Harmony Is God's Work

In‚"Famous Stories by Sam P. Jones‚" may be found this bit of wisdom:

      A well-trained musician sits down to a piano and sweeps his fingers over the keys. A cloud gathers on his face as he recognizes a discord in the instrument. What is the matter? Three of the keys are out of harmony. These three keys that are out of harmony with everything in the universe that is in harmony.

      I say to that musician, ‚"Close up that piano and let it alone until it puts itself in harmony.‚"

      He replies, "It is impossible for the piano to put itself in harmony."

      "Who can put it in harmony?" I ask.

      He replies, "The man who made the instrument.The instrument is put into the hands of the man who made it, and in a few hours every key on the piano is in harmony, and the piano being in harmony with itself is in harmony with everything else in the universe.God alone can put discordant souls into harmony!"

God alone can put discordant souls into harmony!

      "10,000 Reasons is on the Mighty God album found here: http://theacappellacompany.com/profmi... This song is from the Mighty God Praise & Harmony album, recorded in April 2013 at the Central Church of Christ, Amarillo, Texas. Singers from around the nation auditioned as quartets (SATB) to join this project, which provided every singer with a local group committed to regular rehearsals to perfect their blend. Every Praise & Harmony CD (includes 25 songs) comes packaged with a second CD, designed to help beginners learn to sing harmony. The bonus CD, called the "Vocalist Training Disc" contains the exact same 25 songs but with one isolated voice per part , panned hard left or right. This tool makes it easy for non-musicians to learn to sing harmony."

• You can follow the Praise & Harmony Workshops at http://KeithLancaster.com
• Check out the link to Praise & Harmony here: http://theacappellacompany.com/praise...

God Surrounding The Soul

      "Constant communion will surround us with an atmosphere through which none of the many influences which threaten our Christian life and our Christian work can penetrate. As the diver in his bell sits dry at the bottom of the sea, and draws a pure air from the free heavens far above him, and is parted from that murderous waste of green death that clings so closely round the translucent crystal walls which keep him sage, so we, enclosed in God, shall repel from ourselves all that would overflow to destroy us and our work, and may by His grace lay deeper than the waters some courses in the great building that shall one day rise, stately and many-mansioned, from out of the conquered waves." –Alexander McLaren.

God in All Things

       "I went back to the little town where I was born. I saw the friends of my childhood, and later I went out to God's acre. There stood the little schoolhouse, and the old academy. The great oak-trees swayed above the house where I was born. The little brook still rippled over the stones; once more the fruit was ripe in the orchard and the nuts brown in the forest trees; again the shouts of the old companions were heard on the hillside and the laughter of the skaters filled the air; and yet all was changed. Gone the old minister, who baptized me! Gone the old professors and teachers who taught us. In the little graveyard slept the fathers. The stars shone over the mounds, the graves were silent, but God was over all. And all is well. For our times have been in God's hands." N.D. Hillis.

      "The day before Easter is known as "Great Sabbath," and Moravians come to the Salem Moravian Graveyard, better known as "God's Acre," to prepare for the great Easter Sunrise service by cleaning and decorating all the graves." For more information, visit www.salemcongregation.org

Symbols of The Christian Faith

"Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge
 of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure 
of the stature of the fullness  of Christ . . ." Ephesians 4: 13

See on the right, all glorious Hope doth stand,

And gives to heavenly Truth the plighted hand:

With Seraph's wings out-spread, Love stands between:

And binds their hearts with his celestial chain.

These are Faith's emblems; These its Parents three:

To produce Faith: Hope, Truth, and Love agree.

      Christian Faith is represented above, by a union of Truth, Hope, and Love. The hope of heaven is represented by the apostle Paul as the anchor of the soul, consequently Hope is usually depicted leaning on an anchor. She holds Truth by the hand, showing that they must be in close alliance. Truth holds in her hand the Holy Bible as a mirror, whereby sinful men can see the deformity of their hearts. With her right hand, she receives the overtures of Hope ; she tramples under her feet the mask of Hypocrisy; simple and unadorned, she rejects the cloak of dissimulation, and casts aside all concealment. Love holds the middle place, and strengthens the union subsisting between Hope and Truth. Divine Love is drawn with wings to represent her heavenly origin.

