Author Archives: lrbartel

Oct 25 2017
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Devos

The longing of my heart? “Just a Closer Walk with Thee!” Sound familiar?

There’s a old country gospel song that’s been running through my mind all morning since “coffee with the Lord.”… Found myself even “humming/singing” it during my “prayer run” today!

If you poke around a bit on Google you’ll discover its background and history is uncertain.  Some evidence strongly suggests it dates all the way back to southern African-American churches of the nineteenth century, possibly even prior to the Civil War, as some personal African American histories recall “slaves singing as they worked in the fields a song about walking by the Lord’s side. Hundreds… perhaps thousands of artists have sung it and recorded it.  In 1950, it was a million-seller for the country artist, Red Foley. It was also recorded by Elvis Presley,  Tennessee Ernie Ford made the charts with it in the late 1950s. One of my favorite recordings of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” is the big band version of it recorded by the Lawrence Welk Orchestra and Chorus (not available on YouTube L)

All that to say… This old country gospel song expresses the yearning and desire of my heart as a follower of Jesus.  I know “I am weak – but He is strong!”  I need Him to “Keep me from all wrong” – Lord, my prayer is “Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil!” (the Lord’s Prayer).  I yearn for a “closer walk” with Him!

Here are the lyrics of that old “country gospel song” for your reflection and enjoyment and a vocal rendition for your enjoyment on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vevZCy1vo0)

“I am weak, but Thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

Refrain:

“Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

“Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

“When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more,
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom’s shore, to Thy shore.”

Oct 24 2017
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Devos

What makes parents (and their “Heavenly Parent”) proud of their children…

I’m a parent and I can tell you what brings joy and deep satisfaction to my heart – It’s when my children exhibit the values we’ve taught them, demonstrate responsible behavior, and live by the godly principles that are stressed in Scripture. I’m forever grateful that I had parents that taught me those things and stressed them in our home as we were growing up. If you had godly parents you were indeed fortunate. If you didn’t, I pray that you’ve had spiritual mentors that functioned like godly parents in your life!

So what is it that will make godly parents proud and generate joy and satisfaction in their hearts? I read about it this morning during my Bible reading in Proverbs…

“My son [or daughter], if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear [reverence] of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off! Hear, my son [or daughter], and be wise, and direct your heart in the right way… Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding! The parents of the righteous will greatly rejoice; those who have a wise son [or daughter] will be glad in them. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice. My son [or daughter], give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways!” (From Proverbs 23:15–26 ESV)

I’ve got to tell you, as a Christian, God-fearing parent, that’s the kind of thing that will “make my buttons pop” with legitimate pride, the behaviors that will produce great satisfaction, and the lifestyle that will generate joy in my heart!

But somehow, in all of this, I also hear the echo of our Heavenly Father’s heart! It describes, more than anything else, what will make Him happy! And I don’t know about you, but I want His approval first and foremost! I want to bring joy to His heart more than anything else!

Oct 23 2017
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Devos

Encourage one another and build each other up – That’s what fellow Christians should do!

Encourage one another...
I just finished having my devotional time… I call it “coffee with the Lord.” It usually includes a time of worship and prayer, Bible reading and reflection, and journaling. It’s always upbuilding and gives me the emotional and spiritual energy I need for the day. My “coffee with the Lord” posts usually come directly from this devotional time.
Today however, my post comes from the encouraging word a dear friend, Sylvia Lee, posted on Facebook from the Bible (and posted without comment, I might add!). Here it is…
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8 NIV).
In the “body of Christ,” among fellow Christians, one of the most important things we do is “edify” – encourage or build up – one another! Apostle Paul put it this way, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). Sylvia’s “word from the Lord” did that for me today! Sharon and I needed to hear it. Thank you Sylvia for being used by the Lord in sharing it!
That’s the way the Christian community, the “body of Christ,” the Church works! “God has put the body together…so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it!”
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