When I feel on top of my game, how easily I get in God’s way! The line between confidence and arrogance is a fine one, isn’t it? It is impossible to fulfill God’s purposes for our lives if we are curled up in a protective ball, hiding out from the challenges of daily living. The person who is in the grip of fear retreats behind walls of self-protection, reads situations wrongly, and is always reactionary. Those who are confident wade into life, dealing with the hard things, and letting the hits and criticism go because they have a greater mission than just being ‘safe.’ They are drawn on by a passionate desire to make a difference where they live! (Yes, I am!) But, with a few wins under our belts, we risk becoming deceived, thinking that our education, or our intelligence, or …. whatever – has made us indispensable to the local work of the Kingdom of God. Think again.
John, the Baptist, was given a high and holy calling – the forerunner of the Christ! God sent him to preach repentance, to prepare the hearts of the people to hear the Good News that the Kingdom of Heaven was now among them, that the long awaiting Anointed One had come to them. A lesser man might have fallen in love with the crowds, the attention; with being the center of attention. John did not! Look at how he explains the trajectory of his mission and let his words instruct you about humility.
“No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." (John 3:27-30, NLT)
By external measures, John failed. He started big and ended up, from a human point of view miscalculating his influence. By preaching against his immorality, John offended King Herod and lost his head, literally. He died alone and wondering about his life’s work, believe it or not. However, in God’s estimation, he succeeded wonderfully, doing exactly what he was called to do – prepare the way of the Lord. Of him Jesus said, "Let me lay it out for you as plainly as I can: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer." (Luke 7:28, The Message)
The familiar line about God looking for faithfulness, not success, is really true. With each of us, one thing must be true – there must be more of Thee, less of me. Over time, no matter how competent we may become, we can only complete God’s work if we are prepared to fade into the background allowing Him to shine through us, work in us, and demonstrate that "our competence comes from God." (2 Corinthians 3:5, NIV)
If we fail to hand off the vision, to raise up others to take our place, we miss the high mark. If we believe that no one can fill our shoes, we are deceived. The greatest disciple is the one who is able to empower and teach others to take up the calling.
Who is mentoring you? That’s not the only question. Who are you mentoring? To whom are you calling disciples – to yourself or to the Lord of Glory? Sobering questions, aren’t they?
Lord, I pray for more of Thee and less of me. Amen.
______________________________
Be Thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
All else be naught to me,
Save that Thou art.
Be my best thought
Both by day and by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my wisdom,
And be my true word,
I ever with Thee
And Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Savior,
Thine own may I be,
Thou in me dwelling,
And I one with Thee.
High King of heaven,
And heaven's bright Sun,
Grant me its joys
When my journey is done;
Heart of my heart, Lord,
Whatever befall,
Still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.
Be Thou My Vision
Landis, Keith / Byrne, Mary / Hull, Eleanor / Young, Carlton © 1964, 1994 Selah Publishing Company, Inc. / Abingdon Press
CCLI License No. 810055
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
YOU... make me ... so ....
If someone says to me, "You make me so mad!" I am not inclined to ask why. Instead I feel threatened. Blame creates a barrier. However, if someone honestly says, "I am so angry!" I am more ready to try to help find an answer. We have all experienced that not so great moment when somebody sticks his index finger in our face and blames us for his misery, problems, or pain. "YOU...." they accuse.
That approach, whether it is our kid, our spouse, or our boss, creates instant defensiveness in us, doesn’t it? Our instinct for self-defense kicks in immediately.
Those of you who are as old as I am will remember the comedy sketch of Flip Wilson when he played 'Geraldine.' She would say some outrageous statement or spend too much money only to toss off the line that got a laugh every time- "The Devil made me do it." Why is that funny? Because we know it’s an excuse, mis-placed blame.
