It's God who
makes things grow!
Just a Meadow Minute
Just a Meadow Minute
The Spirit of God moved in the hearts of several men in our area to have a Community Call to Prayer for the Harvest. I was thrilled to hear of their plan, and I am confident God is smiling upon them as they make tangible arrangements to include Him in the coming busy days of harvest. The event is to be held in the Meadow Farmers’ Cooperative Gin on September 23rd from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. There is a hamburger lunch planned for all who attend. The only agenda for the gathering is for the men and women of our area to come together in prayer for this year’s harvest to bring glory to God.
At the Gin’s Men’s Bible Study this last Tuesday morning, I asked the men, specifically, what our community should pray for. Many of the answers were practical in nature. The equipment needs to hold up. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with clear and dry days. They asked for prayer that there would be plenty of workers to get the job done, and that there would be a favorable market. One farmer asked me to put on the list that there would be plenty of bailing wire! Like I said, practical.
Several suggestions were quite selfless in nature. More than one man asked for prayer that the gin workers and field workers would be safe from accidents. Another said to include our neighboring farmers, that they would be protected bringing in their harvests. The men spoke of some families they knew of where this would be a “make or break” year and they wished to pray especially for those folks.
Finally, the men got around to acknowledging the spiritual aspects of the harvest. They wanted prayer for wisdom in decision making and doing what was right in all matters. They asked for prayer that they would be good stewards of what was harvested, and that their faith and the faith of their families would remain strong through it all. One request was simply that God would heal our land, and that through the efforts such as this Call to Prayer at Harvest, God would receive the glory and not men in our community.
1 Corinthians 3:7 says, “So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but it’s God who causes the growth.” In context, this verse speaks to the sharing and nurturing of the gospel with those who don’t know Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are to plant seeds of faith, and we are to nurture them, but it is God Himself who brings the increase. Clearly, it reminds the one who puts seed in the ground each spring and waters the earth through the dry days of summer, that it is God who brings forth the harvest.
Proverbs 3:9-10 says, “Honor the Lord from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” I mentioned at the start of this Meadow Minute how God is moving among many in our area who feel the need to include the Lord in the business of daily living in our community. I pray that every one of those who are seeking God’s blessing upon this year’s harvest will have the faith to return to Him the first-fruits of that blessing and not just what’s left over. When the Lord blesses, as He has promised, be found faithful in thanksgiving for all that He has done.
“’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until there is no more need.’” Malachi 3:10
Grace,
Tom
Meadow Minute Archives
Previous ten articles of the Meadow Minute can be located by date and content.
I suppose it’s possible to one day run out of my favorite hymns to share here…but not yet! And the stories and inspirations for them can sometimes be almost as meaningful as the songs themselves.
As a blind person in the time she lived, Fanny Crosby faced daily insecurity. Many believe that’s why so many of her wonderful hymns come from the book of Psalms where she found so much comfort and security in the Lord. This song was one of her favorites. How often she must have felt alone and vulnerable, just like David in the desert. From words of Scripture she prayed, “Hide me…” and many psalms would come to mind.
Another psalm image was “the cleft of the Rock.” For every Christian that phrase holds a special meaning as we know Jesus is the Rock who was broken for us. Take the time to consider how the hand of God covers you, shielding you from harm, and it becomes natural to express praise to God. “O glory to God for such a Redeemer as mine!” What wonderful security we have in Christ!
A wonderful Savior Is Jesus my Lord, A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, Where rivers of pleasure I see.
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, That shadows a dry thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love, And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, He giveth me strength as my day.
With numberless blessings each moment He crowns, And, filled with His fulness divine,
I sing in my rapture, “O glory to God, For such a Redeemer as mine!”
When clothed in His brightness transported I rise, To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, He wonderful love, I’ll shout with the millions on high.
There is an eternal security in knowing and following Christ that brings the peace that passes all understanding. My life is hidden in the depths of His love. His mighty yet tender hand covers me.
A pastor and group of deacons once felt they needed to visit a member of their church who had become a bit too loud and vocal during the worship services. An occasional, encouraging “amen” was fine they thought, but this farmer was just getting a bit out of hand, and it made folks uncomfortable. The well-meaning group of church leaders found the man in his field raking hay, and pulled up to the end of a row to get his attention. As they began to speak, he seemed genuinely mortified. He apologized for having become a distraction in worship. He explained how emotional he often became whenever he thought of the love of his Savior and it just seemed to make him want to shout. The more he spoke, the more animated he became until finally, he jumped from his tractor raised his hands and shouted at the top of his lungs “Glory!” Oh, that our praise to God might truly be that genuine.
