Good morning,
Praise the Lord for this new day a gift from the Lord. Praise the Lord for this last Friday of August. Praise the Lord for the way He surrounds us with His great love and tender mercies. In worshipping and serving Him we find His joy and His peace. Recently I asked a young professional, "What's new?" He paused and pondered for a moment. Then, with a big smile he said "Freedom - freedom in Jesus." Praise the Lord for how He sets the captives free.
We have been praying for a pastor in one of our neighboring churches. He has been going through both radiation and chemo treatment. He continues to serve the Lord with Joy and obedience. We just found out that one of his daughters died. She was in her mid thirties.
We also heard from Orissa this week. One of the strong Christian leaders died suddenly from complications from medication. He was in his late forties. He was the president of one of the colleges in Orissa. He was a very committed Christian and he and his wife were partners in ministry. When we were in Orissa in July, 2008 they had come and prayed over Sunita and Andy. He leaves behind a wife and two young girls. The church came together in tears and yet in triumph and buried him with the sure and certain hope of resurrection. When life seems to become sour, when everything crumbles, we must remember what we say we believe. We must remember always that God’s favor is with us, because of Christ’s righteousness given to us, because He has adopted us and we are His. This means that His favor always wins out over His displeasure.
This is pictured by "Weeping remains for a night." in Psalm 30. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4, speaks of "momentary afflictions". The pain and sorrow we feel now may seem as though it has moved in with us like an unwelcome guest, but rejoicing comes in the morning. David describes joy appearing with a shout, like a loud trumpet blast of joy, when the morning comes. Like the first rays of the sunrise which dispel the gloom of night.
We spent a couple of days with Sunita and Andy in Washington, DC this week. They live a little over a mile from Union Station. The house they live in is an older home, very beautiful and spacious. It has 49 large windows. One morning I woke up and saw the saw the morning light beaming brightly through the windows. Through the windows I saw the morning sunshine driving away the darkness from the city. The morning sun was falling on flowering trees in the yard, making all things bright and beautiful. God gives us joy, though at times the darkness of our problems seem as though it will never leave.
Our mourning will dissipate in the morning. Our winter will melt into summer. God will replace our sighing with singing, grief will give way to gladness. What was once bitter will be made sweet, what was once a desolate wilderness will be transformed into a paradise. It is so crucial to understand that, as a Christian, our life will be filled with both sickness and health, with times of weakness and strength, with want and wealth, with disgrace and honor, with crosses and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, mirth and mourning. It is a cycle that moves from the cross to glory. God exchanges wailing for dancing (Psalm 30:11-12). When David prayed and God responded, notice what God did. Wailing was replaced with dancing - not just, “Thanks be to God,” but an all out expression of appreciation for God’s work.
Sackcloth is exchanged for joy. Sackcloth was cloth that, like burlap, was used for sacks but that would be worn to express repentance. Its itchy fibers would be a constant reminder of the need to see oneself as in need of another. God takes that off of us; we don’t need to wear it forever. What He gives us is better than any Armani suit or Versache dress. No silk or cashmere could compare to knowing that God is indeed good.
In light of this, David responds with praise. He can’t keep silent. It only makes sense that when God does this for us, when a new-found prosperity comes, we would not want to once again fall into presumption. Rather, this provides an opportunity to give praise to God for all He has done.
Christ and all his benefits are ours. We have reason to give thanks to God for all the good gifts we have, not just our lives and all those wonderful temporal benefits we enjoy every day. Because of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection we have the perspective by which to enjoy them. God’s good favor rests on us because of Christ.
We then, like David, (verse 4) should invite those we know to likewise praise His holy name. That is what we are to do as well.
