VICTORY HILL

Shout “Victory!” on the highest hill.
Yell out “Joy!” where the valleys fill.
Jesus is no longer dead!
 
Cry “Savior!” to the meadow’s end.
Speak “Dear Friend!” where the willows bend.
Jesus fulfilled what was said!
 
Holler “Freedom!” to the birch trees far.
Sound out “Hope!” to the furthest star.
Jesus was raised from the dead!
 
Sing “Mercy!” to the babbling brook.
Whistle “Life!” to the woodland nook.
Jesus has done all He said!
 
And then, let us kneel where the grass is deep,
and give to the Lord our souls to keep.
Jesus is no longer dead!

 

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:8-11

 

VICTORY HILL

On Palm Sunday, we celebrated our Lord Jesus Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey amidst palm branches waving during Passover over 2000 years ago. On Good Friday, we remembered when He shed His blood on the cross for us. Nails didn’t hold our Savior to the cross. Love did.

And now, Easter! Only the LIVING GOD could raise His Son from the dead. Only GOD can promise to do the same for believers.

Jesus is alive!
Jesus lives today!
Jesus will return!

Only the Living God could form man from dirt and breathe life into him.
Only the Living God, who created DNA, can reconnect DNA.
Only the Living God can reassemble ashes to resurrect a person.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:9-10

Pray for your local church to be strong in preaching that salvation is the best thing. Pray for self-control. Pray that loved ones would hold firm to knowing everything Jesus said was and is true. Death has no hold for those who trust in Him.

Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now unto you. (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Acts 22:1-3

Paul, a Jew and a Roman citizen, was chosen by God to bear God’s name before the Gentiles and kings and children of Israel. After persecuting Christians, Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus and was asked why he was persecuting them. After three days of blindness, he prayed and God restored his eyesight. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized. In his life, he would preach to many and speak to crowds, as he began in the above passage. Self-control was needed in spreading the Gospel and facing persecution. When we know the following, which was written by Paul to the Corinthians, we can face trials with the self-control God gives us.

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Death, the final enemy, is conquered! Jesus is alive today and will return! Because He lives, we can shout “Victory!” on the highest hill and spread the news around the woodland realm or wherever we are.

The ground is drying out as Spring faithfully returns with singing birds and budding trees. What a reward to see the woods come alive after winter! Jesus will faithfully return as He said He would. What a day that will be!

Pray for integrity to face problems trusting God. Stay faithful and diligent with a prayer list as we know praying is doing business with God. Go to a woodland nook and thank the Lord for the opportunities He gives. Pull up a rock and meet the Living God with petitions and joys.

And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

Romans 9:26

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart.

2 Corinthians 3:3

Climb Victory Hill and enjoy the view made possible by marvelous love and powerful self-control.

THE POND BY THE WOOD

I hiked to the pond early Friday morn
through rain and mist and woods forlorn,
for the winter had torn limbs here and there,
and a heaviness clung to the morning air.
 
I stood on the bank by the meadow bleak
with my head hung low, down and weak,
for what have I done to deserve great love
from such a Savior and King above?
 
Circles spun on the water’s face
when raindrops fell softly to their place,
and clouds swirled free in the pool’s dark depths
when winds encircled off Heaven’s steps.
 
Then there on the water, the sun came shining!
His words of love to me reminding;
pledging gladness through oaks as the sky turned blue
and encouraging wonder in all things new!
 
What grace shines upon the pond by the wood!
What joy restored and understood!
For I know Jesus loves me with all His heart,
and from me, it never, nor ever, will part.
 
 
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,
to give unto them beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
that they might be called trees of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3

THE POND BY THE WOOD

As the woods slowly wake up, we’re happy to think of approaching spring days and renewal. What a great season! But before that great season, the woods reveal fallen branches and debris from winter’s harshness. It’s a time to remember the road to the cross which Jesus Christ, God’s anointed, took. When trekking to the pond, contemplate the hardship Jesus endured for us. When at the pond, pray by the water’s edge. And then, see if you can see the face of grace shining on you.

Did you know there are great places to pray outdoors? A fallen tree can serve nicely as a church pew. A quiet field overgrown with thorn apple trees and shrubs might be the overflow room. A pond by the wood could be the sanctuary and a rock on the bank an altar at which one could talk with God. You know, He wants us to commune with Him.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee,

and show thee great and mighty things,

which thou knowest not.

Jeremiah 33:3

The Old Testament records many times when people called upon the LORD. King Solomon had asked God for wisdom. Not only was this request granted by God but God gave him even more for the things he had not asked for.

