Like the little drummer boy, may your giving be the best you have to give. May your Christmas season be loving and kind. May God grant you salvation, health, and great joy as we remember Jesus His son, the One He sent to save us all.
See Last Christmas Post, Sing A New Song, It's Christmas Time.
It is near 1am on Tuesday, and I am telling myself to go back to sleep, you're tired so go to sleep. But, I can't turn my mind off, and I can't spiritually be still, because God has been so good to me. The praise He is so worthy of, spills over in my heart. My love of God, my Savior Jesus tastes like sugar in my mouth. The more I think about Him and my past journeys with Him, the sweeter is the taste. No wonder the writer wrote, (Psalm 34:8) Taste and see that the Lord is good. It is true, start praising His name and thanking Him for what you know He saved you from and how He brought you thus far. I'm writing this now because my gratitude is like a "fire shut up in my bones".
Once a Mother of a church I attended, while casually talking to me, said, "Sister, the Lord don't put it where you can't tell it". I smile now when I remember this conversation, so wise she was. That's part of our walk with God, to tell of our victories and how we got over, with Him alone.
I'm not presenting a new song to you today, though I certainly could. Rather, I am referring you to 2 songs, already posted, for you to hear. To my older readers, please review, The Promise and/or Come Sup With Me. For my new friends, listen to these two songs, so apropos for this season.
As we look back on this year, we have witness much pain and suffering, along with others who have gained much and prospered. Like Paul in Philippines 4:12, we have learned to "abound'' and "abase". AND, to still trust God through it all. Those who can give, should give freely, lovingly and with compassion. Those who need, seek assistance. God has not left you alone, you're plight, might even be a test for those who can do, so do well. When giving, let your smile be your only thank you. If in deed, there is a thank you at all.
Looking at the newspapers, the tv, etc., we see the sacrifice of Jesus' blood was the only blessing that God could give to the world, that would be able to save the world. At this time dear God, thank You for throwing Your cloak of salvation over Your children, thank You for Your love, and the story of Your Love, "The Bible". Thank You for allowing me to call Your holy name and not be struck down for daring to approach Your Throne. Thank you for that piece of You in me, that loves to sing and pray, and cry aloud for the joy of Your Presence. Thank you for this past year, and how You guided my steps and saw my needs without me having to ask or knowing I should ask. So so much, to thank You for, my family, my country(1Timothy 2:1-2), our democracy. Freedom of religion and all that's good, and all those working for God's good things, in God's will.
Dear Father, thank you for my daily bread and a good night's sleep, Amen.
God's word, through us, does not come back to Him void. Meaning empty. His Word, always, accomplishes that which it seeks to accomplish. The Bible says so in Isaiah 55:11 (KJV). How much more encouragement then, do we need to keep the faith and run the race (Ecclesiastes 9:11). We say we believe in God for who He is, if so, then we trust what He says. The only thing left to do is to obey. As the old hymn goes, "...trust and obey, for there is no other way..."(composer J.H. Sammis 1887).
When preparing to write a blog, I always ask, Father God for a word, or a thought, upon which to base a song I'm presenting e.g. inspiration for what He wants me to say. In the vastness of God Mind space, the word came. Void. Void? Lord, how do I connect up the song, "What Is In Your House?" with void (Maybe I need to pick another song, something more ethereal).
Let's change gears for just a minute. Don't worry, I'm on track, I just want to interject a new FYI for your interest. I've got something new on board for you this month, something I've long wanted to do. Not only to entertain you with a song, but to allow the story in that song to be so well told that it becomes a message that resonates in your mind for days. A message filled with faith in action. In 2 Kings 4 1-7, we find a woman who has lost "all". She is deep in debt, with 2 children totally dependent, at her side, since her husband has newly died. The bible says that her husband was acquainted with Elisha, so she ran to Elisha. She knew Elisha could get a word to God for her. It is good to know a God-fearing man/woman, because you know they can get a Word in for you (James 5:16).
At this time I would like to introduce you to another division of the L.O.W. musical library we call the Music Playhouse. This month our ensemble presents an open book performance of the biblical story of The Woman with the Pot of Oil. We guarantee you will enjoy our effort to enlighten, educate and entertain you.
Re Void. Elisha knew God's word did not return to Him void so he spoke the word for her. Don't you just love it! Yesterday, Today, and Forever. God still answers the prayers of a righteous man. The word is out there for you too. Yes, it seems the load is heavy now and endless, but what does the word say in Joshua 1 6-9, read it. It says be courageous. He is talking to you. He does not have respect of persons... Acts 10 34-35(KJV). So get up, brush yourself off, whatever the dilemma, the situation or problem. God got you! Meditate and pray. He is a problem solver, a fighter for your cause. He knows where your pot of oil is. Bye, til next time.
For the video check the web version of the blog.
What kind of thinking can change, I do to I don't! What kind of thinking can change, Oh, I will, to no! I won't. What kind of thinking would change boys playing with balls, to men fighting with bats, worse still with guns that shoot and maim, with no care or thought. No thought that there is a tomorrow of remorse, or regret. So what if the neighbors are having a party, and it is too loud for you to rest or sleep. You ought to congratulate them for doing something nice. My goodness! buy them a cake and a bottle of wine, leave it at the door, with a note that is kind, that says, may you have many more...signed, from your neighbor next door. Be part of the pleasure of happy endeavors, give others a chance to be happy-timers, instead of crime head-liners. It must be a very fragile mind set and thinking without structure, to so quickly fly off base and hurt another.
