CHANNELS ONLY

What comes to mind when you hear the word channel? For most of us television probably comes to mind. A channel is a specific path to bring a specific message to a viewer. Some might think of a body of water and the physical confine of a river or ocean strait consisting of a bed and banks to carry water to a specific destination. In business it could be a chain of intermediaries, each passing the product down the chain to the next organization, before it finally reaches the consumer. But no matter what comes to mind, it is a path that carries a specific product to a specific destination. And that is probably what Mary Maxwell had in mind when she penned the words of this week's choice. It is amazing that God chooses humans to carry His message to a world that needs to know Him. He could have chosen the wind to covey the message "God loves you". Or He could have written it in the clouds. Or He could have chosen some other method to channel His powerful message. But He chose us. And so our prayer should be that we might be channels, saved, cleansed and filled, faithfully conveyint this message to those we contact. May our prayer be that we would do this faithfully, every day and every hour.

(1) How I praise Thee, precious Savior,

That Thy love laid hold of me;

Thou hast saved and cleansed and filled me

That I might Thy channel be.

Refrain

Channels only, blessèd Master,

But with all Thy wondrous power

Flowing through us, Thou canst use us

Every day and every hour.

(2) Just a channel full of blessing,

To the thirsty hearts around;

To tell out Thy full salvation

All Thy loving message sound.

Refrain

Channels only, blessèd Master,

But with all Thy wondrous power

Flowing through us, Thou canst use us

Every day and every hour.

(3) Emptied that Thou shouldest fill me,

A clean vessel in Thy hand;

With no power but as Thou givest

Graciously with each command.

Refrain

Channels only, blessèd Master,

But with all Thy wondrous power

Flowing through us, Thou canst use us

Every day and every hour.

(4) Witnessing Thy power to save me,

Setting free from self and sin;

Thou who boughtest to possess me,

In Thy fullness, Lord, come in.

Refrain

Channels only, blessèd Master,

But with all Thy wondrous power

Flowing through us, Thou canst use us

Every day and every hour.

(5) Jesus, fill now with Thy Spirit

Hearts that full surrender know;

That the streams of living water

From our inner self may flow.

Refrain

Channels only, blessèd Master,

But with all Thy wondrous power

Flowing through us, Thou canst use us

Every day and every hour.

You can listen to it here. LISTEN

MY FATHER PLANNED IT ALL

First, let me wish all of you father's a very happy Father's Day. And if you are fortunate enough that your father is still alive and you haven't shared that wish with your father, quit reading this blog right now and do it before you forget. Oh how I wish that I could still talk to my father today. As some of you know, I had a very special father. He loved and served the Lord faithfully and was a real positive role model to me. He survived the years following the depression and World War II by working numerous jobs and spending many hours supporting us. He loved mother and he loved us. He was educated and taught high school and college math and physics, served for 25 years as an engineer with RCA, and then served as facilities manager for a large hospital. But as intelligent and organized as dad was, he couldn't plan for everything. He really couldn't plan for the unexpected elimination of his job after 25 years of loyal service. And he certainly couldn't plan for an unexpected auto accident that took mother home at the age of 72. And he couldn't plan for years of living alone without her. But he never complained. He was able to show us how to trust and serve the Lord when those unexpected challenges developed. His real father died when dad was only two and he was raised by a godly stepfather who also influenced my life. But he and I both have a heavenly father who could plan for our future. He could do that because He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. In fact this Father is the creator of the universe who also loves us and guides us through a future that we don't know. So if you weren't fortunate enough to have a godly earthly father, you can know a father who is perfect - one who knows and controls the future, one who loves you, one who is always there and one who will never fail you or leave you. And today you should thank and praise Him too. This father is the theme of this week's hymn which was written by H. H. Pierson and Alfred B. Smith. As you read these words today, stop and thank the Lord for being the perfect Father and for loving you.

What though the way be lonely, and dark the shadows fall,

I know wher'er it leadeth, My Father planned it all.

I sing through the shade and the sunshine,

I'll trust Him whatever befall;

I sing for I cannot be silent, My Father planned it all.

There may be sunshine tomorrow, Shadows may break and flee,

Twill be the way He chooses, My Father's plan for me.

I sing through the shade and the sunshine,

I'll trust Him whatever befall;

I sing for I cannot be silent, My Father planned it all.

He guides my fal'tring footsteps, Along the weary way;

For well he knows the pathway, Will lead to endless day.

I sing through the shade and the sunshine,

I'll trust Him whatever befall;

I sing for I cannot be silent, My Father planned it all.

A day of light and gladness, On which no shade will fall;

Tis this at last awaits me , My Father planned it all….

I sing through the shade and the sunshine,

I'll trust Him whatever befall;

I sing for I cannot be silent, My Father planned it all."