      Faith is both created and preserved by Hope, Truth, and Love. This Triad constitutes its efficient cause. Truth is indeed the mother of Faith. Hope assists in its creation, by its expectations and desires; Love nourishes and reconciles, and thus contributes to lay a foundation for Faith.

      True faith, as represented in the Scriptures, is always connected with a " good hope through grace." The truths of God's word form the only proper objects for its exercise. Without Love, there can be no good works ; and " without works faith is dead." Christian Faith, as described above, is distinguished from the faith of devils, who are said to " believe and tremble" because they have no hope; and from the faith of wicked men, who " love not the Lord Jesus Christ," and who are consequently " accursed;" and from the faith of the carnal professor, who has sold the truth and has pleasure in unrighteousness.

      The proper use of faith is to bring us to God, to enable us to obtain the promises contained in the word or truth of God. If Christ had not been moved by love, he would not have suffered ; if he had not suffered, we should have had no promise of pardon; if we had no promises, we should have no hope; if we have no hope, we shall have no saving faith in the mercy of God. Christ is set forth a refuge for sinners, he saves all who flee for refuge to the hope set before them; but those only who believe in him, flee to him. Faith then is an instrument of salvation; " by grace are ye saved through Faith."

      The sinner hears, and gives credence to the Faith of God: the terrors of the Almighty take fast hold upon him ; his sins weigh him down to the dust: but hark ! the voice of heavenly love is heard proclaiming: " Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He looks upward, Hope springs up, he ventures on the Redeemer, " who justifies the ungodly ;" his faith has saved him. It is counted to him for righteousness, and being justified by it, he has peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

      A celebrated divine once gave his little child an illustration of the nature of Faith in the following manner. The child had a beautiful string of beads, with which she was much delighted. Her father spoke to her, saying, " Come, my child, throw those beautiful beads into the fire, and I will, in the course of a few days, give you something far more beautiful and valuable." The child looked up into the face of her father with astonishment : after looking for a time, and seeing he was in earnest, she cast her beautiful toys into the fire, and then burst into tears! Here was Faith. The child believed her father spoke the truth; she expected, or had a hope, he would fulfill his promises; and confiding in his Love, she was willing to obey him though it cost her tears.

"What Faith Can Do" worship song from Kutless from
the new worship album, "It Is Well" in stores and online
October 20th, 2009. http://www.kutless.com

Saint Andrew's Cross Chrismon Pattern

Saint Andrew elected to be crucified on a Saltire, because he deemed himself unworthy of Christ's cross. Cut this simple shape from wood or Styrofoam, then decorate it with gold or white paint and sequins for the Chrismon tree.

Left, a simple example of St. Andrew's cross. Center, The crucifixion of Saint Andrew.
 Right, Statue of Andrew in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran by Camillo Rusconi.

     The Cross of martyrdom and emblem of humility. St. Andrew, condemned to be crucified, and deeming himself unworthy of dying on a Cross of the same form as that on which his Master had suffered, besought his executioners to make his Cross of another shape, and perished on the one now known by his name. In Heraldry, this Cross is called a Saltire. 

      It is the national Cross of Scotland, whose patron Saint is St. Andrew; and at the accession of James I., it was added to the Cross of St. George on the national flag, thus forming the original Union Jack -- so named from "Jacques" or James. It may be used on St. Andrew's Day.

A second example of St. Andrew's Cross.

Scripture References for Saint Andrew's Cross Chrismon:

• "Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28 (NLT)
• But he said, "Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus." Acts 21:13 (NLT)
• "In your streets flowed the blood of the prophets and of God's holy people and the blood of people slaughtered all over the world." Revelation 18:24 (NLT)

The Greek Cross Chrismon

A Greek cross pattern for Chrismon crafts.

Left, a simple Greek cross symbol. Center, Flag of Greece. Right, Crosses frame this cube that appears to be hollow or solid and projected either inward or outward. A similar design was photographed in a crop circle. This design can be made by repeating the central hexagon outward once on all 6 sides then erasing some inner line segments and filling in the voids.

       The Greek Cross consists of four arms, all of equal length and thickness, and capable of being inclosed in a circle. It is the Cross of S. George, the patron Saint of England (he is supposed to have been an Eastern Bishop), and is borne on the national Flag in Gules (red) on a white ground. It also belongs to the arms of the City of London, where it bears on it the " Sword" of S. Paul, the patron Saint of the metropolis.
       If you don't want to cut a Greek cross from wood or Styrofoam, you could just fold one from heavy cardstock or decorative paper. The folding tutorial below is done with napkins but any light weight materials may be used for folding.
       This idea would also look nice for a formal Christmas table setting at a church dinner I think.