When we sin, many of us are quick to blame the Devil, our boss, our spouse, our parents rather than taking responsibility for our choices. Here’s the truth: as long as we are pointing to another to as the 'cause' of our pain or problems, we will be incapable of real constructive change. And, we will isolate ourselves from the people who could work with us to make the situation better.
King David romanced another man’s wife, got her pregnant, then arranged for the man to be killed so he could take Bathsheba as his own. He thought he had cleverly covered his tracks and hidden his sin, until Nathan the prophet exposed him. Oh, that we would respond like he did. Take a look. "Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. ...
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." (Psalm 51:1-5, 17, NLT)
He owned his sin! "I have sinned, I have done evil!" And God, just as He promised, forgave him.
Disciple, if we want to know real holiness, real fellowship with God, we need to ‘man up’ to our failures without excuses or blaming others. Take this great passage with you today and live in the promise.
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 1:7-2:2, NIV)
_______________
In the presence of a holy God,
There's new meaning now to grace;
You took all my sins upon Yourself,
I can only stand amazed.
In the presence of Your infinite might,
I'm so small and frail and weak;
When I see Your pow'r and wisdom, Lord,
I have no words left to speak.
In the presence of Your glory,
All my crowns lie in the dust;
You are righteous in Your judgments, Lord,
You are faithful, true, and just.
And I cry holy, holy, holy God,
How awesome is Your name,
Holy, holy, holy God,
How majestic is Your reign;
And I am changed
In the presence of a holy God.
In The Presence
Altrogge, Mark
Integrity Music, Inc. / Integrity Music, Inc.
© 1989 Integrity's Praise! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) / PDI Praise (Admin. by Integrity's Praise! Music)
CCLI License No. 810055
That approach, whether it is our kid, our spouse, or our boss, creates instant defensiveness in us, doesn’t it? Our instinct for self-defense kicks in immediately.
Those of you who are as old as I am will remember the comedy sketch of Flip Wilson when he played 'Geraldine.' She would say some outrageous statement or spend too much money only to toss off the line that got a laugh every time- "The Devil made me do it." Why is that funny? Because we know it’s an excuse, mis-placed blame.
When we sin, many of us are quick to blame the Devil, our boss, our spouse, our parents rather than taking responsibility for our choices. Here’s the truth: as long as we are pointing to another to as the 'cause' of our pain or problems, we will be incapable of real constructive change. And, we will isolate ourselves from the people who could work with us to make the situation better.
King David romanced another man’s wife, got her pregnant, then arranged for the man to be killed so he could take Bathsheba as his own. He thought he had cleverly covered his tracks and hidden his sin, until Nathan the prophet exposed him. Oh, that we would respond like he did. Take a look. "Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. ...
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God." (Psalm 51:1-5, 17, NLT)
He owned his sin! "I have sinned, I have done evil!" And God, just as He promised, forgave him.
Disciple, if we want to know real holiness, real fellowship with God, we need to ‘man up’ to our failures without excuses or blaming others. Take this great passage with you today and live in the promise.
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 1:7-2:2, NIV)
_______________
In the presence of a holy God,
There's new meaning now to grace;
You took all my sins upon Yourself,
I can only stand amazed.
In the presence of Your infinite might,
I'm so small and frail and weak;
When I see Your pow'r and wisdom, Lord,
I have no words left to speak.
In the presence of Your glory,
All my crowns lie in the dust;
You are righteous in Your judgments, Lord,
You are faithful, true, and just.
And I cry holy, holy, holy God,
How awesome is Your name,
Holy, holy, holy God,
How majestic is Your reign;
And I am changed
In the presence of a holy God.
In The Presence
Altrogge, Mark
Integrity Music, Inc. / Integrity Music, Inc.
© 1989 Integrity's Praise! Music (c/o Integrity Music, Inc.) / PDI Praise (Admin. by Integrity's Praise! Music)
CCLI License No. 810055
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
One generation from now, what then?
