Psalm 72

¹²For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.

¹³He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.

¹⁴He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.

Psalm 34

¹⁷The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

¹⁸The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

¹⁹Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

Rescue, Time and Again

Psalm 107:43Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.What things? God's timely rescues in the midst of wandering, homelessness, loneliness, imprisonment, illness, natural disaster, storms, hunger, unemployment, oppression, dryness, injustice. He is under no obligation. He simply loves the ones whom He has made the objects of His mercy. Ever the compassionate, wise, resourceful Father to the rescue.Our hope is to know Him and to know that He never tires of the recurring cries for help. He says in Psalm 50 " 14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." It is just that basic a transaction.

I have a son in a new and challenging situation in a new province. He needs to see God operate soon in the lovingkindness put on display in this 107th Psalm. And God will be there for him. This is my prayer and my word of thanksgiving voiced in advance.

31Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

The Night the Angels Sang

Healing in His Rays

Stewart and Krista Cromarty had only been occasional attenders at Calvary Temple. But recently they had felt a greater compulsion to worship. Perhaps the cumulative effect of Uncle George's testimony for Christ and his recent stroke had impressed them with their need. They heard of the movings and shakings at Crosspoints, but the development of friendships and providence had placed them elsewhere. A men's Bible study which Stewart attended had been investing time recently in new insights into Holy Communion. Both spouses were hoping to see it celebrated more frequently at Calvary. Stewart had been particularly interested in Paul's teaching of blessings to health and body to be derived from the Sacrament properly taken (1 Corinthians 11). He could not shake the image of that little Gentile woman pleading with Jesus for the "children's bread" that her daughter might be healed (Matthew 15). Of course Krista's fibromyalgia was always on his mind. Pain in hips and lower back often made housework, walking and climbing the stairs intolerable. How could it not be Jesus' will to bring relief to his dear wife?

Sunday evening found the two showing up early at the special Communion called for by Craig Randall; happily receiving his every word on the holy remembrance; delving deep into their hearts for cleansing and thanksgiving; sensing the world-wide reality of this family exercise of hope "til He come". After receipt of the bread and wine the congregation stood for a special prayer of dedication and a hymn. When they took again their seats Krista remained standing for so long that all eyes turned toward her. Purposefully she excused herself down the pew and headed for the front steps. She climbed them with ease, turned to the congregation and announced, "It's gone...this fibromyalgia is gone. Pain free. Thank you Jesus!"

The response in the house was electric.

Afflicted No Longer

One sleepless night Of anguished prayer,I triumphed over sin.One battle in The Holy WarGod's promised me to win.Kirk had felt those words like a knife. The singles group had all been so excited anticipating this Keith Green concert. Several vans full of happy friends converging on the Fox Theatre from Port Huron. The big city had always been full of adventure, but also danger, fueled by an inconsistent auto economy and racial tension.But on this night all was forgotten as several colours merged inside the glittering building with laughter and smiles. The corporate singing had been robust, and then the mop-haired prophet took the piano for a two and a half hour's journey into the Spirit of Christ.

Kirk had always known Church. His Dad an elder and lay speaker at an Assembly of God fellowship. His Mom a member of the choir. The usual progression. Sunday School. Catechism. First Communion. Water baptism. Member of the young usher's group. He remembers often being dragged reluctantly to service when his body, stressed by studies and vigorous junior college football, had simply craved more sleep.

But now the artful psalmist up front was singing of a "sleepless night of anguished prayer". "My fight is with the one who lost the keys of hell and death to God's most precious Son." Repentance obviously the issue. Kirk could not remember a day or a season when he had been agitated or grieved over sin. When the Cross had screamed out to him for allegiance and change.

Hadn't he done all the right things? Spoken the right words? Observed all the seasons? Followed suit with the rest? And now the host preacher was saying something about folk coming forward, joining in prayer, doing real business with God...

Unwelcome One

I hit like Vesuvius.Greater emotional impactThan one's first love.Irrepressible as incoming tide.Washing over sand castles.I elicit self-doubt,Self-pity,Self-centredness.I bring on red anger,

Social awkwardness,

Loner spirit.

I humiliate

With damp blubber.

Pluck the mournful strings,

Belly-high.

