Lingering Lyrics

One of life's many blessings, that I'm so grateful for, is the fact that the lyrics of many old hymns are stored in my mind and I can recall them when needed.

Often I find myself quoting these lyrics in my mind or...vocally. When I get up in the middle of the night there are often hymn or gospel song lyrics going through my mind. As I said above, this is such a blessing that I thank God for. Often they are lyrics that I haven't read, heard or sung for many years.

Lately the lyrics of the chorus of the song "Why?" written by a man who I knew and loved, John M. Moore, were such a blessing.

"All my iniquities on him were laid;

He nailed them all to the tree.

Jesus, the debt of my sin fully paid,

He paid the ransom for me."

The truth that Jesus was my Substitute, my Sin-Bearer and my Saviour when he bore my sins (which were many) on the cross at Calvary thrills my heart.

My Advocate, My Provider and My Testimony

                    I'm so grateful for God's provision for my every need!                  

Even in our Tangled Lives...God Is There!

 

God Really Does Care

 

The Safest Place

 There is rest in the safe place...in the shadow of the Almighty!  Run there for shelter!

Tangled Woods

 My friend posted this photo on her Facebook page and I wrote the poem.  Regardless of our circumstances...God is there with us.

The True Garrison of our Hearts - The Peace of God

I've always been encouraged and strengthened by the use of the word "garrison" that Weymouth used. - David

"And then the peace of God, which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard your hearts and minds in union with Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7 - Weymouth Translation of the New Testament

The word keep there is much stronger in the original; it actually means to garrison, to mount a guard over.  “And the peace of God shall be a garrison, a guard, over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  How deeply we need this garrison of the peace of God!  Some troubling thought comes up… but no, the guards refuse to give it access into the mind; some anxious concern tries to force entry into the heart but the garrison bars it. - taken from the web site - amendingfeast.org

Have Piano...Will Travel

As a young man I bought my first piano from Warne’s Music Store in my hometown, Peterborough, Ontario. It wasn’t much to look at but…I loved the tone so I paid for the ol’ clunker and had it delivered to our home.

Over ten years later I moved it to the Christian Book Store I owned so our customers could sit down with a music book and “try out” a song or two. I’d often sit down myself when the store was quiet and play a few hymns. In 1987 I moved to Toronto and left Ol’ Clunker behind. It was hard to say goodbye because we had collaborated on a few songs I had written and it was a sad day when we parted.

My memory is fuzzy regarding the next chapter, or verse, of the story but Ol’ Clunker and I were reunited in Toronto where I had moved to take a position at The Peoples Church. Through our daughter, we heard that a Polish family had a child who wanted to take piano lessons so we “lent” the piano to them. Again, it was a sad moment when I said “goodbye”. Later, the family moved out of town and they asked if I wanted my cherished friend back. I quickly and gladly said “yes” although my wife wasn’t anxious to welcome ol’ clunker back into our home. It wasn’t the finest looking piece of furniture I must admit.

I reluctantly donated “her”…not my wife…to The Peoples Church. and they hid it away in one of the Peoples Christian School classrooms. I was pleased to have her close by if I needed “her”.

One New Year’s Eve, the church had invited the Blackwood Brothers Quartet to sing at the Watchnight Service as we welcomed in the New Year. A banquet preceded the concert and the dinner was served in the school gymnasium…attached to the church sanctuary. Little did I know that the Blackwood Brothers would sing a couple of songs in the gym, following the banquet, before everyone moved into the sanctuary for the service.

Some of the church staff, in all probability Ken and Stan, wheeled Ol’ Clunker into to gym and my heart skipped a beat. “Oh boy”, I thought, “is she even in tune?”

As the Blackwoods played and sang “Precious Memories” I sat there enthralled, recalling the well-traveled pilgrimage that my piano had undertaken and the precious memories that came to mind as I listened to the group I had enjoyed since I was a “little kid.”

 

The Pilgrim Scribe's Journey

 

The Pilgrim Scribe’s Journey

When I began to write about my journey,

Discerning not the path that I would take;

With pages blank and pen in hand not knowing

The choices and mistakes that I would make.

Each day would be for me a brand new story,

With lines oft’ times too hard for me to share;

But at the end of ev’ry day…assurance,

And knowing that my God was always there.