God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire
and you have not asked for wealth, riches or honor,
nor for the death of your enemies,
and since you have not asked for a long life
but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people
over whom I have made you king,
therefore wisdom and knowledge will be
given to you. And I will also give you
wealth, riches and honor, such as no king who has before
you ever had and none after you will have."
2 Chronicles 1:11-12

God richly blessed King Solomon for the things he had asked for and for the things he had not asked for. His life started out great. But did King Solomon have great self-control? Scripture tells us he wandered from obeying God’s commands. King Solomon didn’t lack wisdom but when he acquired seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines, direct violations of God’s Word, we can see a problem with self-control. These women who worshipped pagan gods influenced the king to disobey God.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7

King Solomon, son of David, wrote many of the Proverbs in the Bible. The Book of Proverbs is filled with practical counsel on how to follow God, which King Solomon had learned at a great cost. His poor choices in life resulted in God telling him his kingdom would be taken away from him.

King Solomon wrote Song of Solomon, which paints a beautiful picture of what a God-honoring marriage should be, and Ecclesiastes, also written by the king, which declares that nothing is meaningful under the sun except keeping God’s commands. Did a lack of self-control finally bring King Solomon to the realization that it is better to please God than satisfy worldly desires?

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

May we learn from King Solomon that self-control matters to God. I think King Solomon would want us to make the best choices that glorify God.

Delight yourself in the LORD

and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

It is a joy to read the rich promises in the Word of God. I trust you have decided in your own heart to believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

Made in God's image, God must have ears and is listening. He can hear our prayer. He can also read our hearts because He is the Heart-Reader. Keep praying. Be persistent.

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6 

God wants to be in relationship with you and me. Practice prayer. Make prayer a habit. Only a habit can change a habit and you don’t need any other habit. Adding something to our faith and prayer is saying you don’t really believe the payment Christ made on the cross for you was enough. Trust God with your prayer and see what He does.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.

Romans 10:13

Salvation comes to those who call on Jesus Christ. God sent His Son to die for our sins. Whoever believes will be saved and have eternal life. 

Go to the woods and pray. Or to the pond by the woods. God is waiting for you to ask Him for help with self-control.

 

THE WATERFALL

Down in the gorge of mist and cold

pours out a gushing, strong and bold,

that makes the hemlocks surge up tall—

the power of the waterfall.

The water dances as it sings

and off the trees, its echo rings

to fill the woodland concert hall—

the music of the waterfall.

The flow that washes like a sea

removes the mud and creek debris

and smoothes the jagged, rocky wall—

the cleansing of the waterfall.

The Lord of Heaven gives the might

with mercies pouring day and night

to send my wrongs cascading all—

the beauty of God’s waterfall.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

THE WATERFALL

The little snow we had this past winter has melted, and combined with spring rains, the waterfall is ripping, here in Veery Glade. We had another mild winter but March is that unpredictable month. There could still be a snowstorm!

The Bible tells us that…

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and

the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8

I remember a man I used to work with. He told me he was perfect in his own way and that as he goes through life, imperfect layers are being peeled off. I said to myself, ‘Is that not a ridiculous bunch of gibberish!’ If we think we’re perfect in our own way, is there any need to be saved?

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12

It seems to me that from this verse in Proverbs, one can fool himself, or herself. We read in other Bible verses that people deceive themselves. But we know that Jesus Christ is the authority by which all things are measured. Our Creator’s Word stands forever.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

Meaning no one is perfect in their own way. Ever since the disobedience in the Garden of Eden, we are born with a sinful nature which God cannot look at. Sin is falling short of our holy and just God. 

The Bible defines sins. Here are a few:

looking lustfully at someone (Matthew 5:28)

taking God's name in vain (Exodus 20:7)

not honoring the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8)

murder, adultery, stealing (Exodus 20:13-15)

homosexuality (Romans 1:20-32)

sexually immoral (1 Corinthians 6:9)

not honoring your mother or father (Exodus 20:12)

malice, deceit, envy, slander (1 Peter 2) 

vengeance (Romans 12:19)

foul talk (Ephesians 4:29)

love of money (1 Timothy 6:10)

drunkenness (Galatians 5:21)

disbelief (Hebrews 3:19)

worrying (Matthew 6:25-34)

idolatry, witchcraft, jealousy, discord, fits of rage, selfish ambition, factions (Galatians 5:20)

hatred (Proverbs 10:12)

faithlessness, pride, cheating (Proverbs 11)

being rude (1 Corinthians 13:5)

lying (Proverbs 26:28)

Continuing with highlighting people in the Bible who displayed self-control, Moses comes to mind. We remember how he faced Pharaoh repeatedly to let the Israelites be freed from bondage, how they escaped being chased by soldiers when God opened the Red Sea, and then how Moses led the people into the desert, all as God had commanded. When Moses went up Mount Sinai and met with God and then return with the ten commandments and laws for the people, these actions took great self-control.

