Podcast appearances and mentions of George Matheson

Passage: 1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;  fight against those who fight against me! 2 Take hold of shield and buckler  and rise for my help! 3 Draw the spear and javelin  against my pursuers! Say to my soul,  “I am your salvation!” 4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor  who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed  who devise evil against me! 5 Let them be like chaff before the wind,  with the angel of the LORD driving them away! 6 Let their way be dark and slippery,  with the angel of the LORD pursuing them! 7 For without cause they hid their net for me;  without cause they dug a pit for my life. 8 Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him;  let him fall into it—to his destruction! (Psalm 35:1–8) Song: Psalm 35 (Awake, O Lord) by Shane Heilman Lyrics: Plead my cause LORD with those opposing me Fight against those who who fight against me Pick up Your shield and armor stand up and help me Draw out Your spear stop those pursuing me And say to my soul I am your salvation Let those who hunt me down be put to disgrace And those who plot against me Be turned back in shame May they be like the chaff blown away by the wind The angel of the LORD driving them away May their way be dark slippery empty and vain With Your angel pursuing them all the way For they set traps to catch me Though I've done nothing wrong Let them fall in their traps before they even know Then my soul will joy in Yahweh And I'll exalt in His salvation All my bones will say Who is like You Saving the powerless from those oppressing them Violent witnesses rise up from everywhere With accusations I've never heard before And they repay me evil for doing good to them Like one who's lost a loved one My soul is overwhelmed Though I when they were sick I prayed and fasted for them I put on mourning clothes Prayed with my head to my chest I grieved as if they were my brother or my friend As one who grieves his mother I bowed myself down But at my stumbling they gathered and rejoiced O wretched men that I've never seen before Their torture is relentless Their mockings never cease They tear at me with words They gnash at me with their teeth How long O Lord will you watch this Deliver me from their endless violence Save my precious life from these lions Then I will praise You in the great assembly I will give You praise in front of everyone Don't let those wrongfully my foes rejoice over me Nor those who hate me without cause Wink with malice They speak not peace But lies against the faithful in the land They open wide their mouths against me They say Aha our eyes have seen it You have seen it LORD Don't be silent to me O Lord Do not be far from me Do not be far from me Awake O Lord Awake O Lord and arise for my right and my cause Lord my God O vindicate me according to Your righteousness Don't let my foes rejoice Don't let them say in their hearts We've achieved our desire We've devoured his very soul Let them be disgraced who rejoice at my pain Let them be clothed with shame Who exalt themselves against me Let those who joy In my victory Shout for joy and be glad May they ever say Great is the LORD Who delights in my prosperity Then my tongue shall declare Your righteousness And Your praise all day long Then my tongue shall declare Your righteousness And Your praise all day long Prayer: Divine Spirit, illumine to me the words of the Lord. Show me the wealth of glory that lies beneath the old familiar stories. Teach me the depths of meaning hidden in the songs of Zion. Raise me to the heights of aspiration that is reached by the wings of the prophet. Lift me to the summit of faith that is trod by the feet of the apostle. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Amen. —George Matheson

Passage: 33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” (John 18:33-38) Song: Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman Lyrics: Heavenly Father You always amaze me Let Your kingdom come in my world and in my life Give me the food I need to live through today And forgive me as I forgive the people that wrong me Lead me far from temptation Deliver me from the evil one I look out the window the birds are composing Not a note is out of tune or out of place I walk to the meadow and stare at the flowers Better dressed than any girl on her wedding day So why should I worry why do I freak out God knows what I need You know what I need Your love is Your love is Your love is strong The kingdom of the heavens is now advancing Invade my heart invade this broken town The kingdom of the heavens is buried treasure Would you sell yourself to buy the one you've found Two things You told me that You are strong And You love me yes You love me Our God in heaven Hallowed be Thy name above all names Your kingdom come Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven Give us today our daily bread Forgive us weary sinners Keep us far from our vices And deliver us from these prisons Prayer: “Divine Spirit, illumine to me the words of the Lord. Show me the wealth of glory that lies beneath the old familiar stories. Teach me the depths of meaning hidden in the songs of Zion. Raise me to the heights of aspiration that is reached by the wings of the prophet. Lift me to the summit of faith that is trod by the feet of the apostle. Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. Amen.” — George Matheson

Passage: 9 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,' 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. 12 But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.'” 22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” (Genesis 32:9-12, 22-30 ESV) Song: I Surrender (https://open.spotify.com/track/13p3U002Sv8z722mFjTuWi?si=2de2e578d94b40e6) by David Leonard, Jason Ingram, Leslie Jordan Lyrics: The riches of this world will fade The treasures of our God remain Here I empty myself to owe this world nothing And find ev'rything in You I surrender I surrender I surrender all to You Take my life a sacrifice In You alone I'm satisfied Here I empty myself to owe this world nothing And find ev'rything in You Oh oh ev'rything in You Not my will but Yours be done Not my strength but Yours alone Nothing else but You O Lord I find ev'rything in You Prayer: Spirit of Christ… Make me strong, not with the strength of recklessness, but with that strength which comes from an increased burden of care. Inspire me with your sacrificial love, and I shall be a stranger to selfish fear; I shall have the courage to dare all things when I am made a captain in your band. Amen.  -George Matheson

