“Songs To Calm The Weary Soul”

In these troubled times, those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, can enjoy “peace with God” and the “peace of God” (Romans 5:1; Philippians 4:6, 7). They are the ones who have placed their faith and trust in Him alone, as the One Who died for their sins, was buried, and Who rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Have you done this yet? If not, why not right now? Need spiritual help? Contact us.

In the “Hall of Faith” (Hebrews11) you will find many Old Testament believers who were miraculously delivered by God from harmful or difficult situations. But you will also find other believers who weren’t delivered and yet endured without denying the Lord. [1]

Think about this – “God delivers us from all our sicknesses except the last one which will lead to our physical death.” It is a general rule that all men die once (Hebrews 9:27; See Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23). Some didn’t and some won’t die (Enoch – Genesis 5:21-24; Elijah – 2 Kings 2:1, 11; Christians who are alive at the Rapture – 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

But there are different judgments of men’s works which will take place at different times. The Lord Jesus Christ, the omniscient God-man, will be the “Righteous Judge” Who will determine each one’s sentence (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 20:11-15). He will determine the degree of enjoyment that believers will have in the next life, or the degree of suffering that unbelievers will experience in the next life (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15).

To encourage and uplift fellow believers who may be suffering, Christians over the centuries have written songs, perhaps from their own life experiences, to calm the troubled souls (emotions) of other believers (See 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Here are a couple of them:

“God Leads Us Along”

In shady, green pastures so rich and so sweet

God leads His dear children along
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet

God leads His dear children along

Some through the water, some through the flood

Some through the fire, but all through the blood

And some through great sorrow, but God gives the song

In the night season and all the day long. [2]

Furthermore

God hath not promised skies always blue, / Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain, / Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day, / Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above, / Unfailing sympathy, undying love. [3]

Jews vs Christians

The Jews, living under the “Mosaic Law,” could generally expect health and wealth if they were obedient; Disobedient Jews faced a curse (Deuteronomy 28). Christians (believers from the Day of Pentecost to the Rapture) who live godly lives, can/should expect to be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12; John 16:1-4, 33). But “…the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). The “Crown of Life” awaits Christians who resist sinful temptations even up to the point of death (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10).

One More Thing. Don’t try to claim promises that weren’t given to you or you could be very disappointed and get angry at God when you shouldn’t be. [4] Beware of the “Health, Wealth, and Happiness Preachers” who proclaim a different Gospel and a different Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3, 4, 13-15). “Your Best Life Now” is true for unbelievers who face an eternity without Christ in the Lake of Fire (Mathew 25:30, 41, 46). The Christian’s best life is yet future when we see Christ face to face at the Rapture (1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Perhaps Today!

Help. We’re here to offer assistance to those who are teachable, willing to change, and then grow spiritually (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). Over the years, we’ve been through some “raging rivers” and on “rugged mountain paths.” But we’ve been comforted by God through His Word and some of His people, and so we want to extend God’s comfort to you if you long for it (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Ask about “Barnabas Notes.”

We can be reached here or through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.

If this has been a help and encouragement to you, please LIKE and SHARE it with others. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

[1] John Foxe’s – Book Of Martyrs. https://www.biblestudytools.com/history/foxs-book-of-martyrs/

[2] “God Leads Us Along” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMU0G7pTeLo

[3] “God Has Not Promised” – https://www.youtube.com/watch

[4] Promises. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/promises-for-christians-to-claim-2/

“He Giveth More Grace”

Sometimes the most beautiful roses are surrounded by the sharpest thorns. Such was the case with Annie Johnson Flint. Even though her life was racked with sorrows and pain, this inwardly beautiful person expressed a truth concerning the grace of God that was sufficient to meet all her needs until she was taken home to be with the Lord forever.

