Peace

          I find it interesting to learn the backgrounds of various hymns.  This interest is one of the things that has kept me writing my hymn blog for many years.
           In 1874, Horatio Palmer asked Mary Ann Baker to compose songs to accompany his Sunday School lessons.  One dealt with the story of Jesus sleeping in the storm in the boat on Galilee.

           Mary had recently gone through her own storms. Her only brother had died a thousand miles from home while seeking a warmer climate for his tuberculosis.  For two weeks the telegraph wires carried messages back and forth between the dying brother and his loving sister.  Then came the news of his death.
            With this grief, Mary Ann studied Mark 4 and wrote, "Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high! The sky is o'ershadowed with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh, carest Thou not that we perish? How canst Thou lie asleep, when each moment so madly is threat'ning a grave in the angry deep."
          The chorus answers, "The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, Peace be still, Peace be still!" And they did, and they still will!

          As we enter a new year we too will encounter new storms in our lives.  But Jesus isn't unaware or unconcerned.  He whispers to us, "Peace be still."  We can trust Him!

CHRISTMAS WITHIN YOUR HEART

CHRISTMAS WITHIN YOUR HEART

1   God gave joy at Bethlehem

Of joy the angels sang.

But greater far God's gift of joy, 

That you can know, When in your heart,

God's perfect gift you receive

 

CHORUS

Christmas within your heart, Christ reigning within

God's perfect gift was His only Son,

Your salvation to win.

Christmas within your heart

Christ reigning within

Won't you this moment His gift receive

Then you too will know of the joy He brings,

When the Lord reigns supreme in your heart.

Chorus

 

2.  God gave peace at Bethlehem when the Savior came,

But greater far God's gift of peace,

That floods your soul,

When in your heart

God's perfect gift you receive.

Chorus

 

3.  God gave life at Bethlehem,

Life abundant and free. Do not reject this precious gift,

New life He gives

When in your heart

God's perfect gift you receive.

Chorus

 

By Barry L. Kauffman

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

No More Night

      A few years ago when we were experiencing deaths of numerous relatives and friends, we were introduced to the song "No More Night".  The words had a real impact upon us. We learned the song and sang it many times as a duet in our ministry.
          Recently I was watching a video featuring David Phelps.  With his amazing tenor voice he sang this song in a stirring presentation.  What a fitting conclusion this would be for a memorial service.
          Have you ever experienced the long night hours of pain or sickness?  Or even worse, have you ever sat with an ill child or a spouse wondering if daylight would ever come?  Those hours seem to pass so slowly and you can feel so alone and helpless and at times even scared.   If you haven't ever had this experience, you are very fortunate.  I've been there many times.

          But night doesn't have to just be a period without light.  Financial problems, marital problems, family problems, employment problems, physical problems, Pandemic problems all can send us through times that seem dark as night with no help in sight.  And these times can also be very painful.  All believers go through these painful periods of "night" during our lifetime, especially as we grow older.

          But rejoice, the end of night, pain and tears is near.  A new morning is on the way!

          In Revelation 21: 3-5 we read, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new," Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 

          Inspired by this text, Walt Harrah wrote the music and lyrics to this week's song in 1983. A well-known Christian composer and singer, Harrah originally was planning to become a pastor, earning a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Seminary. However, as he explains, "God threw me one of those surprises, 'No Walt you're not going to be a Pastor, I want you to sing for a while.' And sure enough, a singing career opened for me."  And in this hymn he expressed the hope that all believers have - no more night, no more pain, no more tears, never crying again!

          All of us have experienced the death of loved ones and close friends who were believers.  About the time that I first heard this song three of my best friends, as well as my brother, and my father-in-law and my dad were taken home to glory.  So, this song was an encouragement to me at that time.  I especially appreciate the words, "See over there, there's a mansion that's prepared just for me where I will live with my Savior eternally."  What a thrill to have this assurance and hope.

         Do you have this assurance?  Is your name written in the Book of Life?  If it is, you have nothing to dread.  If it isn't, please accept the Lord as your Savior today

 

The timeless theme, 
earth and heaven will pass away 

It's not a dream, 
God will make all things new that day 

Gone is the curse from which
 I stumbled and fell 

Evil is banished to eternal hell 

 

No more night 

No more pain 

No more tears 

Never crying again 

And praises to the great I Am 

We will live in the
 light of the risen Lamb 

 

See all around all the nations 
bow down to see 

The only sound is the praises 
to Christ the King 

Slowly the names from 
the book are read 

I know the King, 
so there's no need to dread 

 

No more night 

No more pain 

No more tears 

Never crying again 

And praises to the great I Am 

We will live in the light 
of the risen Lamb 

 

See over there, there's a mansion 
that's prepared just for me 

Where I will live 
with my Savior eternally 

 

And there will be no more night 

No more pain 

No more tears 

Never crying again 

And praises to the great I Am 

We will live in 
the light of the risen Lamb 

 

© Word Music 1983

 

You can listen to David Phelps sing it here.   NIGHT

 

Just A Few More

Here we go once again.  You must enjoy church bloopers.  Thanks for sharing them with me.

 

~ This one I said myself during the congregational prayer when leading prayer for our unsaved loved ones: Father, we just want to pray for our unloved saved ones. 

