Words can be as deadly as machine gun bullets or as life-giving as a gentle springtime rain. As one who uses words constantly - teaching, preaching, writing, counseling - I should be aware of the power of what I say to build up or tear down, but I forget sometimes. I allow idle speech to trip off of my tongue without thinking how what I am saying will effect others, and sometimes live to regret what I've said. At other times I carefully frame my words knowing that with just a small adjustment in both tone and content, what I say potentially could change the course of another's life! And I am amazed at the results that God brings from words.
Think of some of the powerful uses of the gift of speech in recent history.
Martin Luther King inspired America when he stood before the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 and said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." His words moved this nation to change laws and lives!
Adolf Hitler was a captivating speaker who used words to ignite the Second World War in Europe, bringing misery, death, and destruction.
Winston Churchill became the Prime Minister of Great Britain in May, 1940 and delivered a famed speech that called that nation to war. He said, "I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering." Many credit his ability to rally the Brits as a key part of the Allied victory in that terrible time.
In 1987, Ronald Reagan stood at the Berlin Wall and challenged the Communist governments with his famous line, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Many believe that his words, timed with world events, started a rumbling that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
Our words may not change a nation, but they may change history in the life of our child, our spouse, or our friend!
James writes of the negative impact of ungodly speech.
"Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things. It takes only a spark to start a forest fire! The tongue is like a spark. It is an evil power that dirties the rest of the body and sets a person’s entire life on fire with flames that come from hell itself. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures can be tamed and have been tamed. But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison. My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right." (James 3:5-10, CEV)
So, how is the content of our speech changed so that we bless others rather than curse them? Jesus was clear about that! If we want blessed words, we must have a heart full of the Spirit of God! "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45, NKJV) It is a mistake to try to filter the poison at the exit point. Instead, we pray and discipline ourselves to experience the work of transformation of our inner person - learning to love others, to value dignity of persons, to love truth - so that our words flow like a clear mountain stream that refreshes as they wash over others.
Here's a word from the Word. May it inspire you to the best use of words today.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." (Ephesians 4:29-31, NIV)
___________________________
Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life.
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life.
Words of life and beauty,
Teach me faith and duty.
Wonderful words, beautiful words,
Wonderful words of life.
- P.P. Bliss, public domain
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Everybody loves Barney!
Nicknames can be irritating, funny, and sometimes -- highly descriptive! A few years ago I nicknamed, Sarah, now a young lady in our church, "Eyes" when she was little, because of her big beautiful eyes that were so full of life. When I was growing up, my Dad called me "Sidekick," an old term for buddy and helper. When I was little, I loved when he introduced me to his adult friends saying, "Meet my sidekick!" It made me feel 10 feet tall! It implied that my Dad considered me his helper. Nothing was better than that. His love for me ENCOURAGED me to strive for excellence.
In the book of the Acts, we meet a man whose nickname describes a wonderful trait. Here's the verse: "...there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus." (Acts 4:36, NLT) Joseph of Cyprus was so loving, so concerned about needs of others, that nobody called him "Joe" anymore. Instead, they called him - "Barney" - Mr. Encourager! Every Christian should love to have that nickname! Anybody can be a critic. It doesn't take much skill to point out what someone else is doing wrong. It takes a whole lot of skill to be a coach that calls for the best from another, while encouraging and motivating them.
The world is filled with critics. Everybody has an opinion about how somebody else could have done better! From the President's policies for conducting the war in Iraq to Joe Torre's coaching of the Yankees - there are people who imply that they could do the job better. They do this while comfortably avoiding responsibility, with less than one half of the facts, and none of the pressure of making leadership decisions. I always smile at the panel that comes on the TV during half-time when I watch football. Several guys - ex-players and coaches, and a commentator or two - analyze the performance of the teams on the field, while sitting in comfy chairs, in suits. Truth is, anybody can be a "Monday morning quarterback." When you're not facing the pressure on the field, it's EASY to call the right play. But it's a whole lot different when 300 lbs. of manhood is running straight at you trying desperately to tackle you or to take you out of the game.
