In the Conqueror’s Name

Midst the ripened harvest, I heard Jesus say,

“Who will be my reapers? Who will go today?”

Loving well my Saviour— loving, too, the lost—

To His call I yielded, counting not the cost.

Oh, the joy of serving, reaching precious souls,

Blissfully fulfilling all my dreams and goals!

Suddenly a foe loomed fiercely overhead!

Visions of the conquest filled my soul with dread:

Merciless attacker, swinging hatred’s sword,

Baselessly accusing those who love the Lord!

How could I, a reaper (more sincere than brave),

Hope to fight the weapons ruthless foes would have?

Drained of strength and courage, I sought shelter near.

Helplessly I cowered, paralyzed by fear.

Then the Lord of Harvest to my side drew nigh—

Dressed in Captain’s armour, sword upon His thigh!

“Do not fear their threat’nings—Am I not THE LORD?

They who know Me trust Me. Hide, then, in My Word!

Through the fiercest battle, in this truth abide:

Theirs is certain vict’ry who are on My side!”

Shall I like a starling seek a safe retreat?

Shall I close my heart to fields of ripened wheat?

God is in His temple! Let not fear remain!

I go forth to harvest in the Conqueror’s Name!

May God give you courage and strength as you labor for Him!

In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven.” Psalm 11:1- 4a

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. Psalm 27:12-13, 28:7a

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

Looking Unto Jesus

Living life upon this earth is much like running in a race;

But the finish line is hidden—all we see is Jesus’ face.

He has run this race before us—His was filled with pain and loss,

And it led Him straight to Calv’ry, where He died upon the cross!

Why should He endure such sorrow? Why should Jesus suffer thus?

He was purchasing a people, and His heart was seeing us!

But the end was the beginning, for the death that He endured

The defeat of death accomplished and the victory secured!

When His earthly race was finished, He sat down on Heaven’s throne,

Where He bids us come and join Him, for He bought us for His own.

How can we expect to follow when the path is rough and dim?

Why, we’re looking unto Jesus, and our hearts are seeing Him!

So throughout our lives we follow, with our gaze fixed on the Son,

Knowing we’re assured the vict’ry in a race already won!

There’s no burden that’s too heavy; there’s no pathway that’s too steep;

For His hand will never lead us where His power cannot keep.

Need we any other vision than our blessed Saviour’s face?

He’s our comfort! He’s our anchor! He’s our source of strength and grace!

When our earthly race is ending and our finish line draws near,

As we slip into the shadows, will this vision disappear?

As we leave behind this body and our earthly comforts fade

Shall we also lose the mooring post by which our hearts were stayed?

Ah, with joy we shall discover, as Heav’n’s portals open wide,

We’re still looking unto Jesus—we’re just on His other side!

May you find grace and comfort for every need as you look unto Jesus!

Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 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 4:6-7, 16-18

Before the Lord

I stood before the Lord with all my questions and demands—

I thought He should explain to me the workings of His hands.

I felt I had a right to know where every path would end

And what would lie ahead for me beyond each hill and bend.

I wanted Him to give me peace by telling me the “why”

Of troubles that I faced and joys that seemed to pass me by.

I also didn’t think it fair, and clearly told Him so,

That others walked in pleasant paths where my feet could not go.

He listened very patiently until my speech was through,

Then gently said, “Now let Me ask some simple things of you:

“If you could see ahead, and know each joy and trial you’d face,

Would you possess the grace and strength, the future to embrace?

“If I should tell you all, from the beginning to the end,

What fraction could your finite wisdom truly comprehend?

And if the reasons for My acts before you were displayed,

How would you qualify to judge the choices I have made?

“If you could redirect the pow’r of Providence divine,

Would you prefer to rest upon your wisdom more than Mine?

If what I owe, against your debts to Me, we should compare,

What would you place upon your side to prove I’ve not been fair?”

My shame and sorrow grew with every searching word He said.

With burning heart, I dropped upon my knees and bowed my head.

My proud, complaining heart by awe and gratitude was stilled,

And as I saw His love for me, my heart with trust was filled.

So now I kneel before the Lord, receiving His command.

I need not see what lies ahead; I need not understand.

Wherever I may go, whatever things in life I face,

There’s not a chance my needs will overdraw His boundless grace!

Nor is there any circumstance in which I cannot prove

The wonder of His all-sufficient wisdom, power, and love.

My joy can now be full in any circumstance, you see—

For all that I desire is that my Lord be seen in me!

May your knowledge of God give you strength to wait on Him in difficult times.

Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:27-31

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 11:33 – 12:2

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24

Everlasting Arms

How glad I was that day! For on my journey I would soon embark!

