ALERT TO OUR READERS

ALERT - We have just been informed that the operators of our blog software plan to make significant changes to the software in June and August.  We don't know yet what these changes will involve nor if they will prevent us from continuing to post blogs using our computers.  About a year ago similar changes were made by our web supplier and we have no longer been able to reach or operate our web site.  We are warning you that this could happen to us again and we might then need to eliminate our blogs.  We are praying that this doesn't happen, but should the blogs no longer be updated each week you will know what has happened.  Continuing then might require us to invest in new and expensive hardware and that might be impossible since we are retired and living on a fixed income.  So we will just need to wait and see what happens.  Thanks for your visits and support over the years.  We just hope it can continue.

JESUS TOOK MY BURDEN - (TH/PEACE #10)

          Do you have any burdens?  Are there things that are troubling you today?  If your answer is "no", you might be unique.

          I think most people today are living with concerns about the unusual situations that we are facing today.  Will you or your loved ones catch Covid19?  If you do, will you survive it?  Will you keep your job?  Will you lose your savings?  Will life ever return to what we knew as normal?  

          Today we are all facing serious problems and concerns that we never even considered three months ago.  Now what can be done about these burdens?

          I recall my grandfather sharing this illustration in one of his sermons.  There was an elderly man walking slowly along a country road, carrying a very heavy package.  He was struggling from the weight of his burden. A man passing by in a horse drawn cart stopped and invited him to relieve himself of the burden by riding in his cart.  The old man accepted the invitation but continued to hold his package rather than placing it on the cart.  His burden was not relieved. 

          His reaction was the same as the way so many of us respond today with our burdens.  We all face many burdens including the heavy burden of sin.  "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  Romans 3:23. But today many try to deny that burden or try unsuccessful ways to deal with it. "For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me."  Psalm 38:4.  This week's hymn shares the only way for mankind to get rid of this burden, " When I, a poor, lost sinner, before the Lord did fall, and in the name of Jesus for pardon loud did call; He heard my supplication, and soon the weak was strong, for Jesus took my burden and left me with a song."  

          But after we are relieved of the burden of sin through His love and grace, we continue to face various different burdens during our walk on this earth.  "Ofttimes the way is dreary,and rugged seems the road, Ofttimes i'm weak and weary, when bent beneath some load." "When I was crushed with sorrow I bowed in deep despair. My load of grief and heartache seemed more than I could bear."  Have you faced times like these?  I imagine that you have. I know that I have - it's part of  living in this world.  But I hope that your experience with these burdens was, "'Twas when I heard a whisper ... You to the lord belong. Then Jesus took my burden, and left me with a song."  

          These words were probably the experience of the one who wrote them, Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856 - 1922).  He served as a visiting preacher in many churches. He also worked in the mercantile trade, and then the insurance business. But the man is remembered today mainly for the many gospel songs he wrote - about five thousand of them. These include No Not One, Under His Wings, Higher Ground, and Count Your Blessings.  

           Oatman concludes this hymn with the testimony,  "I'll trust Him for the future, He knoweth all the way. For with His eye He'll guide me, along life's pilgrim way."  Psalm 55:22 also challenges us to "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."  Are you carrying a heavy burden today?  Don't be like the elderly man who held on to his package rather than letting the wagon carry the load.  Cast your heavy burden upon the Lord who cares for you.  He'll take your burden and leave you with a song.  

1     When I, a poor, lost sinner,

Before the Lord did fall,

And in the name of Jesus

For pardon loud did call;

He heard my supplication,

And soon the weak was strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And left me with a song.

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus took my burden

I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden

In answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided

My spirit was made strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And let me with a song.

2      Ofttimes the way is dreary,

And rugged seems the road,

Ofttimes i'm weak and weary,

When bent beneath some load;

But when I cry in weakness, 

"How long, O Lord, how long?"

Then Jesus takes the burden,

And leaves we with a song.

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus took my burden

I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden

In answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided

My spirit was made strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And let me with a song.

3      When I was crushed with sorrow

I bowed in deep despair,

My load of grief and heartache

Seemed more than I could bear;

'Twas when I heard a whisper,

"You to the lord belong,"

Then Jesus took my burden,

And left me with a song. 

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus took my burden

I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden

In answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided

My spirit was made strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And let me with a song.

4      I'll trust Him for the future,

He knoweth all the way,

For with His eye He'll guide me

Along life's pilgrim way;

And I will tell in heaven,

While ages roll along, 

How Jesus took my burden,

And left me with a song. [

Chorus:

Yes, Jesus took my burden

I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden

In answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided

My spirit was made strong,

For Jesus took my burden,

And let me with a song.

