October 31, 1517

I'm glad there was a monk named Martin Luther who owned a mallet and some nails with which he nailed his 95 theses to the big wooden door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany on All Saints Eve in 1517. You should be, too.

A Primer, of Sorts...

"5 Surefire Ways to Ruin Your Devotions."

It Is Not Death to Die

One of my favorite new CD's, "Come Weary Saints" is from the wonderful folks at Sovereign Grace Music. It just doesn't get any better than the music they put out. Much of it is suitable for congregational singing, and all of it is very good for your soul.

"Come Weary Saints" is filled with songs specifically aimed at God's people who've grown weary in the race; that can be any one of us on any given day. You can order it and others here.

But the reason I mention it today is because of this post. Terry Stauffer is a pastor in Canada whose young daughter Emily was recently murdered as she was walking near their home. The next few entries following the first announcement are well worth reading.

"It Is Not Death to Die," a song from the "Come Weary Saints" cd, was played by the Stauffers at Emily's memorial service. Terry says this in his October 16th post: "I had a history professor in seminary that said, 'Young people today are not learning songs in church that they can sing at funerals.' That is often true. I'm glad that's not true at our church."

It will be good to read Terry Stauffer's thoughts and taste how strong and life-giving the gospel of Jesus Christ is. For those who love Him, it is not death to die.

(Find a soundclip of "It Is Not Death to Die" here.)

52 and Thankful

Today is an anniversary of sorts, marking 52 years of life on this earth. There is a book to write now, as anyone who has arrived at the half century mark of living can tell you! A lot has happened; a lot more will. Looking back and gazing forward, I'm so thankful to be able to say on this day that...

1. God is sovereign. His purposes and His plans will stand; "for the earth will be filled with the
knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

2. He is good. I need have no fear of those plans and purposes, for He is the judge of all the earth
who will do what is right.

3. He will complete the good work that He has begun in all His people. Grace began it,
grace will finish it, and grace will lead us home.

4. He changes selfish, greedy people into thankful ones.

I'm grateful for mercy and grace, for discipline and forbearance. And for so many other things that include people, and churches, and families, and friends and blessings.

For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies;
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child;
Friends on Earth and friends above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thy church that evermore,
Lifteth holy hands above;
Off'ring up on every shore,
Her pure sacrifice of love;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.

For Thyself, best Gift Divine,
To the world so freely given,
For that great, great love of Thine,
Peace on earth and joy in heaven.
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.