Psalm 27:5 says, “He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; he will set me high on a rock.”
There IS comfort and security in the Lord. May He be the theme of our song, and the motivation of our worship.
Grace,
Tom
Does it seem possible that September is already upon us? We’ll all be dragging out Christmas decorations before you know it. Time marches on.
On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making Labor Day a federal holiday to honor American workers and their contributions to the strength and prosperity of the country. When I was very young, the new school year never began until after Labor Day, and Labor Day Weekend stood for the official end of summer. Growing up on Evelyn Avenue in San Angelo, TX, long before the days of Blackstone’s and pellet grills, the smell of charcoal and lighter fluid hung heavy in the air with the hope of hamburgers and hotdogs and maybe even some hand-cranked, homemade peach ice cream. If my brothers and I were lucky, Dad would even splurge for some RC Colas. Labor Day Weekend was summer’s last hoorah, and softened the blow of going back to school the next day.
Slowly but surely, the school year got longer and longer, and eventually, like today, we were already in “Full School Mode” long before Labor Day Weekend came around. Today, you might still find a parade here or there with politicians giving speeches honoring the work ethic of America. But in my past life, folks expected our C-stores and Truck Stops to be open no matter what. Getting a day off was for someone else. Labor Day for us was just another “Manic Monday.”
Still, there is much for Christians to think about during Labor Day. There are many Scriptures emphasizing the importance of righteous, diligent work, often framing it as a command from God. The Lord calls the able to purposeful work done with integrity.
1 Timothy 5:8 goes so far as to say, “But if any one does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Let me use this last Meadow Minute of the summer to remind us all of the witness and example we produce by being diligent in our work—to meet our own needs, the needs of those we care for, and to further the kingdom of God. Even if by the world’s standards you now call yourself retired, while on this earth, we are all called to serve the Lord with gladness.
Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”
Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
Jesus came that we might have life to the full, and this abundant life promised by Christ has many facets. One of the blessings of this life is the ability for each of us to make an eternal difference in our world.
“Hark! The voice of Jesus crying, ‘Who will go and work today? Fields are white, and harvests waiting; who will bear the sheaves away?’ Loud and long the Master calleth, rich reward He offers free; who will answer, gladly saying, ‘Here am I; send me, send me.’”
Happy Belated Labor Day!
Grace,
Tom
I want to introduce you to one of the kindest couples who ever lived…at least that I have had the privilege of knowing. Their names were Cecil and Nellie Francis Jackson. I stayed with the Jacksons for several weeks during the summer between my Sophomore and Junior years at Angelo State University while serving as a BSU Summer Missionary in Huntsville, TX. My partner for the summer and I had been in town less than an hour when I was dropped off alone at the Jackson’s modest home. It was well into the day, so Nellie Francis led me to my small, sparsely furnished room. She handed me a used envelope with a four-inch pencil and asked me to write down what I liked for breakfast, before quietly slipping out to allow me to settle in. I left my list on the kitchen table after the house was quiet and dark.
The next morning was quite a shock. Nellie Francis had prepared two eggs over easy with bacon, two sausage patties, buttered toast, oatmeal, two slices of cantaloupe, half a grapefruit, three pancakes, and a bowl of cereal. Not to mention a glass of milk and a glass of orange juice. I didn’t know where to start. Finally, I said to them both that I was sure there had been a misunderstanding. I thought they wanted a list from which to choose, not what I expected each day.
I will never forget the look of relief on their faces. “Praise Jesus,” Cecil said. “We had no idea how we were going to feed you while you were with us!” As I recall, I ate the majority of what was there, but that’s a lot food. We had a great laugh about it during my time with them. As members of my sponsoring church, Elkin’s Lake Baptist, these two precious people wanted to have some small part in supporting the work of the college student missionaries who came to their community that summer. I will never forget them or their generous gift of hospitality. Cecil and Nellie Francis Jackson made a lasting impression on me and are two people I’ll definitely want to seek out in Glory.
The spiritual gift of hospitality is very real, and much needed in the Lord’s church today. It is bestowed by the Holy Spirit to authentically welcome others with a heart of generosity and openness, holding nothing as more sacred than becoming the hands and feet of Christ…representatives of His grace and love to a lost and broken world. I have known many people blessed with the spiritual gift of hospitality. My partner in ministry, Diane, has that gift, as do many in our sweet congregation at FBC Meadow. It is a grace, given by God, to welcome others into one’s home or into the faith community that opens doors of witness and testimony like very few other spiritual traits.
