Stand Still
1. Sometimes We Just Need To Stand Still
Everywhere I go now I see little circles on the floor that read, "Stand here." Sometimes I just glance down at them, and slide my feet forward, or to the side, and other times I jump right into the center like a child playing a game and tell Michael, "I'm. Standing. Here." God didn't put circles down for His children to stand on, but there were times He told them to stand still. Let's look into the scriptures and find times when God wants us to "Stand Still".
2. Stand Still And See The Salvation Of The LORD
Our first example of standing still was when God told Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt and God led them up against the Red Sea. With Pharaoh and all the chariots of Egypt pursuing they could not turn and go back. They were trapped between Pharaoh and all his army, and the Red Sea.
"13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea." (Exodus 14:13-16)
God told the people to "stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD" and then He told them to go forward. There are times in our lives when we are trying to go forward and so much seems to be holding us back. Maybe God is reminding us to stop, stand still, and let Him work in our lives. God dried up the Red Sea and His children walked over on dry ground. When Pharaoh's army pursued they were drowned in the sea. After the death of Moses, Joshua was the leader and God dried the Jordan River for them to pass over. "And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan... And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until all the people were passed clean over Jordan." (Joshua 3:8 & 17) If you are struggling to move forward, maybe it's time to "stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."
3. Stand Still And Consider The Wondrous Works Of God
We lived in such a fast paced, busy world. How often do we get the chance to look around at the beauty God has created? I enjoy standing on the beach looking out to the vast ocean, with the sound of the waves crashing in, and the birds calling overhead. Mom has already told me the we need to plan a trip to the mountains soon to see the leaves changing into their beautiful colors. Sometimes we need to stand still and consider all that God has done for us. "Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." (Job 37:14) When we consider the greatness of God, it causes us to realize how small we are in His world, and how blessed we are that God looks down on us from heaven above. I have a portion of Psalm 8 on the wall above my desk.
"1. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" (Pslam 8:1, 3-4)
Sometimes things happen in the world that should cause us to consider that it is the hand of God. "That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it." (Isaiah 41:20) Twice the prophet Haggai said, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." (Haggai 1:7)
In the New Testament Jesus tells us to consider some things, too. "Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Luke 12:23 & 27) You don't have to drive to the beach, or to the mountains to consider how great our Lord and Savior is. Just stand still and look around you. Last of all, consider this, Jesus died for you. "Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." (John 11:50)
4. Sometimes We Need To Stand And Defend Our Ground
God delivered the Children of Israel out of Egypt, and led them into the Promised Land. But when they rebelled against God, they were often defeated by their enemies, and they cried out to God, and He delivered them. The book of Judges tells how this cycle happened over and over again, until the Israelites asked God for a King. Saul was the first king, and King David followed Saul. Near the end of his life, David recorded a list of his mighty men who had helped him fight his battles. One was Shammah. We don't know much about him, but David tells us that he stood his ground, in a field of lentiles, and had a great victory. All the other people fled, but he stood his ground and won the battle. "And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory." (II Samuel 23:11-12) We are facing spiritual battles today. A battle between good and evil has risen in our country and we need to stand firm on the righteousness of God, and defend our ground. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose. It seems as though Satan is winning in many parts of our nation, but God is still in control and we need to stand firm and pray to God for deliverance.
5. "Having Done All To Stand. Stand Therefore"
If we are going to stand for our spiritual battle, then we better have the whole armor of God. My title for this devotional comes from the end of Ephesians 6:13 and the beginning of verse 14, "...and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore,..." It may take all we have to stand, and with the strength and power of the Lord, let's keep standing.
