The Blessing is Ours

With parties, cake, and candles, and with laughter, fun, and mirth,

Today’s the day you celebrate the moment of your birth.

But on your birthday, we’re the ones who truly celebrate,

For we’re the ones to whom the gift was given on this date!

Your life is such a blessing—such a testimony clear—

And how we are encouraged as we see your faith sincere!

Among our greatest treasures is your friendship strong and kind,

And when we count our blessings, your name often comes to mind.

Since mercies past are tokens of the things God yet will do,

We look ahead with joy to see what God will do through you!

May you have a blessed birthday!

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord:

and he delighteth in His way,

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.

I have been young, and now am old;

yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,

nor his seed begging bread.

He is ever merciful, and lendeth;

and his seed is blessed.

Depart from evil, and do good;

and dwell for evermore.

For the Lord loveth judgment,

and forsaketh not his saints;

they are preserved for ever:

but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

The righteous shall inherit the land,

and dwell therein for ever.

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom,

and his tongue talketh of judgment.

The law of his God is in his heart;

none of his steps shall slide.

Psalm 37:23-31

Just a Broken Teacup

I inherited a teacup when my Grandma passed away,

A reminder of the love she showed to others day by day.

It was such a pretty teacup, as it sat upon the ledge,

So I picked it up to use it—and it dropped right off the edge!

As it lay before me shattered, so my heart was shattered too,

For its value was far deeper than its pretty shape and hue.

As I stooped to get the pieces, in my mind there came a plan--

I would put them back together till the cup was whole again!

One by one I glued and held them--what precision it required!

But I worked on with devotion till the daylight had expired.

Then I set the mended teacup on the shelf where it had been

Knowing well that it could never hold a cup of tea again.

Yet its value had not lessened! And I recognized anew

That I valued what it stood for more than what the cup could do.

All at once I saw the pieces of my useless, broken self

Mirrored clearly in the teacup sitting there upon the shelf!

Sin had brought my life to ruin, left me shattered and alone,

Yet my Saviour picked the pieces up and claimed them for His own!

With His love and His forgiveness Jesus made my spirit whole,

Then with gentleness and patience He restored my shattered soul.

Yes, my life still bears its scars, just like my teacup on the shelf,

Yet He gave His very life-blood to redeem me to Himself.

Now my heart is filled with wonder every time my cup I see

For it is a sweet reminder that my Saviour values me!

But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice: let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.

Psalm 130:1-6

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 102:1-4, 8, 10-12

Reflections of a Gift

Your gift reflects the beauty of a friendship strong and true,

And I hold it doubly precious just because it came from you!

Your heart reflects God’s selfless love—it’s plain for all to see,

For it’s filled you so completely that it overflowed on me!

Your care reflects God’s faithfulness—He’s promised to attend,

And has once again provided, through the kindness of a friend.

Your joy reflects the truth that giving brings a blessing, too—

With humble heart, I offer praise to God and thanks to you!

May the blessings you receive be as sweet as the blessing you have given!

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; And . . . first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. But this I say, . . . he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever. Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God. II Corinthians 8:3, 5; 9:6, 8-12

The Law of Life

Except a corn of wheat shall die, it shall abide alone—

These words begin the law of life, decreed by Heaven’s throne.

But if it die, from death itself the seed of life will spring,

And through the minor chords of death the song of life will ring.

We saw it in the cruel death of Christ upon the cross,

For by His death our hearts were purged from sin’s condemning dross

And we were born anew into the kingdom of God’s Son—

By that which seemed to be defeat, our victory was won!

We saw it in ourselves, when in our Saviour’s death we died,

And daily Christ commands that sinful self be crucified.

And yet that death is not an end—incredible, but true—

For now our Saviour lives in us and gives us life anew!

Now once again we’ve come to face the mystery of death,

For one we love lies silent, having neither life nor breath.

Shall we concede that life is o’er and sorrowfully grieve?

Oh, no! For death’s the door to Heav’n when we His grace receive!

And those of us who sorrow here may rest in comfort sweet

That there will come a time when we again this one will meet;

For, having merely passed beyond the earthly bounds of time,

Our loved one lives with Jesus Christ in peace and joy sublime!

May the sorrow of death be swallowed up in the joy of victory!

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:24-25

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise. Luke 23:43

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:14-16

A Plentiful Rain

Just when the ground is driest . . .

Comes a full and plenteous rain,

Made of many tiny droplets

Which revive the earth again.

Just when the night is darkest . . .

Comes the turning of the sun,

And the morning breaks in beauty,

Built of rays sent one by one.

Just when our faith is smallest . . .

Comes a token of God’s care,

Adding one more precious memory

To confirm that He is there.

Just when our hearts are weary . . .

Comes a view of things not seen—

Just a glimpse of things eternal,

And our spirits soar again!

Rejoicing with you in God’s goodness to you!

Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby Thou didst confirm Thine inheritance when it was weary. Psalm 67:9

Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, Thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures. For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light. O continue Thy lovingkindness unto them that know Thee; and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Psalm 36:5-10

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Corinthians 4:16-18

What Better Mother?

My mother dear, I’d like to take this opportunity

To give you just a glimpse of what your life has meant to me;

So grab your hat and coat, and come with me to Memory Lane—

Let’s you and I together walk back through my life again!

In childhood, I took much from you in time and energy,

Yet never did you turn away or fail to care for me!

As day or night, in joy or pain, I knew that you’d be there,

My heart could also grow to trust God’s faithful, loving care!

In youth, I grew to see beyond my own desires and needs

Because your love for God o’erflowed in kind and loving deeds.

As you showed love to others, to encourage and console,

Desire to have a servant’s heart was planted in my soul.

Then, as a young adult, I finally clearly understood

How your obedience to God was multiplied for good,

In seeing how your goals were with your faith so intertwined,

A Heaven-bent perspective was ingrained upon my mind.

Now here we are, returning to the present tense again,

And in my heart is just one thought: How truly blest I’ve been!

What better mother could I have than one in whom I see

A picture clear of what my daily walk with God should be?

Thank you for being such a wonderful mother!

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:15, 27

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Proverbs 31:20, 26

Whose adorning . . . let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible,

even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves,

being in subjection unto their own husbands.

I Peter 3:3-5

A Parting of the Ways

If Barnabas and Paul could disagree and part their ways,

And both could still be serving God and giving Him their praise,

Then surely you and I can face a disagreement too,

And each proceed to do the things that we feel called to do.

The time we spent together in the service of the Lord,

Has proved we both agree on love and reverence for His Word.

And each of us, within the other’s heart has seen the flame

Of service and devotion to the Saviour’s blessed Name.

Although we two no longer toil behind a single plow,

It doesn’t mean the devil can declare the victory now.

For both of us will toil on, each in a different sphere,

And souls in need of Christ will still the Gospel message hear.

Today I’d like to reaffirm my love and prayers for you;

I pray God’s richest blessing on the work your hands will do.

In spite of disagreement that has caused our ways to part,

I love you in the Lord because I know what’s in your heart!

May God bless you as you serve Him

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ,

if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit,

if any bowels and mercies,

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded,

having the same love,

being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory;

but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem other better than themselves.

Philippians 2:1-3

By this shall all men know

that ye are my disciples,

if ye have love one to another.

John 13:35

What Better Father?

My father dear, I’d like to take this opportunity

To give you just a glimpse of what your life has meant to me;

So grab your hat and coat, and come with me to Memory Lane—

Let’s you and I together walk back through my life again!

In childhood, from the ways of sin I had to be restrained,

And in the ways of righteousness I needed to be trained.

Since, in your strength and firmness, kindness always had a part,

My Heavenly Father’s goodness was ingrained into my heart..

Then came the restlessness of youth, and sadly I confess

How prone I was to leave God’s path in selfish waywardness.

Yet, as you showed such patience to instruct and to console,

My Heavenly Father’s faithful love was planted in my soul.

And then one day, in eagerness, my untried wings I spread

And ventured out to face a vast and unknown realm ahead.

Then through the Godly counsel that in you I’d always find,

My Heavenly Father’s wisdom was impressed upon my mind.

Now here we are, returning to the present tense again,

And in my heart is just one thought: How truly blest I’ve been!

What better father could I have than one in whom I see

A picture clear of what my Heavenly Father is to me?

Thank you for being such a wonderful father!

The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.

Psalm 37:19, 29-31, 37

IT TAKES ONE

There’s a wise but simple saying: “It takes two to make a fight.”

It takes two who blame the other, neither seeking to do right.

It takes two who point at something that the other’s said or done,

As if that misdeed would justify a misdeed of his own.

It takes two who live as though they think a wrong can be excused,

If the other of a greater wrong than his can be accused.

It takes two who are determined to retaliate “in kind,”

Giving evil back for evil, seeking every fault to find.

It takes two who have forgotten that there is a Godly way

To respond to the unkindness in what others do and say.

It takes two who would forget that peace with God is what’s at stake,

Two who’d rather make a point than pass it by for Jesus’ sake.

Yet there’s hope for two such people, if they take God at His Word—

For although a fight takes two, it takes just one to seek the Lord!

It takes one who can remember how he knelt at Jesus’ feet

And was granted full forgiveness through God’s grace and mercy sweet.

It takes one who will acknowledge that the Lord has faithful been

In the face of his own constant, selfish, oft-repeated sin.

It takes one who sees the other’s faults, then turns his eyes above,

With an earnest prayer that his response will show God’s changeless love.

It takes one who will determine that there’s nothing that is worth

Losing fellowship with Jesus Christ, the dearest friend on earth.

It takes one who dies to all desires except to do what’s right—

If there’s one who seeks the Lord, there won’t be two to make a fight!

May God’s gracious love encourage and inspire you!

Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18:21-35

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32