Hearthstone - July 2000

Contents
xxx	Volume 15, No. 7	July 2000
Hugs 'N Tugs by Wendy Greiner Lefko A Glorious Thought Best of LifeLine by Rev. Larry W. Greiner Guard Your Speech Prayer For Aging God's Part and Our Part The Work of the Holy Spirit Wise Advice Oh! For a Closer Walk With God Crown of Rejoicing A Faithful Father's Reward	STILLED WATERS "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters" (Psalm 23:1,2). Our little stream of life is on a rampage. It is rushing by with a crashing crescendo of frightening noises, the spray of it is dashing into our faces. We cannot see, and we are afraid. Sorrow, affliction, heartache and heartbreak are breaking the speed limit in our lives. Bewilderment and confusion swirl about us like mighty whirlpools. It is then that our blessed Shepherd moves into the situation and "stills" the waters about us, and we discover that through His gracious ministry we are being refreshed by the very thing which would otherwise have been our ruin. It is a blessed thing to see how the Lord Jesus so often turns these salty and bitter experiences into some of the sweetest and most refreshing experiences of life. That experience through which we have just passed either remains a black and awful memory of fear, bewilderment, confusion and thirst, or it will be remembered as a spot where, in the midst of all these things, the Lord Jesus Himself became so preciously real that the very waters about us were stilled and we found that we were able to draw actual refreshment for our souls out of the experience. Life will be exceeding rough and tough for us if we are going it alone, but life may become a thing of beauty if the Shepherd goes along. The Lord Jesus delights to take our troubles and turn them into theaters in which He may display His blessing. —By Robert T. Ketcham in "I Shall Not Want"

HUGS 'N TUGS
By Wendy Greiner Lefko
	One day I noticed a sign in front of a church that read "GOD'S WORK IN PROGRESS." I wasn't sure if it was referring to the building or some other project, but I smiled as I realized how aptly it described the Christian life. Then I laughed at another sign, less than a block further down the road, that signaled road construction: "DETOUR AHEAD." I chuckled as I put the two signs together in my mind and thought of how aptly they represented our spiritual walk. We have all heard phrases such as "God isn't finished with me yet," and "He's still working on me," and we can be open to the fact that God's work is in progress in our lives. But it's the second sign "DETOUR AHEAD" that most often rings true in our lives, often causing our otherwise willing hearts to rebel or question God's handiwork. In one breath we say, "Yes, Lord, I give You my life, and I will follow You." But when circumstances take an unexpected turn we argue, "Lord, this can't be right! It's not what I thought You were going to do!" God has every right to navigate the highways of our lives. He holds the map, and we must trust Him even if we are unfamiliar with the detours He allows. Many times I have been challenged when I believed the Lord was leading in a certain direction, only to find myself surprised by a sharp change in the pathway. Often we don’t react willingly to change. That is when we need to re-surrender our selves to God's will and follow Him humbly, knowing that "All things work together for good" (Romans 8:28). Back to Contents

Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness
of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or
takes off the relish of spiritual things; whatever
increases the authority of your body over your mind
—that thing, to you, is sin.

—John Wesley's Mother
Back to Contents

A GLORIOUS THOUGHT
	The word "Cemetery" comes from a word meaning "seed." For Christians the cemetery is not a graveyard but a garden. The body laid to rest is a seed. When Jesus returns, the seeds of believers that were planted will be part of a great resurrection harvest. "So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:42,43). —Submitted by Rev. Dan Woehr on the recent home-going of his precious wife, Anne. Back to Contents

"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the
heel that has crushed it."

—Mark Twain

BEST OF LIFELINE
By Rev. Larry W. Greiner
	After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the pastor walked to the pulpit where he gave a brief introduction of his childhood friend. With that, an elderly man stepped forward and began to speak. "A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific Coast, when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to land. Although the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright, and the two boys were swept into the ocean." The old man hesitated momentarily, making eye contact with two teenagers who, for the first time since the service began, seemed interested in his story. He continued, "Grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life. To which boy would he toss the line? He only had seconds to make the decision. He knew that his son was a Christian, while he also knew that his son's friend was not. As the father cried, 'I love you, son!' he threw the line to his son's friend. By the time he pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the black of night. His body was never recovered." The two teenagers leaned forward waiting for the next words to come out of the old man's mouth. "The father knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us." With that, the old man turned and sat down. Silence filled the room. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "That was a nice story," one of them said, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his son's life in hope that the other boy would become a Christian." "Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible. A big smile broadened his narrow face as he once again looked at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you that that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me. You see. I was the son's friend." God's eternal love for sinful mankind cannot be comprehended, but it's real. The sacrifice of God's only Son on that old rugged cross for us should cause us to stand in awesome humility and gratitude. Have we thanked Him today for loving us so much? Have we recently poured out to Him a heart filled with gratitude for so great and costly a salvation? My friend, have you ever received God's free gift of eternal life by accepting Jesus Christ as your very own Savior? Now is the day of salvation for you! "But God commended [demonstrated] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Back to Contents

"REFUSE TO BE AVERAGE" — A.W.Tozer

GUARD YOUR SPEECH
	"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29). It's no trick at all When you've had a fall To patch up the skin you have broken; But it's something again To heal up the pain, The hurt, of an ugly word spoken. You can't call it back Nor heal up the crack That's made in the heart of a dear one; A double-edged sword Is each ugly word — As harmful to say as to hear one. —Author unknown Back to Contents

PRAYER FOR AGING
	"Lord, Thou knowest better than I know that I am growing older. Keep me from getting too talkative and thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not bossy; Thou knowest, Lord, that what I want is a few friends at the end." — Anonymous Back to Contents

FAITH IS: committing loved ones' problems to God
to solve. . . . Recognizing that God is the Lord of
time, when my idea of timing does not agree with His.