President Theodore Roosevelt said,
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
Are you an encourager that lifts those who walk with you? Or are one of the legions of critics who whine about every situation and circumstance that is not exactly to your liking?
God demands that we learn to encourage one another! "Encourage one another and build each other up." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV) Oh that we would take seriously the directive of the Word to stay connected and to look out for others, instead of attacking those that disappoint us. "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25, NLT) God considers giving encouragement so important that He even made it a spiritual gift. The Bible says that if He has so gifted us, we must use the gift! "If it is encouraging, let him encourage; ..." (Romans 12:8, NIV)
Let me encourage you to look for ways to fulfill this mandate of the Word....
"Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. " (1 Thessalonians 5:13-15, The Message)
In the book of the Acts, we meet a man whose nickname describes a wonderful trait. Here's the verse: "...there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means "Son of Encouragement"). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus." (Acts 4:36, NLT) Joseph of Cyprus was so loving, so concerned about needs of others, that nobody called him "Joe" anymore. Instead, they called him - "Barney" - Mr. Encourager! Every Christian should love to have that nickname! Anybody can be a critic. It doesn't take much skill to point out what someone else is doing wrong. It takes a whole lot of skill to be a coach that calls for the best from another, while encouraging and motivating them.
The world is filled with critics. Everybody has an opinion about how somebody else could have done better! From the President's policies for conducting the war in Iraq to Joe Torre's coaching of the Yankees - there are people who imply that they could do the job better. They do this while comfortably avoiding responsibility, with less than one half of the facts, and none of the pressure of making leadership decisions. I always smile at the panel that comes on the TV during half-time when I watch football. Several guys - ex-players and coaches, and a commentator or two - analyze the performance of the teams on the field, while sitting in comfy chairs, in suits. Truth is, anybody can be a "Monday morning quarterback." When you're not facing the pressure on the field, it's EASY to call the right play. But it's a whole lot different when 300 lbs. of manhood is running straight at you trying desperately to tackle you or to take you out of the game.
President Theodore Roosevelt said,
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
Are you an encourager that lifts those who walk with you? Or are one of the legions of critics who whine about every situation and circumstance that is not exactly to your liking?
God demands that we learn to encourage one another! "Encourage one another and build each other up." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV) Oh that we would take seriously the directive of the Word to stay connected and to look out for others, instead of attacking those that disappoint us. "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:25, NLT) God considers giving encouragement so important that He even made it a spiritual gift. The Bible says that if He has so gifted us, we must use the gift! "If it is encouraging, let him encourage; ..." (Romans 12:8, NIV)
Let me encourage you to look for ways to fulfill this mandate of the Word....
"Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. " (1 Thessalonians 5:13-15, The Message)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
All you need!
Something in me just snapped yesterday, mid-afternoon. Remember Peter's stroll on the Sea of Galilee, which started well, but ended when he started to sink and croaked a frightened - "Lord, save me?" That was my state of mind! I looked the responsibilities facing me - a sermon needed to be written for today's funeral, a visit with a sad and very sick lady in critical care, phone calls to make, and the people needs of the congregation- the regular stuff of my life as a Pastor- and started to think "I can't do this anymore." I told the Lord - "Maybe You should get somebody who is better equipped, with a personality more suited to do this ministry." Thankfully, I was all alone in my car for my little pity party. I felt the Lord's rebuke almost as soon as I said the words out loud. This passage came powerfully to mind, not the kind of thing just recalled, but clearly a Holy Spirit inspired occurrence- "...the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Timothy 2:24-26, NIV)
Then, He continued to correct me speaking to my heart - "Why are you afraid, Jerry? Your sense of failure is rooted in fear." And, then, He fell silent and left me with my thoughts.
When I got home, I picked up my laptop to check my email, and there was this amazingly on point, encouraging email from a person I haven't seen in a very long time who had no way of knowing my state of mind. It reminded me "that Jesus is your Shepherd, your Faithful Friend, your Wonderful Counselor, your Dependable Teacher.... In all things may the Lord remind you who you are and who He is." Yes, you know it. I was at first stunned, then humbled, then I asked for forgiveness!
