Pilgrim Scribblings

Time 2020-12-17 05:02:59

Web Name: Pilgrim Scribblings

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I've been visiting and enjoying Tim Challies' blog for many years and I've often used the quotes he includes at the bottom of his posts. The quotes and the graphics are excellent.On Tim's blogwww.challies.comhe posted the following, today:"Several years ago Jules Koblun and I began to create graphics together. I would find an inspirational quote and she would use her graphic design skills to set it atop an image. Over the years we ve created nearly 1500 of these quote graphics, covering a wide range of topics. I expect you ve seen them embedded in the daily A La Carte posts and shared through social media.Over the years I ve had many requests for the definitive collection, so have finally assembled all these graphics at a new site, SquareQuotes.church. There you can find quote graphics by categories, keywords, or search. Once you ve found them you can browse them, download them, or order prints on paper, canvas, or even metal. I ve ordered several of these myself and can attest that the production quality is top-notch. If you re after a quote on just about any topic relevant to Christians, I expect you ll find something there! (Note: any costs are for printing only; I do not earn any profit from these graphics.)"David's note: Check out these amazing quotes at this site:www.SquareQuotes.church Ihave often longed to save those whom I lovefrom the strain and stress ofsuffering, but I never could; and today I have read these words in Coneybeare stranslation of Romans 5: 3-5. We know thatby suffering is wrought steadfastness, and steadfastness is the proof ofsoundness, and proof gives rise to hope; and our hope cannot shame us in theday of trial; because the love of God is shed forth in our hearts by the HolySpirit, Who has been given to us. Suffering,steadfastness, soundness, hope, love what great words these are and howarresting is the order in which they are set.We may not change the order.Eternal Love set them in that order and Eternal Love will justify thatorder if only we go on in peace and are never offended in Him. Takenfrom Edges of His Ways by Amy Carmichael - copyright 1985 Dohnavur FellowshipAugust 19thdevotionalOver the years I've heard literally hundreds of people quote the first line of William Cowper's ageless hymn. We really need to "hear him out" and see what else he had to say. Cowper (1731-1800) was a Christian hymn writer and poet who battled severe depression, attempted suicide numerous times and spent time in insane asylums as they used to be called. John Newton, the converted slave ship captain, (Amazing Grace) befriended Cowper and walked with him through his darkestdays/years.These lyrics are powerful. I've read them repeatedly over the years. I'm reminded that God has a plan and even though we often can't understand why He does what He does in our lives...He is working things out for our good and His glory.The following lyrics came to me recently after playing the keyboard in the basement for about half an hour. It had been a stressful day. I turned off the keyboard, turned out the light and this is what came to me:The music had stoppedAnd the lights had gone outYet I lingered long after the song:In the stillness I heardGod's encouraging word"I've been with you all the day long."The sweet voice of the Master had calmed meMy day had been fraught with despair:As I sat there in deep contemplationI knew that the Lord had been there.May 6th, 2020David W. FisherWritten by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. Rooney has passed away but used to be on CBS's 60 Minutes TV show.Take two minutes to read these sayings and be sure to read allthe way to the bottom:I've learned....That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.I've learned....That when you're in love, it shows.I've learned ....That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my dayI've learned....That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peacefulfeelings in the world.I've learned....That being kind is more important than being right.I've learned....That you should never say no to a gift from a child.I've learned....That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help himin any other way.I've learned....That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs afriend to act goofy with.I've learned....That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.I've learned....That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was achild did wonders for me as an adult.I've learned....That life is like a roll of toilet paper.The closer it gets to the end, thefaster it goes.I've learned....That money doesn't buy class.I've learned....That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.I've learned....That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.I've learned....That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that personcontinue to hurt you.I've learned....That love, not time, heals all wounds.I've learned....That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself withpeople smarter than I am.I've