A GREAT REUNION IS COMING

A GREATER

REUNION IS COMING!

The summer is winding down it seems. We are already in the middle of August and fall will be upon us soon. I am sitting here reflecting on the last two months. There have been moments of great joy and moments of despair and uncertainty. But I have learned that in the midst of all that has been going on in my life, God is still control. He calms my fears and comforts me in the midst of this latest cancer struggle and chemotherapy and gave me strength to go on in this very special summer. I was even able to preach one Sunday, and again, in His strength and anointing.

This summer was a summer of reunions. Some of these dear ones we will never have the opportunity to see again this side of heaven. And, Oh, the memories of family dear and the laughter and the tears, and all those hard miles of traveling through some of the most beautiful mountains of God’s creation.

My first reunion was in early June, a calm quiet Tuesday morning when we had a knock on my door, and there were my two sisters, who I hadn’t seen in a couple of years and who live many miles away, such a surprise! And oh the joy of that reunion and the tears and laughter!

And then later on at the end of June we journeyed on to Montana and another reunion with my dear friends, Shirley and Bob.  We have been friends for many years, and through many trials together, another reunion of joy, tears and laughter. And my dear friend, Shirley, was such a comfort to me, to feel her strength personally.

Then we journeyed on to South Dakota to meet with my husband’s family, a very large family. There were eleven of the fourteen children gathered there in the campground, and many nieces and nephews and extended family.

During that reunion time we all took a journey to a retirement home where lives the school teacher who taught twelve of the children in a one room school house, and that was quite a reunion and the memories involved.

Then to complete the joy of these summer reunions was a visit from my daughter and three grandchildren who live on the east coast. And what a time we had together visiting God’s beautiful Oregon, and sharing together over meals and laughter. And what a special time  it was to be able to share and visit with another one of my beautiful daughters.  But parting is so hard, saying goodbye in Montana, watching cars drive away in South Dakota and seeing my family depart at the airport.

And I think about these things in the midst of uncertainty in my own life, although I know who wins here, and even though I could get discouraged and want to give up the fight, I will walk on with my Lord leading and guiding me though this latest trial, because I know a greater reunion is coming, one where will never have to say goodbye and watch our loved ones drive away or fly away and no final goodbye hugs with tears.

Someday soon we will meet our Lord in the air for that glorious reunion up there in the clouds and with all those dear saints gathered with us, and what a day that will be! Some of us will go on ahead before then, but we will all meet together with our Precious Lord! Praise His holy name! Here’s an old, old hymn that some of you may remember:

GLAD REUNION DAY

“There will be a happy meeting in heaven I know, when we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below; gather on the blessed hilltops with hearts all aglow, that will be a glad reunion day.

CHORUS: Glad (That will be a happy day), yes, a wonderful day, Glad (that will be a happy day) day, yes, a glorious day, there with all the hold angels and loved ones to stay, that will be a glad reunion day.

There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, praising Christ the blessed Savior with heart and with voice; telling Him how we came to love Him and made Him our choice, that will be a glad reunion day.

When we live a million years in that wonderful place, basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face, it will seem but just a moment of praising His grace, that will be a glad reunion day. (Iris Dement).

Blessings in Jesus’ Name,

Pastor Sharon

FROM THE CROSS TO A CROWN

FROM THE CROSS TO A CROWN

On our recent vacation to the Midwest, we left South Dakota and headed into Nebraska. We came into Cambridge late at night. Cambridge is a small town, and it looks like “they fold up their sidewalks” at night and very few streetlights. But as we left the city heading to my brother-in-law’s home out in the country side, we looked up to the hill and there lighting up the whole area was the cross of Jesus Christ, all lit up and shining in the darkness. It literally took my breath away! It took a lot of work and patience to put that cross up on that hill and nearby is a sign: “Jesus Saves”, and it is also lit for all the world to see and I started singing the old hymn: “Jesus Saves!” Praise the Lord!  And in the daytime, the cross literally by hydraulics goes back into the ground. It reminds me that the cross of Jesus Christ lights up our darkness, whatever that darkness. And it the darkness of the night of sin, it points men and women to the place where Jesus took our sins, and praise the Lord, “Jesus Saves!”  And so this morning I want to point you to the cross once again.

I love the old hymns and sometimes I don’t think we sing them enough. In particular is the old hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross.” It means a lot to me and to you out there. Because of the cross and our Lord’s sacrifice we have salvation, we have eternal life with Him.