And while some may naturally possess this gift, every believer is called to practice hospitality.
We’ve all read Hebrews 13:2 about showing hospitality, “for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” And there are other great passages as well, typically written in the form of a command. For the disciplined follower of Christ, having a welcoming, gracious, hospitable nature is a given.
Romans 12:13 says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Scripture doesn’t say, “When you have more than enough…” or “When everything is going just right…” No where does the Bible qualify hospitality as something done for the benefit of the one doing it. The motive is love. The example is Christ. The results are eternal. And may God bless the “forever witness” of people like Cecil and Nellie Francis Jackson.
Grace,
Tom
This Meadow Minute is in loving memory of my sweet friend, Lois Treadwell, who connected to and served faithfully beside so many of us at FBC Meadow before her death last week in Wolfforth, TX. Our hearts are with her husband, Lewis, and their two children, Travis and Becca, as well as the extended family around them. God’s peace to you all.
Once a nervous young pastor was facing his very first Sunday with his very first congregation. Luke 12:40 was the chosen text for the morning. To get his sermon started the young man said, “Hear the Word of the Lord…get ready…I am coming!” But then, he drew a complete blank. His butterflies left him staring blankly at the expectant church members. Finally, he started again, “Get ready…I am coming!” Nothing else came. All his preparation was simply gone. The words of the notes in front of him seemed to be in a different language. Finally, in growing panic, the young pastor backed up and charged the pulpit. Slamming his hands down there, before shouting, “Get ready…I’m coming.”
But the force with which he pushed the pulpit caused it—and him—to keep going forward. Desperately grasping the pulpit for dear life, he tumbled over the communion table and into the lap of the deacon chairman sitting on the front row.
For a brief second, everything in the room stopped. Then gushing with apologies, the young man begged forgiveness as everyone rallied to them to get things righted. Finally, again standing embarrassed in front of his new congregation, the pastor stood silent with his head down. The kind Chairman of Deacons rose from his seat and climbed the steps to the pulpit, wrapping his arms around the mortified pastor. Finally he said, “It’s all right, Reverend. You told me three times you were comin’.”
How many different ways are there in the English language to express being prepared for the unexpected or expressing surprise when the unexpected happens? Here’s a few: “Caught off guard…” “Be Prepared...” “That wasn’t on my radar…” “Expect the unexpected…” “That came from out of nowhere…” “Never saw it coming…” “That sure blindsided us…”
God’s Word speaks to every issue of the human heart, including the issue of living this life expectantly, prepared, awaiting life eternal. Luke 12:40 says, “You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.”
None of us who knew her could have foreseen that Lois would become disoriented, causing her to wander into the night that Saturday evening. No one saw it coming. It wasn’t on anyone’s radar. And all of us were caught off guard. But the point of this Meadow Minute is that Lois Treadwell WAS prepared. Lois loved Jesus. She would share her testimony of God’s grace and forgiveness in her life to anyone who would listen. It came so very naturally to her to speak of her Savior and His gift of eternal life.
Lewis told me the last thing he heard Lois say that evening was a prayer on her lips. And the final words of her prayer were profound. “I am ready, Lord.”
Do you know the Savior? Are you prepared for His return? Is the prayer on your lips, “I am ready, Lord”?
Grace,
Tom
During our recent time away, Diane and I ended up a bit further east than our normal trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Before heading back to Texas, and with I-40 East blocked by rockslides, we traveled up through Boone, N.C. and then south around Ashville to spend a few days with my aunt and uncle in my mom’s hometown of Statesville, North Carolina. Sometime, I will have to describe for you my favorite food memory growing up there that Aunt Brenda made every morning this last July…liver mush! Mmmmm! The day before we were to start back, I asked our hosts if we might drive past my Grandpa’s old farm where Mom and her four siblings had been raised. It can be a dangerous thing to dredge up the past because our memories never quite line up with reality. I got the shock of my life. The farm had long since been sold off, with the house and barns that my Grandpa built by hand completely razed. While some of the larger white oaks and magnolias had been left, the garden plot and apple orchard were both gone. The Redmond homestead looked more like a city park than the childhood utopia I remembered. Modern government buildings stood in the pasture where I used to hunt rabbits with my uncles. A parking lot extended down to the branch where I once walked with my brothers and cousins to dangle my toes in the cool ripples and hunt for crawfish. Maybe Thomas Wolfe’s novel has the perfect title…”You Can’t Go Home Again.”
