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Monthly Archives: September 2019
Safe Thus Far
I Samuel 7:12, Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpeh and Shen and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”
God had just delivered Israel from their enemy’s hand and had given victory over the Philistines.
As children of God, we too can say “thus far” the Lord has helped us. The words are like a hand pointing in the direction of the past. No matter the circumstance, the situation, the trial, the temptation —Thus far has the Lord helped us. The words “thus far” also point forward. Considering His faithfulness and loving-kindness in the past, we can trust that He will continue to help us because we have not yet come to the end. Because His grace and mercies are sure and everlasting, no matter the battles and toils to come He will never forsake us, and at the very end we will be able to say He has kept us safe thus far.
Memorial Stones at Jordan – Two Sets of Twelve. When Joshua and the Israelites were crossing over the Jordan River that God parted for them, God told Joshua to have twelve men carry a stone from the river floor over to the other side.There a memorial would be constructed so it would be seen and told how God had brought them across Jordan.
Joshua himself set up twelve stones in the midst of the dry Jordan riverbed where the feet of the priests which carried the ark of the covenant over had stood. Joshua’s act points to Jesus, our great High Priest who gives us the “white stone wherein our new name is written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Revelation 2:17) It cannot be physically seen, but we know it it there in our heart and our soul is safe because of the Holy Ghost. Our salvation is personal- between us and God, like the hidden stones, but through the Holy Spirit others can witness the existence of our salvation and the white stone (Jesus) that has been placed in our hearts- this is grace. One memorial seen – one unseen. We all have times we can look back on and know it was only the Lord that brought us through that. Like the stones that were visible, this becomes part of our testimony to the keeping power of our God. Others can be encouraged to trust Him in the difficult times through our testimony of God’s faithfulness.
The shepherds of the Alps have a beautiful custom of ending the day by singing an evening farewell to one another. As the sun begins to set, they gather their flocks and begin to lead them down the mountain paths while they sing, “Thus far has the Lord helped us. Let us praise His name.” Let us call out to one another through the darkness encouraging God’s weary travelers. The Lord who “thus far” has helped you will help you all your journey through.
09/20/19 – Coolidge First Baptist Church – Benefit Singing for Faithway Assembly of God
Video: Singing “Blessed Be The Name” Live @ Stanfield Church of God
https://youtu.be/WkpbjsFdfKM
Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed Be Your name
When I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name
Every blessing You pour out, I’ll
Turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun’s shining down on me
When the world’s ‘all as it should be’
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there’s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out I’ll
Turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name, oh
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
God you give and take away
Oh you give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name, oh
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
You give and take away
God give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
God you give and take away
Oh you give and take away
But my heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
Oh you give and take away
God give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name, oh
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
Video: Singing “Stand In Your Love” & “The Blood Will Never Lose It’s Power” w/ Worship @ Stanfield
https://youtu.be/WScdexEou1w
When darkness tries to roll over my bones
When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own
When brokenness and pain is all I know
Oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!
Shame no longer has a place to hide
I am not a captive to the lies
I’m not afraid to leave my past behind
Oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken!
‘Cause my fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!
Oh, I’m standing
There’s power that can break off every chain
There’s power that can empty out a grave
There’s resurrection power that can save
There’s power in Your name, power in Your name
There’s power that can break off every chain
There’s power that can empty out a grave
There’s resurrection power that can save
There’s power in Your name, power in Your name!
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!
Oh when, when I’m standing in Your love
Oh, my fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!
Oh, oh-oh, I’m standing in Your love
I stand in Your love
Standing on the rock
Oh, I’m standing, standing in Your love
Video: Singing “Why Should I Worry” Live @ Grace Point Baptist Church
https://youtu.be/ZtM_rzOH9_c
Out on the water, the storm raging high, the waters around them, troubled their mind,
With fear in their heart, they thought they might die, they failed to remember, the master was nigh.
He spoke the word; the winds all stood still, even the waters, obeyed his will.
He’ll calmed their storms, just like he will mine, If i’ll just remember, he lives deep inside.
Why should i worry, why should i fear, that very same Jesus, he stays always near.
He lives in my heart, he hears when i cry; I’ll call on the master till the storm passes by.
I read in the bible, how he walked with them, brought light to the darkness, when the way grew dim,
How Great it would be, to have his step leading mine, to walk with the master, all of the time.
But then trouble came, death was so nigh, they searched for the master, hoping he’d get there on time.
So when i’m in trouble, my bodies in pain, All i have to do, is call on his name.
Jeremiah’s Rescue
Scriptures: Jeremiah 37 & Jeremiah 38
Israel had asked Egypt to help them fight Babylon, the Chaldeans. However, Egypt returned to their own land and Israel was left alone to fight the Chaldeans. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah that Jerusalem would be destroyed by Babylon unless they surrendered to them. Jeremiah was accused of treason, beaten, and put into prison by the princes. King Zedekiah came to Jeremiah to ask him if there was any word from the Lord. Jeremiah told him even though he knew it might mean he would be put to death. The king told them to keep Jeremiah in the court of the prison and give him a piece of bread daily until all the bread in Jerusalem was gone.