Listen to it here.  BURDENS

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW (TH/PEACE #9)

          Unemployment, retirement fund loses, shelter in place, sudden deaths, social distancing, closure of schools and churches, shortages of toilet paper and food, economic disaster ... so many unexpected major problems in such a short time.

          It is not surprising that so many are worried, discouraged and troubled.  We've never seen anything like it and we wonder if anything will ever be back to normal once again.  Is there any hope left in this life?

          Looking out our kitchen window I often enjoy watching dozens of birds who daily come to feast at our bird feeders.  And I am often reminded how the Lord cares for these small members of his creation. "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" (Matthew 6:26).  "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Matthew 10:29–31).  

          The birds are a daily reminder to me of my Father's care for me.  Often I need that reminder when facing the toils, discouragements and cares of daily living.  These scriptures were the inspiration for this week's song which has encouraged listeners for over a century.

          According to Civilla Martin, writer of the lyrics, "Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle - true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nearly twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheel chair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. 

           One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle's reply was simple: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."  The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" was the outcome of that experience." 

          The next day she mailed the poem to Charles Gabriel, who supplied the music. Singer Ethel Waters helped make this song popular and she so loved this song that she used its name as the title for her autobiography.  

          Of course I don't know all that is going on in your life right now, but I am sure that you, too, often face times of frustration, challenge and discouragement.  In those times be reminded that, if you are a child of God, He will take care of you.  Your heart need not be troubled.  He is your constant friend and will put a song in your heart as you experience His care, comfort and leading - even during a pandemic.  If He can see and care for the sparrow, certainly He will see and care for you. 

           "For His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me!"  Be encouraged, God is in control!

(1)     Why should I feel discouraged, 

why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, 
and long for heaven and home,

When Jesus is my portion? 
My constant friend is He:

His eye is on the sparrow, 
and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, 
and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,

I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

(2)     "Let not your heart be troubled," 
His tender word I hear,

And resting on His goodness, 
I lose my doubts and fears;

Though by the path He leadeth, 
but one step I may see;

His eye is on the sparrow, 
and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, 
and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,

I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

(3)     Whenever I am tempted, 
whenever clouds arise,

When songs give place to sighing, 
when hope within me dies,

I draw the closer to Him, 
from care He sets me free;

His eye is on the sparrow, 
and I know He watches me;

His eye is on the sparrow, 
and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,

I sing because I'm free,

For His eye is on the sparrow,

And I know He watches me.

Listen to it here.    SPARROW

GOD HATH NOT PROMISED (TH/PEACE #8)

        So often when life seems to be filled with disappointments and despair we wonder why God would allow us to face such obstacles on our pathway through this world.  Why does this happen to me?  The question "Why?" is probably the question that most believers use the most often.  And often the answer comes years later or maybe not even until we reach heaven.

          But we can be assured of several things.  God understands and cares.  He allows us to face difficult things for our growth.  He never gives us more than we can handle.  He never leaves us alone.  He will walk with  us through the darkest valley.  He loves His children. 

          After the death of my father, I claimed several of his pictures. One was a picture of Jesus knocking at the door. That one had hung in our living room most of my life. Another was a picture of Jesus with little children. I gave that one to him after he had served for many years as Sunday School superintendent. 

         A third consisted of the words to this week's hymn choice. A note on the back of the picture explains that it had hung on the wall of the parsonage in Spring City about 1920, shortly after the poem was put to music in 1919.  That was just after the tragic death of my grandfather in the Spanish Flu in 1918.   I've hung this right next to my bed where I can see the words each morning and again at night. It is a great reminder that God has not promised us an easy path. We will be subject to the storms of life, whether it be with our health, our job, our finances, our family members, or even our ministry. But God has promised us strength for the day and grace for the trials of life. 

          This was the experience of the hymn writer, Annie Flint. She was adopted as a young girl and attended school in Trenton, New Jersey. She became a teacher but had to quit after only a few years when severe arthritis made her unable to walk. She was moved to the Clifton Springs Sanitarium and began writing poetry. Many of her verses were published on cards and in magazines. 

         William M. Runyan put this poem to music. As you read the words and listen to the music you can't help but realize that the words were the personal experience of the writer. 

         Have you found the same to be true in your life? Are you troubled today with a path that is so hard? Remember that God will provide strength, wisdom and peace as you trust Him. 

(1) God hath not promised skies always blue,

Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

Refrain

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

(2) God hath not promised we shall not know

Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;

He hath not told us we shall not bear

Many a burden, many a care.

Refrain

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

(3) God hath not promised smooth road and wide,

Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;

Never a mountain rocky and steep,

Never a river turbid and deep.