learned....That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.I've learned....That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.I've learned....That life is tough, but I'm tougher.I've learned....That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.I've learned....That when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.I've learned....That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before shepassed away.I've learned....That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he mayhave to eat them.I've learned....That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.I've learned....That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his littlefist, you're hooked for life.I've learned...That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness andgrowth occurs while you're climbing it.I've learned....That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.To all of you.... Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.It's National Friendship Week. Show yourfriends how much you care.Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if it means sending it backto the person who sent it to you.If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.Life's stormy seas can threaten to take us under but the Master of the seas, Jesus Christ our Lord, rescues us and calls us His own. Hallelujah...what a Saviour!Written by David Fisher on February 26th, 2020as a winter storm approached.Another powerful quote posted by Toby Mac - #SPEAKLIFEThis is SO true! God is faithful, always has been,always will be! We can count on this truth!Toby Mac has posted some very profound truths/memes since the tragic passing of his son...in the prime of his life.I must confess...it is difficult to remain quiet...even when (you know) you're right.I'm working on it!Thinking of mom as I was shaving this morning, these words came to mind. The tune is the same as the classic..."I'll Be Home For Christmas.""I'll be "home" for ChristmasGod has called me there;No more suffering, grief or painI'm in my Saviour's care.Christmas Eve will find meSinging 'round God's throne,I'll be home for ChristmasBut I won't be alone!"NOTE: My mother went home to be with the Lord she loved and served on Thursday, December 19th, 2019. She would have been 95 on January 7th, 2020.Whatever is around the next bend in the road is no surprise to our sovereign, all-knowing God. Trust Him. He knows what's ahead!These are the lyrics to one of my favorite, old hymns. Power words! I love to sing this hymn, play it on the piano and hear it played by a majestic pipe organ! What a mighty God we serve!1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring aboveThy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.3. To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small,In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,And wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.4 Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;All praise we would render, O help us to see'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!Feeling overwhelmed as I was today? This scripture verse was exactly what I needed. This eternal truth was what encouraged me to RUN to the Rock and find refuge in His everlasting arms.The Lord invites you to do the same. His arms are open wide. He's calling you to come...and He will give you rest for you soul.One evening I was enjoying a meal with my sons Matthew and Nathan in a restaurant not far from home when something caught my attention. From my vantage point I looked out across a farmer s field, covered in snow with a few old stalks of corn breaking through the crusty, icy ground. Even though I was supposed to be engaged in meaningful conversation with the boys, my mind was racing and a variety of thoughts were fighting for my attention. The beauty of that pastoral setting was negated by deep concerns.A flock of blackbirds landed on the field trying to find some nourishment. Frustrated, they flew off to look elsewhere. My mind went to Matthew s gospel where the former tax collector writes of the care of the Creator for His creatures, birds and mankind, feathered and fearful. He penned these words two thousand years ago. They still have a profound impact today. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns; and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:25-27)Taken from the Pilgrim Scribblings archives...written in December 2004.Today I went mining in the archives of this Pilgrim Scribblings blog and found this post from 15 years ago about a missionary, a book and a poem.Perhaps the book that most shaped my life as a young man was"By Searching"byIsobel Kuhn. She sensed the call of God to take the gospel to the Lisu people in China. The first chapter is entitled"On To The Misty Flats"and begins with a poem byJohn Oxenham. I've recalled this poem many times over the years and thought of it again this morning. Here it is for your perusal:The Misty FlatsTo every many there openethA way, and ways, and a way.And the high soul climbs the high way,And the low soul gropes the low,And in between on the misty flatsThe rest drift to and fro.But to every man there openethA high way and a low -And every man decideth the way his soul shall go.