Snow Scenery

For the past few days we have been witnesses of some of God's beautiful handiwork.  I call it GOD's handiwork because handiwork means work done personally by the hands, and no one I know or have ever known can create such beautiful scenery as we have had the past week or so.

No, I'm not crazy.  I said it was beautiful scenery, but I don't like really cold weather and hazardous road conditions etc; but I guess the way a person looks at something makes a difference.  In fact, I'm sure it does.

The 1st few days of the snow I didn't really think too much of it except in a negative way, but one day as I looked out at the snow, with the sun shining on it, it was so bright, almost blinding.  Then I stepped back into the house and even with the lights on it seemed dim.  Then I thought of what God's Word says in isa. 1:18.  "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

According to footnotes in my Bible, scarlet and crimson are both glaring (dazzling bright) and colorfast.  Those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior think their lives are happy and bright with the joy of life, but really they are like the dimness of my living room after seeing the beauty and brightness of the snow.  Why do I say that?  Because when one gives their heart and life to God things change, your life changes.  I know this from experience.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Cor 5:17

You now have true joy, the peace of God that passeth all understanding, (Phil 4:7) forgiveness of sins, ALL THINGS CHANGE!

It's like stepping out of darkness into light!  In fact 1 Peter 2:9 states that those who serve God are "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; (people possessed by God, God's own people) and that we should show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness (darkness of sin) into His marvelous light."

And believe me, when you give your heart and life to God; when He abides in you and you abide in Him, it will bring forth praises to His name!

Friend, if you don't know Christ as your savior, if He doesn't live in your heart, let Him come in and shine His marvelous light upon your heart and soul.  Then you can say as the Psalmist did in Ps 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

As I said before, no, I'm not crazy in saying all this snow is beautiful, and I definitely do not like being snowed in for several days but I do praise God and thank Him for the snow and the fact it made me think of His goodness to each of us, and for helping me to remember where He brought me from and reminding me of His grace, love, mercy and long-suffering.  Yes He changed my life, but He gave me a new one that is so very, very much better and happier.

He will do the same for you.  There are two songs I thought of as I was writing this.  One says "I never lived until I lived for Jesus."  The other states "I just began to live, I just began to live, when God's amazing grace came in, I just began to live.  Old things have passed away, I have a brighter day.  My name's recorded up above, I just began to live."

Praise His holy name!

Jessie Lee Harris

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day.  To begin, I want to read some scriptures for you.

1.  "He that spareth his rod hateth his son:  but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Prov. 13:24.  Footnotes in my Bible says that this literally means: discipline him diligently and the discipline referred to here is training either by word or deed.  The Bible also says "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
2.  "Chasten thy son while there is hope and let not they soul spare for his crying." Prov. 19:18
3.  "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."  Prov. 22:15
4.  "Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with a rod, he shall not die." Prov. 23:13

Dake's says this means:  Discipline your child before his habits are formed and sealed for life.  This is not advice for cruel punishment, but against cruel kindness that destroys the child in ruin and death.  It is better for him to cry now from strict punishment than for you (the parent) to cry later.
My mom died when I was not quite four, so I didn't have a mom as a role model to learn what a mother is like, so I used the above scriptures plus others to help me in raising my children.
I was asked to say something about what it means to me to be a mother, and to be honest, I don't believe I had ever really thought about it until I began to pray about what to say. I feel honored and blessed that God entrusted such precious gifts to me, for I really consider children gifts from God.
To me a mother is one who, with God's help and grace, tries to make sure the home is a place of love, happiness, and contentment, a haven for her family - a place that the family wants to come home to!
She should first and foremost teach her child about God and His love and mercy - not just by words but by the life she lives.  Please don't misunderstand me, for I am very much aware the husband is the head of the household, but some times it falls to the mother to take the children to church.
I personally have had to learn patience. (I still lose mine at times - but I'm still trying)
I guess one of the main things I have learned about being a mother and grandparent and great grandparent is to make sure that the child knows he or she is loved no matter what, and that although you may not approve of everything they might do - your love for them does not hinge on them never making mistakes.  Never instill fear into them that you will stop loving them if they are not perfect.
To me a mother should brag on accomplishments of a child, no matter how minor to you - it's probably huge to the child.
Last but not least, make sure you impart to them the knowledge of a loving and forgiving Lord and teach them God's Word.
I carry the title of "Mom" and "Granny" very proudly and thank God for every blessing.  It's not always been easy being a mom - but it's always been a blessing and a joy.
Happy Mother's Day!