Passage: 5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” 7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,' and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. 11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, 12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment. (Matthew 8:5-13 ESV) Song: Tremble (https://open.spotify.com/track/35GACeX8Zl55jp29xFbvvo?si=1be5091056934d1d) by Andres Figueroa, Hank Bentley, Mariah McManus, Mia Fieldes Lyrics: Peace, bring it all to peace The storm surrounding me Let it break at Your name Still, call the sea to still The rage in me to still Every wave at Your name Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus Breathe, call these bones to live Call these lungs to sing Once again, I will praise Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble Jesus, Jesus Prayer: Spirit of Christ… Make me strong, not with the strength of recklessness, but with that strength which comes from an increased burden of care. Inspire me with your sacrificial love, and I shall be a stranger to selfish fear; I shall have the courage to dare all things when I am made a captain in your band. Amen.  -George Matheson

**George Matheson Article: https://joshweidmann.com/blind-preacher-saw-quite-well-short-bio-george-matheson/ **Thank you for supporting this ministry, I lovingly refer to as "The Little Green Pasture." Click here: PayPal: http://paypal.me/JoanStahl **Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/joaniestahl **Contact Email: jsfieldnotes@gmail.com **Subscribe to me on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-534183 **Subscribe to me on Bitchute: I have been having trouble with the link so just go straight to https://www.bitchute.com/ and typing "Joanie Stahls Field Notes" in the search bar. Thank you. Yesterday morning during an extended time of devotions I paused to reflect on what I read. However during that time, unexpectedly, I began to think of this channel, and how many subscribers there are now. My reflecting had nothing to do about notches on my belt, but something deeper was happening. I thought, in a very strange way how much I am doing yet reaching so few. It was truly what I felt in that moment. It was more than just a feeling but something I was being shown. It was as if I could see in my spirit what God was getting at. It was the getting away from the crowd, the intimacy of the "eye to eye," the "one by one," the "face to face." I looked back to the very few people in the beginning and the fervor of being a pioneer setting out into my own frontier without any limits. I thought about how much more I do now (very joyfully) and as I reflected, this message came to me from within my spirit: "You can do so little with so much and so much with so very little." As those words were spoken to me the thickness of the Holy Ghost surrounded me, and rested upon me. As the morning drew on I was prompted to study the life of George Matheson "The Blind Preacher." Afterwards I knew why the Lord led me to do so. Hopefully when you listen to this message today you too will understand and be comforted. It is not the grand life and excellent achievments, but instead a total dependency on God in the smallest parts of our lives. Christ becoming our whole dependency. "The things we do today - sowing seeds, or sharing simple truths of Christ - people will someday refer to as the first things that prompted them to think of Him." ~ George Matheson --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joanie-stahl/support

Today, on the Christian History Almanac, we remember George Matheson, the blind Scottish pastor famous for, among other things, a classic hymn. Show Notes: Support 1517 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Available Now: Encouragement for Motherhood Edited by Katie Koplin Pre-order: Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird 30 Minutes in the NT on Youtube Remembering Rod Rosenbladt Available Now: Be Thou My Song by Kerri Tom More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (gillespie.media).

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is the 31st of May, the last day of the month, Friday morning, and the year is 2024, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go straight to the Book of Psalms 39:3:“My heart was hot within me;While I was musing, the fire burned.”“Musing” means contemplating. It means thinking deeply. It means being in a quiet place. You know that lovely old blind preacher, by the name of George Matheson, you hear me often speak about him. They loved him so much that when he died, and they buried him, they put the coffin in the grave, and they say they filled that grave with red roses. He was a wonderful man of God. George Matheson says we must come apart and we must sit quietly and allow the fire of God to fill our hearts, before we go out and speak to others. He says, “Oh my soul, would you have your life glorified, beautified, transfigured, to the eyes of men? Get up into the secret place of God's pavilion where the fires of love are burning. Your life shall shine gloriously to the dwellers on the plain. Your prayers shall be luminous, they shall light your face like the face of Moses, when he knew not that it shone. Your words shall be burning, they will kindle many a heart, journeying on the road to Emmaus. Your path shall be radiant when you have prayed in Elijah's solitude. You shall have Elijah's chariot of fire.”We need to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. Get alongside the Lord, sit by that little fireplace, and look into those beautiful bright coals and flames, and let the Holy Spirit speak to you. Then go into all the world and tell people about your beloved Jesus, and you will get amazing results. Because you see, they won't see you; no, they will see Christ in you. Have a wonderful day,Jesus bless you and goodbye.