The trials and pains endured along life’s pathway,

Can fade as I recall the lessons learned;

I often write of times that I have wandered,

And when the voice of God at times I’d spurned.

An old and noble scribe once wisely offered,

“A few bad chapters will not close the book”;

They’re never meant to say your story’s over,

But only trace the path your journey took.

So as you turn another page, dear pilgrim,

And wonder how the tale will finally end;

Remember that the God who walks beside you,

When asked, will peace and comfort always send.

May others read your story and be able

To learn from all the trials that you’ve been through;

And know the Author of your great salvation,

The Faithful One, who’s always good and true.

David Fisher – September 29th, 2015

Revised – January 11, 2022

Blazing Skies and God's Glory

Thank you, Ted Barrett, for the amazing photo and thank you, Phil Foster, for challenging me to write a poem to accompany this photo. Thank you, Father, for inspiring me to write. This is real collaboration!

 

Fear Not...

WARNING...Foggy Road Ahead

Thank you, Phil Foster, for the amazing photo...and thank you, sovereign God, for you protection as we travel and unknown path. 

The Best is Yet To Come

 

The Master of the Sea

 He's the King of kings and Lord of lords, our Saviour, Redeemer and Friend...worthy of our praise and adoration.  May He still the storms in our hearts and lives for His eternal glory...and our good!

Big Sea, Small Boat...but a Great, Big GOD

 When I read Tim Challies' blog this morning, as I do every day, one of the graphics on his site depicted a ship at sea. In the picture/photo, the ocean is so expansive and the ship seems so small by comparison. When I saw the picture I recalled a quote that I hadn't heard for many years so I went to Google to check it out. Apparently the quote was inscribed or carved on a block of wood that sat on John. F. Kennedy's desk.

There's also a poem that I found. I'll quote the poem and the brief story about JFK's desk.

Our lives can appear to be so small and insignificant but in God's eyes...we are very special. So valuable to Him that He gave His Son to redeem us and give wonderful peace and eternal life. - David

"This Old Breton prayer was inscribed on a block of wood on the desk of President John F. Kennedy. Admiral Hyman Rickover would give it to new submarine captains and also presented one to the President. Kennedy loved the quote and used it in his dedication of the East Coast Memorial to the Missing at Sea on May 23, 1963. He always kept it on his desk in the Oval Office and it is now in the JFK Presidential Museum and Library."

Here is the poem in its entirety:

Thy sea, O God, so great,

My boat so small.

It cannot be that any happy fate

Will me befall

Save as Thy goodness opens paths for me

Through the consuming vastness of the sea.

Thy winds, O God, so strong,

So slight my sail.

How could I curb and bit them on the long

And saltry trail,

Unless Thy love were mightier than the wrath

Of all the tempests that beset my path?

Thy world, O God, so fierce,

And I so frail.

Yet, though its arrows threaten oft to pierce

My fragile mail,

Cities of refuge rise where dangers cease,

Sweet silences abound, and all is peace.

- Winfred Ernest Garrison

Check out Tim Challies' blog at www.challies.com

The Eternal God...Our Source of Strength

 If only I could remember this.

Thank you, Father, for quietly

leading us back to You as we

walk this pilgrim pathway!

Don't Stop Praying...the Blessing Will Be There

Be persistent in your prayer...

and the blessing will be there. 

The Misty Flats - Revisited

Recently I created and posted this graphic with a quote by John Oxenham that I discovered as a young man while reading Isobel Kuhn's incredible autobiography, By Searching. I've never forgotten this quote and when I saw my friend Mark Price's photo, I asked for his permission to use it as the background for Oxenham's words. Thank you, Mark!

Summer by the River

 

JESUS...Victor...NOT Victim

If anyone could feel like a "victim" it would be Joni Eareckson Tada. An athletic teenager, Tada broke her neck in a diving accident when she was 17. Her spinal cord was severed, and she became paralyzed from the shoulders down. She has limited arm motion, but can't use her hands or her legs.

Her writing and speaking engagements have brought hope and encouragement to untold numbers of people.

On this Easter weekend we thank God, the Father, that His beloved Son, Jesus, conquered sin, death, and the grave when He rose triumphantly and lives forever as our Advocate and High Priest.

God Will NEVER Fail You

Wise words from a man who trusted God completely, George Muller. Even though we fail the Lord...He will NEVER fail us.  He is worthy of our trust!
 

He Will Never Forget You

 

Jesus is more...