Refrain

But God hath promised strength for the day,

Rest for the labor, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

Listen to it being sung. LISTEN

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU (TH/PEACE #7)

        Are you feeling the pressure of the events and changes all around us?  Do you have anxiety about the future?  Are you worried about your health and that of your family and friends?  Do you wonder how you will get along if you are unemployed or if your retirement is wiped out with the hits the economy has taken?

          Well if you are, you are not alone. We are all facing days of difficulty and concern. These are days when many are worrying about our circumstances and our future and we feel all alone. Nobody seems to care about us. 

          It's at times like this when we need to be reminded that somebody does care and that God will take care of His children, no matter what may be the test or challenge or how hopeless things seem to be. He is the only one who knows our present and our tomorrows. He will never leave us even when those closest to us seem to.      

         This week's popular hymn of spiritual encouragement was written in 1904, by Rev. and Mrs. Stillman Martin. It was composed while the Martins were spending several weeks as guests at the Practical Bible Training School at Lestershire, New York.  Rev. Martin was involved in helping the president of the school, John A. Davis, prepare a songbook. 

          Martin, a well-known Baptist evangelist, was invited to preach at a church some distance from the Bible school. That Sunday morning, Mrs. Martin became suddenly ill, making it impossible for her to accompany her husband to his preaching engagement. Mr. Martin seriously considered canceling his speaking assignment, since he would need to be gone from her for a considerable time. Just then, however, their young son spoke up and said, "Father, don't you think that if God wants you to preach today, He will take care of mother while you are away?" Agreeing, Martin kept his preaching appointment  The service proved to be unusually blessed of God, with several people professing Christ as Savior as a result of the sermon. 

          Returning later that evening, Martin found his wife greatly improved in health. And, while he was gone, she had been busily engaged in preparing a new hymn text, inspired by the chance remark of their young son earlier that day. That same evening, Stillman Martin composed the music for his wife's words just as they are still sung today. 

         The next year, this hymn appeared in a collection, Songs of Redemption and Praise, compiled for the school by Martin and President John Davis. "God Will Take Care of You" soon became a favorite hymn of Christian people everywhere. 

          May this great hymn encourage you this week.  Remember there is no problem, even Covid 19,  that is too big for Him to handle.  There is nothing too new for Him to solve.  And He will be there to care for you and protect you even in the darkest hour.  Trust Him.

(1)   Be not dismayed whate'er betide,

God will take care of you;

beneath His wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.

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.

(2)   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.

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.

(3)   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.

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.

(4)   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

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.

Listen to it here.    CARE

I MUST TELL JESUS (TH/PEACE #6)

        Wouldn't it be nice if you had someone with whom to share your concerns and fears especially during the virus which the world is suffering.  It would even be better if your friend could comfort you and relieve your anxiety.  But any friends you might have are probably facing the same fears that you ae wrestling with.  And they can't do anything to solve your problems.

         I must admit that during times like this I wish that I could talk to my dad once again.  He was wise and his faith was strong.  But while he might have comforted  me, he couldn't really solve the problems we are all facing today.

          But there is one who is always available to listen.  He is there to comfort and guide us.  

He can give us peace and relieve our anxiety.  And if we desire guidance, peace and comfort, all we must do is share our concerns with him and trust him for the help that we need.

          Such was the experience of Elisha Hoffman, a pastor in Lebanon, PA.  He shared that there was a woman to whom God had permitted many experiences of sorrow and affliction. Coming to her home one day for a pastoral visit, he found her very much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, "Brother Hoffman, what shall I do?" 

         According to Hoffman, "I quoted from the Word and then added, You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus." For a moment she seemed lost in meditation. Then her eyes lighted as she exclaimed, "Yes, I must tell Jesus." 

         As Hoffman left her home he had a vision of that joy-illuminated face and he heard all along his pathway the echo, "I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus." After returning home, Hoffman wrote both the words and the music to this comforting hymn. It always amazes me how so many of the great hymns were written so quickly and often resulted from experiences of sorrow and pain. 

         Maybe today your burdens about the virus and your friends and family are very heavy and you don't know what to do. Let the words of this week's hymn tell you what you should do.

(1) I must tell Jesus all of my trials,

I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me,

He ever loves and cares for His own.

Refrain:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

(2) I must tell Jesus all of my troubles,

He is a kind, compassionate Friend;

If I but ask Him He will deliver,

Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Refrain:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

(3) Tempted and tried I need a great Savior,

One who can help my burdens to bear;

I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus:

He all my cares and sorrows will share.

Refrain:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

(4) What must I do when worldliness calls me?

What must I do when tempted to sin?

I must tell Jesus, and He will help me

Over the world the vict'ry to win.

Refrain:

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.

Listen to it here.   TELL JESUS