- John OxenhamHigh Road, Low Road or the Misty Flats?What road will you choose to travel today? May your pilgrimage be filled with divine surprises as the God of Heaven reveals Himself to you today!"The sovereign God is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights."- Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)As difficult as they may be at the time, our trials and struggles tend towards the increase of our faith and we trust God to use them for His glory and our ultimate good!Those of you who know me well will recall that George Muller's legacy of trusting God to provide miraculously for his needs has had a huge impact on my life and ministry for many years.For many years I have maintained a web site/blog about George Muller. You can check it out here.For some exciting news about George Muller,the orphanages he founded and the new location of the Muller offices and museum, please click here.This is one of the most profound and heart-searching quotes I have read and I have read and collected quotes for many, many years. This one has always challenged me.What a tragic follow-up story to my earlier post entitled "The Answers to the Riddles".Wife, Son and Mother-In-Law of Tampa Bay Rays Minor League Pitcher Blake Bivens Killed in Triple Homicide by Pitcher's Brother-In-LawEmily and Blake Bivens and their son CullenI won't go into detail but you can read the story on the link below and the incredible article that Emily Bivens, the wife of this Tampa Bay Rays prospect Blake Bivens, who was murdered on Tuesday, August 27th published earlier that same day.It's hard to understand but "as for God...His was is perfect." - Psalm 18-20Please check out this linkfor details regarding this horrific tragedy.Baseball Chapel, the organization responsible for providing chapel services and Bible studies for professional baseball teams, wrote the following in their prayer bulletin:"The hearts of the Baseball Chapel family go out to Blake and his family. Blake and Emily are believers in Jesus Christ. Emily has written several devotions for Baseball Chapel's player wives devotion, a daily publication that is put out to encourage and strengthen player wives in their daily struggles. Coincidentally, the devotion below was released the day of her death."Now take a look at this linkto read what Emily Bivens, who was killed, had written earlier about praising God in the wilderness.We often don't understand God's ways but they are always for our ultimate good and His eternal glory.Please pray for the Bivens family. THANK YOU!The book which has impacted my life most dramatically in recent years is a compact volume by Robert J. Morgan entitled The Red Seals Rules. It is replete with scripture and quotes by godly men and women that help readers when facing difficult times. I just finished reading it again this afternoon.Morgan quotes the North Carolina author and preacher from the last century, Vance Havner, who wrote:"When before the throne we stand in Him complete, all the riddles that puzzle us here will fall into place and we shall know in fulfillment what we now believe in faith - that all things work together for good in His eternal purpose. No longer will we cry 'My God, why?' Instead, 'alas' will become 'Alleluia', all question marks will be straightened into exclamation points, sorrows will change to singing, and pain will be lost in praise."Until then the poignant words of the Englist poet and hymnwriter from the 1700's, William Cowper, will encourage me, and hopefully you, to keep trusting in a sovereign God. Cowper penned these words..."Judge not the Lord by feeble sense but trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan His work in vain:God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain."Recently I had the pleasure and privilege of sharing my journey with an amazing young man,Brandon Coburn. Brandon(Coburn Creations)spent several hours with me to capture my work with athletes, my struggles with depression and my relationship with Jesus Christ. It was a joy working with him.We're tried to reduce close to 45 years of ministry into a 9-10 minute You Tube video presentation.Thank you, Brandon, for working with me and for your vision to present my battle and my victory with all the glory going Jesus Christ.Please click hereand spend a few minutes with me.For more information onCoburn Creations,click here.We wish our many American friends a very HAPPY 4th of JULY! Even though we are Canadians we appreciate our many American friends so much. We thank God for the freedom He has allowed us all to enjoy! - David Carol.The Lord gives us His perfect peace in the midst of our difficulties until the storm passes by...and then continues to be there for us. He promised He'd never leave us. NEVER! As a pilgrim who's been on the road for over seven decades, stumbling along and scribbling about my pilgrimage, I've encountered a lot. Road blocks, detours, potholes, speed bumps and more than my share of rich blessings. One of the greatest gifts has been the friendships forged along the journey.As I sit here scribbling away...I'm so grateful for the special people that the