We can’t rely on our own merit because none of us measure up to Almighty God. The saying 'the seven deadly sins' isn’t true because all sin is deadly, not just seven. If we do not call upon the name of the LORD, we will die in our sin. Period. That’s why salvation is so important.

For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.

Galatians 3:13

God Himself provides the remedy. Jesus Christ, His Son, died for our sins on the cross. Sins can be washed away and not held against us if we confess the Lord Jesus as our Savior. Synonyms for the word “confess” are: acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede, disclose, divulge, own and reveal. When we acknowledge our Creator and admit need, we confess in prayer.

Satan doesn’t want anyone to think they need saving. He wants everyone to think they are perfect in their own way because he wants everyone dead. And that’s because he knows in the end, he will be destroyed. Satan hates God and His creation. Sin equals death and none of the devil’s words will stand. He doesn’t even hold the key to Hell. Jesus has the key!

The Living God will take His vengeance in the coming wrath and anyone not covered by the blood of the Lamb will perish, as His trustworthy Word states. I hope you have ears to hear.

A hike to the waterfall sharpens our hearing. The water gushing over the rocky edge reminds us that righteousness is being made right with God. We remember that whoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life. Forgiveness is free, like the free-flowing waterfall. The Bible declares salvation is found in no other name than that of Jesus Christ. Make salvation top priority!

Pray that churches will grow in faith, wisdom, and numbers.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.

Colossians 1:21-23

Be refreshed by the waterfall of forgiveness, able to live in the way God wants you to live with discipline, soberness, and self-control.

FROM A PURE STAND

Jesus, the Christ, suffered,

like what falls from a pure stand;

with majesty stripped and beauty no more, 

bearing sin and hurts and a whipping strand—

the punishment humbly He bore.

Jesus, God’s Son, perished,

like what dies low on the ground;

left to waste and decay, where graves take back,

cast away, disowned, but not making a sound—

obedience, none did He lack.

Jesus, our Lord, descended,

like what goes under the floor;

where there is no esteem in the length of day,

smitten and stricken, where shadows grow more—

the price He did willingly pay.

He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Like one from whom men hide their faces 

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Isaiah 53:3                                                      

FROM A PURE STAND

Like Advent for Christmas, we are in the Lent season for Easter. We prepare for the coming Good Friday, remembering how Jesus willingly went to the cruel cross for us and bore our sin on it. He could have called a thousand angels to His side but He didn’t. He humbled Himself, washed the disciple’s feet, and obeyed His Father’s commands. He continued to Calvary knowing not everyone would believe in Him.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

I had prayed for an opportunity to lead my father-in-law to the Lord and God gave me two opportunities! My rough and tough father-in-law humbled himself to repentance. He said he was sorry for things he had done and wanted to get his soul right. At 89 years old, he asked Jesus into his heart, a few weeks before his death.

Therefore thus saith the LORD GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 28:16

Keep praying for those on your heart. My father-in-law made a business of pouring concrete walls in his day. By his profession of faith in Jesus, who is the precious cornerstone, I have the hope and peace of seeing him again in Heaven. Some people think everyone goes to Heaven. But people go to Hell every day. Some people come up with their own sense of what makes them feel comfortable. But those who take care of business and accept Christ gain eternal life and those who do not, do not. They will need to make haste when the judgement day comes.

A wooded area that is not mixed with any other type of tree is said to be a ‘pure stand’. There are pure stands of oak trees, pine, beech and maple trees. In these splendid groves, one can be reminded of our Creator who sent His Son, Jesus, our Savior. With self-control, He took off His cloak and washed the disciple’s feet. He humbled Himself, and in a sense, left His pure stand to die for us. Creation itself speaks of the holiness and determination of our Creator.

The Living God raised His Son Jesus Christ from the dead three days after He died. This is only possible from the Sovereign, Almighty, Omnipotent, Living God! 

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

Psalm 99:1-3

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God.

