Celebrating Jesus!

          Every year we share a letter sharing some of our highlights of the past year and I have decided this year to share it with you on my blog.  Please accept our wishes for a blessed Christmas and a great new year.  Please remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

          "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want."  Psalm 23 has become more meaningful to us during this Pandemic than ever before.  Indeed the Lord has provided all that we have needed during these months of isolation and we thank Him for His provision and faithfulness.

          The year has held many challenges for us including a fire.  Fortunately, nobody was hurt and a rehabilitation service has helped us get back to normal.  The year also contained many physical challenges for us.  We have seen many doctors, had dozens of tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI's, procedures and surgeries.  In October Barry had 25 kidney stones removed.  We're fortunate to have so many good doctors and medical facilities here in Lancaster County, although I think we may have used too many of them.

          We have missed being with our family during the past year of isolation.  Our three sons have been battling to keep their businesses operating during current limitations and cases of Covid among their employees.   We did get to spend a little time with family in October when Taylor married Daniel Cetnar in an outdoor wedding on a beautiful fall day.  They are living in State College where Taylor continues to serve with Disciplemakers and Daniel is completing his work on his Doctor's Degree in chemical engineering.  Both are at Penn State.

         Our daughters-in-law and grandchildren are following safety recommendations and are doing well.  Our oldest grandson, Zachary, has been a tremendous help to us, cutting our grass, gathering our many leaves and doing jobs that we can no longer do ourselves.  Joshua continues to work on his Doctor's Degree in chemistry at Penn State.  His brother, Noah, graduated from Lebanon Valley College and is now in his first year of medical school.  Chloe continues her studies in the honors program at Messiah College.  Her sister, Lexie, is a junior at Conestoga Valley and is serving as editor of the school's newspaper.  Her brother, Brodie, is a 9^th grader at CV.  He has grown several inches during the Pandemic and now is almost as tall as his dad.

          We have also missed our church family and our former ministries.  Our doctors have advised us not to attend church because of our physical conditions and we have obeyed their warnings. And while masks are suggested they are not required.  We do watch our church's streaming services and we continue to manage our church e-mail prayer chain.  Barry continues to reach folks around the world with his weekly hymn blog (barryshymns.blogspot.com).

          In 2020, like many of you, we have learned to do many normal things in different ways.  We are using online shopping for our foods and many other purchases.  And we have had more time to study the Bible and pray.  We are praying for others, praying that God can still use us, praying that we will all be spared from Covid and that in 2021 things will return to "normal".  Or even better yet, maybe this will be the year that Jesus comes.  What a marvelous solution that would be!

        We don't know what the coming months will hold but we do know that God is in control and holds our future.  Great is His faithfulness!  "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake … surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

God Is Still On The Throne

           One of the most common phrases shared recently by Christians is "God is still on the throne".  Covid and the recent election results have again made this a common reminder and encouragement.  Back on October 9, 2016 I shared a blog in my weekly hymn blog about a hymn with that title.  I've decided that with current world events that I am going to share parts of this blog once again. Maybe we need this reminder today.

          We live in a world that is in turmoil.  Terrorism, radical Islam and increasing crime threaten all of us.  Attacks on Christianity are becoming more common in today's culture.  The economy threatens jobs and savings.  Earthquakes, fires, hurricanes and tornados spread destruction.  And politics in the USA are just crazy.  And now there is Covid.

          And at times even believers find themselves wondering where God is in all of this turmoil.  Is He still in control?   But that isn't a new question.  David's enemies mocked him with that very question: "Where is your God?" (Psalm 42:3, 10).   But the truth is that God is still on the throne.  

          We know the Lord reigns, and reigns forever, because it is clearly taught in the Word of God.  It's something we also know by faith.  "The LORD is King forever and ever" (Psalm 10:16; 29:10). "The LORD shall reign forever" (Psalm 146:10). "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all" (Psalm 103:19). "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom" (Psalm 145:13). "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" (I Timothy 1:17). 

          God is indeed still enthroned in glory, and nothing happens to us that is beyond His knowledge, sovereign control and ability to turn to a good purpose. Further, we know that one day He'll return, and make all things right (Acts 1:10 -11).  

          I was looking for a theme chorus for a retreat that I was leading at Pinebrook Bible Conference when I came upon this week's hymn choice.  I remember often hearing it sung in prayer meetings when I was growing up.  It is an important reminder to believers that, even in these difficult times, God is still on the throne and He cares for His own.  And someday we will reign with Him in a perfect time and place. In the meantime He remembers us and will not forget us.  He gives us the strength and wisdom that we need for our daily living.  

          The words and music to this hymn were written in 1929 by Kittie L. Suffield (1884 - 1972). Before her conversion, at the age of nineteen, she had hopes of becoming a concert artist, either as a coloratura soprano or a pianist. But when she came to Christ, she dedicated all of her gifts to His service. 