The trials, tests, disappointments, and hardships of life didn’t come to stay but to pass away for those of us who have placed our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). He certainly knew more than most of us will ever know about the sorrows and suffering that were involved in reaching people for Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:10; 2 Corinthians 11:22-33). Three times he asked the Lord to remove “his thorn in the flesh” but the Lord responded by saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

“Annie Johnson Flint was born on Christmas Eve, in the year 1866, in the little town of Vineland, New Jersey. Eldon and Jean Johnson, the father and mother, welcomed that Christmas present as the greatest earthly gift. The father was of English descent, and the mother was Scotch.

“The only remembrance of her mother dates back to the time just before her mother’s death in 1869 (at the age of twenty-three) following the birth of a baby sister for Annie. She must have looked with wonder from that baby face into the mother’s face that day, for it was the only imprint of that mother’s likeness that lived in her memory. The baby was left for life-long companionship. The father, [who was suffering from an incurable disease himself], took the children to board with the widow of an old army comrade who had been killed in the Civil War. It was not a happy arrangement. The woman had two children of her own and her means were very limited. During the two years the Johnson girls added to the cares of that family, they were evidently unwelcome and unwanted.” [1]

“Most of her life, [Annie] was an invalid, blind and in constant pain and suffering. Yet she wrote such beautiful poems and hymns about God’s love, grace and strength in her life that encourages and impacts the lives of those who read and heard them.” [2] In the midst of all her suffering, she penned these words:

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labours increase,
To added afflictions he addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half-done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. [2]

It is by God’s grace (unmerited favor) that a person is saved from having to spend eternity with the devil and his angels/demons in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:30, 41, 46), and is taken to heaven to spend eternity with God where there is unending fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11; John 14:1-3). Have you placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, why not now?

We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We have written many articles on a variety of topics that we hope will be helpful to you. Go to www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us for our Bible studies on Facebook and Youtube. Please share this with others who may be experiencing challenges in their lives.

We hope that you will enjoy this rendition of the song Annie wrote

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN9-Ri6qjZY

[1] https://www.preceptaustin.org/annie_johnson_flints_biography

[2] https://paulsohn.org/he-giveth-more-grace/

More: http://www.homecomingmagazine.com/article/he-giveth-more-grace/

“Moment By Moment”

Do you enjoy the old hymns of the faith? I do. Many of them bring great comfort and encouragement to me when the devil tempts me with discouragement, disappointment, and doubt. I know that when this happens, I need to put on the armor of God to counteract his attempts to disrupt my relationship with God (1 Peter 5:8; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:10-17).

When an evil spirit afflicted King Saul, music from David, his son-in-law, had a calming effect on him (1Samuel 16:23). Sadly, in spite of this, King Saul turned on David and tried to kill him (1 Samuel 19:1, 2).

It’s true, we need God’s help “Day By Day,” and “I Need Thee Every Hour.” But there is an even greater need that can be met when we have a “Moment By Moment” relationship with Him and abide (feel at ease) with Him so we can “bear much fruit” (John 15:1-8).

When tempted by our sin nature, it’s important, if we want to have victory over the strong desires that come from within us, that we not only “Walk by means of the Spirit” in an overall sense, but also for us that we “walk each step by means of the Holy Spirit” (Galatians 5:16, 25).

Ira D. Sankey, song leader for D. L. Moody, tells us how the song “Moment By Moment” came about. While I was attending the World’s Fair in Chicago, Henry Varley, a lay preacher from London, said to Major Whittle: “I do not like the hymn ‘I need Thee every hour’ very well, because I need Him every moment of the day.” Soon after Major Whittle wrote this sweet hymn.

Lyrics: Daniel W. Whittle
Music: May W. Moody

Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

Refrain

Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share,
Moment by moment, I’m under His care.

Refrain

Never a heartache, and never a groan,
Never a teardrop and never a moan;
Never a danger but there on the throne,
Moment by moment He thinks of His own.

Refrain

Never a weakness that He doth not feel,
Never a sickness that He cannot heal;
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus my Savior, abides with me still.

Refrain

Here is a rendition of this song that you may enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6EhnCSIku4

If you haven’t placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, we invite you to believe in/on Him right now as your personal Savior. Then get in touch with us so we can help you grow in the Lord. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com or through our FB page.  

