Hebrews 11:1

Today I received more encouraging mail from my blogging buddy Hebrews 11:1. He has blessed me more than once with notes via snail mail. These are the two cards that were included with today's mail. Thanks my friend! The wording on the larger of the two cards was just what I needed today. Of course the Lord knew that and He used you to send it along.

If you check the comments followings my posts you will find a number of them from Hebrews 11:1.

Keep encouraging others, my friends!

THROUGH

Many thanks to Claire (Pilot Mom) for posting this excellent poem by one of my favorite writers. Check out Claire's blog at: http://www.pilotmom.blogspot.com

















THOU PASSEST THROUGH

"When thou passest through the waters"
Deep the waves may be and cold,
but Jehovah is our refuge,
And His promise is our hold;
For the Lord Himself hath said it,
He, the faithful God and true:
"When thou comest to the waters
Thou shalt not go down, but THROUGH."

Seas of sorrow, seas of trial,
Bitterest anguish, fiercest pain,
Rolling surges of temptation
Sweeping over heart and brain -
They shall never overflow us
For we know His Word is true;
All His waves and all His billows
He will lead us safely THROUGH.

Threatening breakers of destruction,
doubt's insidious undertow,
Shall not sink us, shall not drag us
Out to ocean depths of woe;
For His promise shall sustain us,
Praise the Lord, whose Word is true!
We shall not go down, or under,
For He saith, "Thou passed THROUGH."

~Annie Johnson Flint

Sunny

Big Fish, the old sage, once stated "Even in the midst of our biggest messes, a little sunlight shines through" or something like that.

I've always enjoyed this picture. My desk never looks this bad although they say that "a tidy desk is a sign of a sick mind" or something like that.

So...what's the old sage (or the ol' codger) trying to say today...?

"Enjoy the sunlight of His love! In the midst of our darkest storm, His light shines brightest."

...or something like that.

"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings..." - Malachi 4:2 (KJV)

Enjoy Him today!

God's Perfection

This morning I read Amy Carmichael's poem THY WAY IS PERFECT in her book of collected poems entitled MOUNTAIN BREEZES.

She writes:

"Long is the way, and very steep the slope;
Strengthen me once again, O God of Hope.

Far, very far, the summit doth appear;
But Thou art near, my God, but Thou are near.

And Thou wilt give me with my daily food,
Powers of endurance, courage, fortitude.

Thy way is perfect; only let that way
Be clear before my feet from day to day.

Thou art my Portion, saith my soul to Thee,
Oh, what a Portion is my God to me!"

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him." - 2 Samuel 22:31 (KJV)

Tozer Quotes Muller

Today's online devotional from A. W. Tozer was especially noteworthy for me because he refered to one of my all-time heroes, George Muller (or Mueller). At this juncture in my life, these thoughts are much appreciated.

Faith Grows With Use...

"Yet you do not have because you do not ask." - James 4:2

It was a saying of George Mueller that faith grows with use. If we would have great faith we must begin to use the little faith we already have. Put it to work by reverent and faithful praying, and it will grow and become stronger day by day.

Dare today to trust God for something small and ordinary and next week or next year you may be able to trust Him for answers bordering on the miraculous.

Everyone has some faith, said Mueller; the difference among us is one of degree only, and the man of small faith may be simply the one who has not dared to exercise the little faith he has.

According to the Bible, we have because we ask, or we have not because we ask not. It does not take much wisdom to discover our next move. Is it not to pray, and pray again and again till the answer comes?

God waits to be invited to display His power in behalf of His people. The world situation is such that nothing less than God can straighten it out. Let us not fail the world and disappoint God by failing to pray.

taken from The Set of the Sail, pp. 33-34

"Lord, I think I can do that! I know my faith needs to grow, but today I'll exercise what faith I have and anticipate that growth and stretching. Amen."

To receive Tozer's devotional thoughts please go to: http://lmi.gospelcom.net/tozer.php#list

Pinch-Hitting Blogger

Remember my blogging buddy Brodie? You don't? I wonder why! Actually Brodie has a new post on The Hope of His Calling. I got tired of the same ol' baseball picture so I wrote a "guest post" for him. We don't want to let a good blog die so we do what we have to...to keep it alive.