        "Learn how to fold into a Greek Cross from a paper napkin. You can also use starched cloth napkins. Very simple instruction (step by step). Creative napkin folds."

Scripture References for The Greek Cross:

• "Know, therefore, that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy with those that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations" Deuteronomy 7:9 (Jubilee Bible 2000)
• "But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15 (KJB)
• "For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
• "By whom also we have access through faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God. And not only so; but we glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience trial; and trial hope; And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us." Romans 5:2-5 (Douay-Rheims Bible)
  

The Passion Cross Chrismon

The Divine Virtues in English

      This Cross is called the Passion Cross, and is appropriate to Easter. When raised on three steps, it is called a Calvary Cross. The three steps typify Faith, Hope, and Charity. 

      Charity is represented by the largest step, which rests on the earth, because that virtue is the

foundation of all others; Hope rests on Charity; Faith supports the Cross itself. Some people refer to the steps as The Divine Virtues.

Left, basic Passion Cross Symbol. Center, Crucifixion by
Albrect Altdorfer. Right, El Greco's "Jesus Carrying the Cross.

The Divine Virtues in Latin: Fides, Spes, and Caritas.

Isaac Watts

      The hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous
Cross, was written by Isaac Watts, and
published in Hymns and Spiritual Songs
 in 1707. It is significant for being an
 innovative departure from the early
 English hymn style of only using
paraphrased biblical
texts.

      Isaac Watts (July 17, 1674 – November 25, 1748) is recognised as the “Father of English Hymnody”, as he was the first prolific and popular English hymnwriter, credited with some 750 hymns. Many of his hymns remain in active use today and have been translated into many languages.

Born in Southampton, Watts was brought up in the home of a committed Nonconformist — his father, also Isaac Watts, had been incarcerated twice for his controversial views. At King Edward VI School (where one of the houses is now named “Watts” in his honour), he learned Latin, Greek and Hebrew and displayed a propensity for rhyme at home, driving his parents to the point of distraction on many occasions with his verse.

      Watts, unable to go to either Oxford or Cambridge due to his Non-conformity, went to the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington in 1690.

      His education led him to the pastorate of a large Independent Chapel in London, and he also found himself in the position of helping trainee preachers, despite poor health. Taking work as a private tutor, he lived with the non-conformist Hartopp family at Fleetwood House, Abney Park in Stoke Newington, and later in the household of Sir Thomas Abney and Lady Mary Abney at Theobalds, Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, and at their second residence, Abney House, Stoke Newington. Though a non-conformist, Sir Thomas practiced occasional conformity to the Church of England as necessitated by his being Lord Mayor of London 1700–01. Likewise Isaac Watts held religious opinions that were more non-denominational or ecumenical than was at that time common for a non-conformist; having a greater interest in promoting education and scholarship, than preaching for any particular ministry.

      On the death of Sir Thomas Abney, Watts moved permanently with widow, Lady Mary Abney, and her remaining daughter, to their second home, Abney House, at Abney Park in Stoke Newington – a property that Mary had inherited from her brother along with title to the Manor itself. The beautiful grounds at Abney Park, which became Watts’ permanent home from 1736 to 1748, led down to an island heronry in the Hackney Brook where Watts sought inspiration for the many books and hymns written during these two decades. He died there in Stoke Newington and was buried in Bunhill Fields, having left behind him a massive legacy, not only of hymns, but also of treatises, educational works, essays and the like. His work was influential amongst independents and early religious revivalists in his circle, amongst whom was Philip Doddridge who dedicated his best known work to Watts. On his death, Isaac Watts’ papers were given to Yale University; an institution with which he was connected due to its being founded predominantly by fellow Independents (Congregationalists).

"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" sung
by Gary Simpson and Colin Manson

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

 

See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

 

His dying crimson, like a robe,

Spreads o’er His body on the tree;

Then I am dead to all the globe,

And all the globe is dead to me.

 

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

* * *

[Added by the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern]

To Christ, who won for sinners grace

By bitter grief and anguish sore,

Be praise from all the ransomed race

Forever and forevermore.