          How she and her husband met is an interesting story. Fred Suffield, a Canadian, was awakened one night by an urgent pounding on his door. The caller reported that a train had been stalled nearby in the blizzard conditions that winter night. The caller feared the passengers were in danger of freezing to death. Suffield went to the train and invited them all back to his house. One of them, Kitty Jennett, wrote a note to thank him for his kindness, and out of that, and some exchanged correspondence, a relationship developed.  The two were later brought to Christ at a church in Ottawa by the pastor, A. J. Shea.  Kitty Suffield was instrumental in encouraging the pastor's teen-aged son to use his voice to sing God's praises. His name was George Beverly Shea. Kitty and her preacher husband eventually formed a much traveled evangelistic team, sometimes with Shea.  In addition to this hymn, she also wrote "Little Is Much When God Is in It."   

         Maybe this week's hymn choice is a reminder that you need this week.  Are you worried, anxious, distressed?  Then be reminded that God has a plan for this world and for believers and He is in complete control.  Theologian A.W. Pink states, "Divine sovereignty means that God is God in fact, as well as in name, that He is on the Throne of the universe directing all things."  This hymn reminds us of the Sovereignty of God. God is still on the throne no matter what happens in this world - even the November election in the United States. Give your burdens to Him and trust in Him knowing that He is all-knowing, all-powerful, always present and that He promises and gives peace beyond all understanding.  Trust Him for God is still on the throne.

1.     Have you started for glory and Heaven?

Have you left this old world far behind?

In your heart is the Comforter dwelling?

Can you say, "Praise the Lord, He is mine"?

Have the ones that once walked on the highway

Gone back, and you seem all alone?

Keep your eyes on the prize, for the home in the skies;

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He will remember His own;

Tho' trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on the throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forget you,

God is still on the throne.

2.     Burdened soul, is your heart growing weary

With the toil and the heat of the day?

Does it seem that your path is more thorny

As you journey along on life's way?

Go away and in secret before Him

Tell your grief to the Savior alone;

He will lighten your care, for He still answers prayer;

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He will remember His own;

Tho' trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on the throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forget you,

God is still on the throne.

3.     You may live in a tent or a cottage,

Unnoticed by those who pass by;

But a mansion for you He is building

In that beautiful city on high;

It will outshine the wealth and the splendor

Of the richest on earth we have known;

He's the Architect true, and He's building for you;

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He will remember His own;

Tho' trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on the throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forget you,

God is still on the throne.

4.     He is coming again, is the promise

To disciples when He went away;

In like manner as He has gone from you,

You will see Him returning some day;

Does His tarrying cause you to wonder,

Does it seem He's forgotten His own?

His promise is true, He is coming for you;

God is still on the throne.

God is still on the throne,

And He will remember His own;

Tho' trials may press us and burdens distress us,

He never will leave us alone;

God is still on the throne,

He never forsaketh His own;

His promise is true, He will not forget you,

God is still on the throne.

You can hear George Beverly Shea singing this hymn here.       LISTEN

All That I Need

          The pandemic has been hard on many of us ... isolation and loneliness, fear of catching the virus, adjustments in the ways we've always lived, wearing masks, social distancing, new ways of worship, changes in family celebrations, cancelation of sports, changes in education, etc.,  Who ever thought we would experience such times?

          But what has amazed me is the way that the Lord has used scripture to encourage me during these days.  Often the scriptures have been those that I've known and even memorized.  But the Lord has made them fresh and with applications that I've needed now.

          One of these is Psalm 23 which may be the best known scripture.  Recently I received an interesting explanation of Psalm 23 and I've decided to share it with you.  It is a great reminder of all that we have, even during a pandemic, thanks to our great Shepherd.  I hope that it is an encouragement to you.

THE 23RD PSALM  ...  (EXPLAINED)

The Lord is my Shepherd  ...  (that's relationship)

I shall not want  ...  (that's supply) 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures  ...  (that's rest) 

He leadeth me beside the still waters  ... ( that's refreshment) 

He restoreth my soul  ...  (that's healing) 

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness  ...  (that's guidance) 

For His name sake  ...  (that's purpose) 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death  ...  (that's testing) 

I will fear no evil  ...  (that's protection) 

For Thou art with me  ...  (that's faithfulness) 

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me  ...  (that's discipline) 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies  ...  (that's hope) 

Thou anointest my head with oil  ...  (that's consecration) 

My cup runneth over  ...  (that's abundance) 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life  ...  (that's blessing) 

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord  ...  (that's security) 

Forever  ...  (that's eternity) 

1   The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want;

he makes me down to lie

in pastures green; he leadeth me

the quiet waters by.

2   My soul he doth restore again,

and me to walk doth make

within the paths of righteousness,

e'en for his own name's sake.

3   Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,

yet will I fear none ill,

for thou art with me; and thy rod

and staff me comfort still.

4   My table thou hast furnished

in presence of my foes;

my head thou dost with oil anoint,

and my cup overflows.

5   Goodness and mercy all my life

shall surely follow me;

and in God's house forevermore

my dwelling place shall be.

