Letters of Hope

Greetings!

The very first incident in the Bible relating to the Lord’s leading is the fascinating story of Abraham’s esteemed servant whom he sent to his former homeland where his family still lived, to secure a bride for his son, Isaac.  Upon his arrival at his destination, the servant was overjoyed to find that the very first person he met was God’s choice for Isaac’s wife.  His first reaction was to “bow down his head and worship the Lord.”  His own jubilant testimony was, “…I, being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren…And I bowed down my head and worshipped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my master, Abraham, Who had led me in the right way…”  (Gen. 24)

All through the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, God led His chosen nation, Israel.   “In the daytime He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.”   “And He led them on safely so that they feared not.”    “And He led them forth by the right way…”  In His mercy, He led forth the people whom He had redeemed;  He guided them in His strength unto His holy habitation.   (Ps. 78:14, 53;  107;7;  Ex. 15:13) 

He often assured them:  “I am the Lord your God Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way that you should go…For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace;  the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”  (Isa. 48:17; 55:13)

The Psalmist longed for the ongoing leading of the Lord in his life:

“Hear my cry, O God;  attend unto my prayer.  From the end of the earth will I cry unto You, when my heart is overwhelmed:  lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.  For You have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower…”  “Lead me in Your truth, and teach me;  for You are the God of my salvation, on You do I wait all the day.”  “For You are my rock and my fortress;  therefore for Your name’s sake, lead and guide me.”  (Ps. 61:2,3; 25:5; 31:3)

David, in his youth, was a shepherd and he knew all about leading sheep.  So he used the wonderful allegory in the 23rd Psalm:  “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul;  He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.”  (Ps. 23:2,3)

Isaiah picked up the same theme:  “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd;  He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”  (Isa. 40:11)

Then, when Jesus came, He expanded on it even more, assuring us that HE IS the Good Shepherd.  “To Him the porter opens, and the sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out.  And when He puts forth His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him for they know His voice.”  (John 10:3,4)

Our Good Shepherd  – also the Lamb of God – “laid down His life” for us, and now calls us to follow Him.   He goes before us and knows the way.   He always leads “in the right way” and “in the way that we should go.” 

“In shady green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
            God leads His dear children along.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright;
Sometimes in the valley in darkest of night
            God leads His dear children along.

Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose,
Thru grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes;
            God leads His dear children along.

Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song
In the night season and all the day long.”

Then there is the blessèd assurance that the Apostle Paul gives in his letter to the Christians at Rome: 

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”  (Rom. 8:14)

To “hear His voice,” to “follow His call,” and to be “led by His Spirit” is the most glorious, fulfilling, and practical way to live, always abounding in Love, Joy and Peace, Faith and Hope.

In Agape, Eulene

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 Dear Ones,

“It is glory just to walk with Him!” is a song I often find myself singing.   In recent days we have become increasingly more aware – and impressed – by the practicality and special exhilaration that comes from a step-by-step walk with the Lord.  In the morning, we commit to Him the day (which, incidentally, He has made for our rejoicing!  (Ps.118:24).  In so doing, we trust Him to “establish our thoughts” or, as one translation puts it, “set our thoughts in order.”  (Prov. 16:3)

Over and over again, we have been able to review the day with rejoicing, recalling the steps that had been ordered by our Great Shepherd and Guide.  The elation and blessing comes from the assurance that we have literally been walking in step with the One to Whom we had committed the day’s activities.

This idea may seem strange to some, but the instruction to believers is very practical in this regard:

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.”  (Col. 3:17) 

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not to men.”  (Col. 3:23) 

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  (1 Cor. 10:31)

Throughout the ages, many have walked with God:-  Old Testament Patriarchs, such as Adam, and Enoch, and Noah, of whom it was said that they “walked with God;”  early Church Believers “called Christians first at Antioch;”  and followers of Christ throughout the centuries of Anno Domini.  But what about us – in this modern, space-age, information-saturated, fast-paced world of high technology?  Can we “walk with God?” 

A favorite song of so many people is “In The Garden.”  It is requested at most every Sing-along.  But, again, I have to ask, “What do the words mean?  What is it really saying?  Can one experience the reality?  Or is it just a sentimental religious song?”

I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear the Son of God discloses.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.

And He walks with me!  And He talks with me.
And He tells me I am His own!
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known! 

(C. Austin Miles, 1868-1946)

The Son of God, the Lord Jesus walks with me?   He talks with me?   Incredibly, it’s not a “far out” concept.  It is a practical, daily step-by-step walk for many who are attuned to that “still small voice” and who are desirous of “walking with Him.” 

What a precious privilege it is to walk with the Lord, step by step.  He says, “Come, follow Me.”  If He is indeed our Great Shepherd, and we are His sheep, we will know His voice.  “My sheep hear my voice,” Jesus said, “and I know them, and they follow Me.”   To follow Jesus is to walk along with Him, step-by-step, wherever He leads us, for whatever purpose He appoints.   Always the outcome is for His highest glory and our greatest good.