Ephesians 2:6-8

‘How can you be sure?’ I was asked this by my father-in-law before I prayed with him and before he took care of the business of his soul. Spread hope. Don’t let the ways of the world distract you. Don’t be a chameleon doing whatever everyone else is doing. Live hope. Are you the tenant who did nothing with the one coin given to you when you were told to multiply? Breathe hope. It comes from God’s Word, belief in Christ, and communion with the Holy Spirit, and prayer.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:2-8

Have hope and display temperance, also known as self-control.

 

JOY IN THE HOLLOW

Joy, that blissful state to keep,

is met in a winter hollow,

where tracks lead in, both wide and deep,

by the edge of the firs on landscape steep,

and where I, with wonder, follow.

Over head, the sun is perfect light

on the snowy altered tree,

and the downy bridesmaid’s hearty flight

is joined by grouse in peaceful sight,

where the woods are hushed for me.

You, Maker of my spirit’s smile

by the marriage you impart,

declare a goodness for my while.

With a skip, I’ll go another mile,

having joy within my heart.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David 

a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 

And this shall be a sign unto you: 

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 

lying in a manger.

Luke 2:11-12

JOY IN THE HOLLOW

Down curvy back roads, we pass stands of evergreens, ponds, lowlands, and hollows. Roads like Dog Hollow Road and Frog Hollow Path paint country scenes of the great outdoors. 

And an highway shall be there, and a way,

and it shall be called The way of holiness;

the unclean shall not pass over it;

but it shall be for those:

the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast

shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there;

but the redeemed shall walk there:

And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,

and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy

upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35: 8-10

Only the Spirit of the Living God can satisfy the empty space in the hollow of the heart. God’s Spirit communes with the human spirit of the believer, assisting and instructing. Once wayfaring and foolish, no continuation of such persons will walk the highways in Heaven. The redeemed sing songs expressing joy from their hearts due to being made white as snow.

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” 

The song rings true! He, whose love is shed aboard in our hearts, also works on our heart to produce temperance, or self-control, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. We have no power of our own that will endure. But God sustains the faithful.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,

faith, meekness, temperance:

against such there is no law.

Galatians 5: 22-23

Self-control (temperance) is the last fruit of the Holy Spirit. To me, the nine fruits are like the three-persons-in-one Trinity—different, wonderful aspects of our loving Creator. Since nothing can be against them, they are always correct. That also means the opposites of these traits are always wrong.

Daniel in the lion’s den can teach us about self-control. I'm sure there's no surprise there! The other administrators didn't like how good Daniel was. His keen mind, wisdom, and exceptional qualities gained the king's eye, and the king wanted to make Daniel ruler over all.

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

Daniel 6:3

The scheming administrators devised a plan and Daniel ended up in the lion's den. But God sent an angel. No harm came to Daniel. The overjoyed king had the scheming men, their wives and their children thrown in and they were crushed by the lions before they reached the ground. (Read Daniel chapter 6. Amazing!)

Through it all, Daniel held firm in his faith in God and was richly rewarded. He didn't waver. Temperance paid off.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

Acts 24: 24-25

I don't know if Felix ever found a convenient season but I hope you have. 

The Holy Spirit lives within the heart of the believer. What does the Holy Spirit, or Counselor, do? He teaches us, reminds us, guides us, convicts us, tells the future, brings glory to Jesus and testifies about Jesus (John 14:15-John 16:16). And He gives us self-control.

Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

depising the shame,

and is set down at the right hand

of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

Likewise, I say unto you,

there is joy in the presence of the angels of God

over one sinner that repenteth.

Luke 15:10

When depression weighs heavy on the heart, remember the uplifting passage of Isaiah 35 about the joy of the redeemed. When we see corruption and grow sad by our own wanderings, remember there’s a better place to live. Heaven’s joy has been bought and paid for by Jesus Christ, the Living Word, the Son of God.

Live a life trusting God and His Word. God loves you! 

Trust there is much to gain from having self-control.

SNOW ON THE EVERGREEN

Jesus, Jehovah, Immanuel.

Abundant joy rich to tell.

There is a love that fills my heart,

like snow in the deepest part.

El, Creator, Merciful, Love.

Blessed assurance from above.

There is a peace from Heaven’s crown,

like snow gently falling down.

Savior, Messiah, Adonai.

Blood outpoured to sanctify.

There is a grace from only Him,

like snow coating every limb.

Unspeakable Gift, Redeemer, King.

Sing the song the ransomed sing!

There is a life made wholly right,

like snow turning woodlands white.

Spirit, Counselor, Author, Friend.

Kingdom wonders never end.

There is a seal forever clean,

like snow on the evergreen.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power

to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man, but of God.