The redeeming work of our Lord Jesus has been encapsulated in Isaiah 63:
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Please pray for our dear friend Anne Fryga, who lives in South Carolina. She is in her late 80s. She was recently hospitalized and in a coma for 4 days. The Lord has raised her up. She has a contagious and vigorous faith in our Lord. She serves Him relentlessly. She is one of the sweet servants of our Savior and indeed a salt of the earth.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KsfwvpcQhY
Friday, August 28, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Brown's Daily Word 8-24-09
Good morning,
During the week of August 17 we spent a few days with Janice, Jeremy, Micah, and Simeon in Boston. It was very hot - in the 90's most days. We spent two days at the beach, one day at Crane Beach and one day at one of the beaches at Plum Island. We spent some time in Bird watching on Plum Island, where we saw an enormous flock of swallows. The ocean and the waves remind me of the wideness of our Lord's mercy and of His greatness and His majesty.
We spent one day walking in the precincts of Trinity Church and Public Garden. Trinity Church, one of the historic churches of our nation, is where Phillips Brooks preached. It is only church in the USA which has erected a statue of the preacher who served at the church. It is beautiful statue of Philip Brooks stranding beside the pulpit. Behind him the empty Cross stands tall, and behind the cross is the statue of the Risen Lord, standing tall and glorious. We preachers, when we preach the Word of God, stand under the authority of Jesus, the Word Incarnate. We dare to declare His Word only under His anointing.
Micah and Simeon love Boston as their parents do. While we were walking in Public Garden near the Boston Commons, Simeon saw the ducks walk in a procession. Little Simeon, on his own, squatted down and walked with the ducks, mimicking them. It was precious.
I performed a wedding Saturday on the shores of Lake Cayuga, one of the beautiful Finger Lakes, and joined for worship yesterday at Wesley and Union Center. Alice and Laureen spent the weekend with Jessica in Philadelphia, and arrived home last night.
The Psalm for yesterday was taken from Psalm 84, a song of pilgrimage about going on a journey. Every Jewish male was required to worship at the temple at least three times a year if at all possible (Deut. 16:16). For many families, it was the highlight of the year, to be able to go to Jerusalem and see the sights and sounds of the big city, to be able to enter into the temple and see the splendor of it. Many traveled great distances and endured hardship to be able to make it to Jerusalem. The way was sometimes discouraging, so they would sing and worship as they traveled. This psalm is believed to be one of the ones that they sung to remind themselves, especially during the discouraging parts of the journey, of the glory of God’s house. The psalm is expressed with deep longing for the presence of God. To be in His house, to be in His courts, and to dwell in His presence is the object of the psalm. For many that traveled it was like a homecoming because they would see family members whom they had not seen for awhile. The highlight, however, was to be in the temple of God, worshipping and praising Him.
Outside Jerusalem was a valley called the Valley of Baca. Most of pilgrims had to pass through this valley to make it to Jerusalem. Some scholars believe this valley was a garbage heap, or a dump, that the pilgrims passed by, while other scholars believe it takes its name from the Balsam tree. Balsam trees grow in dry places, so it is believed that the Valley of Baca was a harsh, dry, place that would test the patience of the pilgrims as they journeyed to meet with God. Such a valley still exists between the Jordan and Jerusalem. The Balsam tree, at certain times, weeps its sap, and no doubt this reminded the travelers of the tears that they themselves shed while on the journey. Baca also means weeping in the Hebrew language, so many see it as a place of great sorrow. We also have our "valleys of Baca" that we pass through on our way to the new Jerusalem. There are several truths that will help us that this passage gives us.
THE PILGRIM ONLY PASSES THROUGH THE VALLEY.
When I read this, I am reminded of the story about the old country preacher, that was asked what his favorite part of the Bible was. He replied, “My favorite part is that one that says, “and it came to pass”. Someone told him that didn’t make any sense, why not choose a passage like the 23rd Psalm, or the Golden rule. He replied, “Those verse are mighty good too, but I like “and it came to pass”. He was then asked what is so special about that verse. He said, “I know that whatever I go through, no manner how bad it is, that it too will come to pass, and I will make it through.”
While we must, from time to time, journey through dry, harsh places on our spiritual journey, it’s good to remember that those places are not our home.