When I think of the cross, I also think of the crosses we bear each day. Remember what Jesus said in Luke 9:23:“And He said to them all, if any man will come after me, let Him deny  himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” What cross you are bearing today? Is it a body filled with pain, cancer has returned again and we can only pray that a miracle will come through much prayer and much treatment. Is there a troubled marriage, unsaved children, financial worries? Some of us senior adults have lost our hearing or part of it.  Our bodies are stiff with pain and have faced much illness and loss of strength. Some of our eyes have become dim, and there are many other crosses we bear.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.

But someday, after we have walked with Jesus and daily carried our “crosses” to the Lord, whatever they may be, we will lay those down after all those years of clinging to that “Old Rugged Cross.” And He promises His faithful ones glorious crowns, and I look forward to that day, a day of joy, when old things pass away and our new life begins forever with Jesus.

So today I want to share the five crowns promised to faithful believers, after a life of service for Him, as we lay our crosses down. He will award each one of us a beautiful crown.  We imagine crowns with jewels, gold, silver and the like. We can only imagine on earthly terms what those crowns would be like and some will receive multiple crowns, as the Word says.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all

Run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may

Obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate

In all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but

We for an imperishable crown.

I Cor. 9:24,25

This crown is the incorruptible crown. This crown is to believers who faithfully run the race, who point men to Jesus. God calls some to do things that will require some sacrifice in the way they will live and conduct their lives, and some serve as missionaries in far off countries, and even today we hear stories of men and women who have given all to serve in dangerous places.  Basically run whatever race that God has set out for you and be the best you can be for God. Be willing to make sacrifices there may be to successfully complete the mission God has set out for you.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of

Rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus

At His coming? For you are our glory and joy.

I Thess. 2:19,20 and Daniel 12:3

This is the crown of rejoicing. This one is awarded to those who faithfully are witnesses to the saving grace of God and leads souls to Jesus. This crown is also called the soul winner’s crown. It seems to indicate here that God will be giving a crown to those who have been witnessing to others leading people to Christ. Telling others about the grace of God, telling others about Jesus, is the greatest thing that you can do for someone while here on this earth. When you lead someone to Jesus, you have just been used a vessel of God.

Blessed in the man who endures

Temptation; for when he has

Been approved he will receive the crown

Of life which the Lord has promised to

Those who love Him.

James 1:12

This is the crown of life: for those believers who endure trials, tribulations and severe suffering, even unto death (see Revelation 2:8-11). This crown is also referred to as the martyr’s crown.

Jesus says that He will give this crown to those who undergo severe hardship, testing, tribulation and/or physical death on His behalf. Probably being willing to die for your faith in God would be the ultimate sacrifice. It is the greatest act of courage and love you can show God. And I think of those recent martyrs in the Mideast who literally laid down their lives, refusing to renounce their faith in Christ. And oh the joy, when they met Jesus face to face and received their crowns!

Finally, there is laid up for me

The crown of righteousness, which the Lord,

The righteous Judge will give to me on

That Day, and not to me only but

Also to all who have loved His appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8

This is the crown of righteousness, given to those who love the appearing of Christ, who anxiously wait and look forward to the day when He will return for His saints. This crown is given to those who have lived and good and righteous life for God while living down here on earth.

If you are a believer and you have been made righteous before God and the Father as a result of Jesus dying on the cross for all our sins. This means that the righteousness of Jesus has now been imputed to you.  And Oh, how I wait for that day when Jesus splits those clouds and we see Him face to face.

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you,

Serving as overseers, not by compulsion

But willingly, not for dishonest gain

But eagerly nor as being lords over

Those entrusted to you, but

Being examples to the flock;

And when the Chief Shepherd

Appears, you will receive the

Crown of glory that does not fade away.

I Peter 5:2-4

This is the crown of Glory and also called the pastor’s crown and will be given to ministers who faithfully feed the flock of God. This would also include preachers, teachers, faithful Sunday School teachers, missionaries and all those who teach the Word of God in their respective ministries. This crown may signify the importance and sacrifices of bringing up others into the ways of God.

God can use you to teach and shepherd others. God shows you the extreme importance that He is placing on those who teach and preach the Word. Being willing to each and educate others after they are saved is one of the greatest things you can do for them this side of heaven.

From the cross to the crown, oh, what a future we have in Jesus. We bare daily those heavy crosses, but just think of the glory crowns you will wear.