Lee 1 Juan 4:7–21 Quizás el mayor anhelo del corazón humano sea ser amado: ser apreciado, cuidado y admirado. Al reflexionar este mes sobre las muchas maneras en que expresamos nuestro amor por Dios, hoy nos centramos en la verdad fundamental de que Él nos amó primero. El amor es un tema central en el libro de 1 Juan. Es una carta pastoral, escrita por el apóstol Juan a las iglesias bajo su liderazgo. Su cariño hacia ellos es evidente ya que muchas veces los llama “amados”. Estos creyentes son amados por Juan. También por Dios. En realidad, el pasaje de hoy comienza con una exhortación a los destinatarios a amarse unos a otros: el segundo mandamiento más importante. Los comentaristas creen que algún conflicto importante estaba desgarrando a la iglesia, y Juan estaba escribiendo para abordar esto. De ahí su repetido llamado a que se amen unos a otros. Pero Juan no espera que ellos produzcan este amor con sus propias fuerzas. En cambio, les dice que su amor se origina en Dios mismo, que es amor. Juan no describe que Dios es “amoroso”. Dios no solo hace cosas amorosas. Él es amor. El amor es la esencia de Su ser, la característica que lo define. Luego, Juan respalda esa verdad con la evidencia más convincente. Dios “mostró” Su amor magnifico cuando envió a Jesús al mundo. La palabra griega para “mostrar” (RVA) significa revelar con claridad y detalle. La prueba clara, detallada y principal del amor de Dios por nosotros es Jesús: el “sacrificio expiatorio por nuestros pecados” (v. 10). Jesús es la muestra de amor más extravagante de Dios. El segundo ejemplo que presenta Juan del amor de Dios es el Espíritu Santo (v. 13). El tercero es nuestra confianza eterna (v. 17) y nuestra capacidad de vivir sin miedo (v. 18). “Amamos porque él nos amó primero” (v. 19). Podemos amarlo y amar a los demás sólo gracias a Él. ¿Cómo sabes que Dios te ama? ¿Cómo te permite Su amor amar a otros? Ora con nosotros “Oh amor que no me dejarás ir, en ti descanso mi alma agobiada. Te devuelvo la vida que debo, para que en las profundidades de tu océano su flujo sea más rico, más profundos”. (George Matheson, 1882)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: Why do people suffer? Living with the end in mindScripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19; Matt 5:11-12; Phil 2:5-11; Luke 9:26; Acts 5:41; Mark 10:17; James 1:2-4; Rom 8:28 NIVHow do we maintain our joy in the midst of suffering?How do we arm ourselves with this attitude of Christ? Why do bad things happen to good people?Bottom Line: We live in light of the end by not being surprised (but rejoicing) at or ashamed of our suffering (but pressing on) but instead by entrusting ourselves to the Lord's good works of doing good works until we go home.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroductionWe said last week that we live with the end in mind by arming ourselves with the attitude of Christ. (Regarding suffering)This week Peter continues with this thought by adding how we do this. If I were in Ephesians 6, I'd say this includes putting on the full armor of Christ. Peter adds this to Paul's teaching: Entrust yourself to your faithful Creator, and Continue to do good until you go home.I told the story at the end of last week about Barnie Reeves. He was a member of this church for years until he went home to be with the Lord. He was in the hospital in those last days with intestinal cancer of some kind. I was visiting him in the hospital one day downtown when he started tearing up. He said that there had been times that week when he felt like Jesus was in the room with him. He said he'd never felt closer to the Lord than in those moments. This was in the midst of the worst suffering he'd ever been through. This retired USAF sergeant, tears rolling down his aged cheeks, was smiling and glowing with the joy of the Lord in the midst of suffering because he was able to make the connection between suffering and glory. That when he suffered for doing good (not evil), and he was vocal with anyone who would listen about his faith in Christ, he experienced the joy of the Lord. He fellowshipped with a Jesus who understood great suffering.It's this empathy towards suffering with purpose that gave him joy.How are you suffering today? Is it for good? Because of evil? Because of the sin of others? Because of your sin?What does God say about this?“This lesson is one that George Matheson, born in Glasgow, Scotland, in March 1842, put before us in elevated language. At birth Matheson's eyesight was poor. By age eighteen he had nearly lost it completely. Robbed of physical sight, he nevertheless recognized spiritual truths with penetrating clarity and insight. Take the role of suffering in the life of a believer, for example. It never caught him by surprise. He never thought suffering for his Christian faith strange. And when, according to God's will, he was asked to enter into it, he was never ashamed. He writes:There is a time coming in which your glory shall consist in the very thing which now constitutes your pain. Nothing could be more sad to Jacob than the ground on which he was lying, a stone for his pillow. It was the hour of his poverty. It was the season of his night. It was the seeming absence of his God. The Lord was in the place and he knew it not. Awakened from his sleep he found that the day of his trial was the dawn of his triumph.Ask the great ones of the past what has been the spot of their prosperity and they will say, "It was the cold ground on which I was lying." Ask Abraham; he will point to the sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Ask Joseph; he will direct you to this dungeon. Ask Moses; he will date his fortune from his danger in the Nile. Ask Ruth; she will bid you build her monument in the field of her toil. Ask David; he will tell you that his songs came in the night. Ask Job; he will remind you that God answered him out of the whirlwind. Ask Peter; he will extol his submersion in the sea. Ask John: he will give the path to Patmos. Ask Paul; he will attribute his inspiration to the light which struck him blind.Ask one more! — the Son of God. Ask Him whence has come His rule over the world; he will answer, "From the cold ground on which I was lying — the Gethsemane ground —I received my scepter there."OUTLINERelying on David Helms' commentary for this outline:III. The connection between suffering and gloryDon't be surprised or think it strange when you, a Christian, suffers for doing good. (12) (This is another way to ask the question: why do bad things happen to good people?)But rejoiceWhy?Because we suffer with ChristSo that we may be overjoyed when glory is revealedWhat is God's glory exactly? It's the sum of his attributes like his Holiness (justice, righteousness)LoveLifeLight--like the sunraysTruthFaithfulnessOmni-benevolence (he's all good)Omnipotence (all powerful)Omniscience (all knowing)Omnipresence (everywhere all the time; even outside of time)Immutable (unchanging and therefore perfect)Glory is meant to be visible Like a gold medal shines and has intrinsic valueIt also represents hours, days, months of work and preparation needed to earn that medalOur job is to reflect his gloryIf insulted, notice you are blessedWhy?Because the spirit of Glory rests on you (Persecution University -Greg Stier)If you suffer, It should be for good, not evilIf as a Christian, don't be ashamedBut praise God that you bear his nameWhy?Because it is time for judgment to begin with God's householdDon't be ashamed (16)Jesus said, if you are ashamed of me Acts 5:41, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”Luke 9:26, “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”Th e Poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox penned these words:“All those who journey, soon or late, Must pass within the garden's gate;Must kneel alone in darkness there,And battle with some fierce despair.God pity those who cannot say,‘Not mine but thine,' who only pray,‘Let this cup pass,' and cannot seeThe purpose in Gethsemane.”Therefore, press on, brother! -Barnie ReevesEmbrace your suffering—if it's for your own good.Notice God is making a connection between our suffering his judgment—most surprising! First time his reference to suffering isn't at the hands of ungodly people.Yet, still about ungodly behavior.So, at times, our suffering comes to us because we deserve it. God disciplines us. (Prunes us?)