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Jesus Loves Me This I Know

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." Psalm 127:1-3 (NIV)

This past week we attended a memorial service for a 49 year-old friend – Greg Papst.  This former Marine Officer and servant of the Lord fought the good fight but lost his six-month battle with cancer.  Also, many people receiving this devotional would know two other friends that passed away during the last few days. Sandy Bower, a friend who moved here from California, died suddenly of a heart attack. Our beloved Pastor Sherman Williams II of Castro Valley, California also passed on from complications from a stroke.   

When death visits your personal address book it causes one to think about those things that have eternal significance.  Faith, family, and character take precedence over fame, power, and fortune.  Further, this is a time that allows people to evaluate the lives of those who are no longer with us.

I’m reminded of the last scene in the movie, “Saving Private Ryan”.  You will recall that Captain Miller had been seriously wounded and was dying by the edge of the bridge when the young Private Ryan came to his side.  Captain Ryan looked into the eyes of the private and said, “Make it count!”  The valiant leader was really telling the soldier that it was important that he effectively utilize the gifts and talents God had given him.

During the past four years, we’ve been challenging groups of leaders with the same message.  OCM has had the privilege of developing three men’s bible studies that deal with issues about building a life around spiritual significance.  We found that people appreciate examining their lives in light of God’s plan and purpose for mankind.  Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” John 18:36 (NIV)  In the book of James we find another warning that causes us to reflect upon the things of God.  "Unfaithful people! Don’t you know that to be the world’s friend means to be God’s enemy? People who want to be the world’s friends make themselves God’s enemies." James 4:4 (GNT)

It is true that a person can be successful from a worldly standpoint and yet have great impact from a God’s perspective.  Books like Finishing Well, Finishing Strong, Man in the Mirror, and Half Time identify countless people who have been both successful and significant. 

Both Pastor Sherman Williams and Greg Papst were men of God who lived lives of purpose and significance.  Their encouraging spirits and acts of service helped many through difficult times.  The lives of these men were great testimonies of God’s love and grace.

Members of our ministry had the privilege of speaking with these men prior to their passing.  We can testify that both of them knew of God’s love and peace.  God was their comforter, and is ours as well.  This little story reminds us of the peace that God provides to those He loves.

 While watching a little TV on Sunday afternoon, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years.  He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.

After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium.  Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....

"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... the only thing that would comfort was this verse.........

Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
we are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so.

Here is a new version just for us who have gray or white hair or no hair at all.  For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others check out this newest version of "Jesus Loves Me". 

 
JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME.. YES, JESUS LOVES ME..
YES, JESUS LOVES ME FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
"Have no fear, for I am near."
(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love
(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
(CHORUS)

Have a blessed week.  Jim