Pay Brodie a visit and encourage him to write something before the summer comes.

Check out his blog at: http://www.hopeofhiscalling.blogspot.com

Unlike the bloggers I mentioned in my previous post, Brodie is a friend who I "have" met and we often enjoy lunch together.

Keep writing, my friend!

P. S. and, by the way, Julie is another blogger who I've met often. Elizabeth Natalie attends our church but she posts so seldom that I often forget that she's a blogger...

Come on, Di, write! Your "stuff" is always so good!

Friends We've Never Met

As the blazing sun fades in the western sky after a wonderful Lord's day in which I sensed the Father's gentle nudgings in precious ways, I send along this note of gratitude:

The blogging community is a vast, diverse mass of humanity from every slice of life. The Christian network amongst bloggers is extensive as well. Those of us who are avowed bloggers have come to realize how strong, loving and supportive that community really is.

I've been blogging regularly for almost 2 1/2 years and there is a faithful fellowship of blogging buddies (friends we've never met) who have encouraged this stumbling pilgrim time and time again. You know who you are! All I can say is "thank you in Jesus' name for your love, prayers, encouragement and support!" Your involvement in my life is vital!

During these uncertain times, both personally, nationally and internationally, I'm grateful that we have a Refuge in the times of storm, the eternal, changless God of heaven. Last night while struggling to get back to sleep, two verses kept coming to mind, life-giving portions of God's Word. I've shared both of these passages many times before. The first one is one of my life verses. It's powerful! I quote both of them from the King James Version, the renderings that I memorized as a child.

"The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms." - Deuteronomy 33:27

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1

So, dear friends, thank you for your prayers, your e-mails, your comments and every expression of your loving care! Some of you respond anonymously so I can't thank you personally. Your comments mean so much!

Saija, Terry, Lauren-Mary, Julie, Hebrews 11:1, Debra, Claire, jel, Mrs. Mac, Susan, Rodney, Cindy, Vicki and all the rest of you...may the God of all grace strengthen you today as you love and serve Him in the midst of your storm. He is all-sufficient and He will meet every need!

And, by the way, please pray for Claire (Pilot Mom) and her family. Check out her blog to read the latest update on her husband's health. THANKS!

Visit her at: http://www.pilotmom.blogspot.com

Note: Within minutes of writing this post, Claire sent along a comment. Please check it out below and keep praying for her. Thanks!

The lights of home are getting clearer each day! Journey on! He is leading the way! He is the Way!

Gratefully,

The Pilgrim

Escaping Protestant Guitars

Have you ever read something that really resonates with your inner man (and your gut) and you say to yourself, "I wish I had made that statement first!"?

Here's a quote by Annie Dillard that falls into that category. I haven't been attending mass lately but after experiencing the incredible beauty of an "evensong" service in a cathedral in Oxford, England last month I think I might enjoy the reverent sense of God's presence..without guitars.

Dillard wrote:

"I have overcome a fiercely anti-Catholic upbringing in order to attend Mass simply and solely to escape Protestant guitars."

–Anne Dillard, “An Expedition to the Pole,” in Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters (1983), 30

Thanks to Joshua Sowin at Fire & Knowledge for posting this.

http://www.fireandknowledge.org

Fishing in the Archives

This morning I went fishing! Going back two years, I checked out the Pilgrim Scribblings archives to see what I wrote two years ago.

I found a post entitled If I Could Be.

Here it is with some notations (in green) made to that original post. It would be interesting to see what others would write concerning these categories. Go ahead...satisfy my curiosity. Have a wonderful weekend!

Here's that post:

This game of "tag" has been making its rounds among bloggers. I don't understand the game so I'll just add my thoughts concerning five (5) of the many occupations which have been listed:

If I could be a musician... I would play the piano like my favorite Southern Gospel pianists, Gerald Wolfe, Stan Whitmire, Roger Bennett and Lorne Matthews. I'd give the royalties from the CD sales to help young pianists pay for lessons. Roger Bennett recently lost his battle with cancer and won a place in heaven's choir. He loved the Lord and is now in His presence for evermore.