Square Quotes

I've been visiting and enjoying Tim Challies' blog for many years and I've often used the quotes he includes at the bottom of his posts. The quotes and the graphics are excellent.

On Tim's blog www.challies.com he posted the following, today:

"Several years ago Jules Koblun and I began to create graphics together. I would find an inspirational quote and she would use her graphic design skills to set it atop an image. Over the years we’ve created nearly 1500 of these quote graphics, covering a wide range of topics. I expect you’ve seen them embedded in the daily A La Carte posts and shared through social media.

Over the years I’ve had many requests for the definitive collection, so have finally assembled all these graphics at a new site, SquareQuotes.church. There you can find quote graphics by categories, keywords, or search. Once you’ve found them you can browse them, download them, or order prints on paper, canvas, or even metal. I’ve ordered several of these myself and can attest that the production quality is top-notch. If you’re after a quote on just about any topic relevant to Christians, I expect you’ll find something there! (Note: any costs are for printing only; I do not earn any profit from these graphics.)"

David's note: Check out these amazing quotes at this site: www.SquareQuotes.church

Evening Thoughts...

 

Suffering

 “I have often longed to save those whom I love from the strain and stress of suffering, but I never could; and today I have read these words in Coneybeare’s translation of Romans 5: 3-5.

 ‘We know that by suffering is wrought steadfastness, and steadfastness is the proof of soundness, and proof gives rise to hope; and our hope cannot shame us in the day of trial; because the love of God is shed forth in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, Who has been given to us.’

Suffering, steadfastness, soundness, hope, love – what great words these are and how arresting is the order in which they are set.  We may not change the order.  Eternal Love set them in that order and Eternal Love will justify that order if only we go on in peace and are never offended in Him.”

Taken from Edges of His Ways by Amy Carmichael - copyright 1985 Dohnavur Fellowship

August 19^th devotional

Timeless Quote

This is one of my all-time favourite quotes by a man who met a martyr's death in the jungles of Ecuador.  Such profound truth!

On a Path I Never Would've Chosen

PLEASE click here for an excellent article by Madelyn Canada.  It will encourage you.  I guarantee that!

Whispering or Shouting

David W. Fisher

June 1st, 2020

God Moves in a Mysterious Way - Powerful Lyrics

Over the years I've heard literally hundreds of people quote the first line of William Cowper's ageless hymn. We really need to "hear him out" and see what else he had to say. Cowper (1731-1800) was a Christian hymn writer and poet who battled severe depression, attempted suicide numerous times and spent time in insane asylums as they used to be called. John Newton, the converted slave ship captain, (Amazing Grace) befriended Cowper and walked with him through his darkest days/years.

These lyrics are powerful. I've read them repeatedly over the years. I'm reminded that God has a plan and even though we often can't understand why He does what He does in our lives...He is working things out for our good and His glory.

GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm

Deep in unsearchable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works HIs sovereign will

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take
The clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense
But trust Him for His grace
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face

His purposes will ripen fast
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste
But sweet will be the flower

Blind unbelief is sure to err

And scan His work in vain
God is His own interpreter
And He will make it plain

Quiet Reflections at the Keyboard

The following lyrics came to me recently after playing the keyboard in the basement for about half an hour.  It had been a stressful day. I turned off the keyboard, turned out the light and this is what came to me:

The music had stopped
And the lights had gone out
Yet I lingered long after the song:
In the stillness I heard
God's encouraging word
"I've been with you all the day long."

The sweet voice of the Master had calmed me
My day had been fraught with despair:
As I sat there in deep contemplation
I knew that the Lord had been there.

May 6th, 2020

David W. Fisher

I've Learned...by Andy Rooney

Written by Andy Rooney, a man who had the gift of saying so much with so few words. Rooney has passed away but used to be on CBS's 60 Minutes TV show.

Take two minutes to read these sayings and be sure to read all the way to the bottom:

I've learned....
That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned....
That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned ....
That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day

I've learned....
That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned....
That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned....
That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned....
That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in any other way.

I've learned....
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned....
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned....
That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned....
That life is like a roll of toilet paper.The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned....
That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned....
That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...
That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned....
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned....
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned....
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned....
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned....
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned....
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned....
That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned....
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned....
That when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned....
That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I've learned....
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned....
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned....
That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you're hooked for life.