"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" (Ephesians 6:10-18)
6. A Divided Nation Cannot Stand
I watched the debate and it strengthens my belief that our nation is divided to a dangerous level. I hope and pray that God will help our country, lifting up those for good, and bringing down the evil. Jesus warned about a divided people in Matthew 12:25. "And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:" We need to pray more than ever that God will help us through these trying times. There is so much hatred in the world today and people need the Lord. Before the great flood we read, "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Genesis 6:5) The next verse says that "it grieved him at his heart." Psalms 7:11 tells us, "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day." Our leaders can talk of their plans to make things better, but people need to turn to God, because He is our only hope. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14)
7. "Let Him That Thinketh He Standeth Take Heed Lest He Fall"
When I do my Bible reading there are many verses that I recognize from memorization when I was young, from sermons and lessons I have heard, and from the familiarity of the Bible stories. But as I read through books and chapters I especially notice words and thoughts that I am using for my devotional themes, and these verses stand out to me. This happened recently when I was writing on "Whosoever Believeth In Him", and reading through the book of John. Over and over I noticed the words believe, believed, believeth and other forms of the word. I have read the book of John many times, but I had not noticed all these scriptures on believing on Jesus. In my morning reading today I came to I Corinthians 10:12, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" and it stood out on the page just as if I had used a highlighter to mark the verse. We opened with the positive side of "Stand Still And See The Salvation Of The Lord." We have talked about the necessity of taking a stand for that which is right. And today I came to this scripture that is somewhat the opposite idea. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." We can't stand in our pride. Our stand must be in the Lord Jesus Christ! I was with a group of people several years ago and they were talking about speeding tickets. One of the young ladies spoke up and said that she had never gotten a ticket for speeding. The next time I saw her she told me that she got a ticket for speeding that very same evening. If we do any bragging, let it be on our Lord.
8. Don't Stand In The Way Of Sinners
I enjoy reading the book of Psalms. Today we are looking at the very first Psalm for another way we are not to stand. We are not to stand in the way of sinners. We would not deliberately stand in the way of someone going to heaven, but do we really think about ways that we are hindering others? Jesus warned of this in His days on earth. "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." (Matthew 23:13) Again in Luke 11:52, "Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered." There are religious people today leading men and women away from God by their false doctrine. But, we must also be careful not to hinder others. If you tell someone that you are a Christian does it make them want to be one like you, or do they hear you murmur and complain? When in God's house, are you praying for the lost who may hear the gospel message, or are you talking or moving about and distracting others? Are you pointing lost souls to Christ, or leading them astray with sin in your life? Psalm 1 is a good reminder to us about not standing in the way of sinners.
"1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1:1-6)
9. The B-I-B-L-E
Way back before I ever went to school I learned to sing The B-I-B-L-E. "The B-I-B-L-E. Yes, that's the book for me. I stand alone on the Word of God. The B-I-B-L-E." I felt so good that I could spell the word, Bible. But, I remember being confused because I knew it was not good to stand on a Bible. It was a long time before I understood what it meant to stand on the Word of God. God's Word is about the only thing we can stand on today. We can't trust the accuracy of what we see on the news, or read on the internet. We know not to believe everything we hear. Or, things that we were taught. Some things that we thought were true years ago, are said to not be true today. One example is whether Pluto is a planet, as we were taught in school, or not a planet, as our children are taught today. Ideas may change, but God's Word will never change. God's Word is true and will stand true for ever. And we can stand on His Word! "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;" (I Corinthians 15:1) "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." (Isaiah 40:8)
10. When Jesus Stood Still
In Pastor Tripp's sermon Sunday he mentioned a time when Jesus stood still. Jesus was busy as He traveled from town to town, teaching the multitudes, and healing the sick. As He was leaving Jericho, blind Bartimaeus cried out to Him for mercy. Many people told Bartimaeus to be still, but he cried out even more. And Jesus, full of compassion, stood still, and gave him his sight. We all have needs during these trying times and we may feel like no one is listening to our cries. Be assured that Jesus hears. He stood still for blind Bartimaeus with compassion, and he has compassion for you, too.