Fear causes us to do strange, sometimes sinful, things. It made me despise the precious calling of God, for a time yesterday. I saw the task, knew my limitations - failed to account for His resources - and became a coward. I hope you have never done that. It is not a good thing and never leads to good places. But, He is faithful, even when we are faithless. God did not abandon me in my moment of self-doubt. He did challenge me with the Truth, and He loved me - through a faithful saint - with a message of His gracious gifts. Let Him do the same for you today, before you're ready to quit, to sin, to accuse Him, or to turn your back on Him.
Leighton Ford, the well-known preacher and associate of Billy Graham, suggests that when we grow fearful, we should ask ourselves some pointed questions about that fear. The exercise helps us to get back to solid ground of faith, from the sinking sand of fear. Here they are:
1. Does this fear come basically from pride, a fear that I will not live up to my own expectations or to those of others?
2. Do I remember that God has called me first to faithfulness, then to efficiency?
3. Do I trust that the Holy Spirit is working before me, with me, and through me?
4. Do I remember that I am called to be neither more nor less successful than Jesus Christ was?
5. Do I remember that God does his greatest work when I seem to be weakest? Isn’t that, after all, the mystery of the cross? -Good News is for Sharing
Whatever challenges you're facing today, God is present. He will provide all that you need, if not all that you think you need. Trust Him. Wait for Him.
Here's a word from the Word. Let the living Word fill your mind with His Presence as you meditate on the promise.
"God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God." (2 Corinthians 9:8-12, NKJV)
________________________
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my life in vain.
I'm tempted then to murmur,
And of my lot complain.
But when I think of Jesus,
And all He's done for me,
Then I cry, "O Rock of Ages,Hide Thou me."
O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.
No other refuge have I but Thee.
When life's dark vale I wander,
Far, far from Thee.
Then I cry,"O Rock of Ages,Hide Thou me."
Sometimes it seems I dare not,
Go one step farther on.
And from my heart all courage
Has slipped away and gone.
But I remember Jesus,
And all His love for me.
Then I cry,"O Rock of AgesHide Thou me."
Hide Thou MeHarris, Thoro / Tolbert, L.R.© 1926.
Renewed 1953 Singspiration Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
Then, He continued to correct me speaking to my heart - "Why are you afraid, Jerry? Your sense of failure is rooted in fear." And, then, He fell silent and left me with my thoughts.
When I got home, I picked up my laptop to check my email, and there was this amazingly on point, encouraging email from a person I haven't seen in a very long time who had no way of knowing my state of mind. It reminded me "that Jesus is your Shepherd, your Faithful Friend, your Wonderful Counselor, your Dependable Teacher.... In all things may the Lord remind you who you are and who He is." Yes, you know it. I was at first stunned, then humbled, then I asked for forgiveness!
Fear causes us to do strange, sometimes sinful, things. It made me despise the precious calling of God, for a time yesterday. I saw the task, knew my limitations - failed to account for His resources - and became a coward. I hope you have never done that. It is not a good thing and never leads to good places. But, He is faithful, even when we are faithless. God did not abandon me in my moment of self-doubt. He did challenge me with the Truth, and He loved me - through a faithful saint - with a message of His gracious gifts. Let Him do the same for you today, before you're ready to quit, to sin, to accuse Him, or to turn your back on Him.
Leighton Ford, the well-known preacher and associate of Billy Graham, suggests that when we grow fearful, we should ask ourselves some pointed questions about that fear. The exercise helps us to get back to solid ground of faith, from the sinking sand of fear. Here they are:
1. Does this fear come basically from pride, a fear that I will not live up to my own expectations or to those of others?