If I could be a missionary... I would take the gospel to the country which sent so many missionaries to other nations in the 19th and 20th centuries, England. This country suffers from spiritual darkness and needs a modern day revival. Recently visited England was saw firsthand the need for spiritual awakening. I visited the grave of David Livingstone, one of the most renowned missionaries to leave England's shores for dark Africa.

If I could be an athlete... I would volunteer to be the chapel rep and make the chaplain feel wanted and welcomed. I'd seek to live a godly life before my teammates and invite them to Bible studies in my hotel room while on the road. I'd support the chaplain financially and give generously to Christian ministries. No change here. I'm no longer the chapel leader for the Toronto Blue Jays but I'd do the same thing as ever if I were the player rep.

If I could be an inn-keeper... I would have a library where Christian books and videos were available for the guests. I'd also have a small chapel where guests could attend a church service on Sunday mornings. No change here!

If I could be a writer... I would give my royalties to provide books for Christians in third-world countries. Same thing!

But I'm an encourager so I will build up believers so they can become musicians, missionaries, athletes, inn-keepers and writers. AMEN!

Be encouraged today, my friends!

He, Being Dead, Yet Speaketh

Yesterday I listened to two sermons by a dead man! It seemed strange but I recently bought a book about A. W. Tozer which included a CD with two of his messages on it. I never had the privilege of hearing the modern-day prophet (in the truest sense) but have certainly read much of his work. I was surprised to discover that he wasn't as skilled an orator as I expected but he certainly left no stone unturned when "speaking the truth in love".

The following is the devotional thought which I received by e-mail today. Yes, we can have...

Confidence in Him

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

"You can have this confidence in God, and you can have this respect for His will. Do not expect God to perform miracles for you so you can write books about them. Do not ever be caught asking God to send you toys like that to play around with.

But if you are in trouble and concerned about your situation and willing to be honest with God, you can have confidence in Him. You can go to Him in the merit of His Son, claiming His promises, and He will not let you down. God will help you, and you will find the way of deliverance. God will move heaven and earth for you if you will trust Him."

Trust Him today, dear friends! He is trustworthy and you can have...confidence in Him.

A Good Friend Goes "Home"

Tomorrow (Thursday) I'll have the honour and privilege of conducting the funeral for my dear friend Winston Burford.

Winston and I knew each other over 20 years ago when we attended the same church here in Peterborough. In recent years we had not seen each other until we made contact at a hockey game late last summer...a providential meeting as it turned out.

That evening we "connected" when Winston told me that he was going in for an MRI the next day to determine how much longer he might expect to live. Cancer had returned!

Winston had received a liver transplant about 5 years earlier. He was in a coma back then and expected to die when word was received at the last minute that a donor had been found. The Lord gave Winston another five, good years of life.

For the last three and a half months my friend has been in the Palliative Care Unit at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. During this time I think Winston taught me more about living than I taught him about dying. He is now in the presence of the Lord whom he loved. We had communion together several times before he died and those were precious times! Please pray for his wife Norma and their daughters Christine and Beth and their families. THANK YOU!

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." - Psalm 116:15 (KJV)

Waiting For "AFTER"

This morning I picked up a copy of Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret from my library shelf. Leafing through the pages I came across two lines by Frances Ridley Havergal (pictured), the renowned poet and hymnwriter.

Here are those two lines:

"Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain."

Hoping there was more to this poem/hymn than just the two lines, I entered "sight after mystery" and did a GOOGLE search. Sure enough, I found a three stanza hymn with words by Havergal and the tune by Ira Sankey.

Here's "the rest of the song":

Light after darkness, gain after loss,
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears,
Home after wandering, praise after tears.

Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain,
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast,
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last.

Near after distant, gleam after gloom,
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss,
Right was the pathway, leading to this.