Covid And Swine Pandemics

         The continuing pandemic continues to cause disagreement and various reactions.  We are becoming a mask vs. maskless society.  On Sunday we heard two different pastors pray for unity concerning the virus in their congregations and community.  Even many Christians can't agree on government recommendations.  Meanwhile Covid rages on.

          Recently somebody posted on Facebook a notice that appeared in a newspaper on November 7, 1918.  Part of it said "Notice is hereby given that, in order to prevent the spread of Spanish Influenza, all schools, public and private, churches, theatres, moving picture halls, pool rooms and other places of amusement, and lodge meetings, are to be closed until further notice.  All public gatherings consisting of ten or more are prohibited."  Did folks listen then?  I don't know.

          Since my grandfather died in this influenza, I have been very interested about it and have been doing some reading.  Here are a few of the things I have found.

           The 1918 H1N1 flu pandemic, sometimes referred to as the "Spanish flu," killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide, including an estimated 675,000 people in the United States.^.  An unusual characteristic of this virus was the high death rate it caused among healthy adults 15 to 34 years of age. The pandemic lowered the average life expectancy in the United States by more than 12 years.

           Reported cases of Spanish flu dropped off over the summer of 1918, and there was hope at the beginning of August that the virus had run its course. In retrospect, it was only the calm before the storm. Somewhere in Europe, a mutated strain of the Spanish flu virus had emerged that had the power to kill a perfectly healthy young man or woman within 24 hours of showing the first signs of infection.

          Not only was it shocking that healthy young men and women were dying by the millions worldwide, but it was also how they were dying. Struck with blistering fevers, nasal hemorrhaging and pneumonia, the patients would drown in their own fluid-filled lungs.

         By December 1918, the deadly second wave of the Spanish flu had finally passed, but the pandemic was far from over. A third wave erupted in Australia in January 1919 and eventually worked its way back to Europe and the United States. Even the U.S. president wasn't spared. In April 1919, shortly after arriving at the World War I peace negotiations in Paris, Woodrow Wilson became seriously ill with influenza-like symptoms. The White House covered up the severity of his condition, claiming Wilson had merely caught a cold from the rainy weather in Paris. Despite nearly derailing the talks, Wilson eventually fully recovered and returned to the U.S that July.  I found some interesting comments from folks who lived through those years.

         "Nearly every porch, every porch that I'd look at had — would have a casket box a sitting on it. And men a digging graves just as hard as they could and the mines had to shut down. There wasn't a nary a man, there wasn't a — there wasn't a mine a running a lump of coal or running no work. Stayed that away for about six weeks."  — Teamus Bartley, coal miner, Kentucky, 1987

 

          "My mother went and shaved the men and laid them out, thinking that they were going to be buried, you know. They wouldn't bury 'em. They had so many died that they keep putting them in garages … garages full of caskets."— Anne Van Dyke, Philadelphia, 1984

          "We were the only family saved from the influenza. The rest of the neighbors all were sick. … Directly across the street from us, a boy about 7, 8 years old died and they used to just pick you up and wrap you up in a sheet and put you in a patrol wagon. So the mother and father screaming, 'Let me get a macaroni box … Please, please, let me put him in the macaroni box. Let me put him in the box. Don't take him away like that.' (Pasta used to come in 20-pound boxes.) … 'Please, please, let me put him in the macaroni box. Let me put him in the box. Don't take him away like that.'"   Louise Apuchase, Philadelphia, 1987

  

        "That was the roughest time ever. Like I say, people would come up and look in your window and holler and see if you was still alive, is about all. They wouldn't come in."  — Glenn Holler, Conover, N.C., 1980

          "They were dying — many families losing one or more in their family. It was getting so bad, the deaths, they even, they had to use wagons drawn by two horses to carry people to the grave. I remember seeing them pass the house, seems like to me now it was every day. … At that time, when the phone would ring, when my mother or my father wanted to listen in, and they would turn to us, and they would name the person they just heard had died. It was night and day that you would hear about these people dying. My father never got the flu but he would go to town and buy groceries for the neighbors and take it to the front porch. And we didn't get the flu at all in our family, but it was terrible." — Robert McKinney Martin Jr., 1996

          "Another thing about it: people that die, the very stoutest of people. We had a fireman at the place I worked. I used to go out to the boiler room and smoke a cigarette. Me and him were pretty good friends. One day I went out there and they said he was sick. And I went out the next day and they said he was dead. They died just that quick."

 

          It was a sad, sad time.  Many lives were changed.  Families were devastated.  Could that happen again?  I fear that it could.  It is already happening.

          I am concerned that it appears that the American public is not willing to make sacrifices to protect the lives of others.  We argue over wearing masks, being separated, staying out of crowds, closing schools, calling off our trips and family gatherings.  We want our own way and don't want others to tell us what to do.  We try to continue just as though there is no danger.

           I doubt that with this new "American Spirit" this country could have survived all these years, especially through attacks from outside foes.  It seems like sacrifice is no longer part of our culture.  And that is sad!