AND WHEN THE BATTLE’S OVER

And when the battle's over we shall wear a crown!
Yes, we shall wear a crown!  Yes, we shall wear a crown!
And when the battle's over we shall wear a crown
In the new Jerusalem
Wear a crown (wear a crown)
Wear a crown (wear a crown)
Wear a bright and shining crown;
And when the battle's over we shall wear a crown
In the new Jerusalem.

(Isaac Watts)

Blessings in Jesus' Name.

Pastor Sharon

THE FAMILY OF GOD

THE FAMILY OF GOD

As I sit here today, I am looking back over the last few weeks and how my life has changed, my plans for the immediate future again on hold because of medical tests and a diagnosis of returning cancer. My future, this summer, is one of chemotherapy again, followed by possible surgery. It seems like I have been through so much in the last two years, and a person, like me, wonders when these trials will end and life can get back to normal with my energy back to do the work of the ministry again.

But Praise the Lord, I know who holds all my tomorrows, whether in sickness or pain, or I go home to be with Jesus. Some of you are in that same situation as me right now, and I want to encourage you in the Lord to not lose your hope.  I felt like I was losing my hope when I received the first diagnosis of possible cancer, but I went before my Lord and peace, His peace returned. And I know where my hope lies.

But yesterday in church, I was surrounded by love, my church family. And I was totally overwhelmed by my “brothers and sisters” in the Lord. The joy came as the congregation laid their hands on me as Pastor prayed the prayer of faith. And received such a blessing as a dear handicapped sister prayed for me in her wheelchair. I have prayed with her many times and now she has returned the blessing. And I realized again how precious is the family of God, especially in times of great trials.

“Well known gospel songwriters , Bill and Gloria Gaither, were home for Easter and attending their home church in Anderson, Indiana. They heard of a young man in the community who had been severely burned when an explosion demolished the garage where he worked. Doctors did not expect him to live through the night.

A church prayer chain was activated, and church members prayed all night for the young man. When church members gathered to celebrate Easter the next day, they received word that the young man was recovering. The pastor reported that he had just spoken to the doctor, who told him the young man had a good chance of pulling through. They rejoiced in the answer to prayer.

As Bill and Gloria Gaither went home after the church service, they talked about what a wonderful thing it is to be a part of a family of believers and to able to pray together to our Father in heaven. Before long, a new gospel song was born: “The Family of God.” (“Hymns” by Petersen)

THE FAMILY OF GOD

I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, for I’m part of the family, the Family of God.

You will notice we say “brother and sister” `round here, it’s because we’re a family and these are so near; when one has a heartache, we all share the tears, and rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King, no longer an outcast, a new song I sing’ from rags unto riches, from weak to the strong, I’m not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!

I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, for I’m part of the family, the Family of God.  (Bill and Gloria Gaither)

As we concluded our service with this song, it was hard to hold back the tears as I thought of “my family” seated around me. Our church body is known for its love. I remember the day I first entered the door of this church 20 years ago, and was surrounded by such love and here I am, still surrounded by such love in the midst of another trial.

We are all joint heirs with Jesus, our Lord, and we indeed shed tears over one another in times of heartache and pain. And I am so glad I am a part of this family, my “brothers and sisters” in the Lord. I am reminded again of the beautiful picture of our intercession for one another, in holding up our hands in great times of trial, in Exodus 17:10-12.

In the valley below, Joshua and Israel were fighting a battle against Amalek. Moses was standing on the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. When Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed in the battle, when his arms tired and he dropped them, the enemy prevailed. So they took a stone and he sat upon it, and Aaron and Hur supported his arms on either side and the battle was won.

I see a picture of holding each other up in prayer. We become tired in the battle and we cannot keep our hands raised any longer and the enemy would try to come in and defeat us, but our brothers and sisters are there to hold up our arms in prayer and praise to our God and the battle is won, victory is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ. Also, you will notice they sat Moses down on a rock. And who is our Rock, but the Lord Himself. When we are firmly planted on the Rock, Christ Jesus, hands raised in victorious prayer, the enemy is defeated. Oh, praise the Lord!

So I am not defeated in this battle and either are you, as we continue to hold each other up in prayer, and we will see great victories won. And I always think that someday the battles will be other, and we will be home at last. But meanwhile, we have “The Family of God” to surround us and hold us up in the midst of the battle. Praise the Lord!