2. Do I remember that God has called me first to faithfulness, then to efficiency?
3. Do I trust that the Holy Spirit is working before me, with me, and through me?
4. Do I remember that I am called to be neither more nor less successful than Jesus Christ was?
5. Do I remember that God does his greatest work when I seem to be weakest? Isn’t that, after all, the mystery of the cross? -Good News is for Sharing
Whatever challenges you're facing today, God is present. He will provide all that you need, if not all that you think you need. Trust Him. Wait for Him.
Here's a word from the Word. Let the living Word fill your mind with His Presence as you meditate on the promise.
"God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God." (2 Corinthians 9:8-12, NKJV)
________________________
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my life in vain.
I'm tempted then to murmur,
And of my lot complain.
But when I think of Jesus,
And all He's done for me,
Then I cry, "O Rock of Ages,Hide Thou me."
O Rock of Ages, hide Thou me.
No other refuge have I but Thee.
When life's dark vale I wander,
Far, far from Thee.
Then I cry,"O Rock of Ages,Hide Thou me."
Sometimes it seems I dare not,
Go one step farther on.
And from my heart all courage
Has slipped away and gone.
But I remember Jesus,
And all His love for me.
Then I cry,"O Rock of AgesHide Thou me."
Hide Thou MeHarris, Thoro / Tolbert, L.R.© 1926.
Renewed 1953 Singspiration Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., 741 Coolsprings Blvd., Franklin TN 37067)
CCLI License No. 810055
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The view from the heights
Andy Stanley, in his book, Visioneering, writes that 'the difference between filling bags with dirt and building a dike to save a town is found in vision.' He goes on to say, "There's nothing glamorous or fulfilling about filling bags with dirt. But, saving a city is another thing altogether." Building a dike that will save a city gives meaning to the ordinary chore of filling bags. Much of what we do in life is the stuff of filling bags with dirt unless we see the bigger picture.
Each week I pace myself through boring routines of tending to church business and doing the invisible chores that maintain the organization. Most of the time I do those things gladly because they support the vision God gave me to build a community of people who make a noticeable difference in our corner of the world! On those days that I lose sight of the bigger mission, (and there are those days) the tedium can become overwhelming. Then I realize I need to climb higher to catch another glimpse of that glorious Church that my Lord Jesus will find worthy of His love and commendation. Call me grandiose, but I believe that the only hope for this world is the Gospel of Jesus Christ; a message that transforms people into amazing saints, infuses life with purpose and meaning, and gives hope for an Eternal Home of Rest. Nothing in the world is the equal of the message that declares: "God loves you, gave His Son to save you, prepared a mission for you, and has a home waiting for you." That is the vision that sustains me!
This past Sunday I made an announcement from the pulpit recruiting volunteers for the Girls Ministry at our church. Even as the words were coming out of my mouth I wondered if the vision was written large enough to be compelling! If women hearing that announcement thought they were just helping to keep a program that entertains little girls alive, who among them would be willing to give 2 hours each Wednesday evening? Adding a responsibility to their all ready busy lives would not be all that inviting! They would not want to give up several Saturdays to take girls to sleep-overs, retreats, and conventions just to help their Prims or Daisies earn some badges and awards. However, if they understood that they were involved with a team that is shaping young girls' view of the world, equipping them with an understanding of God's ways, and modeling the path of discipleship that will lead those girls to their own experience with Jesus - the time given becomes an investment, the sacrifice will worth it's cost!
Friend, do you know the 'why' behind the 'what' in your life? Is there a greater God-given vision that draws you to love God with devotion, that gives your service in the church meaning, that causes you to love your spouse, that keeps you connected to your kids, that gives you a reason to say 'no' to temptations and 'yes' to the Lord?
Some of you are thinking, "Yeah, Jerry, I've heard this hype before. My 'vision' is just to keep making some money to pay the bills to make it through today." I do understand. There are days, too many really, when I'm in the same place. On many days I just feel like the guy in that 1990's Dunkin' Donuts commercial who was up all night just because it was '... time to make the donuts!' In the middle of the grind of life, by faith I seize the proclamation of the Word that "we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10, NLT) God is purposeful. God is concerned about you and able to use you - but you must make yourself available and let Him mature the vision in you.
