Christian Reflection and Prayer

"I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His Love:
I love to tell the story because I know ' tis true,
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story!
Twill be my theme in glory-
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story-'tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully
sweet;
I love to tell the story, for some have ever heard
The message of salvation from God's own
holy Word.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest;
And when in scenes of glory I sing the new,
new song,
'Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.
(Words: Arabella K Hankey (1834-1911)
Music: William G. Fischer (1835-1913)

Reflection:

This beautiful, wonderful hymn brings back memories.
It reminds me of the old Swedish Mission Church that
I grew up in. These were wonderful people, many of
whom were Swedish immigrants, who loved to worship
their God. This hymn was sung at one function or another,
in our church every week.
Through the words the singer tells why he/she loves
to tell the story. The story is the "Good News",
the Holy Scripture, The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why does he/she love to tell this story, first "because
I know its true". Contrary to some opinions, this is
not a fiction, it's not just another history book. It is
the true story of God the Father's relationship with
His children. It is the true account of God's love for
His children whom He gave, to them, His son. Secondly
because "it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do".
This true story satisfies my every need, like nothing else.
Thirdly I love to tell this story because "some have never
heard the message of salvation from God's own Holy Word".
You see because I believe this story I have received eternal
salvation. And there are a lot of people who have not really
heard this story, and I know that I must tell them, because
I love to tell the story. And finally I love to tell the story
because "those who know it best seem hungering and
thirsting to hear it like the rest". Even I know this story
I can't get enough, I hunger and thirst for the story of
Jesus love and glory. Do you love to tell the story?

Prayer:

Thank you for the old, old, story God, help me to tell
it so all may know, all may believe. THANK YOU GOD
FOR BEING GOD!

Samantha Smith
Ambassador of Peace and Goodwill
(1972-1985)
"If we could be friends just by getting to know each
other better, then what are our two countries really
arguing about? Nothing could be more important
than not having a war if war would kill everything."

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!
Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

While Amazing Grace has a reference to 1Chronicles 17:16-17 in the Onley hymnal (see below for that Scripture), it is more likely to be based on Ephesians 2:4-9, Paul's great treatise on Grace, which says:
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. [NIV]

A very good friend emailed me this, I thought
you would enjoy reading this inspiring message:


What a difference a sad event in someone's life makes.

GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...)

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up to o tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. W e plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that litt le person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?

George Carlin