“The apricot tree at 2828 Hill Heights Park was trimmed back so much I wondered if the branches and leaves would ever grow back, let alone the leaves. We needed up that next year having apricots coming out of our ears; Mom made apricot pie, jam, and we had it as fresh fruit, an there was still an abundance left for the birds.” -SpurgeonWhen we sink, we tarnish his glory. So he disciplines us to multiple reasons (see below)And if you're discouraged, take note of what Peter says about unbelievers.Like Spurgeon, learn to say, “I have learned to kiss the wave that strikes me against the Rock of Ages.”Entrust your souls—v. 19 Most succinctly summarizes this theme of suffering and how we're to live in light of the end:.Regardless of whether we are suffering from sins we've committed or for doing good, we're called to trust the Lord for the care of their souls.While doing goodDon't be surprised when hardship comes; don't think it strangeDon't be ashamedDon't hesitate, instead, to Commit or Entrust yourself to God's eternal plan, and Faithful creator = sovereign; no suffering happens that he doesn't allowFaithful to his people no matter what“The word for commit (19) is used for making a deposit. The Hellenistic world lacked our modern banking system. Someone undertaking a journey might deposit his or her funds with a neighbour while away. Naturally, the neighbour's integrity would be a concern! God's grace appears in his entrusting the gospel to us; how much more readily may we commit our souls to the faithful keeping of our Creator (19)!Continue to do good along the narrow wayThis shows that we're entrusting our lives to him in the midst of suffering and persecution“Press-on” were words of Paul that Barnie would say often in his latter years. Barnie—son of encouragement—knew how to encourage discouraged believers.ConclusionWhen we entrust ourselves to the Lord, we find ourselves resting in him. This frees us up to do good as we head to the end.Bottom Line: We live in light of the end by not being surprised (but rejoicing) at or ashamed of our suffering (but pressing on) but instead by entrusting ourselves to the Lord's good works of doing good works until we go home.PrayQ. What do I want them to know?A. How live rejoice in their trials and suffering.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. Because it will encourage them to press-on towards joy when they suffer instead of fall into despair.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Live with the end in mind by continuing to do good as you commit yourself to your faithful creator.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because this leads to joy and glory and changed livesQ. How can they begin to do this?A. ByCommitting yourself to your faithful Creator.Continue to do good until you go home.NOTESRichard Wurmbrand story.“Two present-day examples ought to encourage us in this direction. The death of Richard Wurmbrand in 2001 didn't attract a huge amount of attention, but back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, he was one of the better-known dissidents in the Communist bloc. And unusually for a dissident at that time, he was no intellectual but an evangelical minister in Romania who was suffering for the gospel. He described the joy he possessed amid persecution. He had been confined in solitary confinement. He had been beaten and bore many scars. Yet he said that in it all there were times when he was overcome with joy. In fact, he writes that he would actually stand up in his weakened state and dance around his cell as if the angels were dancing with him. That is Beatitude-like rejoicing! That is the proper stance that every Christian ought to have in the day of trial. We ought to be known for dancing—as if all the host of Heaven are joining in.Helen Roseveare was a Christian British medical doctor who served more than twenty years in Zaire, Africa. In 1964 a revolution overwhelmed the country. She and her coworkers were thrown into five and a half months of unbelievable brutality and torture. For a moment she thought that God had forsaken her, but then she was overwhelmed with a sense of his presence, and she records that it was as if God was saying to her:Twenty years ago you asked me for the privilege of being a missionary, the privilege of being identified with me. This is it. Don't you want it? This is what it means: These are not your sufferings, they are mine. All I ask of you is the loan of your body.What an encouraging model for us all. Are you feeling forsaken? Peter wants you to see that just behind the curtain, if you could pull back the veil, is the presence of the God of glory and his Spirit resting upon you. So don't be surprised, don't think it strange, and don't be ashamed.” -Helms, p. 151Why do bad things (suffering) happen to good people?First of all, who's really good?Jesus says no one is good. “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.” Mark 10:17Paul says no one is good.As it is written, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” Romans 3:10-12 NIV quoting parts of Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Eccle. 7:20No one is good in God's eyes until he's justified them (declared righteous) empowering them to do good. What good people?If we mean people who do good things and maybe don't murder or cheat on their spouse (low bar), then the answer is likely they are not being perfect as their father in heaven is perfect. Suffering comes becauseWe have to deal with the consequences of our actions and sinsWe live in a broken world so we are impacted by the consequences of original sinWe have to deal with the consequences of other people's sinsIf we mean people who love God and love people, by grace through faith, then Peter answers this question in 1 Peter.We have to deal with the consequences of original sin. Hurricanes hit all peopleWe live in a broken world so we are impacted by the consequences of original sinWe have to deal with the consequences of other people's sinsTo test our faith to see if it's genuineTo give us the opportunity to persevere by grace through faith and become mature and complete not lacking anything (James 1:2-4)To purify our faith (like discipline) so that we're better equipped