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Portions adapted from: https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bwhittle4.html

Three Spiritual Enemies:  https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2019/03/22/tested-and-tried-daily/

The Gospel Mandate For Unbelievers

   Friend, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, Who died for all our sins (once and for all) …and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved from hell to heaven (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).

   If you’ve never done this before, do it NOW! Once you’ve done this, contact us for more information so we can help you grow spiritually.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version

Copyright c. 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by Permission. All rights reserved

“I Need Thee Every Hour”

Whether we want to admit it or not, we all depend on other people to supply services and/or products for our needs. Just suppose that everyone won a million dollars and quit his/her job. Stores would be closed. We’d be without food, water, electricity, phone, the Internet, and other vital services. Travel would come to a halt and life would be miserable for most of us. It might be like being hit by an EMP bomb. [1] Question – When was the last time you thanked someone for his/her service? When was the last time you gave thanks to God for what He has done, is doing, and will do for you?

Giving Thanks. The restaurant was crowded.  Just as an older man was about to begin his meal, a younger man approached him and asked if he could join him at his table.  “Sure, have a seat,” the older gentleman said.  Then, as was his custom, he bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the young fellow asked, “Do you have a headache?” He replied, “No, I don’t.”  “Well, is there something wrong with your food?” “No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat.” 

The younger fellow said, “Oh, you’re one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don’t have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!”  The older man paused for a moment and then said, “Yes, you’re just like my dog. That’s what he does too!”

God’s Will. Christians are supposed to give thanks in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:18), for all things apart from sin (Ephesians 5:20), and for all kinds of people who come into our lives (1 Timothy 2:1). Consider some of the serious consequences of failing to acknowledging God’s existence and refusing to give thanks to Him (Romans 1:18 ff; Psalm 9:17). Does this describe you at this time? Are you a Christian who is acting like an atheist?

Dependent. God designed us in such a way so that we are dependent on others. He gifted each of us with talents/skills that can/should be used to glorify Him by making Him known to others (1 Corinthians 10:31), and so that we can be a blessing to others and have joy in our lives.  J.O.Y. comes by placing Jesus first, others next, and yourself last. It is a part of the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22, 23). Think about the things that you can/should do to bless others (James 4:17). “What do you have that you didn’t receive” (1 Corinthians 4:7)? Are you thinking more highly of yourself than you should think (Romans 12:3) and acting in pride (See Proverbs 6:16-18; Isaiah 14:14; 1 Peter 5:6)? If so, STOP! Otherwise you are about to be humbled. See what happened to proud King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:1 ff) and King Herod (Acts 12:23).

Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We wouldn’t be alive had not God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, formed Adam out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of lives – physical and spiritual life (Genesis 2:7; 3:19). God is the One who keeps us alive (Acts 17:28; Colossians 1:17) and determines the time and manner of the Christian’s death (1 Thessalonians 4:14). Do you know the difference between your “potential” and “actual” years? If not, ask us about this. In the Old Testament times the devil held the “keys of death” and took Job’s 10 children at one time (Hebrews 2:14; Job 1:18, 19). Today Christ holds the keys (Revelation 1:18).

Annie Hawks. She was a busy mother of three active children. One day, while at her regular household tasks, she began to wonder how anyone could really live, either in joy or in pain, without God’s help. This thought led her to write the words to the song that is still sung in some churches.

“I need thee every hour
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like thine
Can peace afford

Refrain:

“I need thee oh I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh bless me now my Savior
I come to thee.”

Comfort. God comforts believers so that we can comfort others in their time of need (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). While every Christian is given a “spiritual gift” at the time of his/her salvation (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:7), some believers are given a special ability to exhort others by coming alongside of them (Romans 12:8; See 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24, 25). The Apostle Paul wrote, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” and “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 5:13; 6:10). Christ’s new commandment involves our loving fellow believers as He has loved us (John 13:34, 35; See 1 John 3:16, 17).