Dear friend, perhaps you haven't reached the "AFTER" yet. You may be in the midst of a savage storm, a lonesome loss, a desolate depression, a tearful trial. Take heart! The "AFTER" is coming. A sovereign God will not leave you abandoned in this seemingly hopeless place. There will be an "AFTER" and when it comes, you (and I) will be able to say with the hymnwriter, "Right was the pathway, leading to this."

I'm praying for you, my readers, today! Thanks for your partnership in prayer as well.

"And AFTER you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." - 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

Stand Out From the Crowd

This picture reminded me of the apostle Paul's challenge to the believers in Rome. Let's not just blend in with everyone else but take a stand for Christ and His gospel. May the non-believing world see a remarkable difference in the lives of Christ-followers that would attract them to the Savior. Are you standing out from the crowd? Is there something about your lifestyle that causes the world to want what you've got? May it be so for His name's sake!

CONFORMED or TRANSFORMED? That's the question!

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:1,2 (ESV)

Commissioned

Just saw this quote on another blog as I was surfing...

“If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?” - David Livingstone

Something to think about...

George Verwer in Toronto

If you've never heard George Verwer speak you've missed out on somebody worth hearing.

George always has a challenging message that tends to make you feel uncomfortable. He will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and make a difference in your world. He's written a book just about that.

Verwer is the founder and Executive Director of OM (Operation Mobilization) and will be speaking at Leaside Bible Chapel this Saturday evening, April 21st, at 7:00 p.m.

I discovered this upcoming event on my friend Shawn Cuthill's web site.

http://www.shawncuthill.com

Check out the blog and also the event.

Unspeakable Tragedy

My friend Greg Asimakoupoulos has written the following poem in the aftermath of the horrific shootings at Virginia Tech today. Please pray for everyone involved in this Unspeakable Tragedy.

Greg writes:

An Unspeakable Tragedy

Virginia Tech's a nervous wreck.
In Blacksburg all is black.
A gunman's aim is what's to blame.
Our world is out of whack.

A dad and mom can find no balm
to heal their broken hearts.
Our nation too needs Super Glue
to mend what’s blown apart.

From searing grief there's no relief.
No comfort can be found.
The Easter joy of just last week
lays lifeless on the ground.

So on our knees, we ask God please
to make His presence known.
For in our pain and need to blame
we feel so all alone.

by Greg Asimakoupoulos

www.partialobserver.com

Rhymes and Reasons

Changing Places

This past weekend was one of those bittersweet occasions when the joy and excitement of doing something meaningful for God, family and friends was tempered by the edginess of financial insecurity and the persistent fear of possible ruin.

Throughout the weekend I had an incredible sense that the Father was with me as I walked the tightrope between where I am and where I want to be, occasionally glancing downwards at the frightening rocks and billows below.

During the long, dark night on Saturday, God was dealing with my heart and graciously reminding me that I’m never out of His care or His sight. What a precious sense of His presence and His providential care! Normally terror would have been my dreaded companion but during the night watches I could trace God’s hand as He dealt with my pain.

A reflective piece of prose or poetry kept coming to my mind as I threw myself into the Father’s arms.

Today (Monday) I hesitate to post this for fear that you, my readers, friends and fellow pilgrims, might think that I have finally “arrived”. That I have actually “got it”. That I’ve turned the corner. I wish I could say that I have but I know that there are many more mountains to cross, valleys to stumble through and deep, churning waters to navigate.

Here, then, is what I penned over the weekend. Verses two and three came to me this morning. Please note that the place I’m in hasn’t changed. It’s only my perspective that has…my understanding of a sovereign God’s dealings with His perplexed servant. As we understand Him aright, He can turn the valley of Baca into a refreshing stream. May it be so for each of us as we trust His heart.

CHANGING PLACES

Teetering on the precipice
O God…don’t let me slip…
Just above the murky mire
Begging You to take me higher
...Free me from this hellish place
...Where darkness hides Your radiant face.

Father as I contemplate
Reviewing where I am…
This is not what I’d have planned
But I’m held by Your strong hand
...Keep me in this scary place
...Where all I have is sovereign grace.