Will my grandchildren walk with Jesus? That question haunts me! In Judges 2:10-11 I read this passage: "Eventually that entire generation died and was buried. Then another generation grew up that didn't know anything of God or the work he had done for Israel. The People of Israel did evil in God's sight." (The Message) To set it in context, Israel had finally settled into the Promised Land and driven off the majority of her enemies. Joshua, the old general who led them, died. And, within one generation, they were ignorant of Who brought them into the land that flowed with milk and honey!
It's an old sociological fact called 'redeem, lift, abandon!'
Out of extreme need family or generation turns to God. They cry out to Him and He saves them from their sins, restores their heart, and gives spiritual life. What happens? They adopt a way of life that God promises will create stable homes, work ethic, and genuine community life. And, what emerges from that? Prosperity! Those once poor and enslaved by sins are free through the Spirit and live in God's blessings. Their kids know the story and continue the traditions of faith. But, their grandkids only know the 'good life,' nothing of the struggle, nothing of how God saved their grandparents' generation. The increased prosperity also loosens ties to church and commitment to spiritual disciplines. And, that third generation abandons the faith that brought them blessings! It's a cycle as old as Israel!
This passage makes me shudder: "They offered sacrifices to demons, which are not God, to gods they had not known before, to new gods only recently arrived, to gods their ancestors had never feared. You neglected the Rock who had fathered you; you forgot the God who had given you birth. "The Lord saw this and drew back, provoked to anger by his own sons and daughters. He said, 'I will abandon them; then see what becomes of them. For they are a twisted generation, children without integrity." (Deuteronomy 32:17-20, NLT)
So, how do we keep faith alive?
"Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.
Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders." (Deuteronomy 6:4-8, NLT)
1. Love God and let it show!
2. Don't make religion just a lot of talk, really live it!
3. Keep telling the stories!
4. Make it real by putting in the context of today, not just yesterday!
5. And, pray for the Spirit's Living Water to flow from you to the next generation.
______________
Lord, I pray for the next generation.
Let them see a genuine faith, a real relationship, the love of God and life the Spirit in me!Lord, help me to be patient enough to learn their 'language' so I can contextualize the Gospel in a way they can comprehend.
Jesus Christ, call them. Amen!
It's an old sociological fact called 'redeem, lift, abandon!'
Out of extreme need family or generation turns to God. They cry out to Him and He saves them from their sins, restores their heart, and gives spiritual life. What happens? They adopt a way of life that God promises will create stable homes, work ethic, and genuine community life. And, what emerges from that? Prosperity! Those once poor and enslaved by sins are free through the Spirit and live in God's blessings. Their kids know the story and continue the traditions of faith. But, their grandkids only know the 'good life,' nothing of the struggle, nothing of how God saved their grandparents' generation. The increased prosperity also loosens ties to church and commitment to spiritual disciplines. And, that third generation abandons the faith that brought them blessings! It's a cycle as old as Israel!
This passage makes me shudder: "They offered sacrifices to demons, which are not God, to gods they had not known before, to new gods only recently arrived, to gods their ancestors had never feared. You neglected the Rock who had fathered you; you forgot the God who had given you birth. "The Lord saw this and drew back, provoked to anger by his own sons and daughters. He said, 'I will abandon them; then see what becomes of them. For they are a twisted generation, children without integrity." (Deuteronomy 32:17-20, NLT)
So, how do we keep faith alive?
"Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.
Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders." (Deuteronomy 6:4-8, NLT)
1. Love God and let it show!
2. Don't make religion just a lot of talk, really live it!
3. Keep telling the stories!
4. Make it real by putting in the context of today, not just yesterday!
5. And, pray for the Spirit's Living Water to flow from you to the next generation.
______________
Lord, I pray for the next generation.
Let them see a genuine faith, a real relationship, the love of God and life the Spirit in me!Lord, help me to be patient enough to learn their 'language' so I can contextualize the Gospel in a way they can comprehend.
Jesus Christ, call them. Amen!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
God is in the house!