We know that Satan is the thief; he comes to steal. One of the things that he loves to steal from Christians is their hope and one of his biggest lies is, “It's not going to get any better”, or “He/she is not going to get saved”, or “It’s always going to be like this”. He comes to steal our hope.
Some people are chronic complainers, they set down roots in the valley of Baca, with no intention of moving. They camp there, where they wallow in their sorrows, satisfied with their self pity. It is no wonder that Jesus asked the impotent man in John chapter 5, “Do you want to be made well?" Some people get comfortable in the Valley of Baca.
You are on a pilgrimage; Baca is not your home, and God has designed you for something better. If you continue on your journey, all that you are going through will soon pass away.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Our troubles, our valleys, are only for a moment, especially when it is compared with the eternal weight of God’s glory. The pilgrims needed to remember, while traveling through the Valley of Baca, the glories of God’s temple and the joy of being in His courts. "Keep your eye on the prize".
David said that they make a well, or dig a well, while in the Valley of Baca, to refresh themselves so they can continue on their way. Sometimes what we have to do, as we travel through the Valley of Baca, is to make the extra effort and dig down to find the refreshment that we need to make it through the Valley.
We need to dig into the promises of God’s Word. There is a well of comfort, a well of victory, in the Word of God, but we usually don’t take the time to really dig down. In His Word you will find promises that will offer you encouragement, promises that provide for your healing, promises that will bring you comfort, while traveling through the Valley of Weeping.
Furthermore, we need to dig into the presence of God by prayer. It’s great to be in the temple, worshipping and praising God and it’s great to rejoice in the courts of the Almighty, but God walks with His own even in the Valley of Baca. He desires that we seek Him with all of our heart.
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Also, we need to dig deep into the grace of God. I have seen it again and again, that when people go through great trouble and affliction they dig deep and they get close to God. Often, mothers whose husbands have left them alone, grow stronger in God, instead of allowing Satan to defeat them. Those who have lost a loved one to death frequently grow stronger and find more grace to continue for God. God’s grace is more than enough, and is still so even today for those who travel through the Valley of Baca.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je-wFV4M9MU
During the week of August 17 we spent a few days with Janice, Jeremy, Micah, and Simeon in Boston. It was very hot - in the 90's most days. We spent two days at the beach, one day at Crane Beach and one day at one of the beaches at Plum Island. We spent some time in Bird watching on Plum Island, where we saw an enormous flock of swallows. The ocean and the waves remind me of the wideness of our Lord's mercy and of His greatness and His majesty.
We spent one day walking in the precincts of Trinity Church and Public Garden. Trinity Church, one of the historic churches of our nation, is where Phillips Brooks preached. It is only church in the USA which has erected a statue of the preacher who served at the church. It is beautiful statue of Philip Brooks stranding beside the pulpit. Behind him the empty Cross stands tall, and behind the cross is the statue of the Risen Lord, standing tall and glorious. We preachers, when we preach the Word of God, stand under the authority of Jesus, the Word Incarnate. We dare to declare His Word only under His anointing.
Micah and Simeon love Boston as their parents do. While we were walking in Public Garden near the Boston Commons, Simeon saw the ducks walk in a procession. Little Simeon, on his own, squatted down and walked with the ducks, mimicking them. It was precious.
I performed a wedding Saturday on the shores of Lake Cayuga, one of the beautiful Finger Lakes, and joined for worship yesterday at Wesley and Union Center. Alice and Laureen spent the weekend with Jessica in Philadelphia, and arrived home last night.
The Psalm for yesterday was taken from Psalm 84, a song of pilgrimage about going on a journey. Every Jewish male was required to worship at the temple at least three times a year if at all possible (Deut. 16:16). For many families, it was the highlight of the year, to be able to go to Jerusalem and see the sights and sounds of the big city, to be able to enter into the temple and see the splendor of it. Many traveled great distances and endured hardship to be able to make it to Jerusalem. The way was sometimes discouraging, so they would sing and worship as they traveled. This psalm is believed to be one of the ones that they sung to remind themselves, especially during the discouraging parts of the journey, of the glory of God’s house. The psalm is expressed with deep longing for the presence of God. To be in His house, to be in His courts, and to dwell in His presence is the object of the psalm. For many that traveled it was like a homecoming because they would see family members whom they had not seen for awhile. The highlight, however, was to be in the temple of God, worshipping and praising Him.