Pastor Sharon

I'M LEANING ON HIS HARMS

I’M LEANING ON HIS ARMS

I am sitting here thinking over the events of this day with it’s not so good news, with its fear of returning cancer. And there are tests and more tests to determine what the future may hold for me. But I know, in spite of my earlier tears and fears where I stand with Jesus. He is the only One who can bring peace in a troubled heart.

And I am also thinking of things happening in our world, the earthquakes shaking the Pacific Coast, the terrible storms in the south, wind and waves roaring with the loss of many lives. So where do we turn in the event of a doctor’s bad news or in reading of our shaking world?

The Lord always gives a song and His Word in times like these. Where do you turn when it seems your world is turning upside down, your mountains are shaking, and wind and waves are shaking your ship?

“Music teacher A.J. Showalter of Hartsville, Alabama, finished his classes for the day and returned to his rooming house. There he found letters from two former students. Amazingly they each told a similar story. Both former students had lost their wives, and both wives had died the same day. Showalter began writing letters of sympathy and condolence to the men.

As he began writing, a Scripture verse from Deuteronomy came to his mind, giving the assurance of God’s “everlasting arms” supporting us. Then he wrote a third letter, this one to a hymnwriter in Pennsylvania, Elisha Hoffman. He even suggested the wording of the chorus. When Hoffman responded quickly with three stanzas, Showalter composed the music.

The theme is simply this: with God’s arms beneath us and His love surrounding us, we can find strength in even the most sorrowful situations.” (“Hymns” by Petersen).

LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS

What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms; what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

O, how sweet to talk in this pilgrim way, leaning on the everlasting arms; O, how bright the path grows from day to day, leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear; leaning on the everlasting arms? I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms. (Elisha Albright Hoffman (1839-1929)

Oh, what a joy to walk this way with Jesus. Are you walking a path of an unknown future this day? Have you too had a doctor’s report and don’t know what the future may hold. The path will only grow brighter the closer we get to heaven. Just around the corner, or over the next hill will be a glimpse of glory and joys forevermore with our Precious Lord.

What are you dreading today? Are you dreading a future filled with sickness and pain from treatments, such as chemotherapy or surgery, or being helpless and dependent on others for your care? Are you looking at the newscasts of earthquakes and predictions of bigger ones coming? We remember the recent ones in Nepal and the loss of many lives. And we see the wind and waves roaring, rain coming down and lives lost in floods and people losing all their possessions and loved ones. When we look at God’s Word and His promises we can look up and praise our God for His peace and those “everlasting arms.” Here is a word for your heart today and mine in Psalm 46.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.  Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” Psalm 46: 1-3, 10-11.

Even if the earth is quaking, the waves roaring, He tells us not to fear. If your life seems like it is in the midst of those storms and your mountain is shaking, God says to just “be still.” Just lean into those everlasting arms. And then He says, “He will be exalted in the earth.” Yes, our God is still in control no matter what happens here on this earth, He is King of kings and Lord of lords, and someday the whole world will see His appearing and He will reign forever, Praise the Lord!

In Jesus’ Name,

Pastor Sharon

COME JUST AS YOU ARE!

As I was sharing an article about Billy Graham in our recent newsletter, I was reminded of the hymn, "Just as I Am." Billy Graham was led to Christ in a great revival meeting in 1934, and the hymn of invitation was this wonderful hymn, which was later the song of invitation in the great crusades, where thousands and thousands of people have walked the aisles to receive Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

I remember watching the crusades on television and seeing the great choirs as they sang in the crusades all over the world. Oh, what a blessing this hymn has been! Even in my own life, as a child in my home church, I remember singing this hymn. This is the story of that hymn and the precious lady who wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In my research I found that she also wrote about 150 other hymns.

"Charlotte Elliott seemed to have everything going for her as a young woman. She was gifted as a portrait artist and also a writer of humorous verse.

Then in her early thirties she suffered a serious illness that left her weak and depressed. During her illness, a noted minister, Doctor Caesar Malan of Switzerland came to visit her. Noticing her depression, he asked if she had peace with God. She resented the question and said she did not want to talk about it.

But a few days later she apologized to Doctor Malan. She said that she wanted to clean up some things in her life before becoming a Christian. Doctor Malan looked at her and said, "Come just as you are."