My heart was confident; my peace was anchored in the God I’d proved:

I’d passed through many trials, but never had He failed to give me strength.

And so with eager heart, I stepped out on the path that stretched ahead.

The day was warm and bright. The load I carried seemed no weight at all.

In every bird and flower, I saw a token of God’s love to me.

But as the day wore on, the sun concealed itself behind the clouds.

Then came the pelting rain, and wind that fought my every forward step.

The path, once wide and smooth, grew steep and narrow, full of rugged stones.

The darkness settled in, and I could scarcely see one step ahead.

The burden on my back increased in weight with every step I took.

And yet I felt no fear, for knowing that God’s grace would make me strong.

Then, suddenly, I felt the road beneath my stumbling feet give way!

As I began to fall, below me I beheld a cavern deep!

My load increased my fall, and yet I could not loose it from my back,

Nor could my grasping hands find vine or shrub upon the rocky slope!

Without a hope I plunged—I could not even raise a cry for help!

. . . And then I felt His arms! They were beneath me, lifting, holding fast.

My downward plunge had ceased, and I was being carried, safe, secure,

And e’en my heavy load was weighing, not on me, but on His strength.

How sweet it was to rest! To struggle not, nor even pray for strength,

But just to rest, and know that all the struggle now was His, not mine!

And now this peace I have--‘twas worth the awful terror of the fall--:

My strength will surely fail, but under me are Everlasting Arms!

In your time of trial, may you know the joy of being carried in His arms!

There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in His excellency on the sky. The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:26-27

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

“. . . the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.”

Genesis 49:24.

“. . . in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” Isaiah 26:4

Seekers

Wise men in the eastern regions searched the sky and saw a star.

Thus began a tale of seekers known today both near and far.

See the seekers as they travelled, leaving comforts all behind.

Mindless of the journey’s perils, they set out the King to find.

In their quest they came to Herod, hoping for some knowledge new.

Herod, learning of their vision, soon became a seeker too!

He, in turn, asked priests and elders what the Holy Scriptures said,

So they joined the list of seekers, as the prophets’ words they read.

Here begins the story’s moral, sweetly simple, yet profound:

In three different earnest seekers, three diverse results are found.

How the priests and elders studied, so determined to excel!

Simply for the sake of knowledge, they must know the Scriptures well.

Truth about the Savior’s coming, found by them within the scroll,

Left them rich in pride and knowledge, yet impoverished in soul!

Herod heard the truth of Scripture, but his goal was men’s acclaim.

So a wicked plan he authored to preserve his rank and fame.

What about the eastern travelers? Would some miracle unfold?

Would the wondrous star direct them to the King, as was foretold?

To a helpless child it led them--nothing regal, nothing fine—

Yet by faith they knew and loved Him, worshipped Him as Christ Divine!

Let each seeker, then, take courage! God’s sweet promises abound—

If with all our hearts we seek Him, Christ the Savior will be found!

May Christ Jesus be near and dear to you during this blessed season

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests, and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2:1-12

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

An Arrow In My Hand

I used to wonder why the Lord would draw a likeness clear

between an arrow in the hand and little children dear.

Nor could I tell why He’d compare a parent blessed with child

to one who, with his quiver full, steps out into the wild.

But now that you have grown, I find I fully understand

why God would thus describe you as an arrow in my hand.

As arrows fly to places where the bowman cannot go,

so you have followed pathways that my feet will never know.

And, like an arrow, you have reached beyond my narrow sphere

to speak God’s love to many who my voice will never hear.

The marksman feels such pleasure as he watches from afar,

and I am overjoyed to see you serving as you are!

So now, to God’s comparison, I heartily attest—

and, watching as you serve the Lord, I feel supremely blest!

I am so thankful to God for you!

Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:

and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;

so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.

Psalm 127:3-6

The Gift 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

A Promise Kept

A wedding is a sacred day when promises are given;

Two lives are joined, and God Himself records it up in Heaven.

And those who share the moment are reminded from God’s Word

That marriage is a picture of sweet union with our Lord.

Now it is true that by the glow of first-love, hearts are moved,

But there’s such depth and beauty in a love that’s tried and proved!

And though we thrill to hear two hearts a wedding-promise say,

It’s for a promise kept that we can honor you today!

So many treasured moments you have shared as man and wife—

Rewards have come, and memories grown, along your path of life.

Not all your way was sunshine-filled; but in the dark of night,

Together you have sought the Lord and waited for His light.

No doubt you both were tempted separate pathways to pursue,

To sacrifice your union for things each would like to do.