Outside Jerusalem was a valley called the Valley of Baca. Most of pilgrims had to pass through this valley to make it to Jerusalem. Some scholars believe this valley was a garbage heap, or a dump, that the pilgrims passed by, while other scholars believe it takes its name from the Balsam tree. Balsam trees grow in dry places, so it is believed that the Valley of Baca was a harsh, dry, place that would test the patience of the pilgrims as they journeyed to meet with God. Such a valley still exists between the Jordan and Jerusalem. The Balsam tree, at certain times, weeps its sap, and no doubt this reminded the travelers of the tears that they themselves shed while on the journey. Baca also means weeping in the Hebrew language, so many see it as a place of great sorrow. We also have our "valleys of Baca" that we pass through on our way to the new Jerusalem. There are several truths that will help us that this passage gives us.
THE PILGRIM ONLY PASSES THROUGH THE VALLEY.
When I read this, I am reminded of the story about the old country preacher, that was asked what his favorite part of the Bible was. He replied, “My favorite part is that one that says, “and it came to pass”. Someone told him that didn’t make any sense, why not choose a passage like the 23rd Psalm, or the Golden rule. He replied, “Those verse are mighty good too, but I like “and it came to pass”. He was then asked what is so special about that verse. He said, “I know that whatever I go through, no manner how bad it is, that it too will come to pass, and I will make it through.”
While we must, from time to time, journey through dry, harsh places on our spiritual journey, it’s good to remember that those places are not our home.
We know that Satan is the thief; he comes to steal. One of the things that he loves to steal from Christians is their hope and one of his biggest lies is, “It's not going to get any better”, or “He/she is not going to get saved”, or “It’s always going to be like this”. He comes to steal our hope.
Some people are chronic complainers, they set down roots in the valley of Baca, with no intention of moving. They camp there, where they wallow in their sorrows, satisfied with their self pity. It is no wonder that Jesus asked the impotent man in John chapter 5, “Do you want to be made well?" Some people get comfortable in the Valley of Baca.
You are on a pilgrimage; Baca is not your home, and God has designed you for something better. If you continue on your journey, all that you are going through will soon pass away.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Our troubles, our valleys, are only for a moment, especially when it is compared with the eternal weight of God’s glory. The pilgrims needed to remember, while traveling through the Valley of Baca, the glories of God’s temple and the joy of being in His courts. "Keep your eye on the prize".
David said that they make a well, or dig a well, while in the Valley of Baca, to refresh themselves so they can continue on their way. Sometimes what we have to do, as we travel through the Valley of Baca, is to make the extra effort and dig down to find the refreshment that we need to make it through the Valley.
We need to dig into the promises of God’s Word. There is a well of comfort, a well of victory, in the Word of God, but we usually don’t take the time to really dig down. In His Word you will find promises that will offer you encouragement, promises that provide for your healing, promises that will bring you comfort, while traveling through the Valley of Weeping.
Furthermore, we need to dig into the presence of God by prayer. It’s great to be in the temple, worshipping and praising God and it’s great to rejoice in the courts of the Almighty, but God walks with His own even in the Valley of Baca. He desires that we seek Him with all of our heart.
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Also, we need to dig deep into the grace of God. I have seen it again and again, that when people go through great trouble and affliction they dig deep and they get close to God. Often, mothers whose husbands have left them alone, grow stronger in God, instead of allowing Satan to defeat them. Those who have lost a loved one to death frequently grow stronger and find more grace to continue for God. God’s grace is more than enough, and is still so even today for those who travel through the Valley of Baca.
In Christ,
Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je-wFV4M9MU
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