tysthatbind

January 26, 2013 Philippians 3:12-14 (KJV) "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before   I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Dear Friend, The theme for the International Sunday School Lesson for January 27, 2013 is based in part on the verses listed above.  The topic. "Stand Firm in Christ."  Paul is letting us know of his own walk with the Lord that he does not claim to fully understand his calling, mission, or purpose in Christ -- his assignment.  Certainly he has not reached perfection.  He is clear in stating:  "Look although I don't have it all together and may not understand all the pieces and

January 24, 2013 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." - II Corinthians 4:8-10 Dear Friend, "Daughter if you don't believe the songs you're singing you just ought to stop singing them." These words from my late  father in-law Rev. Edward Tyus often come to mind.  This saying and others were a springboard for discussion as he encouraged me to consider the Source of my Faith.  As time passed the Lord gave me my own "handle" to share, "it don't matter what it looks like it only matters what it is!"   It often looks like trouble that surrounds us will overtake us,  that we are alone in our struggles and that there is no way out.  Peace seems like it will never surface and the shades have

January 23, 2013                "Let all things be done decently and in order." - I Corinthians 14:40 Dear Friend, Decently can be defined as to be done properly, orderly, in the right way. (definitions.net) It is interesting therefore to note that Paul in I Corinthians chose to indicate decency as the standard and reiterate its importance by lending a definition in the same verse. More astounding is the scope of decency commanded,  decency is to be observed in "all things".  "Let all things be done decently and in order." I heard a preacher say once, "all means all."  Inclusive.  When we read all in the Bible to describe the scope of a matter:  Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God"; Jesus said in St. John 16:15 " All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you."; In St. Matthew 28:18 we read: "And Jesus ca

January 22, 2013 "  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."                 - St. Matthew 18:20 Dear Friend, Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a wonderful celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  The annual event brought together people from all walks of life.  The event was particularly significant  this year because we also witnessed the inauguration of the second term of this country's first African American President. I have attended several such events over the years but this one was different.  Starting off the event were high school poets who challenged the social consciousness of those in attendance.  Yet, more so they challenged the stereotypical thinking of those who have labeled without investigation or consideration today's young people as a generation without purpose or direction.  Those who gathered yesterday bore witness to something far different. The soloist who gave

January 17, 2013 " Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. "       - Philippians 4:8 Dear Friend, There are so many things that capture are attention from news reports, televisions ads, phone conversations, emails, overheard conversations, that are often questionable, just, or pure.  Much around us is not pure or lovely.  Finding the beautiful often means we have to search or dig for it even when it is right in front of us.  Rev. Tyus used to say: "if you play around with trash some will get in your eyes."  Well perhaps trash in the eyes has clouded the vision, polluted it, making it harder to see or trust the beautiful.  In Psalm 48:1-3 we read: "  Great is the Lord , and greatly to be praised in th

January 14, 2013 "...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."  - Acts:20:35 cf As a little girl I remember that we sang one song most Sundays for offering: "You can't beat God giving, no matter how you try.  Just as sure as you are living and the Lord is in heaven on high.  The more you give, the more He gives to you.  Just keep on giving, because its really true.  You can't beat God's giving, no matter how you try." I loved offering time.  We were taught as children to have our envelopes ready the night before.  Offering time was sacred but it was also exciting.  It was special  to have something to give, whether a dime, nickel or quarter to put in the envelope and then in the collection plate.  It was a privilege to do my part to contribute to the Lord's work.  I sang fervently with everyone else.  I believed with my child's heart that I could not beat God giving yet I knew that bu

January 11, 2013 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.   Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."  - St. Matthew 5:11-12 I will often hear people say, "I don't care what people say about me."  I find that this response is usually a defensive one when a person has been the object of hurtful or mean comments or gossip.  While I do believe that we should not dwell on negative talk because we cannot control what other people say,  when we find ourselves the target of another person's untruthful remarks it is can be especially hurtful. When we meditate however, on today's scripture we are instructed by the Lord Himself that we are blessed when we are reviled that is to be criticized with abusive language. Jesus says we are blessed when we are persecuted, when we just can'

January 10, 2013 "I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search."   Psalm 77:6 Since my teen years and throughout my adult life there have been times when throughout the night a song just seemed to play over and over in my head as though it were a recording.  I knew I was asleep but the song was there and sometimes as the song continued "to play" I could feel myself mouthing the words in my sleep.  When I would wake up the song would be deep in my spirit and I would carry it throughout the day.  I did not know until later Psalm 77:6.  When I learned the scripture either through Bible study or a sermon you can only imagine I was beside myself with joy!  The Lord had given me songs in the night to instruct, to encourage, to guide.  The song below, "No Not One", (under public domain) is one of the songs.  I hope that you will be encouraged by its timeless message today. No, Not O

January 9, 2013                               "O clap your hands, all ye people, shout unto                                God with the voice of triumph." - Psalm 47:1 Some years ago a local radio personality featured a daily morning programs where listeners could call in and give "shout outs."  An individual could give a "shout out" i.e., a word of encouragement or thanks to a family member, friend, their church family or fellow Christian. Many "shout outs" were lifted to the Lord for His many blessings.  The program was very popular and uplifting. Recently I was thinking about the power of a shout.  The more I thought about it, my thoughts made their way to my throat, into my mouth and off my lips.  The next thing I knew, "Thank you Jesus" and "Yes Lord!" were ringing in the room.  There is power in a shout!  The walls of Jericho came down after a mighty shout!  One songwriter penned:  "Don't wait till