Drag up guilt for things

Not said; not done;

Not forgiven.

I pilfer memories.

And energy.

I cause friends

To keep distant,

To stammer,

To grow impatient.

I haunt with faces,

Gestures, music,

Abandoned wardrobe.

I roar

At the phrase

"Snap out of it."

Cause men to doubt

Their manhood.

Cause women to remember

Apron strings, rockers

And first school-days.

I befuddle and

Bring on mistakes,

Inefficiencies.

I slander God

And His kind.

(For a time.)

I tax prayer

Beyond itself.

But I also clean

The inner residues;

Flush out the vitriol;

Relieve the inexplicable;

Distill humble servant-spirit;

Develop new-found audacities,

Currencies, compassions.

Evoke the dark night,

That joy might

Come in the morning.

I am Grief.

Two Builders

(With thanks for the images to Max Lucado, And the Angels Were Silent)The first is a financial planner . All his career he has been helping himself and his acquaintances to amass wealth and security. Each downturn has been matched with a re-direct to a vehicle promising upturn. A never ending study and fretting in certificates, funds, securities, futures and currencies. Always one more move or twist in world market conditions. The man has had to be vigilant, constantly. He tells himself he has been building good packages which will never come to an end...But they do, and the man finds himself alone, penniless and standing before some sort of admissions procedure: "What think ye of Christ? How have you measured Him?"Another scenario. A little boy at the seashore with his Dad. He loves these sorts of holidays. Dad will have his book. He will have the sand, his imagination and the surf. All afternoon the child packs and grooves his creation. Turrets. Brickwork. Motes and bridge. But then a slight modification, partial knockdown and rework.

All the while the boy delights at the sound of gulls above and surf behind, the line of water drawing ever closer to his creation. He knows what is coming. He is not anxious. Intermittently Dad offers encouragement or suggestions. Eventually the tide overwhelms his little city, and it is gone.

The child takes a look at the levelled surface. Smiles. Turns to his father who is now standing. Puts his hand in Dad's and goes Home.

Note: I had a distant cousin, Paul. He was a professional sand castle creator. He traveled the globe, virtually, building and putting on display in public places the most intricate creations. But he too always had to move on.

David Bowden

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8rhwbcRqUgY

Options for Old Ears...Any Ears

He had said something to the effect that you can't take it with you. All the praises of those in your circle will one day amount to nothing. He read a disturbing portion of Psalm 49, and then smiled and stared at the seniors gathered in the retirement chapel. Some were alone. Some had a spouse or friend. Some in wheelchairs.The next thing that they heard was a portion of a song. He presented it in a passable baritone:"Surely...Surely...He hath borne our grief...Surely...Surely...He hath borne our grief...He hath borne our grief and carried all our sorrows...Surely He hath borne our grief and carried all our sorrows."That was familiar. That was Handel. The Messiah. Yeah, that's right.

The speaker continued, "That is the Good News, folks, for the taking. This is Easter Morning. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is fact in history. He has come through death and the worst that men and the devil could throw at him, and he will never again die. The established fact assures that this is God's appointed Servant-Messiah, the one who would defeat wickedness and death, and make things right. God assures a similar Exodus to those who trust His Son.

Did I say Exodus? That's the Old Book isn't it, and Moses, or was it Charlton Heston, and the little lamb's blood over the door frame. Death escaped. Slavery ended. A new identity. A beautiful promised land to come. That's the story of the Jewish Passover. But then a verse in our New Testament says, "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us". Another innocent victim. Another blood-letting. Another mystical transaction called forth by God's say-so.

Jesus brings His very active ministry to a close. He allows Himself to become passive. Cruel ignorant men apply the manacles. Drag Him to several mock courts. Flay his back into a furrowed and bloody mass. Nail Him to a cross of shame. Gamble, laughing, for His only possessions. Watch Him die. This is His Passion. He doesn't do much. He doesn't say much. He simply obeys the eternal plan of the Father.

But maybe we should hear Jesus' words now. Maybe in their brevity they are filled with content:

1. Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

2. Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

3. Woman, behold thy son...Behold thy mother.

4. My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?

5. I thirst.

6. It is finished.

7. Into Thy hands I commend my spirit."

There was a pause between each statement. The room was quiet.

