Turning the Hearts of the Fathers

My husband and I have recently finished reading through the OldTestament, ending with one of my constant prayers: Malachi 4:5,6

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Over my life I have seen God turn the hearts of many fathers to their children, and many children to their fathers. We have known a young couple for several years, and have prayed for them as they yearned many years for children. When they were married, the husband told his wife he wanted children, but he also wanted her to work even when children came along. They worked many years, hoping for children. When it seemed they would never have any, the wife became pregnant! What joy for them to welcome a beautiful little girl into their family!

Then the "impossible" miracle happened-- God turned the heart of the father toward his daughter! Though he wanted many children, he did not realize just how precious a child is. When his wife had to take the baby to a sitter and go to work, the husband cried! He told his wife he never wanted her to work again-- he did not want anyone to care for their daughter and rear her apart from her own mother at home.

This father loves to care for his daughter-- he even read books to her and talked with her before she was born! He plans his work schedule around his wife's work schedule so that their daughter will at least spend most of her week with her own parents. He and his wife are praying and planning for the day when only the father will have to go to work.

The mother gets up early to feed her daughter one more time before going to work. As she nurses the baby, the mother reads Scripture aloud so the child will grow up hearing God's Word from her mother's lips.

Please pray with us for these parents whose hearts have been so mightily turned toward their precious daughter! May God bless them with their hearts' desire to have mother and child at home.

Psalms 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

The Beauty of Jesus

Recently I woke up with this song on my mind. I learned it as a child, and found myself singing it one morning.

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,

All his wonderful passion and purity.

O, thou Spirit divine

all my nature refine,

till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

My husband has been preaching through Christ's sermon on the mount in Matthew 5, 6 and 7. Many people, including me, have often wondered what the difference is between verse three and five, since they seem so similar.

3 ¶ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

First of all, my husband pointed out that the "Beatitudes" are not a series of mystical feelings and attitudes which offend no one. Rather, they are strong Biblical actions which emanate from the Christian heart. They are practical applications of the laws of Christianity, and cannot be separated from one another nor from everyday life. They create astounding hostility from the wicked, as well as from some professed Christians. When consistently followed, they led to persecution and even death, as happened to the prophets of old, to Christ and to all of the apostles except John. Christ even warned that his followers (which include present Christians) will also be persecuted

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The difference between "poor in spirit" and "meek" is what struck me most this week.

Christ started his sermon right at the root of the blessings of God with poverty of spirit, or humility before God for salvation. To be poor in spirit is to be aware that one is a sinner and has no righteousness or hope of heaven on his own apart from Christ. He cannot enter the kingdom of God apart from the new birth, John 3. He must humble himself, become as a child and come in simple trust in Christ for his only hope in the kingdom of heaven. To be poor in spirit is to take the first step to receiving the rest of God's blessings.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Meekness, on the other hand, refers to being broken to harness, as you would "break" a horse or elephant for domestic use. Notice how the horse bucks until it finally realizes it cannot buck off the rider. The horse does not lose his strength, but his will is broken so his strength can be used constructively. The horse's strength and stamina is not compromised. Rather it is harnessed.

Look at Jacob, Moses, Joseph and many other Old Testament saints. Their pride and self-sufficiency had to be broken before they could be used of the Lord. Meekness refers to our natural strength and abilities being harnessed by the Lord to be used according to His word.

Meekness includes receiving injuries with the confidence that God will vindicate us. Meekness is the opposite of sudden anger, malice and long-harbored vengeance. Meekness does not include cowardice. Meekness has an honest opinion of self. It neither boasts, contends nor exalts itself over others.

When we think of meekness, we often think of hiding in a cave or behind closed doors for fear of what is going on outside. Godly meekness does not sit back fearful of attacking evil and wickedness, Rather, godly meekness enters into the fray depending not on self and self esteem, but depending on the Lord working through us according to His word.

Meekness not only hears the Word, but submits to it in thought, word and deed. Through meekness, we are promised that sin in ourselves and in the world around us can be conquered. Meekness is required in the one offering the truth, and meekness is required in the one receiving the truth. Meekness conforms to God's truth.

Meekness describes our King: Matt. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

I Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Those who have the meekness of Christ are like their King, and they shall reign with him. They shall "inherit the earth."

Poor in spirit inherits the kingdom of heaven. Meekness inherits the earth!

O, thou Spirit divine

all my nature refine,

till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

"To God Be the Glory, Great Things He Hath Done!"

To God Be the Glory

Text: Fanny J. Crosby

Music: William H. Doane

1. To God be the glory, great things he hath done!

So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,

who yielded his life an atonement for sin,

and opened the lifegate that all may go in.

Refrain:

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

let the earth hear his voice!

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

let the people rejoice!

O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son,

and give him the glory, great things he hath done!

2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,

to every believer the promise of God;

the vilest offender who truly believes,

that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

(Refrain)

3. Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done,

and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son;

but purer, and higher, and greater will be

our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

(Refrain)

This wonderful hymn by Fanny J. Crosby has been my favorite since I was a young girl. The words reflect the omnipotence and sovereignty of God throughout time and beyond. We owe Him our praise and honor. Ps 136:4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

When I went into surgery Monday morning, Oct. 5th, I was surrounded by the power of God through the prayers of our faithful family and friends– what peace I had! The surgery went well, and I was able to be discharged Wednesday afternoon.

This knee replacement has been better than my first one, two years ago. I believe the increased prayers on my behalf have made the difference– to God be the glory!

Thank you all for being the body of Christ in action in your prayers for me. May God richly bless you with His unfailing joy!

New Knee!