That was enough for Charlotte Elliott, and she yielded herself to the Lord that day. Fourteen years later, remembering those words spoken by Caesar Malan in Brighton, England, she wrote this simple hymn that has been used to touch the hearts of millions, who have also responded to Christ's invitation to come just as they are."

JUST AS I AM

Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not, to rid my soul of one dark blot, to Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come! I Come!

Just as I am, tho' tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, poor wretched, blind, sight, healing of the mind, yea, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon cleanse, relieve; because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God I come! I come! (Charlotte Elliott)

And I am asking you today, are you waiting for a better time to come to Jesus?  Are you feeling like you are tossed about, full of doubts and fears, sick and discouraged, fearing for the future, unsettled in your mind, worried about the situation in our world? There is not a better time to come to Jesus than right now! You do not know what tomorrow holds, or even the next hour. We are living in perilous times, Jesus is coming soon and judgment will follow, please be ready to meet Him and spend eternity with Him. You may never have another chance, this is the "Day of Salvation."  He is waiting for you, and you to "come just as you are." You don't have to wait to walk down a church aisle, you can come to Him right now where you are, just ask Him to come in. You can say a simple prayer right now and invite Him in:

"I confess to God that I am a sinner, and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins on the cross and was raised from the dead and that my receiving Him I now have eternal life with Him forever, and confess Him as my own personal Lord and Savior, to live and serve Him. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

In Jesus' Name,

Pastor Sharon

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU HAVE BELIEVED?

DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU HAVE BELIEVED?

I ask you that question, “Do you know who you have believed?”  I have searched my own heart and have asked that question myself.  This past week several of us attended a Senior Retreat with seniors from all over the state and part of Washington.  It was a joy to all to be together, saints in the Lord and thinking that some of those gathered there will be with Jesus before next retreat.  And oh, the worship, singing those wonderful gospel hymns that we all love so much, and hearing the teaching of God’s Word and how to apply it our hearts in our daily lives.

 And it was wonderful to gather around the tables at mealtime and get to know our brothers and sisters in the Lord and to know that they, too, know who they have believed.  And many of these dear saints have known Him for many, many years.  It gives one an idea of what it will be like when we are all gathered together one day with Jesus and never have to pack into our cars and head for home again, we will be home at last.

As we reflect back on our own lives and our walk with the Lord, we can affirm Who we know by our lives and our testimony and the many prayers the Lord has answered.  Here is a wonderful old hymn, one of my mother’s favorite hymns and I remember singing it as a child in my home church.  “I Know Whom I have believed.”

“For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day” 2 Timothy 1:11.

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” That’s what we say when job hunting, but it’s also a foundational Christian truth.  You can study an entire lifetime to try to discover who God is and how to reach Him.  But it all comes down to one question: Do you know Jesus?

As a POW during the Civil War, Daniel Whittle began reading the New Testament his mother had given him as he marched off to war, and he committed his life to Jesus Christ.

After the war, Whittle was promoted to the rank of major and then became a successful businessman.  In 1873 he began preaching in evangelistic services, and for a quarter century he led revivals throughout the United States.  He also encouraged some of the leading songwriters of his time and wrote many hymns himself, including “Showers of Blessing” and “Moment by Moment.”  Whittle penned this hymn in 1883, perhaps thinking back to questions he had asked during this imprisonment.  There were still many things he didn’t know, but he certainly did know Jesus.” (Hymns by Petersen).

I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED

I know not why God’s wondrous grace to me He hath made known, nor why, unworthy, Christ in love redeemed me for His own.

But “I know whom I have believed, and man persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.

I know not how this saving faith to me He did impart, nor how believing in His Word wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing men of sin, revealing Jesus through the Word, creating faith in Him.

I know not when my Lord may come, at night or noonday fair, nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him or “meet Him in the air.”  (Daniel Webster Whittle (1840-1901).

Do you know who you have believed?  Just as Daniel Whittle had those questions when he was a prisoner of war, we often ask those questions ourselves.  I don’t understand why God would love me and die for me on the cross and save me when a little girl of 9 years old.  But over the years I have learned of His marvelous grace and love no matter what the trial.

And all my hopes and dreams, all my desires to live a holy life, become a Pastor and lead people to Him and being comfort to the sick and dying, He has kept for me against that day when I am at last at home with Him.  What a beautiful picture?

But I do know that He imparted faith in His Word and in His Word I have found peace and joy.  I don’t understand how the Spirit moves convicting men of sin, but I have seen the “light” come on in faces with great joy, as He came into their heart.