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

Refrain

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Refrain

Help. Are you humble enough to recognize and admit your need for God’s help and from others (James 4:10; 1 Peter 5:5, 6)? Or are you walking in pride? God hates it (Proverbs 6:16-18)? Beware! You are about to fall (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13). Have you responded to God’s grace and placed your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins…and rose again bodily on the third day? If not, why not now? You may not be alive tomorrow (James 4:14; Proverbs 27:1).

Subscribe. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on Facebook and Youtube for our Bible studies. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We invite you to read our other articles at www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com. Please let us know if this article has been helpful to you.

[1] EMP Information: So what will happen if we are hit by a massive EMP blast?  Well, according to a government commission that investigated this issue, approximately two-thirds of the U.S. population could potentially die from starvation, disease and societal chaos within one year.  It would be a disaster unlike anything that we have ever seen before in U.S. history.  Read more at:  https://www.infowars.com/what-are-you-going-to-do-when-a-massive-emp-blast-fries-the-u-s-electrical-grid/

[2] “I Need Thee Every Hour” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8IpwD2Ugds

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/i/n/e/ineedteh.htm

“Day By Day”

When faced with a crisis situation, to whom or what do you turn? If you live long enough, you will face trials, tests, and hardships in life just like all the rest of us (1 Corinthians 10:13). They might come from life changing incidents or unpleasant people, but they will come. It is written – “… man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). One Christian author wrote –

“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.”

Carolina Sandell Berg

Last Day. It’s important that we treat each day as though it might be our last day on earth, or the last day of someone we love. Why? Our lives are like a vapor that appears for a little while and then it vanishes away (James 4:14). Here today; gone tomorrow.

Weep. We can identify with those who have had parents pass away and with parents who have had a child taken from them as we did when our 38 year old son, Bill was called home to heaven several years ago. [1] Carolina Sandell Berg’s father was a Pastor in Sweden. She was close to him and spent much time in her father’s study as she grew up. One day, when she was 26 years old, she and her father were taking a boat trip to Goteborg in Sweden. While on deck, the boat lurched and her father fell overboard. The crew wasn’t able to save his life.

Result. This incident was instrumental in her writing this song as she thought about God’s comforting presence and the One who would never leave or forsake her (Hebrews 13:5). She went on to write –

“Ev’ry 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 Pow’r.
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.

“Help me then in eve’ry tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.”

Sooner or later, all of us will leave the stage called “life.” All of us will give an account of ourselves to God for the things we did in life (Hebrews 9:27; Romans 14:12). Our works will determine our pleasure in heaven or our degree of suffering in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels (1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:30, 41, 46; Revelation 20:11-15).

Deliverance from the lake of fire to heaven is not based on our works (Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5). It is granted to everyone who places his/her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day (Acts 16::31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). Have you done this yet? Are you relying on your good works, or your faith plus your good works, or in Christ alone to save you? You can know and believe the facts of the Gospel, and still not be saved (1 Corinthians 15:2; James 2:19). True believers can have assurance of their salvation (1 John 5:13; Romans 8:16; John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; 10:28, 29).

Assistance. We’re here to help those who would like additional information and who are teachable and willing to change. We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We also have additional material at www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com. Join us for Facebook and Youtube Bible studies.

[1] Our Son’s Death. https://kelseypeach.wordpress.com/2016/04/16/the-death-of-our-son-2/

[2] Story – https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/day-by-day-and-with-each-passing-moment/

[3] “Day By Day,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNVCcph6cnI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzrhqjzQCi4

[4] Dr. Manfred Kober, “Do We Really Know The Gospel?” https://www.faith.edu/1993/02/do-we-really-know-the-gospel/

“Your Heart’s Longing?”