John 1:12-13

SNOW ON THE EVERGREEN

In the woods here in Veery Glade, snow comes straight down, piles up, and coats an evergreen planted years ago.

God gives a power to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, His Son, the Savior of the world. Through belief, we become His child. An identity transformation occurs by a force from Heaven when God recognizes faith in hearts. Since the power is given by God, the new identity is not a power humans have. Becoming a child of God is only obtained by faith in Jesus Christ.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4

The god of this world, Satan, blinds the mind of the unbeliever. When someone is spiritually blind, he doesn’t see the plan of salvation and can be easily led into any kind of thinking.

PRAY for belief. Hold to the pattern of daily prayer and plead matters heavy on the heart. God, the Miracle Worker, is more than able to do what we ask.

The plan of salvation hasn’t changed. God provides the remedy only in His Son, Jesus Christ, who put on the mantle of self-control even to death on the cross. There is no other way to salvation. Philosophies, man-made religions, and self-help strategies cannot save a soul.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:18

God told Abraham to leave his country and father’s house in Ur of the Chaldees and to go into Canaan, a land God would give to him.

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 12:1-3

Can we imagine leaving our country and father’s house? But with temperance (or self-control), Abram (who became Abraham) obeyed. Notice the strong words spoken of our Creator: blessing for blessing of Abram but curse for curse of Abram. God made distinctions in the book of Genesis. He alone saves. Other “gods” do nothing. Distinctions continue throughout the Word of God. Only Jesus, His anointed, the Savior of the world, can make sin as white as snow!

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: 

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; 

though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18

 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Jesus said,

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:15

May we be obedient to our Heavenly Father as Abraham was. Judgment is coming and sins not covered—not made white as snow—will be found out. God can’t look at sin. There isn't any sin in Heaven.

Jesus also said,

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

John 8:24

Be encouraged to believe. Stay the course. 

And blessings will come from self-control.

THE ICY GNARLY ELM

The icy, gnarly elm alone
in the dell, just beyond the spruces,
has taken on to moan and groan
and wonder of her uses;
to worry in the winter scene
where none but harshness grows—
and the cold wind blows.
 
Yet even so, the elm stands firm,
though the weighted ice is building.
And there lies at core a diseasing worm,
as the branches soon are breaking.
Forbidding is the winter scene
in which all things are made weak—
where the plight looks bleak.
 
But there is remembrance of who one is,
as the sun shines on and sparkles.
Even through the strain and brittleness,
there is reason yet for marvels.
Hostile may the winter scene become
and the stressful toll long—
but her trust is strong.

 

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

 

THE ICY GNARLY ELM

Winter has arrived, here in Veery Glade. Ice and snow covers the branches of maple, beech, and old gnarly elm trees. Only evergreens provide a dash of green color against the white backdrop of land and sky. We are locked in the grips of winter.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Proverbs 25:28

Temperance, or self-control, was displayed by our Savior born to us—Jesus Christ. He stayed the course to the cruel cross, suffering its shame, to win the souls of those who would believe in Him. Remembering Christ’s attitude helps us to have an attitude of self-control, of ruling our own spirit. We are grateful for our Lord’s endurance, our Lord’s passion, our Lord’s love for us.

 

WHEREFORE seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

For consider him that endureth such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 12:1-3

 

Wicked people, lions, tigers and bears, and even bad weather can fill the streets by getting in through the crumpled walls of a broken down city. Likewise, a broken down spirit is vulnerable to someone lesser than God. What maintenance is required for the healthy upkeep of a believer? How can one rule his spirit?

 

The Holy Spirit Himself is able to help us! We can be temperate when we turn to God in prayer. God is able to give us the courage to face a difficulty with faith intact. God is able to clear and transform our mind and strengthen and guide our heart and spirit. The Holy Spirit is the maintenance required! Prayer is an effective way to help a person rule his spirit!

 

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

 

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Esther 4:16-17

 

Queen Esther displayed temperance. She maintained her composure when approaching the king, having clearness of mind and firmness of purpose amidst the possibility of certain death. Her faith in God gave her courage to proceed. She was able to control her emotions through a life-threatening time. She prayed. She fasted. She submitted her will, her spirit, to God’s rule in her heart, honoring His will over her own life.

 

An elm tree holds up in the winter landscape. So we endure trials. We trust through prayer and remember the ninth fruit of the Holy Spirit­—self-control, or temperance. Even if others mock us, we keep praying. We know it is written that maintained confidence in the Lord will be richly rewarded. God is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him—who pray believing.

 

May this year be the year of great faith, prayer, and self-control.