And I don’t know when Jesus will come back, or if I will go home to be with Him, but I know that someday I will see Him face to face.  How about you, do you know whom you have believed? 

This very old hymn, found in a very old hymnbook speaks of believing in His love so great.  The writer of this hymn certainly knew in whom He believed.

DIDST THOU, DEAR JESUS, PRAY FOR ME?

Didst Thou, dear Jesus, pray for me in that dread night of old, when Thou didst gather in farewell Thy chosen little fold?

May I believe Thy love so great could compass even me, when Thou didst plead in tender love for all those trust in Thee?

Was there a place in Thy dear Heart for such a one as I; and dost Thou still remember me before the throne on high?

O wondrous love beyond compare, O mercy, full and free; my heart shall e’er rejoice in this, that Jesus prays for me!  Amen  (Gloria Dei, C.M.)

Blessings in Jesus’ Name,

Pastor Sharon

YES, HE IS RISEN INDEED!

YES, HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Easter Sunday, here in our part of the country it is chilly and a bit on the cloudy side, and we may even get a few snow showers.  But it is always sunshine in my heart when we sing those glorious songs of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I remember those days when I was a child when we dressed up for Easter Sunday.  There were bonnets, new shoes and pretty dresses.  And we always had our Easter baskets to collect those beautiful colored eggs which were hidden in the lawn in the nearby park.  Then there were Sunrise Services, remember those?  We met out in the park as the sun was rising remembering our Lord and His glorious resurrection.

I carried those traditions over with my own children, but now times are different, but some of the old traditions remain.  I do miss the Good Friday Services and the Sunrise Services, but there is still a time to rejoice in the old hymn s as we sing on Sunday morning.  And these old hymns seem to be ageless, sung by the generations past.  As you know, I love to share the history of the old hymns.  And these stories are unique in the message they bring and the circumstances in which they were written.  I remember this one in particular from the days of my childhood, and we continue to worship our Lord today with this hymn, “He Lives.”

“By training, Alfred Ackley was a cellist who had studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London.  But he was also a minister of the gospel, serving churches in Pennsylvania and California.

The gospel song, “He Lives” was written after a question was posed to Ackley by a young Jewish student: Why should I worship a dead Jew?

Ackley answered quickly, “He lives! I tell you he is not dead, but lives here and now!  Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before.  I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands.”

Ackley talked to the man further and then went home to reread the Resurrection stores of the Gospels.  As he read, the words “He is risen” struck him with new meaning.  Then, from the combination of the scriptural evidence, his own heart, and the experience of the innumerable cloud of witnesses, he sat down at the piano and wrote the song.  He once said, “The thought of his ever-living presence brought the music promptly and easily.”  (HYMNS by Petersen)

HE LIVES

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;

I know that He is living, whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,

And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair,

I know that He is leading through all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,

None other is so loving , do good and kind.

Alfred H. Ackley (1887-1960)

This wonderful hymn truly is a song of great joy and hope.  In all the seasons of life, we can rejoice in the glorious Resurrection of our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ.  We live in a world that seemingly is growing darker and darker and sin and evil abounds.  But we know that our Savior lives no matter what the world may say.  Many have rejected the message of the Gospel,  but the message is alive and well.  We continually hear testimonies of changed lives, of miracles of answered prayer.  And we serve a Savior that is always with us, never leaving nor forsaking His people (Hebrews 13:5).

All we have to do is look up into those clouds, see those beautiful trees and mountains and see those beautiful birds and animals He creates, and our hearts are filled with wonder.  I could go on and on here as His creation is boundless. 

My own heart does grow weary with continued trials and sometimes the storms seem to hit with a “stormy blast”.  Sometimes those trials seem to go on and on and we wonder when we will be able to stand on the mountain top in the sunshine again.  But there is coming a day when He will come again.  The days seem long and we look to the heavens wondering when He will come back, but His Word promises a day when the sky will roll back and our King Jesus will descend and call His people home.  What a glorious day that will be!

So He calls us to “Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, lift up your voice and sing!”  Worship the Lord, shout His praises, and sing to Him in joyful song.  He is the One who brings us hope, is our help in all our struggles, as we seek His face continually, no matter what the days ahead may hold for each of us.  Praise God, He Lives!

“O Come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.  For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all Gods” Psalm 95:1-3.

Blessings on this Easter Day,

Pastor Sharon