Learning here to trust Your heart
With nothing left but You…
The vain things that charmed me most
Gradually have all been lost
...Lord I love this sacred place
...Where we commune now…face to face.

- David Fisher

1st verse – April 14th, 2007
2nd & 3rd verses – April 15th, 2007

Note: This post should be read in conjuction with the revelations made in my recent post entitled FAITHFUL FRIENDS in mind.

Safely Home

Dear friends:

Thank you for your prayers for us while we were away in Connecticut on the weekend. We arrived home safely tonight (Sunday) after having a wonderful time away. The outreach at Quinnipiac University went very well. I'll post pictures tomorrow. My nephew Bud (pictured with me) is having an incredible impact on the campus. What a blessing to be with him!

Today we battled some bad weather (wet snow and strong winds) as we drove from Springfield, MA across to the New York border. The Lord brought us safely through and we praise Him for that.

More on this later but I just wanted to let you know that the trip was very profitable.

Note: Please pray for me this week as I seek to comfort and encourage a family who lost a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother to the ravages of cancer. Winston Burford went home to be with the Lord he loved early this morning. I had been visiting him regularly for the last few weeks. I'll be conducting his funeral later in the week. Please pray especially for his wife Norma and their two married daughters Christine and Beth and their families. THANK YOU!

God is good!

David

Lunch Money

My friend Tim Coles (pictured with one of his sons), the Executive Director of Kawartha Youth for Christ, shared the following story with me the other day. I had dropped by their Peterborough headquarters and Tim took me into his office. We share similar concerns when it comes to children, hockey and the provision of God for the needs of our respective ministries.

Looking above Tim's bookshelf I saw these words painted on a small mural/picture:

CEASE STRIVING

This was precisely what I needed to me reminded of. The work is God's and we need to take our hands off and trust Him to carry out the work He began and to provide the funds needed to fulfil our calling.

Tim and I continued to talk and then he prayed with me. It had been a stressful day for me and I had mentioned some of my situation with Tim. Tears came quickly but Tim had the ever-present box of tissues handy. Thanks, brother!

This story of God's provision encouraged this weary pilgrim. Tim writes:

I was meeting with one of my staff today. She has faced a great deal of adversity this year in life and yet still hung on to the vision that God had birthed in her heart - one that we are really beginning to see the great fruit of.

After our meeting and time of encouragement, she went about her work - needing to connect with one of the mothers of some of the kids involved in her program. While on the phone she said “why don’t we go out for lunch to talk more about this . . .” After she got off the phone she muttered (in a ‘frustrated with herself tone’), “Why did I offer to take her for lunch, I don’t have the money for that!”

I happened to over hear her comment and spoke up. “It was a faith decision, God will provide.” She said “well maybe, but it felt like a stupid decision”.

About 10 minutes one of our supporters walked in the door. She was coming in to make a donation and just before she left she said, “I have one more gift to leave, while I was walking in here I felt the Lord telling me that YFC needed another $20 for something and that I was to give it. So, I don’t know what the need is, but here you go.”

Hearing this, I immediately went and got the staff member and connected the two women and watched God show himself through his voice heard by one and his answer given to another.
We witness this kind of thing on a daily basis at YFC and we are blessed because of it - I know I am.

Tim Coles

Off To Quinnipiac

Today I've been packing and getting ready to leave for Hamden, CT where I'll be involved in an outreach at Quinnipiac University.

The FCA chapter (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and another Christian group on campus are sponsoring this event called REC YOUR LIFE. Of course the word REC refers to recreation. My nephew Bud Fisher (you've read lots of posts about him) asked me if I'd speak and I was more than happy to oblige. My dear friend and office colleague, David Kennedy, is traveling with me. We're going to have a great time! We'll drive halfway today and finish the trip tomorrow.

The title of my presentation is a long one but, of course, I'm going to be spending most of my time on the last two phrases. Here's the title:

"Eat, Drink and Party, for tomorrow we die...Breaking the Cycle, Changing our World". More later on that. Please pray for safety as we drive and pray for God's anointing as I speak.