Today, take some time to present yourself to Him, again. Borrow the prayer that little Samuel prayed in the dark when the voice of the Lord echoed through his heart - "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:9, NIV) When he prayed, God showed him a plan and then the boy worked and waited faithfully on that plan for years - in the process becoming a key person in Israel. Invite Him to speak, then wait for the answer.
Here's a word from the Word for you today.
"Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time. "Look at that man, bloated by self-importance— full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive. " (Habakkuk 2:2-4, The Message)
_______________________
I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining every day;
Still praying as I'm onward bound,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
Lord, lift me up and let me stand
By faith on heaven's table-land,
A higher plane than I have found:
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I'll pray, 'til heaven I've found
"Lord, lead me on to higher ground."
Higher Ground - Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Public Domain
Each week I pace myself through boring routines of tending to church business and doing the invisible chores that maintain the organization. Most of the time I do those things gladly because they support the vision God gave me to build a community of people who make a noticeable difference in our corner of the world! On those days that I lose sight of the bigger mission, (and there are those days) the tedium can become overwhelming. Then I realize I need to climb higher to catch another glimpse of that glorious Church that my Lord Jesus will find worthy of His love and commendation. Call me grandiose, but I believe that the only hope for this world is the Gospel of Jesus Christ; a message that transforms people into amazing saints, infuses life with purpose and meaning, and gives hope for an Eternal Home of Rest. Nothing in the world is the equal of the message that declares: "God loves you, gave His Son to save you, prepared a mission for you, and has a home waiting for you." That is the vision that sustains me!
This past Sunday I made an announcement from the pulpit recruiting volunteers for the Girls Ministry at our church. Even as the words were coming out of my mouth I wondered if the vision was written large enough to be compelling! If women hearing that announcement thought they were just helping to keep a program that entertains little girls alive, who among them would be willing to give 2 hours each Wednesday evening? Adding a responsibility to their all ready busy lives would not be all that inviting! They would not want to give up several Saturdays to take girls to sleep-overs, retreats, and conventions just to help their Prims or Daisies earn some badges and awards. However, if they understood that they were involved with a team that is shaping young girls' view of the world, equipping them with an understanding of God's ways, and modeling the path of discipleship that will lead those girls to their own experience with Jesus - the time given becomes an investment, the sacrifice will worth it's cost!
Friend, do you know the 'why' behind the 'what' in your life? Is there a greater God-given vision that draws you to love God with devotion, that gives your service in the church meaning, that causes you to love your spouse, that keeps you connected to your kids, that gives you a reason to say 'no' to temptations and 'yes' to the Lord?
Some of you are thinking, "Yeah, Jerry, I've heard this hype before. My 'vision' is just to keep making some money to pay the bills to make it through today." I do understand. There are days, too many really, when I'm in the same place. On many days I just feel like the guy in that 1990's Dunkin' Donuts commercial who was up all night just because it was '... time to make the donuts!' In the middle of the grind of life, by faith I seize the proclamation of the Word that "we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10, NLT) God is purposeful. God is concerned about you and able to use you - but you must make yourself available and let Him mature the vision in you.
Today, take some time to present yourself to Him, again. Borrow the prayer that little Samuel prayed in the dark when the voice of the Lord echoed through his heart - "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:9, NIV) When he prayed, God showed him a plan and then the boy worked and waited faithfully on that plan for years - in the process becoming a key person in Israel. Invite Him to speak, then wait for the answer.
Here's a word from the Word for you today.
"Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie.
If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time. "Look at that man, bloated by self-importance— full of himself but soul-empty. But the person in right standing before God through loyal and steady believing is fully alive, really alive. " (Habakkuk 2:2-4, The Message)
_______________________
I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining every day;
Still praying as I'm onward bound,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
Lord, lift me up and let me stand
By faith on heaven's table-land,
A higher plane than I have found:
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I'll pray, 'til heaven I've found
"Lord, lead me on to higher ground."
Higher Ground - Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Public Domain
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