In Romans 1:17, “The righteous shall live by faith,” is often thought of as describing the motivation and encouragement for living in obedience when trusting Christ with the future. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” That too, sounds a lot like things yet to come. While both of these verses do speak to our promised future, each of them also speaks to trusting Christ by faith in His grace for our past and our present.
Like my trip down memory lane (actually, the street is Bristol Drive), clinging to the past, or maybe our recollection of the past in our Christian walk, can also dredge up some things that are not all positive in how we have lived for Jesus. But that’s where HIS faithfulness come in. Isaiah 51:1 tells us, “Look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the quarry from which you were dug.” Trusting Christ with my past includes acknowledging and then letting go of guilts and regrets that haunt me and attempt to remind me constantly of my failings. It is a difficult choice I must make to surrender what happened “back there” somewhere in my past—either recently or long ago—knowing that as His child, I am promised His grace has covered what happened, whether my recollections of the specifics are accurate or not. He was there, a part of my past, and just as He has my future in His hands, He holds my past and my present as well. Praise God it is not by my efforts, my works, that He has granted me a home in His heaven. It is by His mercy and His grace.
Along with hope for the future and value in knowing God has covered my past, there is an abiding joy in living and growing in the present. God’s mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. Even when current events and circumstances are not going the way I intend, I can trust that God is in control. He has not made us puppets, but He does very much guide us, working things out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.
“The righteous shall live by faith” means so much in our relationship with Christ. It means we can trust Him with our past, with our present, AND our future. Thank You, Father. Thank You.
Grace,
Tom
The demon of discouragement is not picky or selective. We are all susceptible to its destructive reach—even those of us seeking to walk the walk and not just talk the talk of our faith in Christ. And yes, it can affect pastors. This Meadow Minute is about one of my favorite hymns. I do cherish its simple message.
There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And think my work’s in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.
If you cannot preach like Peter,
If you cannot pray like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus,
And say, “He died for all.”
--Traditional spiritual
Jeremiah is often called the "weeping prophet"—not because he lacked strength, but because he loved deeply.
"Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the healing of the daughter of my people not been restored?" (Jeremiah 8:22)
Jeremiah’s life offers a profound example of what it means to trust and obey without visible results. If you are facing discouragement from your witness being seemingly fruitless, ponder this. Jeremiah preached faithfully for over 40 years—and by all visible standards, he failed. The people ignored him. Kings despised him. He was mocked, beaten, and even thrown into a cistern. And still…he obeyed. Why? Because the Word of God was like “a fire in his bones.” (Jeremiah 20:9)
Discouragement is real. You pray, speak truth, live faithfully—and nothing changes. Like Jeremiah, you cry out, “Lord, I’ve followed You… but no one listens!” That’s when you remember: God doesn’t call us to be successful—He calls us to be faithful.
Even Jesus, the perfect witness, was rejected by many. But He never stopped speaking the truth in love, and neither should we. When you don’t see results, remember you’re not responsible for the harvest, only the planting (1 Cor. 3:6). Trust that God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). And know that your labor in the Lord is never in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).
The slaves who sang “There is a balm in Gilead” were often not delivered physically—but they clung to the promise of spiritual healing and hope. You don’t have to change the world—you just have to tell the story.
The Gospel doesn't ignore sin; it confronts it. But it also offers mercy, forgiveness, and healing to all who will turn and trust in Christ. Jeremiah wept because his people would not turn. But we rejoice because we can. The balm still flows. The invitation still stands. And the Great Physician is still healing those who come to Him in faith.
Lord, when I feel like Jeremiah—discouraged, ignored, weary—remind me that You are pleased with faithfulness, not fame. Help me speak truth, even when no one listens. Let me find joy not in results, but in obedience. Burn Your Word in my heart, like fire in my bones.
Grace,
Tom
If you have ever heard of the folk group The Kingston Trio, then you’ve heard their most famous song.
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley,
Hang down your head and cry.
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley,
Poor boy, you’re bound to die.
The story goes that the young Tom Dula, also known as Tom Dooley, was romantically involved with a woman named Ann Melton prior to enlisting as a confederate soldier in 1862. After the Civil War, he returned to Wilkes County, N.C. and resumed his illicit relationship with the newly married Ann Melton, while also becoming romantically involved with her cousin, Laura Foster.
