Just A Closer Walk With You

 To hear this poem presented in church with an introduction and devotional challenge, please click on the title of this poem: In The Presence Of The Lord In the presence of the Lord Is where I long to be. Living each moment in His tender care, My God communing with me. Teaching me wonders from His law, Filling my life with His love, Finding delight in serving Him, Jehovah who reigns above. Living each day before Christ, Fearfully aware of each move that I make. Did I glorify God, were my motives pure, Is upholding His Truth the risk that I take? Is my life a living and holy sacrifice, Or has my focus faded again? I won’t be conformed to this world, I pray my Father restores me to Him. I want to obey when I hear my Lord speak, As His Spirit and His Word command me. But sometimes, inside, I feel so weak, Still Jesus says, “Take up your cross and follow Me.” Sometimes this life can seem so hard, It’s only with eyes of faith that I can see. I know it’s in the presence of the Lord, That...

Sorry I did not post anything yesterday. There was a bit of sickness going through my household. Be Ye Transformed (Romans 12:2) Romans 12:2 And be not  conformed  to this world: but be ye  transformed  by the  renewing  of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Conformed  - the word is Strong's #4964 and means "to fashion alike, i.e. conform to the same pattern". This is referring to the external condition or outward appearance of something. We are not to be fashioned together according to the likeness of this world, according to the course or philosophy of this present age. 1 Peter 1:14-15 As obedient children, not  fashioning yourselves according to  the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Fashions and philosophies change, but God's Word never does! Let's not imitate the things of the world (the fads, the fas...

  God Is Faithful 1 Corinthians 1:9  God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Faithful  means "true to one's word. Constant; not fickle." It carries the idea of being trustworthy, dependable, reliable. Over and over in the Scriptures, God and His Word are both declared to be faithful. There are some specific things that God is declared to be faithful about: 1) Faithful to give us a way out of the temptations we face in life. 1 Corinthians 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 2) Faithful to forgive us when we repent and confess our sins to Him. 1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 3) Faithful to give us new mercies ever...

  Walking on the Water With Jesus Walking boldly on the water with Jesus, Knowing the waves are under His full control; Having sure footing in the midst of the storm, Oh, the joy and wonder that thrills my soul. Stepping out in faith is so amazing, Though this situation seems almost unreal; I’m the only one brave enough to stand on the waves, Imagine what all these fishermen must feel. But looking out upon the deep is very daunting - The wind is scattering the clouds across the sky; Slowly, I’m beginning to sink in the water; Faltering, “Lord, save me” is all I can cry. Immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught me, He held me up safely though the storm raged about; Soon we were in the ship and the waves stopped their roaring; He said, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Whether in the ship or out upon the water, The Master of the waves controls the windswept sea. It’s not the storm or calm without the ship that matters - But the peace within my heart t...

  Resting On The Promises One of my all-time favourite hymns is: Standing On The Promises (Hymn by R. Kelso Carter) Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Through eternal ages let His praises ring, Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God. Chorus: Standing, standing, Standing on the promises of God my Savior; Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, By the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises I now can see Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me; Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord, Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord, Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword, Standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises I cannot fall, Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call...

The Sons Of Korah I love studying out Bible difficulties - not simply for the purpose of debate, but to reinforce God's Word in English - the King James Bible - and to show that there is always an answer if we take the Bible literally at face value, and prayerfully seek the Lord for wisdom, as James 1:5 teaches. Let's study the Bible with an attitude of faith, believing that God will help us to understand those portions we have difficulty with, and will help explain those passages that seem hard to reconcile in our limited understanding. I believe questions of this nature - with an attitude of faith - will strengthen us in our walks with the Lord. I am always amazed when attempting to resolve Bible difficulties how a simple careful studying of the wording in each passage will clear up any apparent discrepancies! Here I am referring specifically to the King James Bible! I have found difficulties and contradictions in modern versions that could not be reconciled because of the wa...