On Saturday morning David and I will take the Amtrak into New York City where we'll explore for the day. David has never been in Manhattan before.

Thanks for your loving prayers and concern. As I mentioned in my earlier post, it's been a difficult week but I'm trusting that the Lord will refresh and renew me while we're away. Pray too for Carol and the kids while I'm gone. Thanks so much!

Check out Bud's hockey highlights this season by doing a search at the top of this page. Just put in Bud Fisher at Quinnipiac in the "Search Blog" section above the Pilgrim Scribblings header and see what you find.

Have a great weekend!

Is It Well With Your Soul?

This picture of a sunrise and a windwill comes from my friend Stephen Weber based in Mt. Joy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Check out his Daily Encouragement web site at: www.dailyencouragement.net

Looking at this photo prompted two responses from me:

1. What a peaceful sight? Looks like all is well in Lancaster County.


2. Is it well with your soul today?



Something to think about!



"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." - Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)

Faithful Friends

The last two days have been extremely difficult for me. Somehow I've allowed past hurts to rise to the surface and situations I thought were dealt with have come back temporarily to haunt me. Numerous other circumstances pertaining to my health and employment have caused me to slowly sink into that terrible pit called depression.

For two years I was taking anti-depressants to help me deal with the panic attacks that would buffet me with such fierce intensity. About a month ago, with my doctor's supervision, I finally went off my medication and the last few weeks have been like a scary roller coaster ride as my body and mind have been adjusting to the "new me".

Today things were spiralling downward until I met with two Christian brothers and talked through some of the issues I'm dealing with. Following our time of prayer two of us walked for quite a distance and the fresh air and exercise helped to clear my mind of the negative thoughts had been so pervasive earlier.

Arriving at my office I checked the mail and found a card and a donation from a couple who have been such faithful supporters of the Epistle ministry for many, many years. What a blessing these dear people have been to me! Eternity will reveal the part that their stewardship and friendship had in the eternal perspective of things.

This precious couple always include a hand-written note with their gift and I'm blessed when I read the scriptures that they refer to. Today was no exception. I scanned the card (both front and back) for you to see. I know they won't mind. The verses from Isaiah were meant for me today! God has ministered to my spirit time and time again through this passage but perhaps never more so than He did today.

Here are those verses:

"But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." - Isaiah 43:1-4 (NIV)

Father, thank you for faithful friends who come alongside us on our journey. Bless these dear friends who sent along this card and the encouraging note. Meet their every need today! Thank you for never forsaking us and for walking with us when danger lurks on every side. You will lead us through the trials into Your triumph. AMEN!

Comic Relief On Easter Sunday

This is an effective way to get the glorious message of Easter out to a dying world! Thanks to the creator of the BC comic strip for the way he integrates his Christian faith into his art. If we all would blend the sacred into the secular instead of keeing them poles apart, the world might know - more quickly - that Jesus is alive and that He makes life worth living for those who trust in Him.
Happy Easter! He is Risen!

Resurrection Morning

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! May the power of His resurrection be yours today. The same power which raised Jesus from the dead is at work in the lives of Jesus' followers around the world. Rejoice in Him today. He is alive forevermore! Hallelujah!


He is alive forevermore!

He Rose Triumphantly

One of the fondest memories of my years on staff at The Peoples Church in Toronto was the thrill of singing our founder's hymns. Oswald J. Smith had gone on to heaven before I joined the church but his sermons, books and hymns live on. On Easter Sunday we would often, if not always, sing his glorious hymn, "He Rose Triumphantly". Many times I'll sit at my piano and play this song, rejoicing in the truth that He is alive for evermore. Let me share the third stanza and chorus of this majestic hymn of the faith.

"The stone was rolled away,

For Christ was raised that day,

And now He lives above

To manifest His love.

CHORUS:

He rose triumphantly,

In pow'r and majesty,

The Saviour rose no more to die;

O let us now proclaim

The glory of His name,

And tell to all He lives today."

