GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

           “Be not dismayed whate'er betide,
            God will take care of you;
            beneath his wings of love abide,
            God will take care of you.

Refrain:  God will take care of you,

            through every day, o'er all the way;
            he will take care of you,
            God will take care of you.

            Through days of toil when heart doth fail,

            God will take care of you;
            when dangers fierce your path assail,
            God will take care of you.

(Refrain)

            All you may need he will provide,

            God will take care of you;
            nothing you ask will be denied,
            God will take care of you.

(Refrain)

             No matter what may be the test,

            God will take care of you;
            lean, weary one, upon his breast,
            God will take care of you.

(Refrain)

            [-Civilla D. Martin, from The United Methodist Hymnal, #130]

As we continue our series on the book of Revelation, I pray that you will always choose to look to and trust in the one who supplies all that we could ever want or need, even when we are in the midst of the "beasts" of the difficulties and challenges of life!  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Holy, Holy, Holy!!!

“And the four living creatures,… day and night without ceasing they sing,’Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’” (Revelation 4:8)

“Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,

Which wert, and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee

Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see

Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee

Perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! 

All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.

Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty

God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

            [-Reginald Heber, 1826, from The United Methodist Hymnal, #64]

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on heaven's mercy seat

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on heaven's mercy seat

Refrain: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lighting rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and glory and power be
To You the only wise King

Refrain

Filled with wonder awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water
Such a marvelous mystery.

Oh, You're worthy, mystery; You are worthy

Refrain

            [-Jennie Lee Riddle, performed by Phillips, Craig & Dean (2009 album Fearless)]

Whether it’s expressed in a traditional hymn or a contemporary Christian song, the language of heaven is praise.   We sing songs of praise here on earth during worship partly to express our own love and feelings for God, and partly prepare us for what we’ll be doing for eternity.

As we continue our series on the book of Revelation, may prayer is that you will experience a piece of heaven in the expressions of praise we have during our worship services. Remember that God loves you and I do, too! 

Tips For Spiritual Health

“Like a newborn baby, desire the pure milk of [God’s] word.  Nourished by it, you will grow into salvation, since you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3)

A person who commits their heart and life to Jesus starts a new life that is similar to that of a newborn infant.  But as with babies, our spiritual life cannot grow by itself – there must be specific things we do to nourish and grow in it. Several years ago, I ran across the following list of things that we can do to maintain and grow in spiritual health, just like an infant:

1) Daily Food – take in the “pure milk of God’s word” (scripture) through daily study and meditation (1 Peter 2:2).

2) Fresh Air – Pray often or you will faint.  Prayer is the oxygen of the soul (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

3) Regular Exercise – Regularly put into practice what you learn in God’s word (James 1:22).

4) Adequate Rest – Rely on God at all times in simple faith (Psalm 37:7).

5) Clean Surroundings – Avoid evil company and anything that weakens you spiritually (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).

6) Loving Care – Be an active part of a church family where you can benefit from spiritual encouragement and Christian fellowship (Hebrews 10:25).

7) Periodic Checkups – Regularly examine your spiritual health (1 Corinthians 11:28).

As we continue our sermon series on the book of Revelation, remember that these “tips” were ones that some of the churches of Revelation forgot to do, and they ended up with spiritual problems. I pray that you’ll not follow their example but will instead follow these on your way to getting and staying spiritually healthy! Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

The Faithfulness of God

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

  “Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

   There is no shadow of turning with thee;

   Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;

    As thou has been, thou forever wilt be.

   Great is thy faithfulness!  Great is thy faithfulness!

   Morning by morning new mercies I see;

   All I have needed thy hand hath provided;

   Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

[-- Lyrics from The United Methodist Hymnal #140]

   “Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side.

    Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

    Leave to your God to order and provide;

    In every change God faithful will remain.

    Be still, my soul: your best, your heavenly friend

    Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

    Be still, my soul: your God will undertake

    To guide the future, as in ages past.

    Your hope, your confidence let nothing shake;

    All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

    Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know

    The Christ who ruled them while he dwelt below.”

[--Lyrics from The United Methodist Hymnal #534]

Over and over the scriptures speak of the faithfulness and steadfastness of God in the middle of a world of change.   Because of that steadfast faithfulness, none of us need to fear no matter what changes or transitions occur around us.  

In the words of Psalm 46:2, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”  After all, while none of knows what the future holds, we DO know WHO holds the future!  

So, no matter what it is you are facing in life today, give thanks to and trust God, and never let fear of the future keep us from the joys and blessings of the present!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!