But, true to your commitment, each one put the other first;

And from the death of selfish goals grew greater love and trust.

And we, who have observed your faithful love and constancy,

Are blessed by this reminder of God’s covenant loyalty.

We thank you for the lives you’ve lived in honor to the Lord,

And share with you today the sweetest joy earth can afford.

And as we join to celebrate your anniversary,

We share anticipation for the day Christ’s face we’ll see.

His promise kept will be our song when earthly paths are done,

And ever more we’ll live in perfect union with God’s Son.

Congratulations!

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Ephesians 5:19-33

And I will betroth thee unto Me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto Me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. Hosea 2:19

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she shouldbe arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And He saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. Revelation 19:7-9a

The orchestra played on, and all who heard were carried off in rapture sweet—
But none as sweet as mine! For in my hand the finest instrument I held!
As perfect as it was, I knew full well it made no sound apart from me!
And so, with every note, my heart and soul poured out and joined the symphony.

The song was fine, indeed! And yet the thrill I felt within my deepest soul
Was not the lifeless thrill of splendid notes inscripted there upon the page.
Oh, no! The thrill was this: to gaze upon the great conductor’s earnest face
And feel the passion there—for he, himself, the wondrous music had composed!

But, wait! With sinking heart, I saw the master’s wand had bid me cease to play!
And it was true enough, for there upon my page of notes appeared a rest!
So useless now I felt, and settled sadly back into my player’s chair
While all the rest played on—a song complete, without me or the notes I played!

And there I might have stayed, had not the great conductor’s eyes sought out my own.
Within his eyes I read a sense of peace, of purpose, and of perfect calm,
And yet an urgent look, as though to stir me from my doleful lethargy.
Instinctively, I roused and lifted up my instrument in readiness.

Then, suddenly, his wand reached forth and, for a moment, pointed straight at me!
And from his eyes I knew that on this beat my note must needs be clearly played!
‘Twas then my heart perceived: The exit and the entry both were wisely planned!
For, by the rest I took, one tender phrase was from another made unique!

How narrow I had been, to miss the whole and focus on my meager part!
The rest upon my page was crucial in the building of the glorious song!
And when I ceased to play, the absence of my notes, within the grander scheme,
Became the making of a song enhanced in beauty by diversity!

And thus I understood that, void of music as a rest may seem to be,
It serves a purpose clear: the making of the music as the master plans.
Oh, Lord, may I not fail to call to mind this simple lesson I have learned
And wait in patient faith when, on my page of life, Your hand has placed a rest!

May you find rest in the assurance of God’s good purpose in your life.

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. –Psalm 27:13-14
And they that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee. –Psalm 9:10
I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. –Psalm 16:8-9, 11
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. --Romans 8:28

My little ship sailed calmly on the sea, engulfed in stillness ‘neath a clear, blue sky.
My soul was lifted up in grateful praise for life, and love, and blessings from on high.
What wonder this, to sail beneath His flag, to launch my boat in service to the King!
Commissioned to my voyage by His Own hand, my heart with cheerful confidence could sing.

But suddenly the sun was hid from view, and dark, foreboding storm clouds filled the air.
Within an instant, warmth and light were gone, and icy winds replaced the breezes fair.
E’er long a fierce and raging storm arose, unleashing all its fury on my boat.
My tiny craft was tossed by crashing waves—I feared I could no longer stay afloat!

My heart with bitter, angry questions swelled; my prayer became a desperate demand:
Should one who serves the Lord of wind and waves receive such frightful treatment from His hand?
Should not His love ensure a voyage safe? Would He so careless be toward His own?
Was this my end, to perish in the sea, while sailing in the service of His throne?

Then one thin ray of light shot from above and gleamed upon an object lying near.
Why, ‘twas an anchor I’d forgot was there! Its very presence broke the grip of fear!
With all my strength I threw it overboard. I felt it holding fast and gripping sure—
In spite of raging winds and tossing waves, my little boat was steady and secure!

The anchor? It was just a simple word that Christ had spoken e’er I left the shore:
“My child,” He’d said, “Let’s get aboard the ship, for to the other side we must pass o’er.”
Before my journey’s done, more storms will come—no matter, for my journey’s end is clear!
Nor does my peace require a placid sea--His presence in my boat dispels my fear!

In the midst of this storm of life, may your soul remain steadfast in God.

And the same day, when the even was come, He saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him even as He was in the ship. . . . And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish? And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? --Mark 4:35-41

. . . God made promise to Abraham, . . . saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee . . . . Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast . . . . --Hebrews 6:13-14, 17-19