 

~ Please welcome Pastor Don, a caring individual who loves hurting people. 

 

~ Come out this evening for a time of prayer and sinning. 

 

~ A woman's blouse was found at a table in the middle of the servant appreciation dinner. If you lost your blouse, please come to the church office. 

 

~ Overeaters Anonymous meeting will be held at 8 pm in the large room. 

 

~ The ladies in the style show will meet with their dresses down in front after morning worship. 

 

~ A worm welcome to all who have come today. 

 

~ Sermon Outline:

I. Delineate your fear

II. Disown your fear

III. Displace your rear 

 

~ Next Friday we will be serving hot gods for lunch. 

 

~ If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a check and drip in the collection basket. 

 

~ Nov. 11: An evening of boweling at Lincoln Country Club. 

 

~ Women's Luncheon: Each member bring a sandwich. Polly Phillips will give the medication. 

 

~ Karen's beautiful solo: "It is Well with my Solo" 

 

~ Congratulations to Tim and Rhonda on the birth of their daughter October 12 thru 17. 

 

~ If you choose to heave during the Postlude, please do so quietly. 

 

~ We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and the rector. 

 

~ Hymn: "I Love Thee My Ford" 

 

~ Sign-up sheet for anyone wishing to be water baptized on the table in the foyer. 

 

~ Newsletters are not being sent to absentees because of their weight. 

 

~ Helpers are needed! Please sign up on the information sheep. 

 

~ The Advent Retreat will be held in the lover level of St. Mary's Cathedral. 

 

~ The District Duperintendent will be meeting with the church board. 

 

 

God's Timing

Over the years I have been writing life stories for my grandchildren. I have now completed almost 300 pages for them.  Some of them have appeared in previous blogs and I have decided to share others as I am doing today.

          One of the lessons that I've learned throughout my life is that the Lord's timing is always right.  And while I admit that I sometimes forget it, our lives and schedules are under His control and He knows our present as well as our future.  I could give many examples of times in my life where this was so obvious.

          For example, for over 25 years we were involved in a family ministry where we had a very full schedule of over 100 programs each year.  And we never had to cancel a program because unplanned events developed.  They always seemed to happen when we had openings in our schedule.  There were two times that we were sick and probably should have canceled.  But we didn't.  Even family emergencies and funerals came when our ministry schedule was open.  We never could have planned for that, but God was in control.

          Last year we decided to give up our jobs as Judge of Elections and Majority Inspector in our local voting precinct.  The May 20 primary will be the first that we haven't had to prepare for and conduct in almost 12 years.  These elections always involved many days and hours of work for me.  And we would have been very busy next week with those responsibilities if we hadn't "retired".

          This past winter we were surprised to learn that we weren't needed to lead Pinebrook hymn sings in April, May and June of this year.  For the last 12 years we have led many of the sings during those months.  I admit that when learning this my feelings fluctuated from disappointment to relief.  And it did unexpectedly open our schedule during these months.

         I also have the early stages of prostate cancer and need an annual biopsy.  I was scheduled to have my third biopsy towards the end of May.  But at my three-month checkup the specialist said that this year we could postpone it for another three months.  That also opened our schedule for this time of the year.  And once again I began to sense that God had some special plans for us during these months.

        Then, about a month ago, I went to the emergency room thinking that I might be having a heart attack.  They decided to admit me to the hospital and began to do a series of tests.  About midnight they ruled out heart and sent me for mri's of my brain and spine.  These were done about 2:30 in the morning.  Then, on Saturday morning, they informed me that I had cervical spine problems that probably were causing my symptoms and maybe also the headaches that I have endured for about 12 years.  They recommended that I contact a neurosurgeon as soon as possible.

         I knew that the surgeon that I wanted because he is highly recommended usually was booked for two to three months in advance. Expecting this to be the case, on Monday I called his office.  The nurse immediately viewed my mri on the computer and said that I should be seen as soon as possible.  About a week later I saw the surgeon and he set up more tests, including a myelogram and more cat scans.  It did take almost two weeks to get these done, but as soon as he read the test reports they quickly set up another appointment.  When we met he showed me how serious and risky my neck problems really were and we immediately set up a date for surgery.  This all happened so very quickly ... and my schedule was open.

        Now I had often said that I would never have neck or back surgery, especially the type where they go through the front of your neck.  I guess I've now learned never to say never.  So on May 19, at 7:45 am, I will have cervical spine surgery that may take four to five hours. I just pray that he can safely solve the possible complications that he said he will face dealing with my problems. I will probably be hospitalized about three days and then very limited for quite some time.  For example, I will not be allowed to drive nor lift for four to six weeks, and I will probably need a neck brace.  What an inconvenience that will be.

         But the amazing thing is that once again our schedule is "open" during these times - no election, no hymn sings, no biopsy, and Awana is over for the season.  And God also performed a miracle in allowing me to go to the emergency ward where the problem was finally found and then by allowing me to be taken care of by an outstanding surgeon, without months of waiting.  God's timing is always perfect.  And it is with the knowledge that he knows and controls our paths, that I can move ahead with the surgery knowing He is in control and the results are in His hands.

          "In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time.  Lord, please show me everyday as you're teaching me your way, and I'll do just what you say, in your time."