In the spring of 1866, Laura Foster’s body was found in a shallow grave days after she had been stabbed in the chest. Dula was arrested in Tennessee and returned to North Carolina where he was convicted at trial for Laura Foster’s death. The crime captivated the nation and inspired the ballad. Claiming his innocence and fighting to be freed to the very end, in 1868, Dula was hanged in Statesville, Iredell County, North Carolina, my momma’s home town.
Legend has it that the actual perpetrator of the murder was Dula’s other love interest, Ann Melton. Historic lore of the area says that Ann Melton confessed to the murder on her deathbed in 1874. As a teenager, I had the chance to go to Tom Dula’s grave and see the marker.
By now, you must be thinking this has to be the strangest Meadow Minute ever. Stay with me. There’s a point in this legend from the Smokies, I promise.
What makes the story of Tom Dula spiritually sobering is what it reveals about human nature. We live in a world of sin, where justice is often flawed, and yet our consciences still cry out when we see guilt. Tom Dula’s final walk was one of public shame, just like countless souls weighed down by guilt today. But the Bible speaks of another man—Jesus Christ—who was also sentenced to death. But unlike Tom Dula, Jesus was truly innocent. And unlike Dula, Jesus willingly laid down His life, not for His own crimes, but for ours, yours and mine.
Romans 6:23 tells us plainly: “The wages of sin is death…”—that’s what guilt deserves. But the verse doesn’t end there. It continues: “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Where Tom Dula’s story ends at the gallows, Christ’s story begins at the cross—and leads to an empty tomb. Jesus’ death offers hope to every guilty heart. No matter how dark your past, no matter how heavy your conscience, the grace of God is bigger still. The question is not “Are you guilty?”—because all of us are. The real question is: “Have you received the gift of forgiveness through Christ?”
What sins or burdens of guilt have you been carrying? Have you tried to handle guilt on your own instead of bringing it to the cross? How does knowing Christ took your punishment change the way you live today?
Lord, we confess that we are guilty of sin, and we deserve judgment. But we thank You for the gift of grace, for the Savior who died in our place. Help us to receive Your forgiveness and to live lives that honor You. In Jesus’ name.
Grace,
Tom
“Until we meet again,” give me Just a Meadow Minute to look at some memories and reminders.
Last Saturday was the Meadow High School Alumni Reunion that is held every three years. Though not having attended Meadow ISD, I was privileged to take part in the opening meeting held in the “old gym,” and the event was very well attended. Someone there did say, “It smells like a school in here!” Everyone knew exactly what that meant. You can probably smell a similar memory in your mind right now.
Whether with families or school classes, reunions are sweet—hearing old stories, laughing at memories that once embarrassed us, looking into familiar faces aged by time but still full of life. For all those who attended this weekend’s gathering, I’m sure the memories were a powerful reminder that while time passes and paths diverge, relationships rooted in shared experiences remain strong.
For many, it must also have been bittersweet. Since the last reunion, some faces were missing—classmates and friends no longer around. Only their pictures showed up in Annuals on display. Their voices and their laughter were not a part of the festivities. Yet for those who are in Christ, we don’t say goodbye forever. As followers of Jesus we say, “Until we meet again...”
Heaven is not just a place of personal peace. Heaven is a place of perfect reunion. Scripture promises that we will be gathered together with the Lord AND with those who have gone before us in faith. The bonds formed here—those rooted in Christ—will not be broken by death, but will be made even more beautiful in eternity.
Which brings me to look at another memory and another reminder. This year’s VBS held last week was a wonderful time of water slides and Bible Stories, of music and mayhem, of making new things and making new friends. And once again this year, the children made a difference for their community, collecting 630 non-perishable food items for the Meadow Community Food Pantry. Well done!. Congratulations to the girl’s “team” for finally winning the food drive contest. (Sorry. I couldn’t resist!)
Vacation Bible School is likely a memory of most who read the Meadow Minute. This week, conversations I overheard among leaders at FBC/VBS included memories of marching in, of saying the pledges, and of memorizing Scripture verses during VBS summers where things went all day and lasted for up to 2-weeks. Hearing memories like that should be a reminder to all of us in Christ. The “seeds of faith” first planted in the hearts and minds of children can last a lifetime. Those faithfully continuing to serve as leaders each year testify to that. Let’s live with an eternal reunion in mind. Stay faithful. Love deeply. Share Jesus boldly. And when the day comes, what a joy it will be to hear a familiar voice say, “You’re here! Welcome home.”
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 says, “Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.”