"46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." (Mark 10:46-52)
11. When I Can't Stand
During the night I noticed when I rolled over that my lower back was hurting. I don't know what I did, but today it is hard for me to stand. As I was slowly making my way to my computer I thought of a song that Susanna used to sing with me at church, "One Scarred Hand", written by Kyla Rowland. The words of the song are written below, but here is the chorus, "And when I can't stand, I have to lean. And when I can't see, I must believe. The Great Physician's touch is a balm that can, Mend broken hearts with one scarred hand." Today, I can't stand because of physical pain, but there have been many times when I couldn't stand because of a broken heart. No matter what your pain is today, you can call on the Savior. Though we fall, the Lord will lift us up with His hand. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." (Psalm 37:23-24)
"One Scarred Hand"
by Kyla Rowland
He is the fountain for a thirsty soul
He is the healer and so much more
When my heart is broken by this world's demands
The pieces are mended through one scarred hand
Chorus
And when I can't stand, I have to lean
And when I can't see, I must believe
The Great Physician's touch is a balm that can
Mend broken hearts with one scarred hand
It's a hand that holds this whole world in place
It's a hand that was scarred just to give me grace
And to think a hand that holds the stars
Is small enough to mend one broken heart
Chorus
The Great Physician's touch is a balm that can
Mend broken hearts with one scarred hand
12. Gonna Stand By Me
I am currently reading Paul's letters in the New Testament. The great Apostle suffered many things, but I believe that he did more to further the gospel message than anyone else we read about in the Bible. There were faithful people, like Luke, who stood by him and strengthened him, but there were also many who deserted him. In his second letter to Timothy he calls out to him to come to him before winter and bring his cloak and books and parchments. Many of our pastors may be hurting now, with the interruptions in our church worship services due to the Covid issues. Stand by your pastor. If you don't feel safe attending church during these trying times, keep in touch and let him know that you are still standing by your church. And if you feel like you have lost friends, remember that the Lord is faithful and He will stand by you! I am sharing another song that I enjoy singing, "Gonna Stand By Me."
"9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion." (II Timothy 4:9-11 & 16-17)
"Gonna Stand By Me"
Verse 1
I’m a pilgrim on life’s weary road
Many times I’m toiled neath a heavy load
When the way is dark and I cannot see
I know my Lord is gonna stand by me
Chorus
Gonna stand by me
Gonna stand by me
I know my Lord’s gonna stand by me
When the way is dark and I cannot see
I know my Lord is gonna stand by me
Verse 2
When I come to cross the Jordan wide
Gonna reach my home on the other side
When I pass from time to eternity
I know my Lord’s gonna stand by me
Chorus Twice
Tag
When the way is dark and I cannot see
I know my Lord is gonna stand by me
13. Stand By Me
Often when I hear the song, "Gonna Stand By Me" the singers add a verse of "Stand By Me" that was written by Charles Albert Tindley in 1905. As you read the lyrics of this great old song think about the examples we have in the Bible. "When the storms of life are raging... When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea, thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me." The disciples learned that Jesus would stand by them on the raging sea. "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm... And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:39 & 41)
"In the midst of tribulation, stand by me. In the midst of persecution, stand by me. When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me." Do you think the Apostle Paul knew Jesus would stand by him? "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (II Timothy 4:7-8)
"When I do the best I can, and my friends misunderstand, thou who knowest all about me, stand by me." Young David's brothers didn't really know his heart, but surely he knew the Lord would stand by him when he ran to meet Goliath with a sling and a stone. "And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle." (I Samuel 17:28) In Psalm 23 and many of the Psalms we see David's faith in God.
We know Joshua knew the Lord had stood by him in all his battles, and nearing the end of his life, he said, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15) Stephen saw the Lord standing by him in death. "And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God... And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (Acts 7:56 & 59) There are many examples in God's Word that prove God will stand by me!
Stand By Me
1.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea,
thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.
2.
In the midst of tribulation, stand by me.
In the midst of tribulation, stand by me.
When the hosts of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail,
thou who never lost a battle, stand by me.
3.
In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.
In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.
When I do the best I can, and my friends misunderstand,
thou who knowest all about me, stand by me.
4.
In the midst of persecution, stand by me.
In the midst of persecution, stand by me.
When my foes in battle array, undertake to stop my way,
thou who saved Paul and Silas, stand by me.
5.
When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When my life becomes a burden, and I'm nearing chilly Jordan,
O thou Lily of the Valley, stand by me.