to be holy and not sinTo cleanse and purify the spiritual believerTo chasten and punish the carnal believerTo convict and punch the non-believer so as to save them from eternal punishmentDISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastOUTLINESNIV Study Bible brief outlineAfter the opening (1:1-2), the letter has three main sections:1: Peter first tells his readers to be holy in all you do. As Gentiles they once lived in ignorance (they did not know the ways of God). But they are now a holy nation, part of God's own people, and are called to a new way of life.2: Peter then explains how this way of life will impress those who might accuse and persecute them without just cause.3: Peter acknowledges that his readers are suffering for their faith, but he explains that this is only to be expected. The Messiah himself suffered, and believers all over the world are facing the same challenge. The followers of Jesus are waiting for the day God will visit them, and even in their suffering they can show they belong to God.The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.P Schreiner Commentary“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P Schreiner 0. Elect exiles (1:1-2)Hope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God's people. (1:13-2:10)Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)In Babylon (5:12-24)Relying on Willmington's Outline Bible1 Peter 4 - Peter writes about sufferingI. The purpose of suffering (4:1-11, 15, 17-18)A. To cleanse and purify the spiritual believerB. To chasten and punish the carnal believerII. The privilege of suffering (4:12-14, 16)A. It is to be expected (4:12): All believers will be allowed to sufferThis is God disciplining his children i.e. refining them by fireIllustration: “Go sit on the bed” - how we'd begin a conversation about something our girls needed to be disciplined over.B. It is to be esteemed (4:13-14, 16): To suffer for Christ means to share his past griefTo suffer for Christ means to share his future gloryIII. The patience in suffering (4:19)A. We are to commit ourselves to God. (4:19b)B. We are to continue to do good. (4:19a)1 Pet 4:17-18 This refers not to final judgment but to God's refining discipline (Heb 12:7). God often allows believers to sin and then experience the consequences.He does this for several reasons: (1) to show us our potential for sinning, (2) to encourage us to turn from sin and more constantly depend on him, (3) to prepare us to face other, even stronger temptations in the future, and (4) to help us stay faithful and keep on trusting him. If believers need earthly discipline (judgment) from God, how much more will unbelievers receive it? If the righteous are barely saved (only because of God's mercy), what chance have those who reject Christ?1 Pet 4:19 Everywhere the Bible counsels that we trust God—in good times and bad, during sunny skies and thunderclouds, when we have a pocket full of change and a pocket full of sawdust. How does trust work? (1) Trust overcomes fear. Genuine trust in God says, "Whatever mess I'm in, my heavenly Father will lead me." (2) Trust overcomes depression. No matter how overwhelming the situation or how low it makes you feel, God can draw you back to the light.(3) Trust overcomes hate. When careless or cruel people hurt you, sometimes irreparably, you can hate forever or you can trust God, but you can't do both. God is there to steady even the worst situation —always with a promise, always with hope. Commit your life to him for safekeeping. Rely on him when you face your worst circumstances. -Chronological life application, study Bible notesMAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner (VW)“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)Willmington's Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)ChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Sunday morning, the 7th of January, 2024, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start with Isaiah 40:31:But those who wait on the LordShall renew their strength;They shall mount up with wings like eagles,They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint.As we prepare ourselves, and some are ready - many of us are even in the race already for 2024, we need to hear what the Word of God says. Now, George Matheson, the blind Scottish preacher, said a profound thing: "To fly with the eagles belongs to the young soul..." It's a romantic time in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is when you are newly saved - You've just come into a beautiful relationship with the Lord and feel like you are flying about 30,000 feet above sea level. It's a different story to walk the road of the world, to keep yourself pure and clean, not to become defiled. When you are walking amongst wealthy people who are operating in the flesh and not in the Spirit of God - that takes a mature Christian. He says to be able to shine like the Lord, to make your stand, sometimes alone, with the principles you believe in, that type of walking is a lot harder than flying up into the high places where the Eagle flies. He says if we can do that, keeping ourselves pure and clean while walking through all the mud and all the rubbish, shining like lights and leading other people. He says, then, we have surpassed the flight of the Eagle.So today, let us remember we need to be where the people are. The people are not all flying like eagles, I can assure you. Many of them are crawling, trying to make it to the finish line. We need to walk with them, pick them up, pray with them, dust them off, and, if need be, carry them across the finish line. Jesus bless you as you have a peaceful Sunday. God bless you, goodbye.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Sunday morning, the 29th of October, 2023, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Gospel of Mark 4:34: “And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.”When we spend time in meditation, when we focus our minds and free our minds from uncontrolled thoughts, when we start carefully thinking about the situation, then the Lord can speak to us in our hearts very clearly. That wonderful Scottish preacher who was blind, George Matheson, wrote the following words:“My soul, practice being alone with Christ. The scripture says that when He was alone with His own disciples, He explained everything. Do not wonder about the truth of this verse for it can be true of your life as well. If you desire to have understanding, then dismiss the crowd, just as Jesus did. Let them go away one at a time until only Jesus is left.Have you ever pictured yourself as the last remaining person on Earth or the only person left in the entire universe? If you were the only person remaining in the universe, your every thought would be, “God and I…! God and I…!” Yet He is already as close to you as that. He is as near as if no hearts but His and yours ever beat throughout the boundlessness of space.O my soul, practice that solitude, dismissing the crowd. Practice the stillness of your heart. Practice the majestic song, “God and I! God and I!” Let no one become between you and your wrestling angel. You will receive conviction, yet pardon when you meet with Jesus alone.”Have a wonderful day as you come aside and meditate for a while with the Prince of Peace.Goodbye.

