A Deep-set Longing for Fellowship with God

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?...By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life…Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”-Psalm 42:1-2, 8, 11 (ESV)

Psalm 42 is one of eleven psalms attributed to the sons of Korah as the authors. The eleven so signed are 42, 44-49, 84-85, 87-88. These “sons of Korah” were Levites, leaders in music and worship before the Ark of the Covenant in the wilderness and also after the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. It is believed the “son of Korah” who wrote Psalm 42 (and possibly 43) was separated from his fellow worshipers for some reason, and is crying out in this psalm, telling how he longs to be back with those who enjoy worshiping God together. His enemies taunt him, but he continues to long for the fellowship of a brotherhood of worshipers “as a deer pants for the flowing streams” and as a thirsty man longs for water. Scholars believe that Psalm 42 and 43 were once a continuous Psalm, as the same refrain is repeated in Psalm 42:5 and 11, and in Psalm 43:5. Moreover, in Psalm 43, the writer (whether the same ‘son of Korah’ as of Psalm 42) holds out positive hope that he will soon be restored to his position of lyre-player and leader of worship with his believing brethren. He states positively in Psalm 43:3-4: “Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” Then he concludes in Psalm 43:5, as the writer (the same one?) does in Psalm 42:8 and 11: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

We learn some valuable spiritual lessons from Psalm 42 and 43. In spite of suffering and hardships, even taunts from the enemy concerning the believer’s dependence on God and questioning who God is, the Psalmist remains steadfast in his belief in God. Discouragement, for many reasons, comes to all of us at times. Life is sometimes unkind and we must learn to “bear with the punches.” Just as a person cannot live very long without water to allay thirst, so the believer cannot go long without refreshment of belief that God is present, even in the dark times, and will be the guide and stay of his/her life. To come back from the hard, dark places, the Psalmist first recognizees his condition and moves from being away from God to experiencing restoration with Him (Ps. 42:1). He reaffirms that, whether day or night, God has not moved. The One who loves the believer is ever keeping watch. The believer just needs to realize there is no need ‘to be cast down.” Hope in God is shaft of light that leads out of the pits of doubt and darkness, of turmoil and suffering to the living God. The triumphant cry is “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:5, 11 and Psalm 43:5).

The Holy Spirit woos a person in the first place to put his trust in the Lord God. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8 -9, ESV). Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit, who walks beside us, teaches us, keeps us in God’s mercy and goodness: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.” -John 14:15-18 (ESV). Praise be to God! - Ethelene Dyer Jones 08.27.2017

Joys Come as a Result of Honoring Forebears

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”: -Exodus 20:12 (ESV)

The fifth of God’s ten commandments given to Moses for the Israelite people, and for us, who also study, love and seek to follow God’s commandments, teaches us that we should honor parents. Honor means to treat with respect due to their position and role. It means, while we are young, obeying them. And when we grow into adults, to continue to honor and respect them and to love and care for them. This commandment is the only one of the ten with a specific promise: “that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” This means not “just a long life,” (although that is inherent in the promise), but it can mean, too, a life that is filled with God’s presence and favor.

I am a member of Old Unicoi Trail Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Twenty years ago, on August 17, 1997, I became a charter and a founding member of that newly-organizing chapter (formed on that day) to serve the areas of Towns, Union and Fannin County in the mountains of North Georgia. I transferred my membership from the Tomocheechee Chapter, NSDAR, Clarkesville, where I had become a new member of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in 1992. I had traced my ancestry back to John Ingraham of South Carolina, one of three of my ancestors (the other known ancestors serving in the Revolution were John Henry Stonecypher, Jr., Stephen Souther, and Bluford Elisha Dyer, Sr.). Daughters of American Revolution chapters throughout America seek to honor ancestors, and are patriotic and service organizations, not only honoring those who have preceded us but serving the needs of people in a compassionate and caring way in the present. The twentieth anniversary celebration of Old Unicoi Trail Chapter, NSDAR, recalled highlights of two decades of service to our area and highlighted some accomplishments the chapter and its members had made, always with the aim of service to others..

At the celebration meeting of the Old Unicoi Trail’s twentieth anniversary, two were presented awards: the “American Women in History” recognition by National Society, Daughters of American Revolution. Mrs. Shirley Carver Miller, wife of former Governor of Georgia and U. S. Senator, Mr. Zell Miller, was honored at the meeting for her outstanding work with adult education throughout Georgia, and the adult-learning centers that assist interested adults to earn their high school diplomas through the GED (Georgia Educational Development program). And I, Ethelene Dyer Jones, also received the “American Women in History” award for my work in preserving history through my historical preservation work and writing (five books based on local and area history and newspaper columns over a long period of 27 years, with a large percentage being on area history topics).