Lord allowed me to meet along the way. Random individuals who God used to bless my heart. There are so many of you!I'm also grateful for the many friends who I've never met...authors, Bible characters, singers, musicians, athletes and others who have impacted my life in various ways.The greatest encounter was when, as a 6-year-old boy, I invited Jesus Christ into my life. He has been my constant guide and companion as I've navigated this long and winding road.I have much to be thankful for...my Father, my family and my friends.The road has been long but I'm looking forward to seeing the best Friend anyone could ever have...when I get to the end of my journey.Safe travels, my friends! Hope to see you there!Since I was a young boy I've always enjoyed writing letters, notes and cards. I had several pen pals as a teenager.Back in the mid 70's the Lord led me to launch a letter-writing ministry of encouragement to athletes calledEpistle Sports Ministries. Although my target audience was professional and amateur athletes, I also wrote many letters to people in all walks of life.I've been the beneficiary of hundreds of cards and letters. I still have boxes with those letters in them. They meant so much to me and I often to back and read them over again. As the graphic with this post states, "A Kind Word Always Brings Cheer."Just today I sent a card to two friends who needed some cheer.Let's do our part in keeping the lost art of written correspondence alive.Cheers!!!Sorrow and love flow mingled down;Did e'er such love and sorrow meetOr thorns compose so rich a crown?"- Isaac WattsThe sight of the beloved Son of God crucified on a rugged Roman cross does not evoke "happiness" in itself but...the knowledge that Christ's sacrifice on our behalf to remove our sins brings great joy and peace. He gave His life to give us eternal life.I'm so glad that God seeks out those to serve Him from the pit...not the pedestal. The history of the Christian church bears this out!When Vance Havner, the renowned pastor, evangelist and author from North Carolina lost his wife to disease, he was disconsolate. But out of the experience he later wrote:"When before the throne we stand in Him complete, all the riddles that puzzle us here will fall into place and we shall know in fulfillment what we now believe in faith - that all things work together for good in His eternal purpose. No longer will we cry 'My God, why?' Instead, 'alas' will become 'Alleluia', all question marks will become straightened into exclamation points, sorrow will change into singing, and pain will be lost in praise."Taken from one of my favourite books, The Red Sea Rules, by one of my favourite authors...Robert J. Morgan.I've always been encouraged by this quote from Vance Havner (pictured). The explanation for much of what happens in our lives will come later.I've also received much encouragement from the last verse of a hymn written by William Cowper...who was no stranger to depression and discouragement. Cowper wrote the lyrics to the song "God Moves in a Mysterious Way". Many people have quoted the first line without knowing the rest of the hymn. Here are thelyrics for the last verse:Blind unbelief is sure to errAnd scan His work in vain;God is His own interpreter,And He will make it plain! Yes...God will "explain" and "make it plain". Maybe not today, tomorrow or next year but in a future day...we will get the explanation and we will understand that..."as for God...His way is perfect."For several weeks the lyrics and melody of an old song written by the beloved blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, have been running through my mind during the day and often in the middle of the night.Here's the story behind the hymn and a beautiful rendition of He Hideth My Soul by one of my favourite singers, Guy Penrod. What incredibly comforting lyrics concerning our wonderful Saviour!Click here to listen to Guy Penrod's rendition.The story behind the song He Hideth My SoulShe could not see with her natural eyes, but she could see with her heart. She could not explain what a human face looked like, but she knew the face of God. Blind from six weeks old because of a surgical mishap, her life was different than most, but it was not worse than most.Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) supported herself as a teacher at a blind school, she had dear and close friends around the world, and she wrote and published thousands of beautiful hymns, many that are still sung today. Regarding her plight in life she wrote the following words: It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me. For those who have natural sight, but are blind to the things of God, Fanny Crosby s songs bring a sense of His Presence.He Hideth My SoulA 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.Chorus:He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rockThat shadows a dry, thirsty land;He hideth my life with 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 fullness divine,I sing in my rapture, oh, glory to GodFor such a Redeemer as mine!When clothed in His brightness, transported I riseTo meet Him in clouds of the sky,His perfect salvation, His wonderful loveI ll shout with the millions on high. Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by. (Exodus 33:21,22) A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord.I'm sitting here at my workplace listening to one of my favourite pianists, Stan Whitmire, playing HE GIVETH MORE GRACE, the lyrics written by Annie Johnson Flint. These words have impacted me powerfully over the years.God truly gives us abundant grace in our times of need. I'm dedicating this post to dear friends of ours whose beloved son passed away last Sunday. May you experience God's amazing grace and His peace, comfort and strength during these difficult days.He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.CHORUS:His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,His power no boundary known unto men;For out of His infinite riches in JesusHe giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.When we have exhausted our store of endurance,When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,When we reach the end of our hoarded resourcesOur Father s full giving is only begun.Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,Our God ever yearns His resources to share;Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.Today I dug into the archives of Pilgrim Scribblings and found the following post about Fanny Crosby. What an amazing woman! - DavidHere's that post...from December 2004:The old hymns hold a special place in my heart! I ve always enjoyed reading the biographies of the great hymn writers from a bygone day, writers likeIsaac Watts, William CowperandFanny Crosby.I marvel at the lyrics penned byFanny Crosbywho lost her sight when she was only six (6) weeks old. When she was only eight (8) she wrote the following poem:"Oh what a happy soul am I!Although I cannot see,I am resolved that in this worldContented I will be.How many blessings I enjoyThat other people don't.To weep and sigh because I'm blind,I cannot and I won't."What a positive attitude! She has written meaningful words to close to 9,000 hymns. Many of them have references to seeing, sight, etc.Here are just a few examples that reveal Fanny Crosby s deep-seated faith that one day she would see Jesus face to face: My Savior First of All : When my life work is ended and I cross the swelling tide,When the bright and glorious morning I shall see. Oh the soul thrilling rapture when I see His blessed faceAnd the luster of His kindly beaming eye. To God Be the Glory : But purer and higher and greater will beOur wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see. Tell Me the Story of Jesus : Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see.Stay, let me weep while your whisper, Love paid the ransom for me. Near the Cross : Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me;Help me walk from day to day, with its shadows o er me. Redeemed : I know I shall see in His beauty, the King in whose law I delight;Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps and giveth me songs in the night. Give Me Jesus : Take the world but give me Jesus; let me view His constant smile.Then thro -out my pilgrim journey, light will cheer me all the while. Blessed Assurance : Perfect submission, perfect delight! Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;Angels descending bring from above, Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. He Hideth My Soul : 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. All the Way My Savior Leads Me : Tho my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be,Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see. What a glorious faith Fanny Crosby possessed! One day we will see Jesus face to face. Until then, let s revel in His love and rejoice in His provision.- David W. FisherPersonal Reflections on a variety of subjects of a Fellow Pilgrim on the Journey "Home". Although this pilgrim is a Christian and follower of Jesus, not all posts are on a Christian theme. Much of my life has been spent as a sports chaplain so posts on a sports theme can be found here from time to time.The Pilgrim's Profile:David trusted Jesus Christ as Savior when he was 6 years old. In 1975 God called him to an encouragement ministry to pro athletes through letter-writing, Epistle Sports Ministries. David served with Baseball Chapel as chaplain to the Toronto Blue Jays for 29 seasons. Married to Carol, they have 7 grown children. David's wife Carol founded the Kawartha Komets hockey club for special needs kids and adults. They live in Peterborough, ON. David is an avid reader and book collector. He is a pianist and songwriter and enjoys Southern Gospel music. David also enjoys writing. His favorite preachers are Joseph Stowell John Piper. Favorites from the past include Alan Redpath, Stephen Olford, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones J. Sidlow Baxter. David s life and ministry have been profoundly influenced by the lives of George Muller J. Hudson Taylor. David presently works with FRIENDS Peterborough offering help, hope and a "hand up" to those who drop in off the street. Be sure to visit his other blogs listed below. Thank you for your visit!

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