14. Stand Still And Let God Move
When I began these devotionals on standing still my mind kept going to a song that I always enjoy hearing my daughter sing. "Stand Still" was written by The Isaacs. So many people are hurting right now. My prayer list gets longer and longer and I don't have the means to help them. But, maybe I can encourage you today. When I was growing up the old folks would say they were between a rock and a hard place. Maybe that's where you find yourself today. You may have battles that no one sees. You may have decisions to make and you just don't know what to do. Sometimes we have to stand still and trust the Lord to fight those battles for us. I pray that this song will be encouraging to you. "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you." (II Chronicles 20:17)
Stand Still
The Father has a plan, though it's hard to see it now
You feel you're walkin' all alone but He is there, no doubt
When the storm around you rages, and you're tossed to and fro
When you're faced with life's decisions, not sure which way to go
Stand still and let God move
Standing still is hard to do
When you feel you have reached the end, He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move
When the enemy surrounds you and the walls are closing in
When the tide is swiftly rising, and you wonder where He's been
Friend, there never was a moment that His arms weren't reaching out
You can rest assured and be secure, God is moving right now
Stand still and let God move
Standing still is hard to do
When you feel you have reached the end, He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move
When you feel you have reached the end, He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move
The answer will come, but only in His time
Stand still and let God move
Stand still and let God move, ooh
15. Standing on Holy Ground
I was raised up in church and it is natural for me to go to church regularly. I have been in worship services where we truly worshiped God and it seemed like you could feel the presence of the Lord. Can you imagine how Moses felt at the burning bush when the Lord told him that he was standing on holy ground? This happened again with Joshua. We are blessed that we can meet together with our Christian brothers and sisters and worship the Lord. Tomorrow is the Lord's day. There is no better place to be than in the Lord's house, with God's people, to worship the Lord together. Our numbers are down because of sickness, but the Lord promised, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) If you are able to go to church tomorrow, think about being in the presence of the Lord on holy ground. "And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5) "And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so." (Joshua 5:15) Our song today is "Holy Ground", written by Geron Davis.
Holy Ground
Verse 1
When I walked through the doors I sensed His presence
And I knew this was a place where love abounds
For this is a temple the God we love abides here
Oh we are standing in His presence on holy ground
(chorus)
We are standing on holy ground
For I know that there are angels all around
Let us praise Jesus now
For we are standing in His presence on holy ground
Verse 2
In His presence I know there is joy beyond all measure
And at His feet sweet peace of mind can still be found
For when we have a need He is still the answer
Reach out and claim it for we are standing on holy ground
(chorus)
Let us praise Jesus now
For we are standing in His presence on holy ground
16. Standing On The Promises Of God
We are hearing a lot of promises made, and I'm sure they will increase until the election. But the trouble with any election is that we can never be sure which promises will be kept. We need to pray, and we need to vote for the men and women who want to lead our country in the paths of righteousness. There are many that fall into the mindset of Judah in Jeremiah 6:16. "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." As Christians we can stand on the promises of God and find peace in this troubled world. His Word is true and sure, and through faith we can know that the Lord keeps all His promises. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Romans 5:1-2) Our song today was written by Russel Kelso Carter in 1886.
Standing On The Promises
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Chorus
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
3
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
4
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
5
Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
17. On Christ, The Solid Rock, I Stand
When I started these devotionals on "Stand Still" I remembered several songs using many of the scriptures that I had in mind. My mind was so busy that night I was awake until after midnight thinking about all the songs I have heard and sung in church. To make sure I didn't forget them by morning, I got up and started making a list. There were two songs about standing on the Rock Of Ages. Today we will look at the first old hymn that was written by William B. Bradbury in the 1800's. I am so thankful that God lifted me out of sin and despair and planted my feet on the solid Rock! "And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:" (Exodus 33:21) "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted." (Psalm 18:46)
The Solid Rock
1
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
Chorus
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
2
When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
3
His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.
4
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
18. I'm Standing On The Solid Rock
My daughter was asked to sing at a funeral Monday, so Michael and I kept the three kids. Elsa (5) and little Felicity (just turned 2) were standing in a chair against the counter top helping me make cookies. I measured the sugar and told Elsa not to let Lici pour it out while I got the beaters. Elsa said, "I'll put it behind me, where she can't see it." She knew that was the easiest way to keep her little sister from spilling the sugar. When I heard her say that I thought about how much better we would all be if we put sin and temptation behind us, where we wouldn't see it. I had already planned to use the song, "I'm Standing On the Solid Rock", written by Harold Lane, and as I read over the second verse it seemed to fit this little story. "With comfort came the Spirit of the Lord. Now with His Word to guide me, From temptation hide me..." It is hard to fight against temptation when we put it in front of us, and easier when we hide it behind our back. Our verses today are from Matthew 7 with special attention to verse 24. "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:" Let's strive to do what the Lord says and not yield to temptation.
