What a friend we have in Jesus

As we probably know most hymns in our hymnals were poems.'What a friend we have in Jesus' is no exception.
It was written in 1855 by Joseph M. Scriven to his mother living in Ireland while he was staying in Canada.
Anyway I'm not writing to inform you of the history behind this hymn but rather the message that it passes.
Every time I hear this hymn I find myself thinking of all the needless pain I bear yet I could take all the pain to the Lord in prayer. Just as it is written that we should cast our burdens unto the Lord,Matthew 11:28 and He'll give us rest.
Let's meditate on these words and let them ring true in our lives.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

We truly have a friend in Jesus,

Ciao

Hush Hush

My title is pretty appropriate since I've been hush hush in the blogosphere. Well am back with a bang and hopefully it will show in my frequent posts.


Well back to the real reason for the title...

Are you a hush hush Christian?

I was just thinking the other day, do I act differently when I'm around guys who are not Christians, and by acting differently I mean: Do I act neutral in that my words or deeds do not truly reflect who I am?

Am I afraid that I might be labelled a holy joe or better yet a Jesus Freak?

I have found that at times I tend to be silent on some issues with the fear that I may sound old fashioned and too spiritual. In most of these cases I find that I end up conforming to the worldly standards.

Well, I just want to encourage all of us out there who might be struggling with this issue in that we don't have to be hush hush, we don't have to condone things we do not necessarily agree with... there's nothing wrong with standing out for all the right reasons.

So today choose to stand and let it be known that you and not ashamed to be called a Christian.

To echo Barlow Girl's song.. "How can we be silent when a fire burns inside us?"

Let them remember that we were here!!

Ciao.

Are you a signpost?

Went for a play over the weekend and I was really challenged by something I heard.

Anyway back to the title?

Are you one? A signpost I mean.

Always showing people the way but never really getting to follow the way?

Well it got me thinking as a believer am I busy showing people the right way to live but not following my own directions?

Am I just standing there stagnant while people pass me by?

Today, I choose to be different I shall not be a sign post but rather a compass not only will I show the way but I’ll be following the path.

ATM

No, I am not talking of the Automated Teller Machine but Abstinence Till Marriage.

Just in case you may be wondering whether in this day and age people still save themselves for marriage, I am here to confirm to you that it still happens and it is very much possible.

I know I know, it's not easy to remain pure, but for sure it's possible.

One of the great consolations is in knowing that you aren't denying yourself something, rather you are saving for yourself a very special gift.

I seem to be talking in parables you may say, but just ask around from people who saved themselves for marriage and for sure they will tell you that it was the best decision ever.

One important thing to note here, is that it's not by our will power that we choose to remain since the flesh is desperately wicked and you all have to agree with me that the flesh craves for physical intimacy.

So you may ask, what then makes people to be chaste till marriage,well it's Jesus Christ.

He is the one who gives the strength to stay pure.

I believe at times one may have fallen, not necessarily having gone the whole nine yards but succumbed to these fleshly desires none the less, I just want to offer this encouragement not all is lost. 

God is a God of Second chances, even Third, Fifth and so on, so just call unto Him and  He'll be your guide.

ciao