The princes were so angry with Jeremiah and the word from the Lord that he spoke that they asked the king to have Jeremiah put to death. The king told them to do with Jeremiah as they wished. They cast him into a dungeon where there was no water, letting him down with cords, into the mire to die. (vs.6)
However, there was a servant named Ebedmelech (typifying the Holy Spirit) in the king’s house that knew where Jeremiah was and he wanted to save him. The king grants Ebedmelech’s request and gives him 30 men to rescue Jeremiah from the pit. Ebedmelech gets old rags and threadbare, worn-out clothes from under the king’s treasury to use in Jeremiah’s rescue. Ebedmelech instructs Jeremiah to put these rags and cloths under his arms when the cords are let down to pull him out, just as the Spirit guides and teaches us. Ebedmelech knew this would ease Jeremiah’s pain and suffering as he was lifted up by the cords. (vs.11,12)
Jesus, our Savior, took our pain and suffering, putting on the flesh (the old rags) so that we could be lifted out of the mire of sin and death. His love, mercy, and grace are like those old rags that took away the pain and suffering in our soul.
We are like those old rags, too. We are worthless, serving no purpose without Him. In His hands, we are made useful, worthy, and have a purpose. We can be used by Him, like those old rags, to help ease the pain and suffering of others, help others come to Christ to be saved; help them to be lifted up out of the mire of sin.
All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, but Jesus has made us righteous through His righteousness. (From Isaiah 64:6)
Jesus was lifted up on the cross to suffer and die so that we could be lifted up out of sin and death and be reconciled to God.
He lifted us out of the pit and set our feet upon the Rock-lifted us up and out of the mire and brought us over and into life, into a beautiful place, His kingdom. (From Psalm 40:2)
Jeremiah’s message from God was not popular as the Gospel message is still despised and rejected by many today. However, Jeremiah stood boldly with what God had given him. We are called to be Jeremiahs in our generation-claiming the Gospel, willing to be unpopular and unaccepted by the world for the Gospel’s sake.
Video: Singing “Sometimes It Takes A Mountain” Live @ Grace Point Baptist Church
https://youtu.be/is6yFMhtPII
I faced a mountain,
That I never faced before
That’s why I’m calling on the Lord
I know it’s been awhile,
Lord please hear my prayer
I need you like I never have before.
Sometimes it takes a mountain
Sometimes a troubled sea
Sometimes it takes a desert
To get a hold of me
Your Love is so much stronger
Then whatever troubles me
Sometimes it takes a mountain
To trust you and believe
Far from you Jesus
I thought I could control
Whatever life would throw my way
But this I will admit
Has brought me to my knees
I need you Lord and I’m not ashamed to say
Sometimes it takes a mountain
Sometimes a troubled sea
Sometimes it takes a desert
To get a hold of me
Your Love is so much stronger
Than whatever troubles me
Sometimes it takes a mountain
To trust you and believe
Video: Singing “He’s Taking Care of Me” Live @ Grace Point Baptist Church
https://youtu.be/l8V0XlWfFGI
WHEN I WOKE UP THIS MORNING AND SAW A BRAND NEW DAY
I COULD FEEL THE WARMTH OF THE LORD SHINING MY WAY
ALTHOUGH CLOUDS OF DARKNESS HOVER OVER ME
I WILL RISE ABOVE EACH STORM, LIKE AN EAGLE I’LL BE FREE
CAUSE, HE’S TAKING CARE OF ME
IN WAYS, THAT I CAN NOT SEE,
HE’S WORKIN IT FOR MY GOOD JUST LIKE HE SAID HE WOULD
AND HE’S TAKIN CARE OF ME
NOW I WILL NOT BE TROUBLED
I WILL TRUST IN WHAT HE SAID
THERE’S NO NEED TO BE DISCOURAGED
FOR HE CAN SEE AHEAD
IF HE WATCHES ORE THE SPARROW
AND HE CLOSED THE EARTH AND GROUND
HOW MUCH MORE HE LOVES ME
WHAT A COMFORT I HAVE FOUND
Video: Singing “Redeemed By The Blood Of The Lamb” Live @ Grace Point Baptist Church
https://youtu.be/aEPm_bLJo70
I went down to the crimson river
Left my burdens on the shore
I went down a sinner, came up a saint
Died with Christ, now I’m reborn
Yes, He washed me in His mercy
And He cleansed me with His blood
Now I stand complete, I have been set free
I found life there in the flood
Not the same, I am changed
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
By His grace, I am saved
I’m His child, forever, I am
Hallelujah
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Now I have the living water
From the well that won’t run dry
All the pangs of life have been satisfied
By the precious blood of Christ
Not the same, I am changed
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
By His grace, I am saved
I’m His child, forever, I am
Hallelujah
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
When it’s time to cross that river
I will shine in glorious light
When He calls me home, I’ll fall at His throne
And forever worship Christ
And forever worship Christ
I’ll forever worship Christ
I’ll forever worship Christ
Not the same, I am changed
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
By His grace, I am saved
I’m His child, forever, I am
Not the same, I am changed
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
By His grace, I am saved
I’m His child, forever, I am
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Oh redeemed, I’m redeemed, how I love to proclaim it
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Redeemed by His infinite mercy
His child, and forever, I am
10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying: “Now the salvation,
and the power, and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ have come,
and the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down,
who accuses them day and night before our God.
11 And they have conquered him by the blood
of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony…
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
The word of our testimony
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb, yes
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
The word of our testimony
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
The word of our testimony
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
The word of our testimony
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
The word of our testimony
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
The word of our testimony
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb, yes
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
The word of our testimony
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
We overcome by the blood of the Lamb
And the word of our testimony
The word of our testimony