"Listen dear friends, listen to the words. Look upon the suffering. Know that He will never again endure the sting of death. Take now His obedience and suffering to your credit. God has said that it is possible. Indescribable eternal life is being offered. If this is coming to you right now in a new light, simply accept the offer. The Passover. The Christ. Rejoice evermore.

May it never be said, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." (Jeremiah 9:20)

A songstress with lyrical voice and earnest heart concluded the service.

One of the men, a paraplegic, spoke out with a large breath preceding almost every word, wide eyes slightly out of kilter, "I love bolth... I love 'em bolth... I love Gawd. And I love DJesussss."

A Holy Presence was tangible.

Well said, Sir.

All

"...who forgiveth all thine iniquities."Over ninety years ago Mark Guy Pearse released an exceptional book of exposition of Psalm 103 entitled "Praise: Meditations in the 103rd Psalm"Listen to the following:"Once when I was away among mountains, the guide said to me: "There is a wonderful echo here if you can but wake it up. Stand here with your back to this rock, and turn yourself towards that point, and now shout." I shouted. And from a hundred hollow places came the wonderful responses- far away behind me I heard it rolling in the caves and up amongst the hills; it went ringing across the lake to left of me and right of me; from away at the end of the lake it came back to me, and then away, away; whilst faint echoes of the echoes lingered in the air.

Ah, such an echo is there in the mount of the Lord if we can but wake it up. Set thy foot firm upon the promises of our God. Set thine eye upon the Crucified. Let all thy soul go forth in deepest love to Him who loved thee. And now wake up the music that sleeps on every side- "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities." All. Hark! I hear the music of it ringing away behind me, away over the chilhood, over the youth, over the years that are gone- All thine iniquities!...O, music as of heaven, I hear it ringing away to right of me and left of me, away in the dark and gloomy places of the life, away as far as all the influence of my life has gone, sweep the glad tidings- All thine iniquities!

Try it again. Once more with the faith set firmly in the promises of our God, and resting against the rock of His truth, lift thine eye to the Crucified and let thine heart adore Him. Hear it once again- "Who forgiveth ALL thine iniquities." O, blessed strains, listen! I hear it away, away for ever and for evermore, gone on to find kindred melodies in heaven itself."

Note: It must be this complete to accomplish redemption. With just one sin the Accuser could rob us of our assurance and drag us down. But thankfully "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Let this echo also forever. No Condemnation.

Gospel Paradox

God becomes Man.King becomes Servant.Teacher becomes Lesson.Victor becomes Captive.Priest becomes Sacrifice.

Blessing becomes Curse.

Death becomes Life.

Galatians 3:

13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Isaiah 53:

7He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Treachery's Kiss

The kiss upon the cheek.The countenance glazed With feigned friendship.The onlookers in the knowWith slander, besmirchingAnd judgment.The menacing swordsHaving Father's approval,Furthering His plan.Still I must forgive.

Count it all loss

For the excellency

Of His better.

I have right, words

And power to silence

All scoffing.

But I shall not,

And He shall have His way.

And I shall rise

In some bright morn

Of recompense.

And postures,

And much unfeeling,

Found shining in wondrous

Family likeness;

Beside an empty tomb.

The hate forgot.

(Painting by James Tissot)

The Bell-Weather

A young sheep has proved itself dangerously rebellious and independent. Continuously it goes into hazardous places, eating inappropriate foods, spurning the fellowship of the flock. Soon the Shepherd will apply the old remedy. He takes the sheep and swiftly breaks one of its delicate legs. The sheep is stunned by this uncharacteristic behaviour. With low and soothing words and sounds the Shepherd sets the fracture and holds the patient effortlessly in his strong and capable arms, speaking affectionately to it. In the days to follow, as the flock travels to one and another grazing place or refreshing stream, the Shepherd carries his charge on his shoulders and close to his heart. They are in constant communication. The little sheep observes his Master's vigilance and service for the flock; his patience with the faltering; his resilience in changing weather; his sparing use of harsh words; his laughter at the gamboling antics of the little ones; his patient application of oil and herbal mixtures to alleviate a malady or the constant irritation of summer's insects; his physical stamina; his predisposition to song or the wise old village adages. The sheep has come to realize that the beating heart beneath his mending frame is a heart of love.