"21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:21-27)
I'm Standing On The Solid Rock
Through my disappointments
Strife and discontentment
I cast my every care upon the Lord
No matter what obsession
Pain or deep depression
I'm standing on the solid rock
I'm standing on the solid rock of ages
(Standing on the rock, on the rock of ages)
Safe from all the storm that rages (safe
From every storm, all the storm that rages)
Rich but not from Satan's wages (rich
In love, I'm rich, not from Satan's wages)
I'm standing on the solid rock
Even though He's gone now
I don't feel alone now
With comfort came the Spirit of the Lord
Now with His Word to guide me
From temptation hide me
I'm standing on the solid rock
Now I'm pressing onward
Each step leads me homeward
I'm trusting in my Savior day by day
And close is our relation
Firm is its foundation
So on this solid rock I'll stay
19. Who At My Door Is Standing?
Thinking about these devotionals brought to mind a song that our church used to sing when I was just a little girl. I was surprised how many of the words I remember since I haven't heard it in many years. "Who At My Door Is Standing?" was written by M. B. C. Slade in the 1800's. It was often sung as an invitational at the close of the services at our church. Have you ever invited Jesus into your heart? He doesn't push His way into anyone's life. He stands and patiently knocks. Our scripture is Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." This verse was written at the closing of the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. So not only can we apply it to Jesus knocking on the heart's door of a lost soul, but we can also apply it to the church. Is the Lord welcome in your church, or is He standing outside the door, waiting to be invited in? The Apostle Paul warned young Timothy of the perilous days to come. Among the harmful sins listed in the third chapter of II Timothy he describes some as "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (II Timothy 3:5) Don't let a form of religion keep you from everlasting life. Trust in Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
Who At My Door Is Standing?
1 Who at my door is standing,
Patiently drawing near,
Entrance within demanding?
Whose is the voice I hear?
Refrain:
Sweetly the tones are falling;
“Open the door for me!
If thou wilt heed My calling,
I will abide with thee.”
2 Lonely without He’s staying:
Lonely within am I;
While I am still delaying,
Will He not pass me by?
3 All through the dark hours dreary,
Knocking again is He;
Jesus, art Thou not weary,
Waiting so long for me?
4 Door of my heart, I hasten!
Thee will I open wide.
Though He rebuke and chasten,
He shall with me abide.
20. I Stand Amazed In The Presence
When my children were small I would take my cross-stitch to work on and sit on the porch so I could watch over them while they played outside. One of my favorite pieces hangs on the wall above my computer. It is a constant reminder of how amazing the love of God is for me. "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" "I Stand Amazed In The Presence" is a great old song that was written by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel in 1905, almost 100 years ago. Do we still have the awe and wonder standing in the Lord's presence?" (Psalm 8:1, 3 & 4)
I Stand Amazed In The Presence
1
I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner condemned, unclean.
How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!
2
For me it was in the garden,
He prayed: “Not my will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat-drops of blood for mine.
3
In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To strengthen Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.
4
He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calv’ry,
And suffered, and died alone.
5
When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.
Another great song with a similar title was written by Squire Parsons, Jr . in 1980.
I Stand Amazed
When I examine that old rugged cross the mighty gulf did span;
It reaches down to the brinks of hell, to heaven's golden stand.
Chorus
I stand amazed, I stand amazed;
Of the love that has sought me, saved me and bought me,
I stand amazed.
When I imagine in glory that day, when all of heav'n stood still
As God, incarnate, the Savior of man, died upon Calv'ry's hill.
