even to pray or lift our head and the Spirit gives us life. It is a supernaturally infilling that we cannot do on our own, or our friends cannot do with even the best intentions and words of comfort.

I heard a song one day that reminded me how I have been "rescued".
We call. God answers and meets our needs and RESCUES. 

Came to my rescue- Hillsong United

Falling on my knees in worship
Giving all I am to seek your face
Lord all I am is yours

My whole life
I place in your hands
God of Mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at your throne

I called you answered
And you came to my rescue and I
I wanna be where you are

My whole life
I place in your hands
God of Mercy
Humbled I bow down
In your presence at your throne

I called you answered
And you came to my rescue and
I wanna be where you are

I called and You Rescued Me

God is our redeemer and restores our lives as mentioned in the book of Ruth-
"Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, ..." (Ruth 4: 14-15)

My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle

I was thinking about the passage of time one day how 21 years had passed since my father's passing and my youngest daughter was born. Shocking to think that over 2 decades passed by like a blink!

Life has been a blur at times. Things that happened 8 years ago seem vivid like yesterday and then other times seem a blur and so far away.

I was reading a devotional and it had Job 7:6-7 stated:

"My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope. Oh, remember that my life is but wind a puff, a breath, a sob; my eye shall see good no more."

Although life is great, I can get down and feel like i want to slow things down a bit. I can get sentimental and think of the old days and fail to appreciate the present . So I guard my heart as best I can and rejoice in today and value each days journey.

Matthew Henry in his commentary says "Our days are like a weaver’s shuttle, thrown from one side of the web to the other in the twinkling of an eye, and then back again, to and fro, until at length it is quite exhausted of the thread it carried, and then we cut off, like a weaver, our life, Isa. 38:12. Time hastens on apace; the motion of it cannot be stopped, and, when it is past, it cannot be recalled. While we are living, as we are sowing (Gal. 6:8), so we are weaving. Every day, like the shuttle, leaves a thread behind it.

Winds blow and ripples form similar to life and as a leaf would drift down stream so we go forward and move on so quickly that we don't have time to think and appreciate all that we have at times.

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.

You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure." Psalm 39:3-5

l 

So as we continue through life and keep God in the forefront. He never changes and His plan continues in our lives. From the storms in life to the quiet peaceful times we remember Him the author of all time and giver of our days.

"Let us charge ourselves to bind a heavenly forget-me-not about our hearts for Jesus our Beloved, and, whatever else we let slip, let us hold fast to Him." (CHS)

Morning April 26

"So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" Psalm 90:12

"I will sustain you.."

I often wonder how some people persevere to accomplish great feats or accomplish goals that seem higher than I could ever achieve- like back-country skiing up Mount Rainier or inventing something that I marvel at, or the more common things in life, like the ability to be truly content with daily tasks, jobs, and everyday life or raising a family or caring for the elderly.

Recently I read a Bible verse that encouraged me in the midst of a low time:

"Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Is 46:4

What can give us faith to persevere?

The Faith to Persevere

Because you have kept My command to persevere . . . —Revelation 3:10

Perseverance means more than endurance— more than simply holding on until the end. A saint’s life is in the hands of God like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer. God is aiming at something the saint cannot see, but our Lord continues to stretch and strain, and every once in a while the saint says, "I can’t take any more." Yet God pays no attention; He goes on stretching until His purpose is in sight, and then He lets the arrow fly. Entrust yourself to God’s hands. Is there something in your life for which you need perseverance right now? Maintain your intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through the perseverance of faith. Proclaim as Job did, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" ( Job 13:15  ).

Faith is not some weak and pitiful emotion, but is strong and vigorous confidence built on the fact that God is holy love. And even though you cannot see Him right now and cannot understand what He is doing, you know Him. Disaster occurs in your life when you lack the mental composure that comes from establishing yourself on the eternal truth that God is holy love. Faith is the supreme effort of your life— throwing yourself with abandon and total confidence upon God.

God ventured His all in Jesus Christ to save us, and now He wants us to venture our all with total abandoned confidence in Him. There are areas in our lives where that faith has not worked in us as yet— places still untouched by the life of God. There were none of those places in Jesus Christ’s life, and there are to be none in ours. Jesus prayed, "This is eternal life, that they may know You . . ." ( John 17:3  ). The real meaning of eternal life is a life that can face anything it has to face without wavering. If we will take this view, life will become one great romance— a glorious opportunity of seeing wonderful things all the time. God is disciplining us to get us into this central place of power.

http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php

I read a quote that Joshua L. Chamberlain wrote in a  letter to his mother that gave me hope.

