'Come Before His Presence with Thanksgiving'

Psalms 95:1-3 (KJV)

1) O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

2) Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

3) For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Ed, An Honored Father

At times, we may think that some people are going to be around forever and then their time comes and they pass away. We look around us and think--"it's just not going to be the same anymore without so and so around." I experienced this feeling this week after my stepfather Ed passed away following a lengthy illness. I have to say, "It's just not going to be the same anymore without Ed around." If you knew Ed, you would know exactly what I mean.

I have to say, though, my sisters, Treasa, Sonia and Becky helped Ed out during his sickness and had I been back home I would have helped too. It is the family thing to do. All of my sisters helped Ed out to some extent during his sickness. Sonia and Becky were especially helpful all the way to the end. They were by Ed's bedside when he peacefully departed this old world. Sonia and Becky honored their father (Exodus 20:12).

A Hymn for Christian Soldiers

After last week's blog post, I had the 19th century hymn--"Onward Christian Soldiers" on my mind throughout the week. Here are the words written by Sabine Baring-Gould:

Verse 1

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before; Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See, His banners go!

Chorus (Repeat after each verse)

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

Verse 2

Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod; We are not divided, All one body we; One in hope and doctrine, One in charity.

Verse 3

Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane; But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain; Gates of hell can never 'Gainst that Church prevail; We have Christ's own promise, Which can never fail.

Verse 4

Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng; Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song; Glory, laud, and honor, Unto Christ the King; This thro' countless ages Men and angels sing.

Going as a Christian Soldier

For me Halloween will be the same as all other days. I am going as a Christian soldier. I am going to "[p]ut on the whole armour of God, that [I] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). I am going to stand with my "...loins girt about with truth, and [have] on the breastplate of righteousness" (v. 14) [.] My feet will be "...shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (v. 15) [.] Above all, I shall take the shield of faith, where I "...shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (vs. 16, 17)[.]

In addition, I shall be "[p]raying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [a]nd for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, [f]or which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (vs. 18-20). Amen! Would you like to go as a Christian soldier too?

Neighborly Love Spoken through Actions Louder than Words

Over a couple of months ago I had a work assignment with someone who truly exemplified the great commandments of loving God and neighbor through his actions that spoke louder than his words! I know the person was a Christian because when I met him the first thing he asked me was whether I am a Christian. I replied with a "yes." He said that he could tell. The only explanation is that the Holy Spirit was present. I asked him if he was a Christian too. He also replied with a "yes." We continued to talk on our way to the job location.

I am truly thankful to have been assigned to work with the gentleman. I have no doubt that God placed him in my path as I had been unemployed and this was my first job in two years. It was an extremely hot day where the temperatures continuously made me physically sick. Had it not been for his neighborly love, his patience, his strength and his endurance, I am certain I would not have made it through the work day. As the day continued, the love for God and love for brother was circulating all around us through the presence of the Holy Spirit! I have been in awe since the occasion and left searching for the right words to share about the day.

God was awesome to work through my Christian brother as the hands and feet of Jesus! I have to express my deepest thanks. I pray that my brother is continuing on his walk with the Lord because he is setting a Christian example for others to follow! To God be the Glory! Amen!

Heart Warmed by Neighborly Love

Recently I noticed others who exemplified the great commandment of loving their neighbor as themselves (Mark 12:31). One example was that of someone who took another out to lunch. Another example was that of a supervisor and a worker who showed concern for a sick coworker. And yet another example involved a supervisor who paid a tip to workers for their hard work. One final example was that of compliments shared by a supervisor with workers who performed really well at their given tasks. It warms the heart to notice the good going around that involves loving our neighbor as ourself! Amen!

Find Your Common Ground in Jesus

Sometime back I met a young man who was not getting along with his wife. From his point-of-view, he could do nothing right in his wife's eyes. He had to work to support the family including his mother-in-law. The entire situation was certainly a matter for God to handle so I asked him if they attend church. The family seemed to be divided on church matters too. He said my wife is Episcopalian and I am Mormon. I knew that Episcopalians believe in Jesus Christ. I inquired whether Mormons believe in Jesus Christ and he said yes and God also. I mentioned for him to turn to his faith. I was certain he and his wife could overcome their differences through common ground in Jesus Christ.

Satan is at work through nonessentials like denomination to cause division among God's people. The essential for us all is Jesus Christ. In revisiting the verses of Mark 9:38-41 mentioned in the last blog entry, I believe these verses can help us overcome denominational or other differences when Jesus Christ is the common ground. The devil can be cast out of our differences in Jesus' name! Amen!

Let's "[endeavor] to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" [Ephesians 4:3-6 (KJV)]