My friend, what is the greatest longing of your heart?  As human beings, we naturally tend to love and look out for ourselves first. The Apostle Paul wrote, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

“…we do [should] not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Timothy 4:18)

Songwriter Oscar C. A. Bernadotte expressed the longing of his heart with these words –

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

Author Warren Wiersbe wrote, “I would rather have Jesus Christ as my Master than anyone else I know [Romans 12:1, 2; 1 Peter 3:15] . He loves me [ John 13:34, 35], He knows all about me [John 2:24, 25], He made me [Psalm 139:15], He knows the future [Isaiah 46:10], and He gives me the power I need to serve Him acceptably and fruitfully [Philippians 4:13; Ephesian 3:20]. When I fail, [The Father] forgives me [when I confess my sins to Him – 1 John 1:9] and helps me start over again [Luke 22:32]. He never leaves me or forsakes me [Hebrews 13:5], and He rewards me graciously [1 Corinthians 3:8, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:10], though I don’t deserve it [Revelation 4:11; 5:9]. Could you find a better Master than that?” [I couldn’t.] – Warren W. Wiersbe, On Being A Servant, p. 30.

Believe it or not, we all have someone or something that rules over us. Without their knowing it, many people are controlled by the devil (John 8:44; Ephesians 2:2, 3), and/or their own sin nature (Romas 6:14; 7:15-25). It might surprise you to know that some people, who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, have not yet made the decision to submit to His authority over their lives. Have you? This is not a condition for salvation, as “Lordship salvation” teachers are telling people. It should be the logical result of a person who really appreciates what Christ did for him/her.

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to folks who were already saved. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1, 2). Can you say or sing this and mean it?

“I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name”

“He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.”

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change when they see what God says in His Word (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. We invite you to read other articles we’ve written by going to www.kelseypeach.wordpress.com. It this article has been helpful to you, we’d like to hear from you. Please SHARE this information with others too. To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.”

Renditions of “I’d Rather Have Jesus” by –

George Beverely Shea, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i89oTAJ-Aek&t=71s

Jim Reeves, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNH8fD5tAt8

“Thinking Correctly About God?”

In our crazy, mixed up world where good is called evil and evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20), isn’t it time for us to think correctly about God and “worship Him in spirit and truth” (John 4:24)?  A. W. Tozer tells us “The man who comes to a right belief of God is relieved of ten thousand temporal problems, for he sees at once that these have to do with matters which at the most cannot concern him for very long.”

Let’s think about the love of God the Father for us sinners – the lawless ones (Romans 3:10-23).  God holds all of us (Jews and non-Jews) responsible for the death of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 3:13-15; 4:26-28). He died in our place so we could be saved from having to spend eternity with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Matthew 25:41, 46).  True believers are allowed into heaven to spend eternity with God (John 3:16; 14:1-3).

For a moment, let’s focus on God’s goodness and kindness, (not His wrath – Revelation 16:11), that leads sinners to God (Romans 2:4). How about His grace (undeserved favor) toward us (Ephesians 2:8, 9)?  

His mercies (i.e. His compassion for those who are suffering whether it be due to our own sins or the sins of others). They are new every morning, great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22, 23).

But don’t forget about His holiness (from which comes His wrath) that led the prophet to cry out, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips; And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips…” (Isaiah 6:3-5; See 1 Peter 1:15, 16). After his cleansing, God used him to cry out against the sins of God’s people, the Jews. In spite of Isaiah’s faithfulness, most of them refused to repent and turn to God  (Isaiah 6:9-13; See 2 Chronicles 7:14).

Don’t overlook God’s righteousness/justice that demands a payment for sin – lawlessness (Romans 6:23; See Genesis 2:17). Be thankful that God the Father was satisfied (propitiated) by the death of His Son for our sins (1 John 2:2).  God the Son volunteered to be our Savior and to die for our sins (Hebrews 10:5-10; John 10:15-18).

Think you can hide from God (Psalm 10:11)?  Think again; it’s impossible. God is omnipresent (Psalm 139) and omniscient (Isaiah 46:10; John 2:24, 25). 