 "I believe in a destiny- one, i mean, divinely appointed, and to which we are carried forward by a perfect trust in God.

… So I am right, be sure of that, happen what may. Not for any merit of mine, but for divine and loving mercy all is bright with me, in this world and beyond."

So we continue on and set our sights on the path ahead and the next challenge that may confront us, without wavering, knowing that we will persevere and endure to the end.

" But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) NIV

"However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.
We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;
 We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) AMP

"Christ has promised this" lives again in faith-

 I saw an old gravestone near a large tree. The roots of the tree were large and re-positioned the stones. 

The gravestones were of a family that lived long ago. I read the inscription that was weathered by the 150 years that had come and gone.

Why should we mourn our Daughter's loss,

Since death to her is bliss.

She lives again in faith she died,

And Christ has promis'd this.

I read the inscription carved years ago about a life that was short but was full of faith.

I was trying to imagine the parents who had to bury their children.

How they were people with a faith that was sure and in which my faith would pale in comparison. 

I thought of our inheritance in Heaven and how someday we will see all things in a new light.

I thought that since there were a number of family laid to rest here, five children and the parents, that each time they would have left a piece of their heart at this site, yet went forward in faith in the Lamb of God.

I took my daughter to see the gravestone one day and we read it together hoping to relay this faith of the past to today in our lives and in the Kingdom to come.

Why should we mourn our Daughter's loss,

Since death to her is bliss.
She lives again in faith she died,
And Christ has promis'd this.

One Day we will see His glorious might revealed again and again in new ways without ever growing tired. On this earth God is so kind as to give us friends to help carry the weight of loss of loves ones.

"..Friends ...come alongside us in our life's journey ... preserve (friendships) the most valuable of all possessions". (William Wilberforce)  

 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

 (John 14:1-3 ESV)

There Will be a Day-

"There Will Be A Day"
Jeremy Camp

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that tries to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

[Chorus]
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you're walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you've walked out all alone

[Chorus]

Troubled soul don't lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that's in store
Outweighs the hurt of life's sting

I can't wait until that day where the very one I've lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I've faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing

Song copyright: BEC Recordings

Purpose changes as our story unfolds..

Recently I was walking near a place I have walked many times.

The location is near a personal care home that was there when I was a child although known by a different name. Earlier in the evening I learned of some health trials that a few older people I know were having.

 Many times when I visit or see older people, and now getting older myself, I think of the days that they were vibrant and youthful, when their bodies would have been strong and their presence would be handsome or beautiful. Now, they are very aware of the years gone by and of limitations but boldly transition with grace to the next chapter of their lives and of their story.

 This is not to bring feelings of sadness but it can if we would lose sight of the bigger plan and our story that is held close to the heart of the Author of our story. 

Purpose changes but our story doesn't -

rusty old bucket truck once used to prune the towering oak now at rest ,

  rusty non- functional transit bus used to transport for many years now storing cardboard boxes.

 Pile of bricks at one time a strong building
- purpose changes but our Story doesn't , 
functions change
 but our plan and usefulness goes on in a less obvious way. 
What was in the past endures in various forms and only God knows the effect and the end of our efforts.

The sidewalk that ends-
 at one time must have led to a structure -now it has no destination, it's purpose has changed. 
It can be looked at as "Opportunity" to take a step in faith, trusting the Author of our story with the final end or result.

 

"The harvest at your feet- is what it is. Yet, in all of this there is hope because your Lord is the Lord of new seasons.
God made you and your story. Your story is His story.
(Tripp, Paul David. Lost in the Middle- Midlife and the Grace of God. Shepherd Press. 2004.)

Psalm 102
23 He has afflicted and weakened my strength, humbling and bringing me low [with sorrow] in the way; He has shortened my days [aging me prematurely].

24 I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days, You Whose years continue throughout all generations.
25 At the beginning You existed and laid the foundations of the earth; the heavens are the work of Your hands.
26 They shall perish, but You shall remain and endure; yes, all of them shall wear out and become old like a garment. Like clothing You shall change them, and they shall be changed and pass away.

27 But You remain the same, and Your years shall have no end.

28 The children of Your servants shall dwell safely and continue, and their descendants shall be established before You.

Psalm 27:13-14 (AMP)

13 [What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!

14 Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.

The future is bright and will be creative.

"You have many productive years behind you, and though life is brief you  have the wisdom of age and experience."

The morning I started out reading about hope in the middle of trials and tribulation and how the Father is with me.