January 8, 2013 "  I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."  Psalm 121: 1-2 Have you ever been in a situation where someone came along and said just the right words and your whole day got better?  Perhaps, you heard a sermon and it seemed as if the preacher was speaking directly to you?  Then there was the time you were listening to the radio and a song came on where every word captured the deepest feelings hidden in your heart.    "How did they know the right words?"  "Has someone been telling the Pastor my business?"  "Wow, I am going to buy that CD. That song describes exactly how I feel." Hearts that look toward heaven, physical or spiritual eyes that "look to the hills" to seek help from the One who has the power to change the circumstances. to provide encouragement. deliverance, healing, understanding, financial relief. direct

January 7, 2013                                               " Give us this day our daily bread." St. Matthew 6:11                                                                                                    How are you doing today?  Depending on what is going on in our lives the answer to that question may vary.  I know that some Christians answer "blessed" when asked the question.  I understand the answer.  I am blessed.  I am enjoyed God's blessing even on days when I am feeling frustrated and things may be out of sync.  I have learned however, that the answer to "How are you doing today?" is directly linked to "What are you doing today?" Are you trusting that God will indeed provide all that you need today.  Remember, He did yesterday and the day before.  We can trust that He will "give us this day our daily bread." The bread that we need is the the bread He supplies.  His word is always set at the table for us

January 6, 2013                                                   St. John 11:32-38 32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.   33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.   34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.   35 Jesus wept.   36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!   37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?   38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.                                                   verses 41 - 44   41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard

January 5, 2013 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. - Psalm 139:14 When my oldest daughter was in preschool, during the first program I attended, the children sang a song: "I am a promise. I am a possibility.  I am a promise with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentiality.    And I am learnin' to hear God 's voice and I am tryin' to make the right choice I am a promise to be anything God wants me to be anything God wants me to be."  - (Bill and Gloria Gaither) The children's voices rang out so loud and filled up the entire auditorium.  Some had serious faces but most had great big smiles.  As they sang, each word rang clear, yet the emphasis was on the three p's, promise, possibility, potentiality.  The audience was reminded that promise was quite important with that GREAT BIG CAPITAL "P."  I have never forgotten that experience, the face

January 4, 2013 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   - Philippians 4:6-7 A young lady shared with me that one of her resolutions for 2013 was not to worry so much.  I talked with her a little about the "type of worrier" she was. I  posed two questions? Was the focus of her worry primarily on current life situations  or on potential problems that may occur in the future? Her response: "a little of both." Knowing that I was speaking to a fellow Christian I prayed for the right scripture to share that would cover it all.  I spoke about the "the lilies of the field" (St. Matthew 6:27-29) for a start.  However, the Holy Spirit whispered, nothing "Be careful for nothing ..."  I then began to share Philippians 4:6-7. What this scripture t

January 3, 2013 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord .     Psalms 122:1 One songwriter has penned:  "Glad to be in the service, glad to be in the service, glad to be in the service one more time.  He didn't have to let me live. He did not have to let me live.  I'm glad to be in the service one more time." As a choir member I remember singing as loud as I could and doing my best to hold my female tenor part excited to express just how "glad" I was to be in the Lord's house, one more time.  I was grateful  for the opportunity to gather once again with my brothers and sisters in Christ for corporate worship. Today as I ponder the words of the song, I am mindful that with each day the Lord allows us to live, it is an opportunity for service. To begin each day with an acknowledgement to God that I am glad to be in His service, to serve Him, is my way of reporting in for duty, checking in for my assignment. Lord

January 2, 2013 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."      - James 1:19 On my desk at work I have the verse for the day displayed.  The Holy Spirit placed this scripture upon my heart in a very profound way two years ago when I received a promotion on my job.  In every situation, circumstance and meeting where I have allowed myself to be governed by this verse the outcome has been much improved. It often takes a great deal of restraint to be a good listener, to truly care about what the other person is saying.  To listen swiftly is to imply listening eagerly and attentively to what is being conveyed.  It is to put more energy in to hearing than speaking.  To be swift to hear is to quicken one's pace to show up first, to exhibit a willingness to gain understanding of the speaker's point of few, illustrating to the one speaking that what they have to say matters.  It takes just as much self-control t

January 1, 2013 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." - Lamentations 3:22-23 A songwriter has penned, "All I have needed thy hands have provided, great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me."  Faithful!  God is faithful.  And it is because of His faithfulness we find ourselves experiencing the first day in a new year, 2013.  The writer in Lamentations 3:22-23 gives us a perspective that both serves as reminder and an encouragement for moving forward in 2013.  God's compassion and his mercy will sustain us throughout the coming year on the mountaintops and in the valleys.  He is faithful. My daughter asked me if I had any resolutions.  I told her my desire was to become closer to God and to do better this year than last year...  I started with a couple of Bible reading plans some are topical and one is a read through the Bible in a year.  For th