Much of the content of this letter I wrote back in December, 2004.  Year by year, experience by experience, this truth becomes a greater practical reality, applicable in our every day living, and to every situation in which we find ourselves.

We recently received the distressing news that our precious, beautiful niece, the mother of five miracle children, has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  When in prayer for her, I believe the Lord gave me His Word in Verse to encourage and bless her – and all of us who walk with Him, step-by-step.

ORDERED STEPS

My steps are ordered by the Lord;               Psalm 37:23
We walk together day by day;                        Rev. 3:4
His promise is to keep my feet                       Psalm 116:8
From falling in the narrow way.                    Jude 1:24

He knows the way that I should go;               Isaiah 48:17
He takes my hand and leads me there;        Psalm 73:23
He sees my ways and counts my steps;        Job 31:4
He daily carries all my care.                           1 Peter 5:7

‘Neath me He has enlarged my steps           Psalm 18:36
So that my steps shall never slide;               Psalm 37:31
He is the Way;  I walk in Him,                        John 14:6
And in His Love I then abide.                         John 15:10

Through desert sands He makes a way,        Isaiah 43:19
A way that I have never known;                    Isaiah 42:16
His ways are perfect, every one,                    2 Sam. 22:31
To me His perfect Love has shown.              1 John 2:5; 4:12

© Eulene Hope Moores, Oct. 2007

In Agape, Eulene

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 Dear Ones,

“He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd;  He shall gather His lambs with His arm, and  carry them in His bosom…”  (Isa. 40:11)

You are all familiar with the 23rd Psalm, particularly the first verse:  “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.”  Have you ever tried doing this?
THE Lord is my Shepherd -
The LORD is my Shepherd -
The Lord IS my Shepherd -
The Lord is MY Shepherd -
The Lord is my SHEPHERD.

Each statement gives a different perspective on this profound wonder:

THE Lord is my Shepherd.  There is none other!  He is not A Lord.  He is not ANOTHER Lord.  He is THE Lord!  The One Who likens Himself to one who cares for sheep.  “I am the Good Shepherd,” Jesus said, and He assures us of His loving care and provision.  (John 10:11)

The LORD is my Shepherd.  No other one – or thing – can fill the God-shaped space in every life.  He Who is the Alpha and Omega (the A and the Z);  the Beginning and the End.  The LORD of all lords!  Our Savior Jesus Christ alone can shepherd us safely through this human existence.   Even before the foundation of the world His plan was made and His purpose set.

The Lord IS my Shepherd:  Not only was;  not only will be;  but IS!  The eternal “I AM” Who sent Moses to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage, sent His only begotten Son to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin and corruption.  He Who was called “The Lamb of God” was sacrificed for our sin.  Now He IS become  “that Great Shepherd of the Sheep.”  (Heb. 13:20)

The Lord is MY Shepherd:   Being that Great Shepherd, He knows His own and His own know Him.  He is MY Shepherd, and He is YOUR Shepherd.   As a beautiful new contemporary song says, When He was on the cross, YOU were on His mind!  When we are made aware that God gives His attention to each one of His ‘sheep’ personally, then we understand the sweetness of these words:  “MY Shepherd.”  (John 10:14)

The Lord is my SHEPHERD:  A good shepherd, Jesus said, lays down his life for the sheep.  And that’s exactly what He, the Good Shepherd, did for us, His ‘sheep.’  He laid down His life.  But – He also took it up again!  And He gives to His sheep not only Life, but ABUNDANT LIFE!   He “ever lives to make intercession for us,” and His shepherding will lead us safely through this life, and triumphantly into the next.

When His flock is hungry,
He leads them to lush green pastures. 

When they are thirsty,
He leads them beside clear still waters;

When His lambs are weak,
He “carries them in His bosom;”

When they stumble and fall,
He restores their souls;

When they are tempted to stray,
He leads them in the paths of righteousness;

When they face the deep, dark valleys,
He walks with them and comforts them.

“And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear,
they shall receive a crown of glory
that does not fade away!”              (1 Peter 5:4)

The King of Love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness fails, no never!
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in Love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home rejoicing brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With You, dear Lord, beside me;
Your rod and staff my comfort still; 
Your cross before to guide me.

And so through all the length of days
Your goodness fails, no never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise
Within Your House forever.          

(Henry W. Baker, 1832-1903)

In Agape, Eulene

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Dear Friends,

What a joy it is to have a thankful singing heart!  For better or for worse, I have gained the reputation of being a “hummer!”  David always knows where I am because he hears me humming!   Even the clerk at the grocery store check-out commented on it!   I do it without thinking.  I can only suppose it is because I have a song in my heart due to the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit.  With it comes Joy and Thanksgiving.