 And the day ended with a glimpse of the enduring purposes of our lives and God's plan, though our purpose may change the Story endures. Grateful for His care and that He speak to us today though the Helper who is our advocate and the Son pleads our petitions to the Father .

As the sun sets this evening be refreshed by the peace that rest gives and look up at the dawn for "joy comes in the morning!"

when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them....

 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless,

 like sheep without a shepherd. 

 Matthew 9:35 (ESV)

I then thought about God's love for me and my family. How I know very little about the intensity of God's love for me.

It was the great reformer Martin Luther who said: "the slender capacity of man's heart cannot comprehend, much less utter, that unsearchable depth and burning zeal of God's love towards us."

I read Morning and Evening on 3/4 and was challenged. "My grace is sufficient for you." -

and evening - The abundance of grace He provides- 

how much grace He supplies, for each day . and many years, and generation to generation

The Compassion of Jesus

by Charles Spurgeon (excerpt)

"SOME OF THE FORESIGHTS OF HIS COMPASSION.
The Lord has gone from us, but as he knew what would happen while he was away, he has, with blessed forethought, provided for our wants. Well he knew that we should never be able to preserve the truth pure by tradition. That is a stream that always muddies and defiles everything. So in tender forethought he has given us the consolidated testimony, the unchangeable truth in his own Book; for he was moved with compassion............ He is moved with compassion for you. For where a man cannot go, the Book can go, and where in silence no voice is heard, the still clear voice of this blessed Book can reach the heart. Because he knew the people would require this sacred teaching, and could not have it otherwise, he was moved with compassion towards us all, and gave us the blessed Book of inspired God-breathed Scripture."

"The compassion of the Master making up for all the abuses of his enemies. And, believe me, there is nothing sweeter to a forlorn and broken spirit than the fact that Jesus has compassion. Are any of you sad and lonely? Have any of you been cruelly wronged? Have you lost the goodwill of some you esteemed? Do you seem as if you had the cold shoulder even from good people? Do not say, in the anguish of your spirit, "I am lost," and give up. He hath compassion on you. Nay, poor fallen woman, seek not the dark river and the cold stream—he has compassion. He who looks down with the bright eyes of yonder stars and watches thee is thy friend. He yet can help thee. Though thou hast gone so far from the path of virtue, throw not thyself away in blank despair, for he hath compassion. And thou, broken down in health and broken down in fortune, scarcely with shoe to thy feet, thou art welcome in the house of God, welcome as the most honoured guest in the assembly of the saints. Let not the weighty grief that overhangs thy soul tempt thee to think that hopeless darkness has settled thy fate and foreclosed thy doom. Though thy sin may have beggared thee, Christ can enrich thee with better riches. He hath compassion. "Ah!" say you, "they will pass me on the stairs; they will give me a broad pathway, and if they see me in the street they will not speak to me—even his disciples will not." Be it so; but better than his disciples, tenderer by far, is Jesus. Is there a man here, whom to associate with were a scandal from which the pure and pious would shrink?; the holy, harmless, undefiled one will not disdain even him—for this man receiveth sinners—he is a friend of publicans and sinners. He is never happier than when he is relieving and retrieving the forlorn, the abject, and the outcast. He despises not any that confess their sins and seek his mercy. No pride nestles in his dear heart, no sarcastic word rolls off his gracious tongue, no bitter expression falls from his blessed lips. He still receives the guilty. Pray to him now. Now let the silent prayer go up, "My Saviour, have pity upon me; be moved with compassion towards me, for if misery be any qualification for mercy, I am a fit object for thy compassion. Oh! save me for thy mercy's sake!" Amen." (CHS)

God is faithful, he is our hope. He has changed our hearts and has broken through our despair. He has allowed our children, the next generation, to be called out of darkness, and full of faith declare the compassion of Christ. He has paid the greatest price, He has proven His great love and we will praise Him with our lives!

He is Faithful- Bryan and Katie Torwalt
©Bryan and Katie Torwalt 

I have heard a sound, coming on the wind
Changing hearts and minds, healing brokenness
I feel a generation, breaking through despair
I hear a generation, full of faith declare

pre-chorus And our song it will be, out of the darkness we will rise and sing

chorus: He is faithful, He is glorious,
He is Jesus, and all my hope is in Him
He is freedom, He is healing right now,
He is hope and joy, love and peace and life

I have seen a light, like the break of dawn
Giving blind men sight, and letting lame men walk
I see a generation, with resurrection life
We are a generation, filled with the power of Christ

bridge He has paid the highest price,
He has proven his great love for us
We will praise him with our lives,
and proclaim our love for Him