(Oswald J. Smith)

Let's tell "our" world that Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

When I Survery the Wondrous Cross

My friends Stephen & Brooksyne Weber posted this incredible picture of three crosses on their web site today. Check out www.dailyencouragement.net

I was just going to post the picture and let it speak for itself but instead I'm sharing part of Stephen's Daily Devotional for today, GOOD FRIDAY.

Stephen writes:

"When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals--one on his right, the other on his left" (Luke 23:33).


Tom and Marsha are long-time friends of ours in northern Pennsylvania who have a single cross overlooking their property. When I get within a distance of their house I begin looking for this spiritual landmark. One of the blessings I have often seen as I travel, particularly in the southern states, are three white crosses placed up on a hill or mountain that can be seen from the highway as a witness to the landowners' faith.

Normally Christians use a single cross as a symbol of their faith but the three crosses also have rich symbolism as a reminder of the three crosses on Mount Calvary.

Jesus hung on the middle cross, vicariously dying for the sins of all mankind. Two criminals, typical of the human race, hung on crosses on each side of Him. These three crosses represent:

The cross of rejection.

One criminal represents the masses that to the very end rebel against God and reject His plan of redemption. But rarely is such sneering so openly expressed, and this by a dying man as he hurled insults at Christ. This criminal is merely expressing the viewpoint of so many that reject God's only remedy for our sin problem; they die in their sins.

The cross of repentance.

The other criminal represents those who repent of their sins and place their faith in God. This criminal came to realize that he and the other lawbreaker deserved the death penalty and spoke rather frankly: "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong" (Luke 23:41). His faith is humbly expressed in these words: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Our Lord's dying words brought eternal hope to the repentant criminal as well as spiritual hope to millions through the centuries, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

The cross of redemption.

On the middle cross Christ dies once for all time for all people. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace" (Ephesians 1:7). "For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:19,20). Peter, a witness to these things, stated, "For Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust" (1 Peter 3:18a).This Good Friday let us by faith with thankful hearts accept God's only solution for our sin problem.

Let us faithfully live for the One who died for us.

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Be encouraged today,

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

55 Years as a Pilgrim

Two years ago I posted an account of my conversion which took place on a Sunday morning back in 1952. I've modified only the number of years that it's been and I'm reposting it to celebrate 55 years as a redeemed, reconciled child of the King. What a wonderful Savior!

April 6th is always a special day for me! It was 55 years ago on April 6th, 1952 that I made the most important decision that any person can make! It was on a Sunday morning, after listening to a Christian radio program, that I invited Jesus Christ to come into my life and take control. Even though I was only 6 years old at the time, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I needed a Savior and that Christ had died in my place at Calvary. My mother had the joy and pleasure of praying with me that morning and I was "born again" by God's Holy Spirit. Mom is still alive and well. Dad was called home to be with the Lord almost 15 years ago. I thank God for godly parents who nurtured me in the "things of the Lord".

I'll be celebrating today...giving thanks to God for "His unspeakable gift". Have you made that decision to allow Christ to take control of your life? He is waiting to come in and transform you, giving you peace, joy, contentment and hope for the future. Trust Him today!

The following "post" was written on the 50th anniversary of my conversion. Check it out!

http://pilgrimscribblings.blogspot.com/2004/11/50-years-in-gods-family.html

That Desperate Cry...HELP!

When we desperately cry out to God with that simple, one-word prayer, HELP!, He lovingly responds and graciously bestows:

• H - HOPE
• E - ENCOURAGEMENT
• L - LOVE
• P - PEACE

In the same way can we not offer those gifts when that same cry, HELP!, falls across our ears.

Father, make us instruments of hope, encouragement, love and peace as we journey up mountains, through valleys, across deserts and down uncertain pathways. Make us agents of all that You are and give as our lives intersect with Your creatures who don't know their Creator...yet. AMEN!

"May the God of all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him..." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

CONGRATULATIONS Are In Order

Yesterday Tim Challies, the champion for Christian blogging in Ontario at least, sent his manuscript to the publisher, Crossway Publishers.

This labor of love has been in the works for some time and I eagerly and impatiently await the day that the book is available in Christian bookstores.