What a blessing that God has allowed man to discover ways to replace a knee, or hip! Truly, in Him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2:3

Two years ago I had my right knee replaced-- what a difference it has made in my ability to move pain free! Last summer was the first time in years that I have been able to have a vegetable garden. This summer we also had a garden, but arthritis has taken its toll, and I will be having my left knee replaced October 5th.

Pain will be my companion a bit longer as it took me at least seven months to adjust to my first knee replacement and get past the pain of physical therapy and the repairing of tissues after surgery. Knowing in advance what to expect of the healing process is a blessing, and I have peace knowing that "this, too, shall pass!"

Holy Scriptures are full of encouragement to us frail humans as we encounter difficult and painful times:

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Psalms 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

Psalms 51:8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.

Psalms 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Joel 2:21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

Psalms 30:5b in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Psalms 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Psalms 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Psalms 103:22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Psalms 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

The Long Wait Is Over!

After many false alarms, common in first pregnancies, we finally have a beautiful healthy granddaughter! Our bags had been packed for many days, and when we finally got the call, we left home, driving the eight hours to Ohio hoping to get to the hospital in time to see our newest family member.

Wouldn't you know, the hospital had sent the mother home-- another false alarm! But God in His divine Providence had ordered all things for the best. We had a relaxing night 's sleep at my step-daughter's home, and were present when the real contractions began Thursday September 10. By 11 at night, she called her doctor who confirmed that she should go to the hospital.

My husband, his younger daughter and I sat up and tried to find comfortable positions in the waiting room chairs most of the night. By 6 a.m. we decided enough was enough, and headed back to the house to await the birth announcement!

Corey called at 1:30 p.m. to announce, "The head is crowning!" We got back into the car and made it to the hospital in time to see our 20 minute old granddaughter nursing and bonding with her mother! We stayed another day, and met Corey's mother and sisters who had driven from Indiana to meet Madalynne Carol!

We are back home in West Virginia, and have spoken with Jessica several times in two days, with the good news that mom and baby are getting along well-- not much sleep for the parents, yet!

What a blessing it was for me to be with my step daughter for part of her labor, and to rejoice together with her in the safe delivery of her healthy baby! Children are the heritage of the Lord, and grandchildren are the icing on the cake!

Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Lady in Waiting

For 21 times in the past 12 years, I have been a lady in waiting-- waiting for the phone call telling us a new grandchild was on the way or had already been born! This week I have been once more a "lady-in-waiting," ever since my stepdaughter informed us of her baby's "imminent" arrival. Little Maddie is due September 9th, but first babies mostly defy that deadline. Not wanting to discourage the family, we told them we would pack our bags and be ready when they called with directions to the hospital. Still we wait.

What a blessing grandchildren are! As we have watched them developing their distinct personalities, a unique sense of humor, and observed them relating to their parents, siblings, others, and us, we see the hand of God fitting each one into His design for contented families.

How startling to discover that David has his grandfather's cowlicks, or that Douglas inherited Grandma's "bird" shaped ears; that the darling brunette has turned into a stunning curly headed blond! Jeffrey has been "grown up" and very serious about his future life since age 2; by age two, William displayed the most advanced vocabulary and maturity! John, Alex, and Thomas are master Lego builders with creativity in engineering design that boggles our old brains! And the girls are truly feminine wonders, creative at work and play! The very much non-identical twins are best buddies. The youngest ones smile their biggest smiles for Grammie and Grandpa, and we are totally in love with all.

What will this newest one be like? And the little girl coming in November, and the mystery one coming next April? Ah! The joy and anticipation of a lady-in-waiting!

Psalms 127 and 128:

1 ¶ A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

1 ¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

2 For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

4 Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

5 The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

6 Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.

Second Childhood?

Well, I finally gave in and let my husband Ovid buy a bike! And what a bike! We rode it Sunday afternoon for about a half hour, laughing so hard we could hardly pedal! Yes, we bought a bicycle built for two! On our way home from the Martinsburg Hospital where Ovid had an echo cardiogram (routine test), we saw a man selling bikes from his front yard, so we stopped to look. He adjusted the front seat for me and told us it is hard for a man to adjust to being in the back seat where the power pedals are-- men normally want to be in the driver's seat, so it takes communication, coordination and working together to really get adjusted to a bicycle for two. As newly weds (8 years), we can always learn more about communication and working together!

Well, we took it for a test ride Sunday afternoon, since the man who sold it to us said if we did not like it, we could bring it back. We got on, balanced ourselves, and headed down the hill-- what fun! With cool air whizzing past our faces, the exhilaration was great! We felt like children released from an unwanted chore to go flying out the door! That is, until Ovid thought I was going into the ditch on the side of the road and got frustrated that his handle bars attached to my seat did NOT give him the power to turn the bike! The seller told us the bike would be different than a single seater-- we just had to learn HOW different! It also did not help that my seat was slightly loose and when Ovid tried to steer from the back, he kept turning my seat! We were laughing so hard we had to stop in the middle of the road-- my tears were blinding my steering ability!

Ovid had brought the tools to reset my seat, and once he could not move my seat around, we managed to have a great ride! It sure is a cardiac workout on the uphill-- I was in a full sweat. But the exercise for my knees is wonderful. I can feel the workout on my thighs and flexibility on my knees without so much weight bearing pain as when we take walks. My left knee gets replaced Oct. 5th, and hopefully I can strengthen my muscles in both legs before the surgery, and also ride the bike after surgery to restore flexibility in the left knee. God is so good! We have not laughed that hard in ages!

Thought you would want to know what us old folks are up to!

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.