Listen to it here. LISTEN

MY REDEEMER IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE

Faithfulness seems to be an unknown quality in today's society. Marriages fall apart because of unfaithfulness to wedding vows. Employee and employer long time relationships are quickly broken when times get tough. People hop from one church to another and attend only when it is convenient. Churches and even community organizations have challenges functioning because volunteers won't put in time or just quit. Even highly paid athletes jump from team to team for larger salaries. But God's faithfulness endures. He will never change his mind or fail His children. His promises are secure. He is always there, in the good times and the bad times. Hopefully you recognize and can testify of God's faithfulness in your life. It was His faithfulness in a very tragic time that stirred Steven Curtis Chapman to pen the words of this week's choice. Psalm 103:17 (KJV) "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;" came to his mind as he stood at the hospital, not as a Christian music singer comforting a little child, but as a father praying for a miracle. He held onto his wife that night and prayed for their 5-year-old Maria, their youngest adopted daughter, who had been accidentally struck in the family's driveway by one of her brothers returning home in his truck. Chapman had tried CPR at his house. The paramedics had tried to revive her but she had been pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Later he teamed with James Isaac Elliott to pen these words and music.

As I look back on the road I've travelled,

I see so many times He carried me through;

And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life,

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

[Chorus:]

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

Everything He has said He will do,

And every morning His mercies are new.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

My heart rejoices when I read the promise

'There is a place I am preparing for you.'

I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face,

'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

[Chorus:]

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

Everything He has said He will do,

And every morning His mercies are new.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

And in every situation He has proved His love to me;

When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me.

[Chorus:]

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

Everything He has said He will do,

And every morning His mercies are new.

My Redeemer is faithful and true.

Listen to it here. LISTEN

THERE IS A FOUNTAIN

Many churches celebrate Communion the first Sunday of the month, so I have chosen a hymn by William Cowper that is often sung at such celebrations.This is one of the first hymns Cowper wrote after his first attack of temporary madness. Cowper had been promised a post as Clerk of the Journal to the House of Lords, but was dismayed upon learning he would have to undergo a public examination in the House before beginning his duties. The following article from the North American Review, January, 1834, describes his dilemma, and how God prevented him from destroying himself: "As the time drew nigh, his agony became more and more intense; he hoped and believed that madness would come to relieve him; he attempted also to make up his mind to commit suicide, though his conscience bore stern testimony against it; he could not by any argument persuade himself that it was right, but this desperation prevailed, and he procured from an apothecary the means of self-destruction. On the day before his public appearance was to be made, he happened to notice a letter in the newspaper, which to his disordered mind seemed like a malignant libel on himself. He immediately threw down the paper and rushed into the fields, determined to die in a ditch, but the thought struck him that he might escape from the country. With the same violence he proceeded to make hasty preparations for his flight; but while he was engaged in packing his mind changed, and he threw himself into a coach, ordering the man to drive to the Tower wharf, intending to throw himself into the river, and not reflecting that it would be impossible to accomplish his purpose in that public spot. On approaching the water, he found a porter seated upon some goods: he then returned to the coach and was conveyed to his lodgings at the Temple. On the way he attempted to drink the laudanum, but as often as he raised it, a convulsive agitation of his frame prevented it from reaching his lips; and thus, regretting the loss of the opportunity, but unable to avail himself of it, he arrived, half dead with anguish, at his apartment. He then shut the doors and threw himself upon the bed with the laudanum near him, trying to lash himself up to the deed; but a voice within seemed constantly to forbid it, and as often as he extended his hand to the poison, his fingers were contracted and held back by spasms. At this time one of the inmates of the place came in, but he concealed his agitation, and as soon as he was left alone, a change came over him, and so detestable did the deed appear, that he threw away the laudanum and dashed the vial to pieces. The rest of the day was spent in heavy insensibility, and at night he slept as usual; but on waking at three in the morning, he took his penknife and lay with his weight upon it, the point toward his heart. It was broken and would not penetrate. At day break he arose, and passing a strong garter around his neck, fastened it to the frame of his bed: this gave way with his weight, but on securing it to the door, he was more successful, and remained suspended till he had lost all consciousness of existence. After a time the garter broke and he fell to the floor, so that his life was saved. But the conflict had been greater than his reason could endure. He felt for himself a contempt not to be expressed or imagined; whenever he went into the street, it seemed as if every eye flashed upon him with indignation and scorn; he felt as if he had offended God so deeply that his guilt could never be forgiven, and his whole heart was filled with tumultuous pangs of despair. Madness was not far off, or rather madness was already come." After recovering, Cowper came to realize how God can erase the stain of any sin and he penned the great words of this hymn.

(1) There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel's veins;

And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;

And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

(2) The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;

And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;

And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

(3) Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power

Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;

Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

(4) E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,

Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;

Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

(5) Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I'll sing Thy power to save,

When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.