Father, thank You for the glimpses of joy we experience during times like reunions and Vacation Bible School. Thank You even more for the promise of the eternal reunion we will share with those who are in Christ. Help us stay faithful to share You until that day. Comfort us in our grief, and give us joy as we look ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Until we meet again, grace,
Tom
More than thirty years ago now, I purchased the volume by William J. Bennett, The Book of Virtues. Bennet served as the Secretary of Education under President Ronald Reagan. The book is a collection of traits essential for good character. Chapter titles include Responsibility, Courage, Compassion, Loyalty, Honesty, Friendship, Persistence, Hard Work, Self-discipline and Faith. According to the intro, “In order for our children to develop such traits, we have to offer them examples of good and bad, right and wrong.” I used this collection when my grandson Ethan was just learning to read. My hope was to plant in his young mind the principles needed to serve others. Before long, Ethan was reading some of the shorter selections to me. I highly recommend The Book of Virtues. Below is a story found in the chapter on Loyalty taken from an old Boy Scout book.
One of two brothers fighting in the same company in France fell by a German bullet. The one who escaped asked permission of his officer to go and bring his brother in.
“He is probably dead,” said the officer, “and there is no use in your risking your life to bring in his body.”
But after further pleading, the officer consented. Just as the soldier reached the lines with his brother on his shoulders, the wounded man died.
“There, you see,” said the officer, “you risked your life for nothing.”
“No,” replied Tom. “I did what he expected of me, and I have my reward. When I crept up to him and took him in my arms, he said, ‘Tom, I knew you would come—I just felt you would come.’”
Bennet then commented, “There you have the gist of it all; somebody expects something fine and noble and unselfish of us; someone expects us to be faithful.”
God’s Word has much to say about our relationship with our Creator. Each of us is encouraged to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” That love can in no way earn our place with Him. Neither can we, through our good works, our lives of love and sacrifice and service for others, save anyone to eternity—not even ourselves. It is by His grace that we are forgiven. It is because of His great love that He has prepared a place for us with Him in heaven. Still, we are commanded to live our lives in thankfulness and commitment to God. The love we show to God through the life we live in His Name is always to be validation that His Spirit is in fact living in us.
We are likewise commanded to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The Bible continually speaks about our relationship with each other. We’re told to honor our parents. We are told to honor the marriage relationship. We are told to love and discipline our children. We are told to “rescue the perishing…care for the dying.” In Scripture is the call for each of the relational traits found in Bill Bennett’s book. Responsibility. Courage. Compassion. Loyalty. Honesty. Friendship. Persistence. Hard Work. Self-discipline. Faith. And like last Sunday’s message from the Parable of the Good Samaritan, our Lord is calling us today to serve others as men and women who are growing more and more in the image of our Savior. Seeing value in others strengthens our relationship with the One who valued each of us enough to send His Son. Mercy begats mercy.
Remember, our Lord expects something fine and noble and unselfish of us; He expects us to be faithful.
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Grace,
Tom
It’s time to tell you about another of my favorite hymns. I hope you love it, too. It was first published in 1787 by John Rippon, a Baptist minister in London. Even today, most hymnals still list the author simply as “K” because the composer wanted to remain anonymous. Most interested parties believe the writer was Rippon’s assistant, Robert Keene.
The original title of the hymn was “Scripture Promises.” Stanza 2 comes from Isaiah 41:10. Stanzas 3 and 4, from Isaiah 43:2. The “biggie” from Hebrews 13:5 comes on the final verse. We know the song as “How Firm a Foundation.” The melody calls you to join in even if you’re not a singer! This is one of those hymns to which we can apply James 1:7, “Be ye doers of the word and not hearers only.” Sing along…
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
“Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed, for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
“When through the deep waters I call thee to go, the rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless, and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
“The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose, I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”
Oh, the promises of God found in His Word! The verses of this great hymn could go on and on. In that 1787 hymnal, above the first stanza, was printed a portion of 2 Peter 1:4. “…He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises…” How long of a sermon series would “Scripture Promises” end up being? I would start with Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” That promise covers my needs in this life, and my need of Him for life everlasting. If you’ll give it half a minute, you’ll have your own list of God’s promises started that you love and cling to.
Imagine sitting down alone in a quiet and reflective moment with pen and paper in hand. You have tasked yourself to write out the deepest, most personal feelings you could ever have for that one “to whom your soul loves”. You would write of your commitment and desire for that one’s best. With passion, you would tell that precious one of your love over and over. Then, imagine discovering that person never took the time to open and read your love letter? Might God feel that same longing for each of us to read and understand and recall all the great promises He has made in His love letter to us?
What more can He say than to you He has said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
Grace,
Tom