It's On My Mind

November 10, 2019 (Sunday)

“For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us” (Romans 8:38-39 Living Bible TLB)

November 9, 2019 (Saturday)

Every once in a while, I repeat a blog. As I was reading over the blogs this morning, I saw this one. I enjoyed seeing it again. Maybe you will, too. When you play the song, you will enjoy it more if you display it full screen in Youtube.

Click on the title below:
http://charlesfake.com/index.php/2018/04/13/apr_13_fri/

November 8, 2019 (Friday)

The blogs since October 25 were all written ahead of time, and this is the first blog I have written since that day when my sister, Melva Faye Keil, passed away. Here is a picture of us, taken about five years ago.

I think this picture captures the beautiful personality of my sister, Melva.

She was a twin. Her sister, Elva Mae Underwood, is still with us. I invite you to pray for her; she and her twin sister were very close. I cannot imagine what it’s like to be a twin or to lose one.

Melva and Elva celebrated their 85th birthday on June 19, and most of our family was present.

I thank those of you who have thoughtfully sent cards and sympathized with our loss. In behalf of all the members of our bereaved family, I want you to know how much your kind thoughts and comforting words have meant to us. God bless you.

November 7, 2019 (Thursday)

In recent years several well-known ministers of the gospel have taken their own lives. I do not know why, but it is possible that mental depression overwhelmed them. If I could speak to ministers everywhere, I would urge them to seek help if they are experiencing such depression.

There are many, however, who are not clinically depressed, but are experiencing burnout and fatigue. Perhaps Ira Stanphill was experiencing those feelings when he wrote about feelings of loneliness and weariness in the Lord’s work. We all are tempted from time to time to have a little “pity party” of our own, feeling sorry for ourselves. This song, popular a while back, encourages us to look to Jesus for inspiration to keep on doing our best against all odds.

Follow Me
Ira Stanphill

1 I traveled down a lonely road And no one seemed to care;
The burden on my weary back Had bowed me to despair,
I oft complained to Jesus How folks were treating me,
And then I heard Him say so tenderly,
“My feet were also weary, Upon the Calv’ry road;
The cross became so heavy, I fell beneath the load,
Be faithful weary pilgrim, The morning I can see,
Just lift your cross and follow close to me.”

2. “I work so hard for Jesus” I often boast and say,
“I’ve sacrificed a lot of things To walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune, I’m worth a lot to Thee,”
And then I hear Him gently say to me.
“I left the throne of glory And counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger Upon a cruel cross,
But now we’ll make the journey With your hand safe in mine,
So lift your cross and follow close to me.

3. Oh, Jesus if I die upon A foreign field some day,
‘Twould be no more than love demands No less could I repay,
“No greater love hath mortal man Than for a friend to die”
These are the words He gently spoke to me,
“If just a cup of water I place within your hand
Then just a cup of water Is all that I demand,”
But if by death to living They can thy glory see,
I’ll take my cross and follow close to thee.

November 6, 2019 (Wednesday)

With so many types of cancers threatening our health and well-being, it’s refreshing to hear a positive outcome of a cancer story. Jim Koch, an Iowa man whose 54-year-old wife, Lora, was diagnosed with breast cancer, made sure their cancer story had a beautiful twist. One week after Lora underwent a bilateral mastectomy, Jim re-proposed to his wife. They had already been married for 26 years. The loving husband told abcnews.go.com, “I’ve known Lora as the most selfless person, and as she was going through this rough patch, I really wanted to give a sign and a reminder of love and commitment.” The youngest daughter of the couple happily took photos of her father’s moving gesture. Jim reminds us all that true love does exist and will carry you through, in sickness and in health.

This story parallels the Christian’s commitment to Christ. I may have been a Christian for many years, but it is still altogether appropriate for me to renew my vows to the Lord and rededicate myself to Him. It does not have to take place in a house of worship; it can happen right there where you are at this moment. The Apostle Peter urges us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 NIV).