Hieroglyphic Bible Page: Jude,Ver 9.

Text Illustrated, "Yet Michael the arch-angel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but say, The Lord rebuke thee.

The word "durst" is a very old word meaning to Dare. To "dare" someone means to challenge them.

Love The Bible Poem and Illustrations

This Bible on top of a pillow may be used freely by churches.

Love The Bible

Oh, love the blessed Book,

To wandering sinners given,

To teach them all about the road

That leads from earth to heaven.

It tells of Him who died,

Our peace with God to make;

It shows how God is satisfied

With sinners for His sake.

It show us what to do,

If we with Christ would dwell,

So plainly, that a child may know,

Who only reads it well.

Description of Illustration: black and white illustrations of Bibles, tassels, stacks, displayed, open Bibles, text, pages, bookmarks

Black and white drawing of stacked Bibles, and open Bible.

Black and white illustrated stack of Bibles.

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

A Latin Cross Chrismon

The Latin cross is perhaps the most recognizable cross worldwide.
 Download this one to use as a template for your next Chrismon craft.

Left, a simple Latin cross symbol. Center, Cross in Valle de los Caídos near Madrid, the highest cross in the world. Right, Tile cross from Rødtvet Church in Oslo, Norway, built in 1978.

The Latin Cross consists of four limbs: the lowest called the foot ought to be longer than the two arms joined together; the summit should be the length of one arm; the arms must be of equal length to each other. All the limbs must be of exactly the same thickness or breadth.

Before His Throne by C. Huntington

Before His Throne 

by C.Huntington 

If I may stand before His throne,
And look upon His face,
What shall I care that oft, alone,
Like Him, I ran my race.
 

Safe on thy ever blissful plains,
My heart’s own treasure gathered there;
Farewell, forever, sins and pains,
Farewell, bereavement, sorrow, care!

Truth

Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? He that speaketh truth in hit

heart. Ps. Iv. 23. Thy word is Truth. John xvii. 17.

TRUTH.

Truth, glorious truth, of heavenly birth, and fair,

In simple majesty array 'd, is there ;

Her right hand holds the faithful mirror clear,

Where all things open as the light appear :

Her left, upon the sacred page reclines,

Where unadulterate truth resplendent shines ;

The world's false mask she tramples down with scorn,

Adorn'd the most when she would least adorn-

As her own temple on the margin seen,

Stands forth reflected in the silvery stream ; 

So what by her is thought, or said, or done,

Appears conspicuous as the noonday sun ;

Truth is the image of our God above.

That shines reflected in his sea of love.

All hail, bless'd Truth ! thou daughter of the skies.

Reign thou on earth, and bid earth's sons arise ;

Bid Virtue lead, and Justice hold the scale,

For thou art mighty, and wilt soon prevail.

      Truth is represented in the drawing above in the person of an artless female. She is attired with simplicity. In her right hand she holds a mirror. As the mirror reflects objects that pass before it as they are, without addition, alteration, or diminution, so Truth presents every thing just as it is. The left hand rests on the Holy Bible. This is to show that it is from thence she derives the principles which regulate her conduct, the source of unadulterated truth to mankind. She is seen trampling a mask beneath her feet. It is the mask of hypocrisy, which she rejects with scorn, as being utterly at variance with her principles and feelings. In the background stands the Temple of Truth, the image of which is plainly reflected by the clear, placid stream that glides before it.

      Truth, in an evangelical sense, is all-important. It alone will give character to an individual, more than all other qualities put together. It is of itself a rich inheritance, of more worth than mines of silver and gold. It is more ennobling than the highest titles conferred by princes. Everybody loves to be respected, but an individual to be loved and respected must be known. He only can be known who speaks the truth from his heart, and acts the truth in his life. We may guess at others, but as we do not know we cannot respect them, for like pirates they oftentimes sail under false colors.

      " Nothing is beautiful except Truth," is a maxim of the French, although it has been most deplorably neglected. Nevertheless, the sentiment is correct. Truth is glorious wherever found ; Jesus, who is "the truth" is the altogether lovely, and the fairest among ten thousand. Truth is the glory of youth, and the diadem of the aged. But Truth is essential to happiness, both in this world and also in the next. For " what man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile."Lord, who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that

" speaketh the truth." It is related of Cyrus, that, when asked what was the first thing he learned, he replied, " To tell the truth." Cyrus must have been very fortunate in having such good instructors. Lord Chesterfield would have instructed him differently.