Psalm 78:9-16 George chose to trust God. Already losing his sight, George Matheson (1842—1906) graduated from the University of Glasgow at age 19. But he had to tell his fiancée that he was going blind. George was heart-broken by her immediate response: She did not want to be the wife of a blind man. Instead […] The post God Is Love first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

„A my vieme, že milujúcim Boha, povolaným podľa rady (Božej), všetky veci slúžia na dobro.“ (Rim 8:28) Ak by Fanny Crosbyovú nikdy nepostihla slepota, asi by sme nikdy nezačuli jej piesne. George Matheson by možno nikdy svetu nepriniesol svoju nesmrteľnú pieseň „Ó, Láska, ktorá ma nepustí“ (O Love That Will Not Let Me Go), pokiaľ by […] The post Všetko slúži na dobré – 2. júl appeared first on evs.sk.

Opening Song: Christ the Lord is With Me (https://open.spotify.com/track/0VJc0VM2TJWp6wi4szBFaw?si=0f8e1e1a400144ee) by Amanda Cook, Jason Ingram, and Steffany Gretzinger Lyrics: I have never walked alone You were with me through it all Broken hearts and broken bones You have always held me close There's no place that I could go Heavens high or hell below I have lived enough to know Anywhere with You is home Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with me Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with me Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with me (Christ the Lord is with me) (X2) Now I live with confidence That nothing in the universe Could ever separate me from Jesus' everlasting love There's no height and there's no depth True in life and true in death You who keep Your covenant Great will be Your faithfulness Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with us Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with us Hallelujah Christ the Lord is with us Passage: 16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. 26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:16–33 ESV) Musical Reflection: Jesus, Remember Me by Jacques Berthier Reflection Notes: “Jesus, Remember Me” is a tune from the French Taizé tradition; these simple songs are meant to be repeated indefinitely with added instrumentation or voice parts. They are meant to be meditative and allow for prayer. Prayer: Restore my soul, O God. There are green pastures around me for which my eye has no lens; there are quiet waters beside me for which my ear has no chord; restore my soul. The path on which I go is already the path of your righteousness; open my eyes, that I may behold its windows. The place I call dreadful is even now the house of the Lord; the heavens shall cease to hide you when you have restored my soul. May I be content to know that your goodness and mercy shall follow me without waiting to see them in advance of me. Amen.  -George Matheson

When you cannot sleep, even those wakeful moments have built-in blessings: they test your faith. So, minister in the house of the Lord by night by worshipping and praising the Lord as you lie awake.