Jessie Lee Harris

 

Reflection

I imagine we all know what a refection is.  It's like when we look into a mirror and see "ourself."  According to Webster it means (A) the production of an image by or as if by a mirror, (B) something produced by reflecting, and (C) an effect produced by an influence.
To reflect means (A) to bring about a specified appearance or characterization, (B) to have a bearing or influence.  It also means to think quietly or calmly.  This is what this article is about - reflection or reflecting.
Our scripture is the latter part of Acts 11:26.  "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."  As I have mentioned before, the word Christian means "follower of Christ; Christlike or like Christ."
The Apostle Paul even told the Roman Christians (by letter) to "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."
To put on Christ, ones life should show forth the qualities or characteristics of Christ.
During a recent stay in the hospital I began to reflect on my life as a Christian.  I thought, "Does my life reflect Christ?"  Then I began to think of some of the characteristics of Christ.  He showed love and kindness to those He came in contact with, so, we too who say we are Christians should also show love and kindness to other.
1 John 4:7-8 says "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love.:
Matthew 5:44 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you."
Christ was also kind.  Titus 3:3-4 says "for we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice, and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared."
We all have been guilty of the above things, but then the kindness and love of God toward men appeared, and changed the hearts and live of those who accepted HIm.
In Galatians 5:22-23 we read about the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.  It goes on to say (verse 25) "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."  To me this is another way of saying our life (the way we live, walk, act, talk - everything about us) should reflect Christ.  He is the influence in a Christian's life that brings about the specified characteristics of Christ.
I believe Galatians 2:20 gives the formula, so to speak, on what to do in order for our life to reflect Christ.  "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."
Crucifixion with Christ means "death to or separation from the reigning power of the old sinful life and freedom to experience the power of the resurrection life of Christ by faith."  In other words, yield yourself daily to Christ.  Do not give in to the lusts of the flesh but by faith in Christ, "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7.
The more we submit or yield ourselves to God, the more our lives will reflect Him.  As Galatians 2:20 states: "Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me."  He is the influence that brings about the production of His reflection in our life.
Does your life reflect Christ?  Just as our children take on some of our character traits, we as God's children should live so as to show forth Christ and His love.
I pray that each of us will grow in Christ daily and live a life pleasing unto Him.

Jessie Lee Harris
 

Prepare To Meet Thy God

When I was very young, along side the road leading to Rome, someone had written on a huge boulder the words "Prepare to meet thy God."
I'm sure each of you know what the word prepare means, but still let's go over it.  The word prepare means: To make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity; to make fit, to qualify. (And to be prepared means; subjected to a special process or treatment.)
I couldn't remember reading the exact words "prepare to meet thy God" in the Bible, but there are verses contained therein that mean the same as those words.
In Matthew 3:1-2 we read where John the Baptist came preaching the words, "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  To repent is to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life.  It is a change of mind that bears fruit in a changed life or life style.
To repent of your sins and turning to God is "preparing to meet God." 
In Luke 13:1 we read of some Galileans who were slain by Pilate's soldiers.  Pilate had their blood mingled with their sacrifices blood.  Christ said of this incident (Luke 13:3) "except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish."  Christ made His point to show that ALL need to repent.
Then in Acts 17:30 we read "God...now commandeth all men everywhere to repent."
If we want to be prepared to meet God, to have the assurance of sins forgiven, repentance is necessary.  2 Peter 3:9 says "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
The return of the Lord is nearer now than ever and with every passing day, every hour it is closer and closer.  Peter is telling us in the above verse (and verse 8) that the seeming delay of Christ's return is (1) because God does not view time as we do and (2) because He wants more people to repent. (This could be the day for his return.  Are you prepared?)
If God is dealing with your heart, don't put Him off.  2 Cor 6:2 states "...now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation."
Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10) and in John 6:37 Jesus says "HIm that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."
Christ is our only hope of redemption.  He is our way to God.  In John 14:6 Jesus states "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."  And in Acts 4:12 we read "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
No works of any kind that we do can save us.  Eph 2:8-9 states "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the give of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Friend, think about what this article is about - prepare to meet thy God.  We aren't promised tomorrow.  James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." 
Heb 9:27 says "and it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."
Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men."
Rom 1:20 states "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."  There is NO excuse if one rejects Christ.  RYRIE says on this verse - THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE - The things that are made (creation) reveal to all men the eternal power and Godhead (divinity) of the true God, so that the rejection of this truth makes a man without excuse before God.
(I had several more scriptures but space wouldn't permit)
We used to sing a song at church that said "Careless soul why will you linger, wandering from the fold of God, Hear ye not the invitation, O prepare to meet they God.  Careless soul O heed the warning, for your life will soon be gone, O how sad to face the judgment, unprepared to meet they God."
Friend you do not have to be unprepared to meet God.  You can be saved!  Jesus gave His life on the cross so we could be saved!  Acts 16:31 says "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
John 6:47, Jesus Himself said "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life."
Please read John 3:14-19