I am reading a book written by two pastors about their work ostensibly to encourage others to aspire to greatness. These men go into detail about the myriad ways they are changing their cities, about the hundreds of people who work in the enterprises run by their churches, and all the dollars they are bringing to their local economies. They are not liars! The churches they lead are amazing engines for good, but I wonder about all this trumpeting of their accomplishments. Pride is a terribly deceptive sin, creeping into our lives behind great efforts to do good things.
Sexual sins always get the headlines, but far more ministries have gone down in ruins because of pride than because of sexual misconduct! The second that a ministry becomes a way to feel valuable, to make a name for one’s self, or to create a place in this world – corruption enters. The focus shifts from the Lord and His glory to Self. In that situation, we may continue to mouth the words “all for God’s glory,” but the truth is that our reputation matters most to us. What to know when pride has found a foothold in ministry? Some signs include: craving praise, fishing for affirming words, and feelings of competition instead of cooperation.
John, the bishop of Ephesus, wrote these tragic words. "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God." (3 John 9-11, NKJV) Disciple, do you love ‘to have the preeminence?’ Another translation says, “He loves to be first!”
Jesus urges us to do our work without need of fanfare, to humbly serve those that God brings our way, doing our best for Him, with no need or desire for applause or recognition. The discipline of service helps to create humility. Choosing to do what needs to be done without waiting to be told to do it breaks our pride!
Think again today of these familiar words from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Ask the Spirit to show you anywhere that pride has replaced Christ as the motivation for ministry.
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. “When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. … When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out." (Matthew 6:1-4, The Message)
______________
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves." (Psalm 127:1-2, NIV)
Sexual sins always get the headlines, but far more ministries have gone down in ruins because of pride than because of sexual misconduct! The second that a ministry becomes a way to feel valuable, to make a name for one’s self, or to create a place in this world – corruption enters. The focus shifts from the Lord and His glory to Self. In that situation, we may continue to mouth the words “all for God’s glory,” but the truth is that our reputation matters most to us. What to know when pride has found a foothold in ministry? Some signs include: craving praise, fishing for affirming words, and feelings of competition instead of cooperation.
John, the bishop of Ephesus, wrote these tragic words. "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God." (3 John 9-11, NKJV) Disciple, do you love ‘to have the preeminence?’ Another translation says, “He loves to be first!”
Jesus urges us to do our work without need of fanfare, to humbly serve those that God brings our way, doing our best for Him, with no need or desire for applause or recognition. The discipline of service helps to create humility. Choosing to do what needs to be done without waiting to be told to do it breaks our pride!
Think again today of these familiar words from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Ask the Spirit to show you anywhere that pride has replaced Christ as the motivation for ministry.
“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding. “When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. … When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out." (Matthew 6:1-4, The Message)
______________
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves." (Psalm 127:1-2, NIV)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Jesus laughed, too!
There is an artist’s depiction of Jesus Christ that shows His head tipped back in laughter. It is such a contrast to the usual renditions of a somber Man. It makes me ask, did He really laugh? I believe He did! He was invited to eat with prostitutes and ‘sinners’ (those rejected by the good guys) and was accused by His critics of being a lush! Somehow, I don’t think a humorless man would find much friendship among that crowd. Then, too, He told jokes. We don’t get most of them, but His original audiences did! He poked fun at the Pharisees hypocrisy, used absurd illustrations “camel through the eye of a needle,” and made people laugh. And, then there is this: His first sign miracle was turning 30 gallons of water into fine wine for a wedding!
For some reason, joy is one of the least valued characteristics of the Spirit-filled life. However, in the catalog of the evidences of the life of the Spirit in us, joy is number two on the list, right after love. (Gal. 5:22) It is a different kind of joy than the laugh track humor found on TV sit-coms. It isn’t the kind of happiness that finds us on those days when people are nice, the sun is shining, and our endorphins are surging. Joy, of which the Bible speaks, is found in a right relationship with God and others. It is not a passing emotion. It is a state of being. That is why the Scripture can direct us to "be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NLT) Again, let me emphasize that this is not a command to ‘look on the bright side!’ That would be a good choice, but this is something else. To experience the joy of the Lord, we must leave our sin with Him, take our life from Him, and refuse to let sin or selfishness reign over us.
