Day 343 | Thursday, 25 February 2021

Day 343 - Audio Version

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ay 343 | Thursday, 25 February 2021

           Some time ago I heard a story about a gentleman who was bragging that he knew what was in every book in the Library of Congress.  Someone who overheard the bragging gentle man responded – “oh, what’s that?”  The gentleman responded by saying “words”.

          Words – they can be uplifting, supportive, affirming, reassuring or they can be harmful and hurtful.  Words can make us laugh or cry.  Words can instill in us peacefulness or turmoil.  Some individuals are able to communicate very meaningful thoughts using few words while others like to hear themselves pontificate thinking they are impressing others with their self-importance.

          I am reminded of a story about a young country man who went off to seminary to continue his studies to become an ordained minister.  During his class in Theology, he was busily taking notes when suddenly he interrupted the professor and said “Prof, taking notes from you is like running behind a manure spreader with a bushel basket.”

          Quite often a few carefully chosen words are all that is needed to relay a clear message.  I am not one who quotes scripture but there are some phrases that hold a world of meaning.  If you are lonely, remember Jesus’s promise: “I am with you always.” (Mt. 28:20.)  When worried, hear Jesus saying: “Let not your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1).  Often, we might pray “Not my will, but yours” (Luke 22:42).  [add your own to these]
 
Here is that meaningful hymn – “Wonderful Words of Life” by Philip P. Bliss, 1874

Verse 1: 
Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of life.
Words of life and beauty Teach me faith and duty;

Refrain: Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life.

Verse 2: 
Christ, the blessed One, gives to all Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call, Wonderful words of life
All so freely given, Wooing us to heaven;

Refrain: Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life.

Verse 3: 
 Sweetly echo the Gospel call, Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all, Wonderful words of life.
 Jesus, only Savior, Sanctify forever;
 
Refrain: Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of life.
 
Amy Grant wrote a favorite as well in 1984 based on Psalm 119:105 “Thy Word Is a Lamp”

          Refrain: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

1.   When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still you’re there right beside me, and nothing will I fear as long as you are near.  Please be near me to the end.
Refrain: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
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2.   Now I will not forget your love for me and yet my heart forever is wandering. Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side, and I will love you to the end.
Refrain: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
 
The book of Hebrews says that Jesus holds everything together through His powerful words.  Some days all we need are a few of Jesus’ words to hold us together.  Amen!