Tim has tackled the subject of discernment and it's a topic that needs to be addressed. In these days more and more Christians are falling for anything and everything "new" that comes down the Christian pipeline. Discernment is an absolutely essential gift of the Spirit in these times.

Thanks for the hours spent on this, Tim.

Keep up the great work! Your blog is a gold mine of information that we, as believers, need to know and practice.

God bless you! Check out Tim's site at: http://www.timchallies.com

He's a discerning guy...

Mirrors By Mackay

My friend Paul Mackay of Still Rambling posts some incredible photos on his blog but then...he has nothing better to do. Don't tell him I said that though.

Check out Still Rambling for some of his Mirror By Mackay shots.

Mirror, mirror, on my car

Catch a sunset from afar.

Blogging For Jesus

As you can see from my previous post, I dug up an old logo I designed entitled Blogging For Jesus.

Here's the link: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34odWMLrFsCQmTHjYveGFguNnKifRgJkRuMR0ilMis6Feo11k-2Rc8S02DMaQxqkIfWBvL-_HY9kufZtDwY2M-gbClatQ68hardIjbFpxLpo1z21jp7FvJ1-YiBCYAghBu5R_pQ/s1600-h/Blogging+for+Jesus.jpg

Why not add this to your blog and let see how many others will display it...either as a specific post or as a link in your sidebar.

Just wondering how this would work. Any Suggestions?

You'll Never Hear Me Say...

My friend Paul Mackay (Still Rambling) had an interesting post this week. He entitled it "Things You'll Never Hear Me Say" or something like that.

Check it out @ http://www.paulamackay.blogspot.com

I could add a hearty AMEN to many of his!

Here's a SUNDAY SEVENTEEN list of my own. Note: I may step on some of my friends toes by doing this but it may evoke some discussion amongst my 16 readers plus Brodie (actually that makes my SUNDAY SEVENTEEN readers). So, don't be offended. Remember the scriptural passage that states (my own paraphrase), "Blessed are those that love Thy law and nothing shall offend them." So make your choice...to be blessed or to be offended...

YOU'LL NEVER HEAR ME SAY...

1. I'm getting a two-four (24) tonight and hanging out with the boys.
2. I'm going to hear Joyce Meyer this weekend.
3. We've been here at this Christian bookstore for an hour. When can we leave?
4. I hope the Philadelphia Flyers win the Stanley Cup.
5. I'm getting tired of singing hymns written by old guys like Isaac Watts and William Cowper.
6. Barry Bonds is my favorite ballplayer.
7. I'm getting tired of eating at Baton Rouge.
8. Matthew and Nathan, can't we eat at McDonalds instead of always going to Kelseys?
9. Now that I've been to England, I don't want to do back again.
10. I love those "Name It and Claim It" preachers on TV.
11. Write me and I'll send you your special "indigo-colored" prayer cloth.
12. Let's go to Camden, New Jersey for our summer holidays.
13. John Piper is not a good author.
14. Mike Fisher is just a mediocre hockey player.
15. Does this $75.00 shirt, reduced to $3.99, just come in XXL?
16. I wish my mother would move out of the home she's lived in for 60 years.
17. I hate getting comments on my Pilgrim Scribblings blog.

There, that's my Sunday Seventeen. But it's April Fool's day so let me add a few more...and I'm NOT fooling:

1. I hate going to Chapters all the time. Books are for nerds.
2. Big Macs are my favorite burgers.
3. Let's buy one of those SMART cars.
4. Can we invite another 20 kids over to play with our boys this weekend?
5. This arthritis I'm battling is wonderful. It really feels good!
6. I'm going to send $1,000.00 to the TBN telecast.
7. Jan Crouch's hair really suits her.
8. I hate flying FIRST CLASS on an airplane.
9. I'm always pleased when the lady in front of me on the plane puts her seat back into my lap 20 minutes before my 8 hour flight.
10. I hate lists.

So, there you have it! Sorry if I offended you. If anyone can agree with and say a loud AMEN to all 27 of these, I'll give you one of those "indigo-colored" prayer cloths.

Just write to me at.............