—Pamela Reeve

GOD'S PART AND OUR PART
	Charles Spurgeon was asked how he reconciled divine sovereignty and human responsibility, and he replied, "I never try to reconcile friends." Augustine said that we must pray as though it all depended on God and work as though it all depended on us. That biblical balance makes for blessing. Back to Contents

The obedience that springs from faith is the obedience
of a son, not a slave.

—Thomas Brooks.

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
	"The Holy Spirit longs to reveal to you the deeper things of God. He longs to love through you. He longs to work through you. Through the blessed Holy Spirit you may have: strength for every duty, wisdom for every problem, comfort in every sorrow, joy in His overflowing service." —T.J.Bach Back to Contents

WISE ADVICE
	In 1895 Andrew Murray was in England suffering from a terribly painful back, the result of an injury he had incurred years before. He was staying with some dear friends. One morning while he was eating his breakfast in his room, his hostess told him of a woman downstairs who was in great trouble and wanted to know if he had any advice for her. Andrew Murray handed her a paper he had been writing on and said, "Just give her this advice I'm writing down for myself. It may be that she'll find it helpful." This is what was written: In time of trouble, say, "First, He brought me here. It is by His will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest." Next, "He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child." Then say, "He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow." And last, say, "In His good time He can bring me out again. How, and when, He knows." Therefore say, "I am here (1) by God's appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, (4) for His time." Back to Contents

Oh! For a closer walk with God!
	Oh! For a closer walk with God, A calm and heav'nly frame; A light to shine upon the road That leads me to the Lamb! —William Cowper Back to Contents

CROWN OF REJOICING
By Rev. Blayne Greiner Founder/Director of Youth Unlimited, Monroe, WA Trainer/Speaker with Youth Mission International
	Bob Campbell was one of my closest friends. We did everything together (sports, drinking beer, etc.). At age 17, however, I radically gave my life over to Jesus Christ. Shortly after my huge change with God, Bob punched me in the face in the hallway of our school. He said, "I want to wipe that smirk off your face!" Was I ever angry, upset, hurt and frustrated! All I wanted to do was to show my best friend the wonder of Christ, and this is what I get! Exactly one week later Bob came over to my house. He started yelling at me, asking, "Why did God give me a broken home?" and "Why this and why that?" I was shocked. Suddenly he began to weep. "Show me the way to Jesus," he shouted. "I want what you got, and I want it now." At 17 years of age, I led my first person to Jesus — Bob Campbell. He grew incredibly in his walk with God. He became my dear brother in Christ. We did wonderful things together as godly guys. He got married to a great wife and had four fantastic kids. A while back he was diagnosed with cancer. I flew to Winnipeg on several occasions to spend time with him. On May 16^th, 2000, Robert "Bob" Campbell, age 46, entered the presence of His Lord. What an incredible funeral service! I saw the reality of God! No doubt about it! The Lord is real! God touched so many lives through Bob. What a testimony he had been to all of us! The very last words Bob spoke to me were: "Thank you, Blayne, for introducing me to my Heavenly Father! I love you deeply for that, and I will be the first to welcome you when you come to Heaven!" The day Bob accepted Christ was the same day I received my call to go into full time youth ministry. I was hooked, so to speak, on telling people the Good News! It is absolutely fantastic to be able to continually point people to the reason why they are here on earth: (1) To personally and intimately know God the Father. (2) To experience the incredible love of Jesus. God wants to make a deep impact on the world through each of us. "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? (1 Thessalonians 2:19). Back to Contents

GOD SOMETIMES HAS TO PUT US ON OUR BACKS
IN ORDER TO MAKE US LOOK UP.

A FAITHFUL FATHER'S REWARD
	Each of Bob Campbell's four kids wrote a letter to their father. These were read at the funeral. Here are two of them. Dear Daddy, Hi! I already miss being able to hold your hand, kiss your cheek, and whisper my thoughts into your ear. I miss your arms around me, holding me close. I hope I'll never forget what that feels like. Thank you for being my best friend. You showed your love for me by listening closely to what I had to say. You always made an effort to see things from my perspective. You were my mentor trying your best to answer my questions about God, the Bible, and life in general. When you ran out of answers you'd just tell me, "Well, Cherie, God is just!" So even though I don't understand why you died, I know that God is still just. I won't forget all the things you taught me. You taught me by example, too. You were willing to be a servant for your family and you spent time on your knees seeking God, when you were in pain. You always told me how relationships were your top priority. You put so much into your relationships with Mom, your kids, and your friends. You were always the peacemaker, patiently listening to each side of the story and trying to work things out. You gave of your time, gladly chauffeuring your kids to choir, hockey, gymnastics, music lessons, and friends' houses. You did your best to protect me and provide security. I remember you were always looking for a more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. You called it "The Divine Life." Well, I'm gonna take up your search and I'm gonna find it! And I know that I can find all that you were to me in my Heavenly Father. I love you, Daddy. You are so beautiful to me. Your friend, Cherie (daughter) Dad, Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for teaching me to be a father by your example. Don't worry about Mom 'cause I'm gonna take care of her and I'll always remember your wise advice. I miss you so much and I can't wait to get to heaven 'cause then we'll be brothers and we'll teach Peter and John to play baseball. By the way, do you think you could get a day pass on my wedding day? Anyway, I'll let you get back to your time with God. I love you, Rene (son) Back to Contents

STILLED WATERS

PRAYER FOR AGING