This is my nephew's favourite hymn. I remembered the story I had read and wanted to post it with the hymn. Taken from  The Gospel Awakening Sermons Of D. L. Moody , from the chapters on D. W. Whittle and Philip Paul Bliss. "Maj. Whittle," as his old army friends love to call him, has for many years been a well-known business man of Chicago, where his integrity, activity, and efficiency, earned for him a high regard in the consideration of his business associates... He is, perhaps, better known throughout the country as the companion of the  "sweet singer"  and author - Philip Paul Bliss. His first effort in connection with Mr. Bliss was made five years ago, in a small town near Chicago. It was on this occasion that he told the story, "Hold The Fort," which Mr. Bliss has rendered immortal. “Hold the Fort” was founded on an incident of the late war, which has been thus graphically described by Mr. Moody: “I am told that when General Sherman went through ...

This is one of my favourite hymns. It because precious to me in the months leading up to my Mom going home to be with the Lord. I don't think I have been in that many church services where it was sung, but last night was one of them. It is such a comforting and faith-strengthening hymn. Day By Day (Words: Karolina W. Sandell-Berg; Music: Oskar Ahnfelt.) Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find, to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what He deems best— Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest. Every day, the Lord Himself is near me With a special mercy for each hour; All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me, He Whose Name is Counselor and Power; The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid; “As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,” This the pledge to me He made. Hel...

  Romans 8 - God Is For Us In Romans 8:28, we see that our Heavenly Father God is working out all things in our lives for our good. (This is a promise only God's children can claim - those who have been born again into God's family through faith in Jesus for salvation.) The good that He is working out is to make us more like His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 8:28-29  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. We can take confidence in the Lord and His will for our lives, and trust Him for all that He allows or brings into our lives - because He has a purpose for everything. One verse that I often think of in relation to the above passage is: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for ...

 Last year, I had sent out another hymn by this same author,  Quietness And Confidence . This one is definitely one of the best in his book of poems/hymns. The Fulness Of Jesus Lord Jesus! when I ponder o’er Thy grace and love to me, My heart is nigh to overflow With praise and thanks to Thee. My wisdom and my righteousness, My peace, my all, Thou art; I long to know full blessedness, And yield Thee all my heart. Oh! make my heart a Bethany, A dwelling-place of Thine; For nothing else can satisfy This longing heart of mine. Thus filled with Thee, my fount of life, My ever blessed Lord, I joyously can testify The fulness of Thy word. And of the Godhead bodily, All fulness dwells in Thee; This mystery of mysteries In glory I shall see. Thy fulness is my heritage, Thou givest grace for grace; Till in a bright Eternity I see Thee face to face. What though I can but understand In part, while here below? Soon all that yet is unrevealed In fulness I shall know. And even now, the port...

  Romans 8:1 - Now No Condemnation Romans 7:19-25  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. The great dilemma of the ages: where do I receive victory in my Christian life? In my flesh I cannot please the Lord nor live the way He wants me to live. On my own, I cannot even fulfill the Law's demands. The battle the Apostle Paul describes in Romans 7 seems well-nigh hopeless, ...

 Charles Wesley was another prolific hymnwriter, and to me, this one has got to be his best hymn. And Can It Be That I Should Gain (Lyrics: Charles Wesley; Music: Thomas Campbell) 1) And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Saviour’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Chorus: Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 2) ’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. 3) He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace; Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race; ’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me! 4) Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I wo...

  The following is from two different passages in J. Vernon McGee's  Thru The Bible Commentary , and portrays how the laws concerning a freed servant choosing to stay with his master out of love and devotion for him and for his bride is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ choosing to go to the cross for us, out of love to us, His bride. A Freed Servant Choosing To Remain With His Master - by J. Vernon McGee The Law Concerning Master and Servant Relationships (Exodus 21:1-6) In Exodus 21 we come to social legislation. This part of the Law is an important issue at this time because the Israelites had been slaves in Egypt. Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them. If thou buy an Hebrew servant, six years he shall serve: and in the seventh he shall go out free for nothing  [Exod. 21:1–2]. These two verses clearly state that the Israelites could never permanently make one of their own brethren a slave. If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself: if...

Numbers In The Bible Series: Day 24 - Is Your Name Written Down? Have you ever read a biography of someone that made an impact on their generation? I’m sure it was neat to see their name written down for all to see, neat to learn about the differences they made. It is especially edifying to read about Christians who made a difference in the lives of those around them because they did something for the Lord Jesus Christ and His kingdom - they touched lives for the Saviour's sake. In Matthew 26:6-13, we have the story of a woman who, grateful for forgiveness and the gift of salvation, sacrificed what could very well have been her most valued possession to honour her Saviour. Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto Him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as He sat at meat. But when His disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been...