Opening Song: O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go with text by George Matheson, arranged by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Dana Masters (https://open.spotify.com/track/1CtZJm0ejdhsneGnaF1mm9?si=bbc08da2281140db) Lyrics: O Love that will not let me go I rest my weary soul in thee I give thee back the life I owe That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer fuller be O Light that follows all my way I yield my flick'ring torch to thee My heart restores its borrowed ray That in thy sunshine's blaze Its day may brighter fairer be O Joy that seekest me through pain I cannot close my heart to thee I trace the rainbow through the rain And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be O Cross that liftest up my head I dare not ask to fly from thee I lay in dust life's glory dead And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be *Passage: * 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'[b] 22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'” *Musical Reflection: * Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury *Reflection Notes: * This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer's church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Wednesday morning, the 7th of December, 2022, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today.Adversity! If we look at Hebrews 13:3, and I am reading it out of the King James Version: “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, …”"Adversity” means difficult or unpleasant situations. I was having a cup of tea the other day with a very dear young man who has asked me to mentor him and be a spiritual dad to him. He is one of the top trumpeters in the world I believe. He probably wouldn't like me to say that, but that is how I see him. He plays for the London Philharmonic Orchestra and as we were sitting and talking, he said he loved the old hymns and wants to do a project with his orchestra on the old hymns. We are talking about hymns like, “It is well with my soul”, “Oh love that will not let me go,” “Abide with me,” and “Amazing grace.”As we were talking, I said to him, “It is amazing how every one of those hymns that are absolute “Mount Everests" in the kingdom of Christian music, every one of them is under-girded by adversity, difficult times, hard times. He agreed and then he told me his story. He said his dad, who has since gone to be with the Lord as a very strong Christian, sent his wife and his two children over to Switzerland, the plane crashed and his whole family died. He went over to Switzerland to the funeral and a young lady from the Salvation Army was told to go down and comfort the mourners. She didn't want to at first but she did eventually and that is where she met this young man's dad. They became friends and eventually got married and she is his mother today. What a story!What about Horatio Spafford (It is well with my soul) - four of his daughters perished in the icy cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean when their ship sank. Their father caught the next ship and as he went over the same spot on the Atlantic Ocean, he sat down and he wrote that amazing hymn, “It is well with my soul.”George Matheson was going blind. His fiancé said, “I can't live with a blind man”, and she left him, but his sister became his eyes. She helped him in every way she could and then she met a young man and fell in love with him. On her wedding night, he sat in the corner in a chair while everybody was scurrying to and fro, preparing the wedding feast and the dress, etc. and he knew that his eyes, his little sister, would be leaving because she would be going with her husband. He sat down and wrote that hymn, “Oh Love that will not let me go, I hide myself in Thee.” He wrote it in a couple of minutes, did not have to edit it and it has become one of the greatest Christian hymns of all time. Do not be afraid of adversity. Sometimes God uses that situation to bring the best out of us.Goodbye.

Although he lost his eyesight, George Matheson pressed on with his plans for Christian ministry. A poetic and eloquent preacher, his life had its share of heartache as many/most of us do. From his heartache, he recognized the unchanging love of God that is always with us and holding us up, and penned this hymn, O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go. Have you found this to be true in your own life? Have you found that regardless the setbacks of the day or time, or misguided direction you have gone that God's love is there whenever we call out to Him? He demonstrated His love for the world through Jesus' death on the cross. No matter how far down we get nor how far we think we have run, God's love is there when we turn to Him. Article taken from Living Stories of Famous Hymns by Ernest K. Emurian. Copyright © 1955 by Baker Book House Company. Used by permission of Baker Book House Company.

Although you may be enduring a fiery trial today, you can walk through that trial! There is no need to try to solve it in order to get back on the path forward – it is the path forward, to the heart of Jesus. Remember that Jesus is with you in the midst of every trial, walking alongside you.----Joni's 73rd birthday is coming up and you can join her in celebrating God's faithfulness!Celebrate with Joni Looking for more encouragement?  Follow Joni on Facebook and subscribe to her daily devotional. Listen to all of Joni's 4-minute and 1-minute programs at  joniradio.org!Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Get involved at joniandfriends.org or on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

A new message from Pastor Mark.O Love That Will Not Let Me Go: 1882 George Matheson; Public Domain; Performed by Chris Rice; 2006 Clumsy Fly Music (Admin. by WC Music Corp.)

Last week, we discussed the history and importance of hymns in our Christian lives. This week, we are diving into the meaning of two hymns—Come Ye Sinners and Oh the Love That Will Not Let Me Go. Join us as we unpack the meaning of these hymns and how they apply to our Christian lives.

Opening Song: O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go with text by George Matheson, arranged by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Dana Masters (https://open.spotify.com/track/1CtZJm0ejdhsneGnaF1mm9?si=bbc08da2281140db) Lyrics: O Love that will not let me go I rest my weary soul in thee I give thee back the life I owe That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer fuller be O Light that follows all my way I yield my flick'ring torch to thee My heart restores its borrowed ray That in thy sunshine's blaze Its day may brighter fairer be O Joy that seekest me through pain I cannot close my heart to thee I trace the rainbow through the rain And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be O Cross that liftest up my head I dare not ask to fly from thee I lay in dust life's glory dead And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be *Passage: * 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'[b] 22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'” *Musical Reflection: * Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury *Reflection Notes: * This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer's church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Opening Song: O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go with text by George Matheson, arranged by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Dana Masters (https://open.spotify.com/track/1CtZJm0ejdhsneGnaF1mm9?si=bbc08da2281140db) Lyrics: O Love that will not let me go I rest my weary soul in thee I give thee back the life I owe That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer fuller be O Light that follows all my way I yield my flick'ring torch to thee My heart restores its borrowed ray That in thy sunshine's blaze Its day may brighter fairer be O Joy that seekest me through pain I cannot close my heart to thee I trace the rainbow through the rain And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be O Cross that liftest up my head I dare not ask to fly from thee I lay in dust life's glory dead And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be *Passage: * 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'[b] 22 But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'” *Musical Reflection: * Jesus Loves Me by William B. Bradbury *Reflection Notes: * This sweet and familiar song was written in 1861 for the composer's church school and has become a favorite because of the warm reminders associated with its text: “Jesus loves me, this I know.” Prayer: Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

George Matheson was a teenager when doctors told him he was going blind. He graduated from the University of Glasgow...