The day arrives when the broken leg is healed. The Shepherd then applies a small bell around the sheep's neck. The sheep takes this as a special gift from his leader-healer-friend.

Henceforth the "bell-weather" chooses to remain close to the Shepherd. Other sheep note the peculiar comfort and intimacy of their relationship. They fall in beside the ringing one. To be close to that sound is to be close to the safety, provision and growing delight of the Good Shepherd.

Isaiah 40:

10Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.

11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Formed Into Flesh

Such a memorable dayIn the pastures of May,And the brook sparklesJust past the green.And the flock is at restWhere the grazing is best.

And the gambolling

Young can be seen.

On a prominent rise

Where the plover oft’ flies

Seated, handsome and

Strumming his lyre.

‘Tis the shepherd they see

With a new melody

Which the day and the way

Had inspired.

Now the trek had been steep

And his pace they did keep,

Till the luscious uplands

Had been gained.

And the grass was so sweet

Glistening under their feet,

For the previous night

It had rained.

Soon with grazing all done

And the warm mid-day sun,

There were many who

Stretched out and slept.

But a few cautious rams

Proudly eyeing their lambs,

Caught a glimpse of the

Dark shape which crept.

Oh the wolf had been keen

Smoothly agile and lean,

As he shadowed the

Flock in ascent.

And if he had his way

On this blissful spring day

Many young would be

Cornered and rent.

But the rams simply eyed

Their sweet singer and guide

To confirm that he

Saw the threat there.

And he, taking the sling

To deter the foul thing

Reassured there was

No need for care.

(Let us heed this tale well

Ere the forces of hell

Try to topple our

Climb to the height.

That when Evil comes on

Threatening slaughter and wrong,

We keep only the

Shepherd in sight.)

The Crumbling Clan

I can tell you how He helped me.I can tell you what He said.I consider each day gifted.I have lost my greatest dread.I embrace a broader family.I have dropped my trust in self.I am focused on the treasure,

Which transcends all earthly wealth.

I would love to take you with me

On this Christ-embracing trek;

But I know just how the Spirit

First must leave your plans a wreck.

And the brokenness He looks for

Seems a weakling's lot to you.

And that list of natural talents,

He will, every one, subdue.

It must rate a poor investment

While the game is still at hand,

And the friends still pull the levers,

And your house seems sure to stand.

But if Love once grabs the heart strings

And reveals the Cross in power,

You may join the clan whose crumbling

Has become their finest hour.

Are you sure that it won't happen?

That this Gospel is a lie?

Comes to mind another breaking,

But the rebel, then, was I.

A Bezaleel Anointing

Exodus 31:1And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: 3And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, 5And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. 6And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

7The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,

I needed to hear this message. Law business collapsed. Indelicate move to a new community. Young family. No cash. No unemployment benefits. No connections. Hilary committed to home school for Lauren. Frustrating job search. But then an opportunity came in building construction. Building construction, for me? I drove out to the job site. A middle-sized strip plaza mall.

The foreman sensed my desperation. He took a look at my size and earnestness and concluded that I was worth a risk. "Come back tomorrow. Seven sharp. Bring steel-toed boots and a hard hat. We'll try you out on general labour for a while."

Thus began the blue collar way for Doug, and just in the nick of time. New skills would come. A new hardiness to face the elements. A new alertness to the presence of hazards. Machinery everywhere. Concrete pours. Re-bar. Various sub-trades trying to do their gruff dance of coordination on the site.

And there was another job with this company. Seven stories up in a condominium in downtown Kitchener.

But Hilary and I were armed with a most effective weapon. Encouragement. And a specific word from the Lord.

Three months or so earlier (1987), Bram and Alice, friends from our old way of life, had given us a cassette tape with a message from a conference in Bradenton Florida. I forget the speaker's name, but I remember his clear, low, articulate voice, almost having a Caribbean lilt to it.

He was speaking about the Bezaleel anointing and the understanding, knowledge and workmanship which God had given to certain men in order to help Moses build the Tabernacle. The gist was that when God commands an activity, he also prepares, strengthens and equips. Hilary and I kept reminding each other of this. Through the job. And a strange variety of others which came in rapid succession over the next thirty months.