This song was written years ago when I was working the night shift. With the kids off to school, I had another cup of coffee, and the morning paper in hand. The paper blasted, what seem to be the same news as yesterday, young people in gangs in trouble of all kinds, missing their opportunities, ruining their young lives and spoiling their futures. Having 4 kids, I couldn't help but focus on what the future held for my own children. No matter what the parent does for the child, at one point in time, the child has to pull the reins on his own life directions. Hopefully, God is in his thinking.
Paul the Apostle wrote to the Christians in Philippi, and in his letter, he told them what to think. There are no questions about this verse. How clear. He says..."Think true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, any virtue, any praise, think on those things (Philippians 4:8).
How many people today would unravel time, to undo a mean word to a loved one, a nasty remark to an official, a demeaning word to a child, and on and on. I read a sermon by very wise minister. He said, an argument is like a feather pillow fight. After the fight, trying to gather up all of the feathers, is a near impossible task, there will always be a few feathers hidden behind some place, in a couch, under a dresser, in a corner, etc. In the future, regardless of when a feather is found, it is bound to make the memory of the fight and the pain come to surface.
Think It Over 'Fore You Do, is a relationship song. Everyone should be aware of it's meaning. Some unnecessary breakups, hurt feelings, broken homes, sadden friendships, could be avoided just by thinking first, before you do.
I thought the words important enough to match it with a melody, to catch your ears. I persuaded my daughter to sing it with me, with my one finger accompaniment. For me to sing must impress you about how much I want you to hear this song. I do it for you my loves, Bye.
Here's Get Up Thoughts, performed so excellently by vocalist Janet Van Klein and keyboardist, Michael Delorenzo. Love this duo, you will too!
I love the fact that the Leap Over Walls collection represents a diversity of music. In our library we not only claim the contemporary, rock, jazz, but also the hymn, and the southern Gospel. Our God is all-sided, speaking to all His people. His message calls to all, and every sheep knows His voice. That is why you will find musicians in every field. Music is powerful. Music is soothing. Music is soul-searching, reaching the soul when nothing else can. Babies stop crying, mad men cool their heels (1 Samuel 14:23). It reminds you, resonates with you, making memories clearer still.
It is history. For instance, stemming from the sounds of African spirituals, comes the song Run To Spirit. The music and lyrics recall the pain of another era. Theatrical in presentation, it is a joy to listen to. It gives instruction for escape, with the realism of a journey well run, in Spirit and in truth.
A pointed story about a conversation between good and evil, was told by a minister during his sermon. If you heard it before, it won't hurt to hear it again. It went thusly with the evil voice saying, "What's so grand about making a man? I can make a man!". The good voice answered, "Go ahead". The demon angel fell on his knees, and began to paw at the dirt. The good voice said, "No, No...make your own dirt!".
You know we think all day, 24/7. Can't help it, and there are things we must do to safeguard and protect ourselves. God has done His job, but we must do ours. He has given us our own domain, our mind. To block noxious, defeating, polluting thoughts that dare to attempt entry, require effort. Answer me why we allow things that, "Can't make dirt", to usurp God's word that we have been taught. Why is it we allow our prayer life; our meditation life (Psalms 119:97) to be interrupted by something that "can't make dirt". "Can't make dirt", meaning the devil, can discourage you from good works and good deeds. "Can't make dirt" will lie to you and tell you that you are alone, and that you are not beautiful, etc. The hymn, In The Garden, says He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own!
But then that's Satan's job. He doesn't have any power in your world, except you give it to him. Stand your ground! (Ephesians 6:13-14). Get Up Thoughts is a happy, happy song, light-hearted, and sun shiny bright, you can't sing it sad. It comes at the right time too, right when we're slowing up physically and mentally. Boy, are we tired. Working at home tired, or back and forth to work, tired. Tired is tired. But what we do know, God is able to keep us from falling (Jude 1:24).
Watch the fatigue factor. Years ago, a lady and I just happen to be passing by a store window. I was in my mid-thirties and she was much older. She was so close to me I was startled. Her reflection showed her shoulders were bowed, her back bent. She walked with a listless gait. Her face was without expression and her clothes were dark and droopy. I waited for her to pass but she stopped. I stopped too, in the middle of the sidewalk. We looked at each other for the longest time, in the windows reflection before I realized I was staring at myself! It was a creepy moment, it was a teary moment but, it was also a bright bulb moment. Do you follow me? Because I was going through a dark valley experience and I was tired, I did not safeguard my thoughts. I believed, even for a second, the lies, "Can't make dirt" told me about being alone, with God not present. I am so glad proper Christian principles and teaching snapped me out of that line of thought.
I know it sounds simplistic, but what problem is too hard for God? Up, up, up ideas will come to you, from God knows where, when we take it to Him in prayer. Get Up Thoughts is the song we are talking about today. Though it is not represented here musically, we at Leap Over Walls are seeking talent to sing it in all of it's glory. It was written September 1989.
For extra creditšread:
1). What does Philippians 4:8 say about thoughts?
2). What does Psalms 46:10 say about meditation?
3). What does 2 Timothy 2:15 say about bible study?
4). What does 1st Corinthians 10:13 say about new problems?
5). Why does Proverbs say your thought life so important?