As I received the distinguished award, I felt unworthy of the honor, but at the same time glad and thankful that I had honored the memory of my ancestors who had fought for America’s freedom, and others since that Revolutionary War period who had stood firmly as patriots and builders of a free nation where we can exercise our freedoms to work and develop an even stronger nation. As I received the award, I was grateful to my own parents for how they had reared me, and my thanks reached back to John Ingraham and other ancestors who had been willing to fight for the freedoms we still enjoy today. “Honor your father and your mother,” a commandment with a promise, indeed.

Prayer: Thank you, God. Your word is true and righteous altogether, being fulfilled to succeeding generations of those who love and follow Your precepts. Amen. -  Ethelene Dyer Jones 08.20.2017

The Christian Rejoices While Learning and Instructing Others

“Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy all you upright in heart!” – Psalm 32:10-11 (ESV).

Psalm 32 is attributed to David and seems to be the sequel to Psalm 51 in which David confessed the sins that separated him from fellowship with God. We know the story. While Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, was away in battle, David lusted after Bathsheba. She became pregnant. David, not wanting the scandal in the kingdom, sent for Uriah to come home. But being the upright and faithful soldier, Uriah did not go into his wife Bathsheba. When he returned to battle, David arranged that he should be in the thick of battle and Uriah was killed. The child of David and Bathsheba did not live. David went through a period of depression and separation from God until Nathan the prophet declared David’s sin to him and David confessed, and sought again the fellowship he had lost with the Lord God. David’s heartfelt cry to God is in Psalm 51:14: “Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God—God of my salvation—and my tongue will sing of your righteousness” (HSB-Holman Study Bible).

Psalm 32 is a “maskil”—the Hebrew word which means to instruct, to impart wisdom or knowledge. In Psalm 32 are two strong lessons: Verses 1-5 teach the believer to stay faithful to the Lord. Verses 6-11 tell the believer to assist others to be faithful to the Lord. Therefore, our job as Christians in instructing and imparting wisdom is twofold: Examine first one’s own life and be sure it is in alignment with God’s will. And, second, take responsibility for those Christian in your life and do what you can to help them study and understand God’s way for them.

For the past several months I have been making friends with, as yet, an unbeliever. This fine adult lady has many good characteristics. She has recently experienced a tragedy in her life, and her lack of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has made her burden heavy, indeed, to bear. Gently I have shared the love of Christ with her, but have not rushed her into making a decision to be a Christian. I am burdened by the fact that she is moving from our town to a far away state without first confessing Christ as Lord. But a good foundation in instructing her has been laid. She has experienced much kindness from members of our congregation as she has eaten Wednesday night fellowship meals with us before going to Dr. Terry Quick’s “Divorce Care” classes. Prior to moving, she asked both Dr. Quick and me for references of a Baptist Church she might attend in the western city where she is moving. I have a cousin who is a deaconess in a town less than a 30-minute drive north of the city where my new friend is moving. I notified my cousin that I am sending her a lonely, lost woman to befriend. Knowing my cousin, and her kind, tender-hearted nature, I am sure, as soon as the newcomer to her area has an established address, she will receive a visit and an invitation to my cousin’s church. God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform. I pray that all reading this will pray for my new friend and that soon she will make the important faith decision to become a Christian.

Prayer: Father, help us to look well to our own relationship with the Lord, to rejoice and be glad. And help us to accept responsibility to lead others to a right relationship with God. May Your steadfast love, Father, be our guiding light and our constant reminder that we belong to the God of glory! - Ethelene Dyer Jones 08.13.2017

Rejoice in the Lord

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him…Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together.” -Psalm 98:1, 8 (ESV).

We are eager to go to the Lord in prayer with our requests when troubles, illnesses, distress and calamity arise. And well we should, for our God is a problem-solving God. We spend time before Him asking that He intervene and make right the situations that trouble us, the challenges with which we need help. But when positive answers come—or even if the challenges are not removed but we gain strength to bear them—do we pray with as much fervor and intensity as when we are making petitions for God to change situations?

The Psalmist expressed such exuberance in his rejoicing: “Sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done marvelous things!...Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together” Rejoice! Tied up in the word “rejoice” is a depth of meaning. “Re” means again; and the root, “joice” (from “joie”) means to take great delight in. It is said of the composer Johann Sebastian Bach that before he considered composing a new piece of music, he would pray that his composition would honor and glorify the Lord God.