There is something else to tell about the gifted message. As we listened, we could hear not only the speaker, but also a back-drop of church bells playing beautiful old hymns. At first we imagined that there was a chapel nearby on the campgrounds. But the ringing persisted through the entire message. That seemed unusual. Perhaps in the rapid-fire copying of the cassette, the sermon had been dubbed over another soundtrack?

Or perhaps the bell music had no natural origin? Now that was an interesting thought! Whatever the cause, that message and its "heavenly accompaniment" became pivotal in my struggle toward new vocations. Bezaleel...Doug (minus a briefcase, but wearing a tool belt.)

The Note

Frank had not had many days like this. Just six months into his new responsibilities at the firm, the announcement had hit like a thunder clap. Regional Branch Office closing after the amalgamation. Talk of redundancy and streamlining. His entire workplace had two months.To make matters worse Sandy had accepted a nursing tenure in Moncton and it looked like the end of their two and a half year relationship. She had been the one hinting at marriage. He had remained somewhat cool for too long. This was only his second serious commitment at age twenty-six. He had watched his parents' marriage fade away after thirty years. Mom remained at City Hall in the Planning Department. Dad for the last three years in Northern Alberta in geological exploration. And that after nineteen years as a University Prof.

The car lease expired in a month and there would either be re-financing or a hefty payout of excessive mileage. Student loans weren't going to go away for another four years, and doubtless there would have to be re-structuring in light of the lay-off.

He sat at his desk after-hours deciding what to start to take back to the apartment. He did not relish the next two months. A couple of possible contacts, but then no one was really being honest about business conditions...press, local politicians, chamber of commerce. In the bottom left drawer under some performance reports he found that Book of Psalms which his sister had dropped off only two days before she left with her fiance for Northern Sudan. They were both para-medics with four years of all-purpose service in the big city, and they had decided upon a two year stint with a health agency in the refugee camps. A new country on the world scene. Many terrible stories of slavery and mayhem in the recent past. Both of them seeing an opportunity to manifest "Christ in shoe leather".

Terri had not been pushy with the Gospel these last three years since her "faith experience with Jesus". She knew that her brother had had a distasteful run-in with an on-campus fellowship. She had talked mostly about the prospects of her new assignment, the places she was likely to visit and the manner in which she would maintain communication. Her Mom was quite devastated by the decision, although there was possibly a new man in her life. Dad was effectively "gonzo".

The little Psalter had been given, and just as quickly buried at the bottom of that drawer. Frank smiled and opened it. He discovered a note on the last page not previously examined:

"Dear Frank: Take a look at these pages from time to time and realize that the writers experienced almost every human situation, good and bad. King David in particular knew how to talk with God, holding nothing back. God likes that kind of honesty. Things look pretty rosy for you at the firm, but life can never be a sure bet. Remember that Jesus shines through these Psalms, and also that He came through the very worst of treatment in victory (Psalm 69). He understands our condition. He will hear your honest prayers and go to work for you, making His presence known. He is love and He is God...Kisses...Terri."

As if by reflex Frank lifted up some simple requests for his sister and Clarke in that distant place of pain and hope.

Redemption's Spring

Lion follows preyAnd life is choked away.Jackals skulk aroundFor morsels on the ground.Vultures leave the skies,And then the dust and flies.All is tooth and claw.Has Paradise this flaw?Storm clouds hover low.

Their darkening shadows grow.

Thunder roars its ire,

Along with flash and fire.

Summer skies are rent.

The tempest’s rage is spent.

Countryside defaced.

Has Paradise this waste?

Battle dust has cleared,

And men lie slashed and speared.

Flags dropped in the mire.

Encampments scorched with fire.

Fields once green are red.

Where youth has burst and bled.

Women hope and wait.

Has Paradise this hate?

The whole Creation groans

And Waster’s work bemoans;

Travailing much in prayer.

Did Heaven really err?

Or is the Man to blame

For sickness, death and pain?

Has Adam done his worst?

Has Paradise his curse?

Hold on, brave earth today.

For scriptures do portray

Your ravaged globe restored,

By our returning Lord;

Who comes with saints revealed,

Their bodies whole and healed,

To give Redemption’s Spring,

And Paradise, her King!

