11/16/2025
"It is necessary for us to withdraw at regular
intervals and enable our souls to attain
that quietude and inward composure which are
essential if we would hear the voice of God."
O. Hallesby
Much of my time growing up was spent with my grandparents who believed strongly in the power of prayer, yet I do not recall one moment, except at mealtime, when we prayed together as a daily practice, nor do I recall the reading of the scriptures unless it was preparing for the Sunday School or Vacation Bible School lessons. I do know that they knew their Bibles well, so they were obviously students of the Word. My mother always read her Bible in the evenings, but I know she prayed often. I don't remember praying with my mama, but I do recall when two close friends died in an automobile accident that mama told me to pray, as I was deeply effected by this news, because I had declined the offer to go with their family to visit their grandparents that day. The reality of eternity coupled with the grief of losing two dear friends, changed me. I may never have sat in their presence or had my family pray with me, but I learned to pray watching, listening, and communing with the Lord in early childhood. Later in life, before my daddy died, I had the privilege of witnessing him kneel by his bed in prayer, even though he was crippled with arthritic knees and joints and must have experienced great pain and difficulty doing so.The point is this - I knew my parents and grandparents loved Jesus and that their lives had spoken loudly of their commitment to prayer. The same is true of my teachers in grade school and many, many saints in church who guided me along the way. Perhaps this is what prepared me for the life of intercession. God always has His plans and His way of doing things, which are usually contrary to mine.
Today I attended church with my sister, as it was shoe box packing day for Operation Christmas Child. We gathered after the services ended. I have helped the past three years in packing and praying over the precious ones who will receive them, wondering if any would make it into the refugee camps of those who have fled their burned out homes and villages for safety from those who have murdered their families. Many Christians in Africa are being hunted down, their homes sacked and burned, and their loved ones mercilessly and savagely slain before their eyes. Babies are thrown into the bushes to die, other young ones are murdered. Africa is not the only area of such horror, as it happens all over the world, and now in the United States as hatred and violence is increasing. I often think about how a child might feel who receives a box filled with lovely, useful gifts, but may have little food. Such luxuries, while appreciated, would not come to the mind of one who has literally escaped with the dirty clothes on their backs, often without shoes. One thing I do know, because I have witnessed poverty and true gratitude over what we throw away considering worthless, is the gratitude and extreme happiness people who have little feel over a scrap of paper or a sliver of soap. The summer I traveled with a missionary team into the jungles of Belize to minister to the Mayan Indians, I learned what it truly means to be thankful.
During the service, as the choir sang the special song selected for the message, I was deeply moved by the words being sung by the man who was accompanying on the piano. Here are the lyrics of the song, Bow the Knee written by the Hamilton Family:
"What a privilege to come into God's presence
Just to linger with the One who set me free.
As I lift my eyes and see His awesome glory.
I remember who He is and bow the knee.
Bow the knee
Bow the knee
He is King of all the ages
Bow the knee
God alone on His throne
See Him high and lifted up
and bow the knee.
Kneel before Him
All adore Him
As you live to love Him more
Bow the knee.
In His hands He holds
the power of creation.
With His voice He spoke,
and all things came to be.
Yet He hears each simple prayer
I bring before Him
When I humbly seek His face
and bow the knee.
Bow the knee
Bow the knee
He is King of all the ages
Bow the knee
God alone on His throne
See Him high and lifted up
and bow the knee.
Kneel before Him
All adore Him
As you live to love Him more
Bow the knee.
Bow the knee
Bow the knee
He is King of all the ages
Bow the knee
God alone on His throne
See Him high and lifted up
and bow the knee.
Kneel before Him
All adore Him
As you live to love Him more
Bow the knee."
At one point as I sat there looking over the congregation and at the faces of the choir, I noticed that the only smile was on the face of the lady who was leading the choir. The gentleman who sang the stanzas as he played the piano was lost in the beauty of the moment. As I listened to the words, all of a sudden I felt myself gasp with tears welling up in my eyes. It indeed was a holy moment sensing the presence of God within my heart and in the atmosphere.This has happened to me many times in my home as I am alone with the Lord, and other times in public ministry, but this was different, as it was one of God's suddenly's. For a time I had to quiet myself, but I doubt anyone noticed. It doesn't matter, because when I worship in local services, God has instructed me to focus on Him alone. I know the feelings I have that come from Him, but I am learning to keep them to myself, and if I must share, I do so carefully. Some may not understand.
The message was about the call to repentance taken from Luke 13:1-5 where Jesus was teaching of discerning the times and the heart preparation for those who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He is warning the people of the need for repentance as the only way. Tersely put - "unless you repent you will all likewise perish."
This is the Gospel, and it is the message we must carry. As in the days that Jesus walked this earth, even until He returns to take His Bride, the church, home with Him, many will not believe, and things will be as in the days of Noah:
"And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man; They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all." Luke 17:26-27
I don't understand why some hearts are so hardened or indifferent to such wonderful news and the promise of eternal life. I imagine it is like the Parable of the Sower and the Seed, or the Pearl of Great Price. Maybe because the sound of the words "surrender," or "deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow," don't sound as enticing as "eat, drink, and be merry." Nor do the words "you must lose your life to find it." But one day, truth is, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ where our case will be decided. It's our choice, our decision what future we want to have, and we must choose wisely. Until then, I bow the knee. It is my desire to see the face of my Savior. Bow the knee.
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