Lies silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave;

When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.

Meditate on these words as you remember your former lost condition and the cleansing brought by the Lord. LISTEN

'TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

While preparing a PowerPoint presentation of the words for my wife's offertory, I came across the background of the writing of the hymn that she had chosen to play in this morning's worship service. I found that this very familiar hymn was written as a result of a personal tragedy. I really wasn't surprised because I have found that many of our favorite hymns have been penned in times of grief. "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" was written by Louisa M. R. Stead in 1882, out of one of her darkest hours — the tragic drowning of her husband. Louisa Stead was born in England and later felt the call of God upon her life for missionary service. She arrived in America in 1871. Louisa married and the Steads had a daughter, Lily. When the child was four years of age, the family decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York. While eating their picnic lunch, they suddenly heard cries of help and spotted a drowning boy in the sea. Mr. Stead charged into the water to try and save the boy. As sometimes happens, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under the water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter. And out of her struggle with God during the ensuing days, flowed these meaningful words — "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus." As you meditate upon these words this week, be reminded that trusting in Jesus is the only sure way to face the difficulties of life. And as we do that we find that He is always there to provide the rest and peace that we need in every situation. And as her last verse says, He will never leave us - He'll be with us until the end.

(1) 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word,

Just to rest upon His promise;

Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(2) How I love to trust in Jesus,

Just to trust His cleansing blood.

Just in simple faith to plunge me

'Neath the healing cleansing flood!

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(3) Yes, I've learned to trust in Jesus,

And from sin and self to cease,

Now from Jesus simply taking

Life and rest and joy and peace.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

(4) I'm so glad I learned to trust Him,

Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend,

And I know that He is with me,

He'll be with me to the end.

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Listen to it here. LISTEN

DOES JESUS CARE?

Why does God allow suffering? Why do good people suffer? These are age old questions without simple answers. God does allow suffering and good people do suffer and experience pain. I am sure that many of my readers either are suffering or have suffered at times throughout their lives. Often the suffering is physical, sometimes it is emotional. Then there are events we encounter like tornados, earthquakes, terrorism. And we ask why? And while we may not have the answers, we do know that God does care and that He provides grace and strength and peace in difficult times, from His infinite resources, to those who put their trust in Him. Frank E. Graeff was a Methodist pastor who served churches around Philadelphia. He was born in Tamaqua in 1860 and was reared and educated in that area of Pennsylvania. He is said to have written 200 hymn texts. He was also said to be a special friend to children and an encouragement to everyone who knew him. While he was known as the "sunshine minister", he went through some severe testing experiences and resulting periods of despondency. It was while passing through one of these tests that he became very despondent, full of doubt and full of physical agony. Turning to the scriptures for solace and strength he found that I Peter 5:7 spoke to his need. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." This was the inspiration that led him to pen the words of the great hymn "Does Jesus Care?" Each one of the verses of Graeff's hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and the answer is always "Oh yes, He cares." The final verse is always one that touches me. I can not imagine the pain of losing the one closest to you. And yet we know that Jesus still cares and that His heart is touched with our grief. Claim this truth as you face the burdens and pain in your life.

(1) Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for mirth or song,

As the burdens press, and the cares distress

And the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(2) Does Jesus care when my way is dark

With a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep night shades,

Does He care enough to be near?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(3) Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed

To resist some temptation strong;

When for my deep grief there is no relief,

Though my tears flow all the night long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(4) Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"

To the dearest on earth to me,

And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,

Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Listen to it being sung here. LISTEN

IN THE GARDEN

Today is Mother's Day and if your mother is still alive, please take time to visit her or at least call her. The older I become, the more I understand how much it means for parents, especially senior parents, to hear from their children ... every day. Getting older can result in the feeling of becoming more alone and wanting to her from your children. I wish that I could call my mother today. It is almost 18 years ago that the Lord took her home in an auto accident. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't wish that I could call her to see how she is, to share things that are happening in my life and to tell her that I love her. But that will now have to wait until I get to glory. But if your mother is alive, you can still do that. Don't wait. Tomorrow could be too late. In memory of my mother on this Mother's Day, I am repeating her favorite hymn this week. I had used it in November of 2008, on the 15th anniversary of her death. This hymn was written by C. Austin Miles after his having read the scripture passage of Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Jesus in the garden of Joseph. What a joy to know that we can live and walk in the presence of the One who loved us enough to die for us. Our time with him in prayer and meditation and service should be a time of great fragrance and beauty much like what you would experience in a peaceful, beautiful flower garden. And yet it pales in the light of the promise that we shall one day be with Him in the new home He is preparing for us. And who can begin to comprehend what my mother is experiencing today as she walks with her Lord, in His presence. That was her desire and longing.

(1) I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

(2) He speaks, and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

(3) I'd stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

You can listen to it here. LISTEN