      In the days of Daniel, (as the tradition says,) the wise men were ordered by the king to declare what was the strongest thing on earth. Each man brought in his answers ; one said wine was the strongest, another mentioned women ; Daniel declared that Truth was the most powerful, which answer pleased the king, and the palm of victory was decreed to Daniel.

"Seize, then, on truth where'er 'tis found,

Among your friends, among your foes ;

On Christian or on heathen ground,

The plant's divine where'er it grows."

      Let not mercy and truth forsake thee ; bind them about thy neck ; write them upon the table of thine heart : so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Prov. iii. 3.

      The lip of truth shall be established forever : but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Prov. xii. 19.

      Buy the truth and sell it not. Prov. xxii. 23. Lie not against the truth. James iii. 11. Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth. Zech. viii. 16.

      Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord ; but they that deal truly are his delight. Prov. xii. 23.

Hieroglyphic Bible Page: Revelations XIII.2

Text Illustrated, "And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion; and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

I discovered one of the nicest Hieroglyphic Bibles that I have ever seen, so, I will be cleaning it for those of you who would like to include verses along with puzzles and games in a Sunday School newsletter, email, or as a bulletin insert. 

Parents or older siblings can help younger children  "read" a verse of scripture by naming the symbols used to replace the words. There is an answer key below with this particular version that comes in handy for some of us. (grin) Enjoy.

Click on the image to download and print the largest file size.

A Symbol of Immortality

"He is Risen" in Hebrew by Kathy Grimm, churches may use it
for their bulletins, email, newsletters, slide shows. Just don't 
include it in any online clip art collection; it's not in the public
domain.

A blue version of the same butterfly graphic.

Description of Illustration: color clip art of a resurrection butterfly symbol, Text reads: He is Risen in Hebrew, both now have transparent backgrounds.

Words of Encouragement for Our Visitors: After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light and be satisfied. My righteous servant will justify many by the knowledge of himself; and he will bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53: 11 (WEB)

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

This apostrophe to a butterfly was written by Alice Freeman Palmer

I hold you at last in my hand,

Exquisite child of the air;

Can I ever understand

How you grew to be so fair?

You came to this linden-tree

To taste its delicious sweet,

I sitting here in the shadow and shine

Playing around its feet.

Now I hold you fast in my hand,

You marvelous butterfly,

Till you help me to understand

The eternal mystery.

From that creeping thing in the dust

To this shining bliss in the blue!

God, give me courage to trust

I can break my chrysalis, too!

When churches used the post . . .

This 1950s postcard has been restored, it is in the public domain.
Pictured above is a cowgirl roping for young, prospective church attenders.

      According the wikipedia,  "The mail or post is a system for physically transporting documents and other small packages, as well as a term for the postcards, letters, and parcels themselves. A postal service can be private or public, though many governments place restrictions on private systems. Since the mid-19th century national postal systems have generally been established as government monopolies with a fee on the article prepaid. Proof of payment is often in the form of adhesive postage stamps, but postage meters are also used for bulk mailing. Modern private postal systems are typically distinguished from national postal agencies by the names "courier" or "delivery service"."

      And I can't believe that I've just had to include that definition for some of my younger readership! Not that we have many young people coming to read here but, that I am now outliving the postal service! At least I have the meager consolation of having been born after the postcard above was produced. It is from the 1950s. Visitors may reprint it and send it via the "post" or send it by email for free as a reminder to your little ones to attend church next Sunday.

Description of Illustration: vintage, color photograph on a postcard of an invitation to Sunday School

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

Sunday Puzzles: Conundrums, set two

• Who was the first man spoken of in the Bible? (chap first).
• Who was the first woman spoken of in the Bible? Genesis (Jennis Sis).
• At what time of day was Adam created? A little before Eve.
• Spell "Adam's Express Company" with three letters. E-v-e.
• What one word in the Bible represents the father calling his son and the son's ansering? Ben Hadad (Ben, ha-dad)
• Who was a very short man spoken of in the Bible? Nehemiah (knee-high Miah).
• Who was the strongest man spoken of in the Bible? Jonah, because the whale couldn't keep him down.