I experienced the ‘joy of the Lord’ many times over the last year as I had the privilege of ministering to my Dad while he was living with cancer. In those long nights at his bedside, my body sometimes ached for sleep and my heart broke for his suffering, but as we listened to the same hymns again and again, or as I committed Dad and myself to the Lord in silent prayer, there was a curious peace and a sense of wholeness which allowed me to experience joy despite my tears. It was a joy that came from God. Yesterday, during worship, the joy of the Lord washed over me as the congregation sang, “Friend of sinners, Lord of Truth, I am falling in love with You… Jesus, I love Your Name, the Name by which we’re saved.” (Matt Redman, copyright 1994) I was full of joy knowing that the One who knows me best, loves me most.
If you’re not experiencing JOY, I want to encourage you to take a look at your heart.
Are you hanging onto some sin that keeps you from experiencing the refreshing flow of the Spirit’s fellowship? Are you holding tightly to a grudge against another, stroking your ego by rehearsing real and/or imagined slights?
Are you looking around and comparing your life with that of another, instead of looking up and giving thanks for His promise to be all that you need?
A disciple who is filled with the Spirit today will experience joy!
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NLT)
________________
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays;
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain,
Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Mortals join the mighty chorus,
Which the Morning Stars began.
Father love is reigning o'er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music lifts us sunward,
In the triumph song of life.
© Public Domain
For some reason, joy is one of the least valued characteristics of the Spirit-filled life. However, in the catalog of the evidences of the life of the Spirit in us, joy is number two on the list, right after love. (Gal. 5:22) It is a different kind of joy than the laugh track humor found on TV sit-coms. It isn’t the kind of happiness that finds us on those days when people are nice, the sun is shining, and our endorphins are surging. Joy, of which the Bible speaks, is found in a right relationship with God and others. It is not a passing emotion. It is a state of being. That is why the Scripture can direct us to "be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4, NLT) Again, let me emphasize that this is not a command to ‘look on the bright side!’ That would be a good choice, but this is something else. To experience the joy of the Lord, we must leave our sin with Him, take our life from Him, and refuse to let sin or selfishness reign over us.
I experienced the ‘joy of the Lord’ many times over the last year as I had the privilege of ministering to my Dad while he was living with cancer. In those long nights at his bedside, my body sometimes ached for sleep and my heart broke for his suffering, but as we listened to the same hymns again and again, or as I committed Dad and myself to the Lord in silent prayer, there was a curious peace and a sense of wholeness which allowed me to experience joy despite my tears. It was a joy that came from God. Yesterday, during worship, the joy of the Lord washed over me as the congregation sang, “Friend of sinners, Lord of Truth, I am falling in love with You… Jesus, I love Your Name, the Name by which we’re saved.” (Matt Redman, copyright 1994) I was full of joy knowing that the One who knows me best, loves me most.
If you’re not experiencing JOY, I want to encourage you to take a look at your heart.
Are you hanging onto some sin that keeps you from experiencing the refreshing flow of the Spirit’s fellowship? Are you holding tightly to a grudge against another, stroking your ego by rehearsing real and/or imagined slights?
Are you looking around and comparing your life with that of another, instead of looking up and giving thanks for His promise to be all that you need?
A disciple who is filled with the Spirit today will experience joy!
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." (Habakkuk 3:17-19, NLT)
________________
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,
Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays;
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain,
Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Mortals join the mighty chorus,
Which the Morning Stars began.
Father love is reigning o'er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music lifts us sunward,
In the triumph song of life.
© Public Domain
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