“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”–Hebrews 11:39–40

On November 19, 1863, four months after the decisive Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, Abraham Lincoln traveled to Pennsylvania to take part in the ceremony. He dedicated a cemetery there for those who had fallen in battle. In his famed Gettysburg Address, Lincoln said, “We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.”

Today on Veteran’s Day we honor sacrifices made for the cause of freedom, and it is right that we do so. But we must never forget that as Christians we have an even more wonderful heritage of faith. Through the centuries men and women have stood for what was right regardless of the consequences. Many even gave their lives for their faith rather than deny the Lord. This is our inheritance as Christians. As we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we are also following the footsteps of those who now are in Heaven as part of the great cloud of witnesses.

Lincoln went on to say, “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.” In the same way, you and I must take up the cross and complete our journey of faith until we see Jesus.–Paul Chappell

John Newton is best known for writing “Amazing Grace”, but he wrote much more than that. The following is taken from the “Letters of John Newton”:

My dear Madam,
There is something fascinating in GRIEF. As painful as it is, we are prone to indulge it, and to brood over the thoughts and circumstances which are suited (like fuel to fire) to heighten and prolong it!

When the Lord afflicts–it is His design that we should grieve; but in this, as in all other things–there is a certain moderation which befits a Christian, and which only grace can teach. And grace teaches us, not by books or by hearsay–but by experimental lessons. All beyond this, should be avoided and guarded against as sinful and hurtful.

GRIEF, when indulged and excessive . . .
  preys upon the spirits,
  injures health,
  indisposes us for duty, and
  causes us to shed tears which deserve more tears.

This is a weeping world. Sin has filled it with thorns and briars, with crosses and calamities. This poor world is a great hospital, resounding with groans in every quarter. It is as a field of battle, where many are falling around us continually! It is more astonishing that we escape so well–than that we are sometimes wounded. We must have some share of grief; it is the unavoidable lot of our nature and state; it is likewise needful in point of discipline. The Lord will certainly chasten those whom He loves, though others may seem to pass for a time with impunity. That is a sweet, instructive, and important passage,

“ And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth , and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth . If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence : shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live ? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure ; but he for our profit , that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby . ” Hebrews 12:5-11.

It is so plain–that it needs no comment. It is so full–that a comment would but weaken it. May the Lord inscribe it upon your heart, my dear Madam, and upon mine.

What we all need to remember is this – regardless of whether or not we personally benefit from obedience we are still obligated to obey God.  Our responsibility is more important than our comfort or compensation.  Although obedience to God always results in a great reward eventually it can subject us to great difficulties at the moment.  If our main concern is to glorify God we will do as He commands regardless of the cost, circumstances, or consequences.  We need to heed the advice of Mary who said, “Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it” (John 2:5).  That alone makes you a success in life!

“As having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” – 2 Corinthians 6:10

My best friend throughout childhood sang in the Ozarkians Quartet. One of the songs I’ll never forget hearing him sing was called, “I’m A Poor Rich Man”. It is a song every Christian can identify with–God has no poor children. And,as I’ve said so many times, “Understanding who you are and what you have as a result of the person and work of Christ is key to everything in the Christian’s life”. I recently wrote a Morning Manna article entitled “Possession and Possessor”, based on Lam. 3:24 “The LORD is my portion”. The result of having the LORD as your portion is expressed in the text for this message—“possessing all things”. Commenting on this thought in 1840,James Smith wrote:

“The Lord’s family are generally poor; men may look at them as having nothing valuable, important, or calculated to make them happy; but in reality they possess all things, because God is theirs. Our God has said, “I am their inheritance,” and we say, “Thou art my portion, O Lord.”

His eternity is the date of our happiness; His unchangeableness, the rock of our rest; His omnipotence, our constant guard; His faithfulness, our daily security; His mercies, our overflowing store; His omniscience, our careful overseer; His wisdom, our judicious counsellor; His justice, our stern avenger; His omnipresence, our sweet company; His holiness, the fountain from which we receive sanctifying grace; His all-sufficiency, the lot of our inheritance; and His infinity, the extent of our glorious portion.

This is the blessedness of the people of the Lord: they have God for their God, and all His perfections engaged to make them blessed. O love the Lord! Live upon the Lord! Glorify God in the day of visitation! Make Him your portion and everlasting all!”

“To us the privilege is given
To be the sons and heirs of heaven;
Sons of the God who reigns on high,
And heirs of joys beyond the sky:
Oh, may our conduct ever prove
Our filial piety and love.”

For those who have never heard the song I have included the lyrics:

“I’m a poor rich man, yes, I’m a poor rich man.
Oh you see it really happened to me, I’m a millionaire.
I know that I am poor but I’ve got a lot more
Than many rich folks that I know.
I’ve got a home in the sky that money couldn’t buy,
And I’m a poor rich man.

We usually judge a man by the clothes that he wears,
By the car he’s ridin’ in.
And you can usually tell if he’s doin’ very well by the house he’s livin’ in.
But I am here to say that it don’t work that way
With everybody I know.
Because I just got acquainted with some poor rich folks
A little while ago

I’m a poor rich man, I’m a poor, poor rich man.
Oh you see it really happened to me, I’m a millionaire.
I know that I am poor but I’ve got a lot more
Than many rich folks that I know.
I’ve got a home in the sky that money couldn’t buy,
And I’m a poor rich man.

When a man is rich with this world’s goods
He’s usually got a lot of friends.
They all want to try to live so high
When they know that it’s a sin.
But even if I could, I don’t believe I would
Want the riches of this old world.
And when it’s time to go, I’ll be glad to know
That I’m a poor, poor rich man.

I’m a poor rich man, I’m a poor, poor rich man.
Oh you see it really happened to me, I’m a millionaire.
I know that I am poor but I’ve got a lot more
Than many rich folks that I know.
I’ve got a home in the sky that money didn’t buy,
And I’m a poor rich man.”

“The Lord is my helper.” – Hebrews 13:6

This is a very encouraging view of the Most High God: He is the helper of His people, and therefore it is that they are more than conquerors.

Beloved, let us remember this, when called to perform self-denying duties, or to pass through great and sore troubles. We can do nothing right, apart from God; but we can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us. He will help us in every distress, bring us out of every trouble, lead us through the world with honour, and land us safe on the shores of the heavenly Canaan; all this is promised to every one that trust in Him, waits for Him, walks with Him, and aim habitually to glorify Him.

What sweet encouragement is this; we have an omnipotent Helper, God in the person of His Son is our Deliverer: let us come up out of the wilderness leaning on our Beloved. Let us not grieve His love, or dishonour His grace.

Let us keep a clear conscience, maintain a holy walk, exercise simple faith on our covenant God, and then we may boldly say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I will not fear what man may do unto me.”

To look to Jesus as He rose,
Confirms my faith, disarm my foes;
Exalted on His glorious throne,
I see Him make my cause His own;
Then all my anxious cares subside,
For Jesus lives and will provide.  –James Smith, 1840