In our praying, we should learn to rejoice mightily. Even if our prayers are not answered in the way we think they should be, there is always cause for rejoicing. In life and opportunity and a new day, there are reasons to rejoice. What will be my new song today, your new song today? Will we be able to see “the rivers clap their hands, the hills sing for joy together?” Rejoice! God has given us so many blessings to enjoy. Even amidst troubles we face, His presence and comfort are reasons to rejoice.

Paul wrote, admonishing Christians: “Rejoice evermore…In everything give thanks (rejoice), for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). In this Lord’s day, rejoice with other Christians. Exult in your salvation, in knowing the Lord Christ.

Rejoice in the freedom to worship and to peacefully assemble to study God’s Word and to hear lofty music and a sermon of instruction and admonition. Rejoice, for this is comely and an honor to God from whom flow blessings unnumbered. - Ethelene Dyer Jones 08.06.2017

God’s Faithfulness

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.” -Psalm 146:5-7 (ESV)

In our Sunday School adult studies for this current quarter, we are studying selected Psalms. Psalm 146 is the assignment for Sunday, July 30. The central truth of Psalm 146 is: “God can be trusted as the One who reigns eternally.” So writes Dr. Allen Tilley, pastor of First Baptist Church, Carthage, Texas who wrote the commentary in the “Personal Study Guide” for students for the July 30 study session. Psalms 146-150 are known as the “Hallelujah Psalms” for each begins and ends with the word of praise to God, “Hallelujah!” Read this majestic beginning of Psalm 146: “Hallelujah! My soul, praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I live!”

If we sometimes become lax in attending regular worship at our church and neglect to gather to study the Bible with our Sunday School class, we ought quickly to examine our laxness and see wherein we are failing. Are we bearing some grudge against a pastor or other church leader, or have we allowed the cares and pursuits of this worldly life to rob us of the joy of praising God for His faithfulness?

How faithful is our God? In Psalm 146, a hymn of praise to God, the psalmist lists nine definite ways God’s faithfulness is shown to us:

1. God executes justice for those who are oppressed (v. 7a)

2. He gives food to the hungry (v. 7b)

3. He frees prisoners (v. 7c)

4. He opens the eyes of the blind (v. 8a)

5. He lifts up those who are bowed down (v. 8b)

6. God loves the righteous (v. 8c)

7. He watches over sojourners (this can be translated as ‘resident aliens’) (v. 9a)

8. He helps the widows and the fatherless (v. 9a)

9. He brings the ways of the wicked to ruin (frustrates them) (v. 9b).

How can we describe God’s faithfulness? The Psalmist lists nine ways in three verses from Psalm 146. As good as the list is, more aspects of God’s faithfulness could be added. Hymn writers have been trying since King David’s time and before to find a way to express God’s faithfulness. Our best efforts in writing still fall short of the glory, majesty, strength, provision and all-encompassing faithfulness of the Lord of Lord and the God of the Universe. Think about and meditate upon the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” copyrighted in 1923, with words written by Thomas O. Chisholm (1866-1960) and set to “Faithfulness” tune composed by William M. Runyan (1820-1957). Here is the first stanza and chorus:

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Chorus: Great is thy faithfulness; Great is Thy faithfulness; Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me” Amen! Ethelene Dyer Jones July 30, 2017

God’s Faithful Love for Us

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure for ever.” -Psalm 136:1 (The Amplified Bible)

Psalm 136 with its 26 verses has the same refrain ending each verse. I used the Amplified Bible today in the introductory verse that begins this devotional because it best expresses the Hebrew word “chesed” (expressing God’s faithful love for us, His people) which is translated “His mercy and loving-kindness” which endure forever, now and for all eternity! Seek to think of the magnitude of God’s love: He knows us even before we are conceived in our mother’s womb (see Psalm 139:13); He knows us and woos us to Him while we are in this earthly life. Read meditatively all of Psalm 139 to see all the ways God follows each of us whom He loves.. Even the “hairs of our head are numbered” (see Matthew 10:30). With the Psalmist we can say assuredly: “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy” (Psalm 33:18). Not only is the Lord with those who fear and follow Him on earth, but He has prepared an eternal place for believers after this life is ended. Jesus promised, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there you may be also” (John 14:2-3). This promise is steadfast and sure, as the Psalmist declared: “The Lord redeems the soul of his servants, and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate” (Psalm 34:22). Indeed, the refrain that is repeated in each verse of Psalm 136, “His mercy and loving-kindness endure for ever” is intended to give us comfort and assurance in our earthly life and hope for the life beyond.