You Who have given so much to me,
Give one thing more – a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleases me,
As if Your blessings had spare days,
But such a heart, whose pulse may be
            Your Praise!                               
(George Herbert)

We are happy that our governments continue to recognize one day a year set aside for “Thanksgiving.”  For thousands of years people in many lands have held harvest festivals.  One of the first Thanksgiving observances in America was entirely religious and did not involve feasting.  On Dec. 4, 1619, thirty-nine English settlers arrived at Berkeley Plantation, on the James River near what is now Charles City, Va.  The group’s charter required that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a day of THANKSGIVING TO GOD.  The first New England Thanksgiving was celebrated less than a year after the Plymouth colonists had settled in the new land… A THANKSGIVING DAY FOR PRAYER as well as celebration was decreed by Governor Bradford for July 30, 1623.  

President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed nationally the last Thursday in November, 1863, as “a day of THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE TO OUR BENEFICENT FATHER.”  That has devolved into what has now become for many a purely secular holiday with little thought for the origin of our countless blessings, even changing the date set by President Lincoln “to accommodate business by lengthening the shopping period before Christmas!”   In Canada it is celebrated in much the same way as in the States.

But for us, every day is a day of thanksgiving.  Much is said in God’s Word about thanksgiving:

- from what must have been the original thanksgiving oblations instituted for Israel in the law

- to the “days of David and Asaph of old, (when) there was a chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God”

- to the early Church “rooted and built up in Him, and established in faith…and abounding in thanksgiving” 

- to the admonition for all of God’s people to “come before His Presence with thanksgiving…and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms,”  “and let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with singing” 

- to all the angels, elders and living creatures on their faces before the throne singing, “Amen:  Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”      (Lev. 7:12,13; Neh.12:46; Col. 2:7; Ps. 95:2, 107:22; Rev. 22:11,12)

New Testament believers are instructed to not only “give thanks in everything (for this is the will of God concerning you)” but, beyond that, to “give thanks – unto God – always – for – all things.”  So it may be that, at times, our thanksgiving will need to be a sacrifice, but we are assured that whoever offers the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving glorifies God, and he who orders his way aright will see the Salvation of God.  That is a most worthwhile promise.              

                     (1 Thess. 5:18;  Eph. 5:20;  Ps. 50:23)

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto the name of the Most High.”  Therefore, this glorious Thanksgiving weekend, let us again “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise;  give thanks unto Him, and bless His Name.”  “Oh, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good;  for His mercy endures forever.”                            (Ps. 92:1;  100:4;  136)

So, I think I will continue to hum – or whatever – that I may “make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all His wondrous works.”  “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.”  (Ps. 26:7;  69:30)

If you are not singing (or humming!) your Thanks and Joy, Father is missing it.  Earth’s Oratorio is not complete to Him without your note of thanksgiving.

In Agape,  Eulene

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Dear Ones,

More about Butterflies:  Could that insignificant little worm, confined to the limitations of its chrysalis, begin to fathom the changes that were taking place?  Could it comprehend what it was in the process of becoming?  Could it have any understanding of its destiny?  Could it begin to compare its former existence with what the future would hold?  Could it have imagined flight from its earthy existence?

Much could be said about our present “subjection to vanity” and the future “deliverance from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”  About the “sufferings of this present time” and the “glory that shall be revealed in us.”  We may not be able to comprehend it all, but we have a HOPE “which we have as an anchor of the soul, a HOPE both sure and steadfast…”  (Heb. 6:19)   (It should be remembered that the Biblical definition of hope is not just a vague wish, but rather a certain expectation.)

There is a descriptive phrase in Zechariah’s prophecy that catches the attention of all who feel the confinement of the human experience.  “Return to the place of safety and security, all you PRISONERS OF HOPE, even now do I declare that I will restore twice as much to you.”  (Zech. 9:12)  Our friend, Ray Prinzing, has expressed it so beautifully in verse:

Sometimes I feel a prisoner,
A strange and wondrous state;
It seems as if I often stand
Before an awesome gate;
I cannot pass beyond its line
To claim fulfillment’s prize,
But wait until He opes the way
Before my wond’ring eyes.

‘Tis not a prison hemmed by walls,
With bars of iron made,
But one of higher sphere which was
In former ages laid;
For I’m a “PRISONER OF HOPE” -
A hope that cannot dim,
And though the vision tarries long,
It is secure in Him.

An expectation sure and true
By Spirit verified,
That they who long for refuge might
Within its promise hide,
Until the day He has foresworn
To set the pris’ner free,
And turn the HOPE which we possess
To pure reality.                               

Such transformation takes place gradually, almost imperceptibly.  The little everyday occurrences, ‘chance’ meetings,  meditations in the Word, unexpected events, even those things that irritate us, or cause us pain, all “work together” to develop the fruit of the Spirit and “conform us to His image.”  As we learn to “give thanks always for all things” the change is being wrought.

In Agape, Eulene

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