PSALM 98: 7, 8, 9

Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.

The Full Israel of God

We have not seen it yet. People in line with the unfailing faith of Abraham gathered with joy in Jerusalem, unharassed, restored in every sense, enjoying the benevolent administration of their eternal King.The Apostle Paul, a meticulous Jew, spoke in his letter to Galatians of the ultimate fulfilment of God's promise to Father Abraham in "a seed" whom he took to be the Lord Jesus Christ. He confirmed that Christians in the Body of Christ are in that seed. He also rejoiced that his beloved people were coming to the realization that Jesus of Nazareth was and ever shall be Messiah. Hence he saw the Israel of God consisting of people who had come to God through Christ, both Jew and Gentile, one day living in harmonious community.What a wonderful coup on God's part. Take a crusader for the laws and ways of Moses, a persecutor of the new and bothersome sect of Jesus, breathing out threatenings and slaughter in a round-up of these presumed rebels. Knock him off his horse on his grim assignment to Damascus. Blind him through an encounter with the risen and glorified Christ. Allow him to undergo an overwhelming change of allegiance and of purpose in a new spiritual birth, and PRESTO, behold an exemplary champion and apologist for the cause of the Gospel.

Now, about that harmonious community. Consider the words of the prophet Zephaniah in the third chapter:

14Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

15The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

16In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.

17The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

18I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.

19Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

20At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

This image of a wonderful King overseeing a perfected and eternally peaceful and happy kingdom, Zion, came to me most powerfully in our recent visit to the exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto). I saw in a fresher way the Jewishess of Jesus. Imagine God SINGING over His beloved reconciled peoples!

Hear further the wrap-up of Paul on this happy coming together recorded in Galatians 6:

15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

A Soul in Peril

Father, I pray for this dear man.He sees no need for your great plan.He little cares about our Jesus;Lives his life just as he pleases.Nothing shakes his self-reliance, Though it is but God-defiance..

When I try to share the Gospel,

He just thinks it quite impossible,

That a life without gross scandal

Will be lost without Christ’s mantle.

In his business, he is honest.

In his family he is so blessed.

How can this fine civic hero

Be convinced that he scores zero

On your scale of righteous worth?

Will you interrupt his mirth?

Will you show his blackened heart?

Will you pull his pride apart?

Sad to say, he does partake

Of a church you didn’t make.

One which states that all find Heaven.

One admitting worldly leaven.

One where new birth truth is missing.

One which makes the Cross a trite thing.

Please, dear Lord, assign your Spirit;

Show him Hell, and make him fear it.

Show him how in Adam’s fall,

Sin crept into one and all.

Sin, which exalts selfish purpose,

Sin, which renders good deeds worthless.

I believe that by your Spirit

You will make his conscience hear it.

Interrupt his treadmill days.

Show him scripture, power, praise!

Plant a hunger, Lord, for your best.

Over-rule his vain success quest.

He is frightened to examine

The extent of his faith’s famine.

He distrusts what still confounds him.

Show him how your love surrounds him.

How your dear Son’s blood sufficed.

How to find his life in Christ.

Precious Father, I can say naught,

How his pardon must be blood-bought.

He suspects my motives are wrong;

So I pray to see him made strong.

On my knees, I plead his case.

Humble him, and show him grace.

Peter and Paul at Graduation

https://youtu.be/tic-P-zVT2A

Deep Quiet Rest

"QUIET CONFIDENCE"I wish thee now, ‘midst all the world’s dark sorrow, The quiet sense of being truly blest;We cannot tell what waits us on the morrow, But we can have in Him deep quiet rest.His hand, unseen, still ruleth o’er the nations; His will is sovereign, even as His power;Today, o’er earth, deep groans and lamentations, But He is ruling, e’en in this dark hour.Not sin, nor wrong, nor base unholy passionShall win the day, since He is on the throne; Not so shall He His holy purpose fashion,

Though oft it seem that evil reigns alone.

In Him we rest; our fortress, strong, abiding;

In Him is peace, and freedom from alarm;

And quiet strength, and inward deep confiding.

For He can keep from every kind of harm.

~ By J. Danson Smith ~

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