This week in the way of Jesus, and here in the 6th week after the Epiphany, Pastor Chris invites us to the practice of Praying the Wesley Covenant Prayer... again :) Our Scripture text for this Sunday comes out of 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Let us enter into this practice, together, as we live the way of Jesus. Show Notes: Sermon from 2/13: https://youtu.be/ohB3AhW0ph8 For more information about the 8th Street church, visit www.8thstreetchurch.org Contact: life@8thstreetchurch.org Podcast Website: anchor.fm/thisweekinthewayofjesus "Living the Way of Jesus" by Michaele LaVigne: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Way-Jesus-Practicing-Christian/dp/0834138360 Music: "Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go" by George Matheson, Arr. by Robbie Seay Band CCLI Streaming License: #20130645 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thisweekinthewayofjesus/message

June 6. George Matheson. Matheson became blind when he was twenty, but within five years, he had earned a bachelor of divinity degree. His sisters learned Latin, Greek, and Hebrew so they would be able to help him study, and he went on to pastor and to write. On this date in 1881, Matheson wrote […] The post George Matheson, Scotland, Pastor first appeared on 365 Christian Men.

Manitoba Pork hosted its 56th annual General Meeting this week. George Matheson, the retiring Chair of Manitoba Pork, gives us all the details

George Matheson started losing his sight as a teenager, but the lesson in love he gained gave him a perspective that was far greater!

We continue our reflection series based on and inspired by Worship in the Waiting by Sara and Sam Hargreaves. The article mentioned from Prospect can be found at https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/themeaningofdiana. The poem Death is Nothing at All was by Henry Scott-Holland. It was part of a larger sermon, and the poem probably does not express Scott-Holland's actual views. Todays picture is by Annie Spratt on Unsplash and is inspired by the lines O joy that seekest me through pain I dare not close my heart to thee I trace the rainbow through the rain And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be From O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go by George Matheson

Rev Willie Wright talks about his love for the Ayrshire coast, and his appreciation of the hymn writing skills of George Matheson.

As the final part of the Dealing with your Past series, Jeremey looks at the occasion where the families and possessions of David and his men are carried off by raiders and how David reached to this. Additionally he looks at the life of George Matheson, the Scottish minister.

Revived Thoughts Is Back! In 1885 a blind and Scottish preacher was asked to speak before Queen Victoria during the height of the Victorian era. His preaching had become famous and despite his difficulty seeing, he made up for it through memorization of the Word. His fame would actually come from the hymns that he’d end up writing, the most famous of which, “Oh love that will never let me go,” is still being sung today. His sermon, the Patience Of Job, was so beloved by Queen Victoria that she insisted it be published. A personal copy was made for herself and stored in her private library for her to read whenever she pleased. Reporters from around the world talked about this great sermon and the blind preacher who delivered it. But over time, the sermon was lost. Until only one known copy existed. As Revived Thoughts returns for season 2, we present this amazing sermon to you again.Special thanks to Jonathan Thiede for reading this episode of Revived Thoughts. He is an associate pastor in West Pennsylvania and also the host of the Book It podcast. Book It reviews Christian literature for people to read. They recently hosted Troy as a guest on the show as we talked about Zach Eswine’s book, “Charles Spurgeon’s Sorrows.”   If you'd like to narrate a sermon, send us an email at revivedthoughts@gmail.comAnd if you enjoy the show, sharing with friends and a 5 star rating on Apple helps a lot! If you'd like to financially support the show, go to our new Patreon! It helps us continue making the show best we can for you. Follow us for more content throughout the break!  Facebook InstagramTwitterYoutube Revived Thoughts

“O Love that will not let me go,I rest my weary soul in thee;I give thee back the life I owe,That in thine ocean depths its flowMay richer, fuller be.”—George Matheson, O Love that Will Not Let Me Go 1 John 4:7-21

George Matheson, Chair of Manitoba Pork, talks about optimism for 2019

George Matheson, the blind Scottish hymnist, and pastor behind the timeless hymn, "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go." Matheson channeled his suffering and created a song that's helped others endure their own trials and tribulations.

A good night! Weather was chilly for April, but Barnadillas and Homerun Derby ('Dillas and Dingers!) helped it feel like Spring, though an electrical problem in the Barn had us in the dark with only one light working.

George Matheson came to understand that Jesus' love never fails.  Friends, family, and fiancées leave us, but God's love will never let us go.  Hear the story in this episode!

Often, the idea of “surrender” has a negative connotation of defeat: surrender to an enemy, surrender to “the inevitable” life circumstance. However, when we surrender to God we actually find freedom, love, and even power. The hymn writer George Matheson put it this way: Make me a captive, Lord, And then I shall be free. Force me to render up my sword, And I shall conqueror be. I sink in life’s alarms When by myself I stand; Imprison me within Thine arms, And strong shall be my hand.

Often, the idea of “surrender” has a negative connotation of defeat: surrender to an enemy, surrender to “the inevitable” life circumstance. However, when we surrender to God we actually find freedom, love, and even power. The hymn writer George Matheson put it this way: Make me a captive, Lord, And then I shall be free. Force me to render up my sword, And I shall conqueror be. I sink in life’s alarms When by myself I stand; Imprison me within Thine arms, And strong shall be my hand.

Manitoba Pork chair George Matheson talks about his thoughts on the potential for the U.S. to repeal mandatory Country of Origin Labeling laws.

George Matheson, chair of Manitoba Pork, talks about the CFIA's recently announced changes in truck-washing regulations at the U.S. border.