Jessie Lee Harris
 

What Is Your Choice

When Christ our Savior went away
He said that He'd return someday
To take His church His precious bride
With Him to heaven to ever abide

Tell me friend, are you a part
Of this dear bride so near God's heart
Or are you one who doesn't know
Christ can make you white as snow

He can take a heart that's stained with sin
And make it pure and clean within
A life that's wasted in sin and shame
He can redeem by His dear name

It's up to you my sinner friend
Just where your soul will eternity spend
Heaven or hell, what is your choice
Listen now to His sweet voice

Come to Me I'll give you rest
For in Me you shall be blessed
I'll cleanse your soul and set you free
With me you'll live eternally!

March 13, 1998
Jessie Lee Harris

Dear Lamb of God

Thurs 2:10 AM
Aug 24, 1989

Dear Lamb of God,

I know there are times when my prayers seem to be so repetitive - a very great many times.  But I do love you Jesus, and I thank You for saving me, and giving me a desire in my heart to live for You.  When I think back to what I was, and how I was when You saved me, I am so ashamed.  I wonder how You could love me, but, oh Dear Jesus, I am so glad You do.  I make so many mistakes, Jesus, and I fail You many ways and many times, but Your Word tells us You know our frame, that we're but dust.  You know our heart God, and You know we do try.  Please Jesus, lead, guide and direct us.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer.  Thank You, Lord.  I love You Jesus.
Amen.

Jessie Lee Harris

Friends

Friends are flowers in the garden of life.  And just like flowers, friends come in different shapes, colors and sizes, and each with a different degree of fragrance - or friendship.  Some are like azaleas or yellow-bells.  They're only around for a short time in their full beauty and then they're gone - yet the memory of their beauty (friendship) lingers on!

Jessie Lee Harris

Faith

In Isaiah 7:9 we read, "If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established."

According to Webster's there are several different definitions of the word establish.  I won't go into all of them, but I would like to give 3 of them.  One - to make firm or stable.  Two - to set on a firm basis (foundation).  Three - to put beyond doubt.

To believe in something or someone is to trust or have faith in them.

As Christians our faith is in God and His word.  We must have faith.  Hebrews 11:6 tells us "without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarded of them who diligently seek Him."  We are told that "we (Christians) walk by faith" (2 Corinthians 5:7) and that we live by faith, as Paul said in Galatians 2:20. "the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the Faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave himself for me."

So far we have learned to please God we must have faith, that we live and walk by faith, and that if we don't have faith we cannot be established.  James tells us we need to "ask in faith, nothing wavering (or not doubting).  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."

It is important that we be established on Christ and His Word.  He tells us in Matthew 7:24 and 25 that if we hear and do His sayings (obey His Words) we will be like the wise man who built his house on a rock (Christ is our rock), and when the floods and wind came the house fell not for it was founded on the rock.

Then we learn in Ephesians 3:16-17 that we are "to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love..."

Colossians 2:6-7 says "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him:  Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith..."

Yes, as Christians we need to be firmly established and we can be, but we must trust God, read His Word and seek His face in prayers.  James tells us in James 1:5-8 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him as of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.  For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord"

Jessie Lee Harris

 

 

A Little Band Of People


Just a little band of people
Gathered together in the name of God
Come together to learn of Jesus
And the path that He did trod

We are gathered to learn of His great love
Shown at Calvary
It's ages now since His blood was shed
To set the captive free

Today His blood still has the power
To break the bonds of sin
To open up the hardest heart
To let His light shine in

We are gathered together to learn how we
Can be more like our Savior
To show His love to a dying world
We must have Christ-like behavior

No back-biting, no lifted pride
No envy of a brother
Just pure and simple faith in God
And love for one another

We are gathered together in humbleness
To seek His Holy face
To ask for strength to face each task
Thru His amazing grace

Just a little band of people
But people who love the Lord
Just a little band of people
Who are trusting in His Word

Aug 12, 1992
Jessie Lee Harris