1118AFC050611
Blessings to you, Beloved, on this Aloha Friday. Today there is something I want you to see and hear. I have been hearing it for over a week. I cannot get it out of my head, and I know it is necessary to share it with you – it is the center of this week’s message. In fact, it is the message!
When I was in Junior High, this was my second-favorite hymn. The first-favorite was “Ivory Palaces” by Harry Barraclough. It dates back to around 1915. It was my dad’s favorite hymn, too. But this one I want you to see and hear is older, and the lyrics really hit home with me these past few days. Here is what it looks like:
And here is what it sounds like: God Of Our Fathers. Please take about 2 minutes to listen to it. I think you’ll love the trumpet part. I always did. It’s simply GRAND.
The message is this: This is also called “A National Hymn” or “The National Hymn. Look at and listen to the word carefully. That is how we should be living as a nation. That is what we need to help focus our hearts and minds on what is True and Right. Here is a Scripture to speaks to that: Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” And in a similar vein there is this passage in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 – “1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
This is an example of something you could pray daily, even several times a day, for our leaders and all leaders everywhere – even those who oppose us.
“Gracious God, we pray for leaders throughout the world and all of those in authority that they might govern with morality, compassion, wisdom, and justice so that we can all live together in peace.” Isn’t that what you want from your leaders – your boss, your pastor, your government, and even leaders who oppose what we believe, who undermine and attack what we hold dear as Americans? Read verse three of this hymn out loud. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
That’s what I’m talkin’ about!
Beloved, we have seen many fearsome days in the past few weeks, incredible disasters on nearly every continent. Remarkable events have come with overwhelming frequency, and still more are possible. America! Bless God!
So I ask now, how to we come to have “knowledge of the Truth?” I’ll close with this passage from the Gospel of John 3, verses 31-36, John is describing Jesus:
The one who comes from above is above all.
The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,
but the wrath of God remains upon him.
Please notice this phrase: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” It does not say will have; it says HAS. That is because in Christ we are invested into the Life of God! Eternal Life begins the moment we believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and commit to accepting him as our personal savior. That is certainly true for each of us individually. I believe it is also true nationally. “In this day and age” I believe we are challenged to once again live out our lives as the lyrics of this beautiful hymn indicate. That is our challenge in light of current events. You know about “Garbage In – Garbage Out.” Do what Paul urged you to do. Give up the garbage. Come to the Feast of Heaven and Earth!
Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved!
This week set aside ample time to pray for all leaders and pray for Peace like you really believe it, and then live in Peace for you will truly possess it. Please stop in at aloha-friday.org and check out the prayer requests and praise reports. Thank you.
Just learned that my brother, John, was admitted to the hospital for his 41st abdominal surgery. The illness and the pain are unrelenting. we are asking for prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery that leads to a full recovery and fredom from the pain and illness.
1118AFC050611
Blessings to you, Beloved, on this Aloha Friday. Today there is something I want you to see and hear. I have been hearing it for over a week. I cannot get it out of my head, and I know it is necessary to share it with you – it is the center of this week’s message. In fact, it is the message!
When I was in Junior High, this was my second-favorite hymn. The first-favorite was “Ivory Palaces” by Harry Barraclough. It dates back to around 1915. It was my dad’s favorite hymn, too. But this one I want you to see and hear is older, and the lyrics really hit home with me these past few days. Here is what it looks like:
And here is what it sounds like: God Of Our Fathers. Please take about 2 minutes to listen to it. I think you’ll love the trumpet part. I always did. It’s simply GRAND.
The message is this: This is also called “A National Hymn” or “The National Hymn. Look at and listen to the word carefully. That is how we should be living as a nation. That is what we need to help focus our hearts and minds on what is True and Right. Here is a Scripture to speaks to that: Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” And in a similar vein there is this passage in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 – “1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
This is an example of something you could pray daily, even several times a day, for our leaders and all leaders everywhere – even those who oppose us.
“Gracious God, we pray for leaders throughout the world and all of those in authority that they might govern with morality, compassion, wisdom, and justice so that we can all live together in peace.” Isn’t that what you want from your leaders – your boss, your pastor, your government, and even leaders who oppose what we believe, who undermine and attack what we hold dear as Americans? Read verse three of this hymn out loud. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
That’s what I’m talkin’ about!
Beloved, we have seen many fearsome days in the past few weeks, incredible disasters on nearly every continent. Remarkable events have come with overwhelming frequency, and still more are possible. America! Bless God!
So I ask now, how to we come to have “knowledge of the Truth?” I’ll close with this passage from the Gospel of John 3, verses 31-36, John is describing Jesus:
The one who comes from above is above all.
The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things.
But the one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard,
but no one accepts his testimony.
Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.
For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God.
He does not ration his gift of the Spirit.
The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life,
but the wrath of God remains upon him.
Please notice this phrase: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” It does not say will have; it says HAS. That is because in Christ we are invested into the Life of God! Eternal Life begins the moment we believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God and commit to accepting him as our personal savior. That is certainly true for each of us individually. I believe it is also true nationally. “In this day and age” I believe we are challenged to once again live out our lives as the lyrics of this beautiful hymn indicate. That is our challenge in light of current events. You know about “Garbage In – Garbage Out.” Do what Paul urged you to do. Give up the garbage. Come to the Feast of Heaven and Earth!
Whatever, whenever, wherever, whoever, however, if ever, forever — at your service, Beloved!
This week set aside ample time to pray for all leaders and pray for Peace like you really believe it, and then live in Peace for you will truly possess it. Please stop in at aloha-friday.org and check out the prayer requests and praise reports. Thank you.
Just learned that my brother, John, was admitted to the hospital for his 41st abdominal surgery. The illness and the pain are unrelenting. we are asking for prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery that leads to a full recovery and fredom from the pain and illness.
About Chick Todd
American Roman Catholic reared as a "Baptiterian" in Denver Colorado. Now living on Kauaʻi. USAF Vet. Married for over 50 years. Scripture study has been my passion ever since my first "Bible talk" at age 6 in VBS.