Lacking confidence in yourself?  Good.  Learn to rely on God instead (Proverbs 3:5, 6).  He supplies His resurrection power to His children to do the things He planned for us to do in this life (Philippians 2:13; 3:10; 4:13,19; Ephesians 2:10).

Unsure of your true status – saved or unsaved? Are you deceiving yourself (See Matthew 7:21-23)?  By looking into God’s Word we can discover the truth about ourselves (John 14:6; 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Romans 3:10-23; 6:23). 

If you’ve never done this before, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4).  Do it now!

True believers can have assurance of their salvation from God’s Word (1 John 5:13) and from the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14). 

If you, as a Christian, are having trouble sleeping at night, think on these things so you can enjoy the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-8; See Isaiah 26:3).

Need Help? We’re here to assist you and others who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17).  Please let us know if this article has helped you.  We can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com.  

To receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us on Facebook and Youtube for our Bible Studies.

Listen to and meditate on this song and it’s words: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzTHAJ-DxWo

“Amazing Grace”

Most of us are familiar with the song entitled “Amazing Grace.” But not everyone knows much about the man who was responsible for writing it. His name was John Newton. He knew firsthand about God’s amazing grace. Do you know what God has done for you?

Tombstone. These words were written on his tombstone. “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and Libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy.” What words would you like to have written on your tombstone?

Mother. Despite her fragile health, his godly mother devoted herself to nurturing her son’s soul from an early age. At her knee John memorized Bible verses and Christian hymns. Sadly, she died when he was about seven years of age.  

Early Years.  After his mother’s death he spent some time in a boarding school and then served in the British Navy where he fell deeper and deeper into sin. He deserted, but was captured and then flogged. He was so angry that he wanted to murder someone or commit suicide.

Transformation. On March 9, 1748, at age 23, John was jolted awake by a brutal storm at sea. He cried out to the Lord when he thought his life was about to come to an end. And God saved him by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins…and rose again bodily on the third day. Have you placed your faith in Christ yet? If not, why not now? Don’t boast about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:14).

Ministry. Then, through consistent study of God’s Word, spiritual growth began to take place in his life (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 3:18). He eventually became one of the most powerful preachers in Britain, and became an adversary of slavery, in which he once participated. He was responsible for writing hundreds of hymns.

Message. With the message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of sins committed and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, “Amazing Grace” has become one of the most recognizable songs in the English-speaking world. Do you think you’ve sinned so badly that you can’t be saved?  Or maybe you don’t think you need a Savior.  Don’t be deceived by the devil. We all need the Lord Jesus Christ to be our personal Savior since we’ve all sinned and come short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).  If you’re still physically alive, there is hope for you.  Once you’re dead, all hope is gone.

Lesson. God is in the life saving and life changing business (Luke 19:10; John 1:29; Romans 12:1, 2). He can/will save anyone who comes by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved (Acts 16:31). His amazing grace and forgiveness are available to all mankind (Ephesians 1:7; 2:8, 9). We’re saved by grace. Once we’ve been saved, God wants us to live by faith under “grace principles” for our daily living (Romans 1:16, 17; Ephesians 3:2; Galatians 5:1-4; 2 Peter 3:18). See our “Dispensations Chart” on our website for more help.

Help. We’re here to assist those who are teachable and willing to change (2 Timothy 2:2, 15; 3:16, 17). If you have questions/comments, we can be reached through our website: www.kelseypeach.com. If you’d like to receive future articles as they come out, click on “Follow.” Join us for our Bible Studies on Facebook and Youtube. If you’re a true Christian, please share this with others who need to hear about God’s “Amazing Grace.”

Enjoy three renditions of this song as sung by –

Antrim Mennonite Choir – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di9HZMIcVCU

Wintley Phipps – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNuQbJst4Lk

Il Divo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYMLMj-SibU

Some material for this article was adapted from:

“The One Year Book Of Hymns” Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, March 17

“Then Sings My Soul” by Robert Morgan, Thomas Nelson Publishers, p. 79

“Amazing Grace”: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazing_Grace