The writer of Psalm 136 gave a summary of what our reaction should be for God’s faithful love and mercy (undeserved favor) for us: “O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure for ever!” (v. 26, Amplified Bible).

I read about a “Blessing Bowl” in which a faithful follower of God wrote a major daily blessing on a 3 x 5 card, dated the card, and placed the card in a special bowl. At the end of each month, she reviewed what she had written on each card and had a record of events in her life that showed how God’s “mercy and loving-kindness endure for ever!” I thought the idea was a good one, and I began to record major blessings. I had already done this for a long time in a daily journal. The “blessing card” gave quicker access when I wanted to review God’s blessings to me at the end of each month, and have a special time of thanksgiving for His care for me. Time and obligations often preclude my listing all the blessings, but I find that there is always an outstanding one each day worthy of recording. Writing down special blessings gives me a record of God’s faithful love to me and also provides a springboard for thanks and gratitude. When we take time to record our outstanding blessings, we seek to become more aware of how God indeed is with us in our daily lives and through the triumphs and troubles we experience. We, as the Psalmist, can declare in all sincerity and truth: “His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!”

The writer of the beloved gospel song, “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” (words by Civilla D. Martin, music composed by Charles H. Gabriel, 1905), based the thoughts in the hymn on Matthew 10:29-33 and also expressed the major theme of Psalm 136 in beautiful words: “Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,/Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me; His eyes is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free; For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” Amen! - Ethelene Dyer Jones 07.23.2017.

An Invitation and a Reason

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker!

For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” -Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV)

In the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, the authorship of Psalm 95 is attributed to David. However, in later editions, even the authorized King James Version (1611), no author is given. Many scholars, however, hold that the style and content are like so many of the Psalms of David. Even though we have no verification of authorship, the Psalm is the type of Psalm called “Enthronement,” seeking to have worshipers “enthrone” or raise up the Lord in worship and follow Him faithfully. The Psalm speaks forcibly of God as the Creator and the One who invites us to worship and bow down before Him, the Lord our Maker (Psalm 95:6). Scholars also believe the Psalm was used during the Jewish celebration called the “Festival of Booths.” At harvest time, the people went to the fields to gather in the harvest, making themselves temporary tents made of palm and willow tree branches to house them during this time of ingathering of crops. Workers lived in these booths for a week as a reminder of their temporary dwellings in the forty years of wilderness wanderings after God delivered them from Egyptian bondage. A holy convocation was held on the first and eighth days of the Festival of Booths. Verses five and six of this Psalm would have been the call to all the people to gather and worship before God, Maker and Creator, and the one who provided rain, sunshine and soil to bring the crops to the time of bountiful harvest. It was a glorious time of worship. To remind the worshipers that they were also “the people of his pasture” reflects on the cogent message of the 23rd Psalm, which is definitely a Psalm from the pen of David, and the most-quoted Old Testament passage of the entire Bible. We worship and bow down before Him because He made us and He keeps us with His hand.

What is involved in worship? One element is remembrance, as verses 8 and 9 remind us. At Meribah, soon after the Israelites’ release from Egyptian bondage, they complained to Moses that he had led them out of Egypt to die in the wilderness because they had no water. God commanded Moses to strike the rock and pure water to drink came forth abundantly. Again, when they had crossed the desert and were hoping to enter the promised land, the need for water arose. And the second time, Moses’ rod was the instrument used by God to bring forth water. Each time, the people failed to trust God in adversity (the need for water), and complained loudly. Because of their unbelief, none but Caleb and Joshua of the approximately 600,000 who came out of Egypt were allowed to enter the promised land. Even Moses and Aaron died before they went in to possess the physical land of Palestine.

What then is involved in worship besides remembrance? Confession, or acknowledging sins. Then praise, adoration, awe, wonder, love, thanksgiving, humility and reverence. Worship helps us recognize God as God, our Creator, Sovereign, Savior and Lord. A companion New Testament scripture to read and study as we study Psalm 95 is Hebrews 3:7 through 4:13. A portion of Psalm 95 is quoted in this passage in Hebrews: “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test, and saw my works for forty years.” (Hebrews 3:7b-9). Believers need to worship God in Spirit and in truth because He is our Maker and He is sovereign, He is our Shepherd and we are kept by His almighty hand. Selah! - Ethelene Dyer Jones 07.09.2017