Sound Words for Pilgrims

Dec 30, 2006 at 17:14 o\clock

God's Timing

by: soundwords

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed…And Joseph also went up from Galilee…with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luke 2:1-5

“What awful timing,” Joseph could have moaned. “The Emperor chooses now to register us. My pregnant wife has to ride a donkey 75 miles to Bethlehem. There’s not a room to rent, so we’re sharing a barn with sheep. Now Mary’s in labour.” But the timing was not random; it was chosen by God to fulfill prophesy regarding the birth of His Son (Micah 5:2). The same is true in our lives. Sometimes it may not seem so, but God’s timing is always perfect. --D. Logan

My times of sorrow and of joy, great God, are in thy hand. My choicest comforts come from Thee, and go at Thy command.

Dec 16, 2006 at 16:51 o\clock

Goodness and Mercy

by: soundwords

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Psalm 23:6

The Psalmist knew what it was to be pursued, whether by a deranged king, a rebellious son, or a roaring lion. His confidence was in the goodness and mercy of God that followed him throughout his lifetime. The omnipotent Lord continually knew David’s whereabouts-- just as He does yours and mine. The word “follow” may be rendered, “He runs after me.” In this fast moving technological age, we can never out-run our pursuing God’s goodness and mercy. Let us slow down and enjoy all He has for us today. --Arnot P. McIntee

Goodness and mercy all my life shall surely follow me, And in God’s house forever more my dwelling place shall be. --H. W. Baker

Dec 8, 2006 at 18:19 o\clock

Happy because of Him

by: soundwords

Happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. Psalm 144:15
Whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. Proverbs 16:20

The logo on the headed notepaper of the organization writing to me had a strap-line which said “The happiest people on earth.” The reason for the claim was not obvious, so I was left wondering why? Have you noticed that the last letter in the word “Happy” is a “y”? Good question. Why are you happy? If you are a believer then you have every reason to be happy--after all the Lord is your God, but the practical enjoyment of that happiness will depend on just how much we trust Him. Do we? --Brian Powleslan

Simply trusting every day, trusting thro a stormy way Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus that is all.
--Edgar Page Stites

Dec 7, 2006 at 00:51 o\clock

Not a Passive Believer

by: soundwords

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith. 1 Timothy 6:11-12

The Christian life is not passive. Much of the New Testament is written to the second person, “you,” teaching and exhorting us as to how we should live. We are to flee the dangers of loving money and living to obtain it. We are to follow the virtues listed above, having them as our lifelong goal. And we are to fight, not to be contentious, but to fight the good fight of faith, standing firm for God’s truth, the faith. Run from sin, run toward Christlikeness, and stand firm in God’s truth. These are our marching orders!
--Carl Knott

Some will hate thee, some will love thee,
some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man and look above thee,
trust in God and do the right.

Dec 5, 2006 at 00:15 o\clock

Knowledge, Understanding & Wisdom

by: soundwords

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Ephesians 3:19

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor. 1:24

Knowledge is the accumulation of information. Understanding is putting knowledge into a sensible context. Wisdom is putting understanding to good use. God knew our sin, understood our need, and in His wisdom sent His Son to bring us to Himself. What greater wisdom can there be for us than to rest in Him? --Tom Steere

It passeth knowledge, that dear love of Thine, Lord Jesus, Saviour; Yet this soul of mine, would of Thy love in all its breadth and length, Its height and depth, its everlasting strength, know more and more.
--N. Shekleton

Dec 2, 2006 at 19:15 o\clock

Brought Out & Brought In

by: soundwords

I am the LORD, and I will bring you out. Exodus 6:6
I will bring you in. Exodus 6:8

Not only has the Lord promised to bring us out of this wicked, sinful world, but He has promised to bring us in--into an eternal existence with Him, into a place too wonderful to even imagine. He has promised us everlasting life with Him, taking us to “my Father’s house,” that eternal abode that He went to the cross to prepare for us. Oh, what a day that will be! --A. Fiebig

Lord Jesus, come! And take Thy people home,That all Thy flock, so scattered here,With Thee in glory may appear. Lord Jesus, come! --Jekel