I really do love the hymn,  Just As I Am , that tells about salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing we need to bring to Him to save us - just repentance of our sins (ie. a change of mind about our sins that we see them as wicked in His sight and we no longer desire them the way we did before - we want the Saviour instead) and faith in His shed blood and finished work upon the cross of Calvary. Unfortunately, to many in the religious world, Just As I Am becomes a creed to justify staying as we are - no change, no repentance, nothing different - but somehow still saved and Heaven bound! When we sang this song as our closing hymn in church yesterday, I was thinking about the difference true salvation does make - and that difference is eternal. The Lord God changes us, cleanses us, adopts us as His children, gives us eternal life, regenerates us and makes us new creatures in Him, and so much more. I came to the Lord just as I was - but praise the Lord, I did not stay that ...

This past week or so has been really busy for me so I have not posted a devotional or study every day recently. I won't post anything tomorrow, as most people are busy with their church, so have little time for extra reading - but Lord willing, I will be back posting regularly by Monday. Got some ideas to post some of my earlier and shorter studies. It's just a matter of going through the material and choosing what order to post some of those devotionals in. Today, you can learn a little more about me by reading my Testimony of how I got saved. Be blessed by God's Word in church tomorrow. My Personal Testimony

   Blazing A Trail God’s Way Way back in olden times, in the pioneer days, “Go West, Young man,” was an often heard phrase. Go make your own mark, go blaze your own trail - In the eyes of the world you will never fail. But the way to make a difference in the eyes of the Lord Is to base your whole life upon the truths found in God’s Word. Jesus is the Author of your faith - He’s already blazed the way; Follow closely in His footsteps, cling to Him every day. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” you’ll never walk alone; He has a plan and a purpose that you can call your very own; He will provide all things that will need to serve Him faithfully; Stir up the gifts He’s given you; keep your eyes on eternity. He’s the Finisher of your faith - that means He has a plan; “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Remember the Good Shepherd, who came to seek and to save; “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not” - be Brave! The path of the just shine...

I have been wanting to put my poetry books together as ebooks or PDFs for a while now, but the methods I used before had their quirks - weird links and info on the sides or top and bottom of the books, and the format was often broken up when converted to PDF by someone's browser or ereader. Recently, I came across this website ( printfriendly.com ) that easily converts your documents or files to PDFs - basically just drag and drop, then rename the file as you'd like. One of the things I was unsatisfied with when my second poetry book was printed up was that I had written a poem for my Mom, two days before she passed away, but I could not include it in that book because it was already at the printers. Now, as an ebook/PDF, I was easily able to add it to this edition of the book. Lord willing, if I am ever able to print any of these books up again, I will include it in the physical book. For ebook/PDFs, click on the links below to download the zip files, which you just need to un...

   This is one of my all-time favourite songs in the hymnal. What A Day That Will Be (Song by Jim Hill) There is coming a day, When no heart aches shall come, No more clouds in the sky, No more tears to dim the eye, All is peace forever more, On that happy golden shore, What a day, glorious day that will be. Chorus: What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be. There’ll be no sorrow there, No more burdens to bear, No more sickness, no pain, No more parting over there; And forever I will be, With the One who died for me, What a day, glorious day that will be. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18   But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which ...

The quotes are actual statements by missionaries or preachers of the past. Go Forward On Your Knees How brave and sure were those missionaries of old, Those faithful prayer warriors - they were so bold; Courageously saying, “Give me souls or I die!” “Go forward on your knees” was their fervent battle cry. “God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.” Go forward boldly, following your Saviour from on high; Though “You do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God” - “Go forward on your knees” - follow the footsteps Jesus has trod. By faith we know, “Prayer moves the arm that moves the world!” Under the banner of the cross, let your flag be unfurled. Victory is promised, but it will not be on beds of ease - A life of dedicated service - “Go forward on your knees” ! Whether you serve your Father here, or serve the Lord abroad, “Expect great things from” Him, and “Attempt great things for God.” Wherever you may go, around the corner or across the seas -...