I've learned...
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned....
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

To all of you....
Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.

It's National Friendship Week.  Show your friends how much you care.

Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if it means sending it back to the person who sent it to you.  If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.

Life's Stormy Sea

Life's stormy seas can threaten to take us under but the Master of the seas, Jesus Christ our Lord, rescues us and calls us His own.  Hallelujah...what a Saviour!

Written by David Fisher on February 26th, 2020

 as a winter storm approached.

Life Is Not Fair

Another powerful quote posted by Toby Mac - #SPEAKLIFE

This is SO true!  God is faithful, always has been, 

always will be!  We can count on this truth!

Sometimes Peace Requires us to be Quiet

Toby Mac has posted some very profound truths/memes since the tragic passing of his son...in the prime of his life.

I must confess...it is difficult to remain quiet...even when (you know) you're right.

I'm working on it!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Thinking of mom as I was shaving this morning, these words came to mind. The tune is the same as the classic..."I'll Be Home For Christmas."

"I'll be "home" for Christmas
God has called me there;
No more suffering, grief or pain
I'm in my Saviour's care.
Christmas Eve will find me
Singing 'round God's throne,
I'll be home for Christmas
But I won't be alone!"

We miss you, mom!!!

NOTE: My mother went home to be with the Lord she loved and served on Thursday, December 19th, 2019.  She would have been 95 on January 7th, 2020.

The Lord God is a Sun and Shield

We serve a mighty God!  Praise Him each day for His goodness and mercy.  It endures forever!

What's Around the Bend?

Whatever is around the next bend in the road is no surprise to our sovereign, all-knowing God.  Trust Him.  He knows what's ahead!

Are You on the Right Track?

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

These are the lyrics to one of my favorite, old hymns.  Power words!  I love to sing this hymn, play it on the piano and hear it played by a majestic pipe organ!  What a mighty God we serve!

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3. To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small,
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.

4 Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render, O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!

God's Majestic Glory

No words required.  God's Word says it all! 

God's Incredible Handiwork

Photo of Acadia Park in Maine courtesy of my good friend Amanda Raub.  Scripture verse courtesy of God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things!

Feeling Overwhelmed?

Feeling overwhelmed as I was today?  This scripture verse was exactly what I needed.  This eternal truth was what encouraged me to RUN to the Rock and find refuge in His everlasting arms.

The Lord invites you to do the same.  His arms are open wide. He's calling you to come...and He will give you rest for you soul.

God Still Provides

One evening I was enjoying a meal with my sons Matthew and Nathan in a restaurant not far from home when something caught my attention. From my vantage point I looked out across a farmer’s field, covered in snow with a few old stalks of corn breaking through the crusty, icy ground. Even though I was supposed to be engaged in meaningful conversation with the boys, my mind was racing and a variety of thoughts were fighting for my attention. The beauty of that pastoral setting was negated by deep concerns.

A flock of blackbirds landed on the field trying to find some nourishment. Frustrated, they flew off to look elsewhere. My mind went to Matthew’s gospel where the former tax collector writes of the care of the Creator for His creatures, birds and mankind, feathered and fearful. He penned these words two thousand years ago. They still have a profound impact today.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns; and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)

Taken from the Pilgrim Scribblings archives...written in December 2004.

A Perfect Reflection

The Misty Flats

Today I went mining in the archives of this Pilgrim Scribblings blog and found this post from 15 years ago about a missionary, a book and a poem.  

Perhaps the book that most shaped my life as a young man was "By Searching" by Isobel Kuhn. She sensed the call of God to take the gospel to the Lisu people in China. The first chapter is entitled "On To The Misty Flats" and begins with a poem by John Oxenham. I've recalled this poem many times over the years and thought of it again this morning. Here it is for your perusal:

The Misty Flats

To every man there openeth
A way, and ways, and a way.
And the high soul climbs the high way,
And the low soul gropes the low,
And in between on the misty flats
The rest drift to and fro.
But to every man there openeth
A high way and a low -
And every man decideth the way his soul shall go.
- John Oxenham

High Road, Low Road or the Misty Flats?

What road will you choose to travel today? May your pilgrimage be filled with divine surprises as the God of Heaven reveals Himself to you today!

"The sovereign God is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." - Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV)

Celebrating God's Faithfulness in this Harvest Season