Encouragement

The body that we live in sometimes needs some special care, So we consult a surgeon who can handle the repair. His voice is calm and gentle, and we’re filled with hope anew, As he explains to us what modern medicine can do.   “The risk . . .,” he says, “but chances are . . .,” (intending to console)— And suddenly the truth is clear:  that he cannot control The outcome of the surgery, in spite of all his skill! So when the consultation’s done,... Read more

Because they heard Him calling, they left everything behind And followed after Jesus, giving heart, and soul, and mind. They watched Him heal the blind man, and they ate the loaves He broke; They knew God's Spirit touched their hearts whenever Jesus spoke. It seemed that all was perfect, for He met their every need. Then suddenly it all was changed--a tragic day, indeed! The soldiers came to take Him, and He calmly went away, And e'er the thing was ended, within a tomb He lay! Had not... Read more

God regards our faith, though feeble, Dearer far than precious gold, Let us watch Him purify it, as His plans for us unfold . . .   He’s the Master Metallurgist; we’re the gold within the pot; There’s a fire underneath to heat the metal till it’s hot. As the metal turns to liquid, the impurities arise, And He scrapes them from the surface and surveys it with His eyes. He is searching so intently—there is something He must see In the precious heated metal, as... Read more

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.... Read more

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... Read more