21. Stand Up For Jesus
Sometimes I come to a verse in the Bible that is so sad. Such is the case for Ezekiel 22:30. "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Our nation was founded on Christian principles, but today there are people in our land trying to destroy it. Some are even bold enough to protest with signs declaring that they don't want God in their state. We need strong Christian men, women, and children to stand in the gap of those left behind. Wednesday evening Pastor Tripp preached on Psalm 78 and it tells us to teach God's Word to our children. As our older generation passes on, we need to make sure our children and grandchildren know God and can pass on the gospel message to their children and grandchildren.
"4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:" (Psalm 78:4-7)
This old hymn was written by George Duffield, Jr. in 1858, and it encourages us to stand up for Jesus!
Stand Up Stand Up For Jesus
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
Ye soldiers of the Cross;
Lift high his royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From vict'ry unto vict'ry
His army he shall lead,
Till ev'ry foe is vanquished
And Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
The trumpet call obey,
Forth to the mighty conflict
In this his glorious day.
Ye that are men now serve him
Against unnumbered foes:
Let courage rise with danger,
And strength to strength oppose.
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
Stand in his strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you
Ye dare not trust your own
Put on the Gospel armour,
Each piece put on with pray'r;
Where duty calls or danger
Be never wanting there!
Stand up! Stand up for Jesus!
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor's song.
To him that overcometh
A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally
22. Where No One Stands Alone
When I get weary and broken hearted I feel alone. In my reading this morning I came to the verse, "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." (II Thessalonians 3:13) The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to be weary, and he knew what it was to stand alone. "At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me;..." (II Timothy 4:16-17) With the Lord as our Savior we don't have to stand alone.
I am also reminded of the time when Moses came down from the mount with the Ten Commandments in his hands on tables of stone, and the Children of Israel were worshiping a golden calf. And Moses cried out to God, "...I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." (Exodus 33:18) When it seems like everything is getting worse and we feel like we are standing all alone, we have to turn to the Lord, our great Almighty God. The Lord answered Moses. "And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:" (Exodus 33:21) Where else can we turn in our times of despair, except to the Lord? Aren't you thankful that there is a place by Him where no one stands alone? This song was written by Mosie Lister in 1955.
Where No One Stands Alone
Once I stood in the night
With my head bowed low
In the darkness
As black as could be
And my heart felt alone
And I cried, oh Lord
Don't hide your face from me
Hold my hand all the way
Every hour, every day
Come here to the great unknown
Take my hand
Let me stand
Where no one stands alone
Like a king I may live
In a palace so tall
With great riches to call my own
But I don't know a thing
In this whole wide world
That's worse than being alone
23. Stand And Praise The Lord With Thanksgiving
As the Children of Israel went through the wilderness the Levites were responsible for setting up and taking down the tabernacle, as they moved from place to place. Settled in the Promised Land, King David numbered the Levites, and since they no longer had to carry the tabernacle and vessels they were given the job "to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD." (I Chronicles 23:28) Verse 30 tells us an additional service they were to do. "And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even;" Many times people who were once helpful in the church grow older and think they can no longer continue in their service for the Lord. Well, here is something we can all do. We can stand every morning and every night to thank and praise our Lord. We are nearing our Thanksgiving holiday, but we don't have to wait until mid-November to be thankful. We can start now, and I am sure that if we stand every morning and every night and praise and give thanks to our Lord, we will be ready to have a truly blessed Thanksgiving.
24. Will You Stand With Me And Agree?
I don't personally know any people who are important by the world's standards, but I know the greatest Man who ever walked on this earth! Jesus came from His home in heaven and died to pay for my sin on the cross. I know Him! I want to share a beautiful song titled, "I Know Him" written by Kirk Talley. The last lines of the last verse say, "So I will stand and say to you that I know Him. Will you stand with me and agree?" The Bible tells us not to be ashamed of Jesus. So, I am telling you today that I know Him.
And even more amazing... He knows me! "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." (II Timothy 2:19) Will you stand with me and agree?
I Know Him
The birds up in the air know their Creator
Nature sings an awesome song of praise
Even the heavens declare his glory
So I will stand before you and proclaim
I know Him, I know Him
I met Him at the foot of Calvary
I know Him, yes I know Him
But best of all He knows me
He's moving in this place right now I feel Him
I do believe He's standing in the aisle
With outstretched arms He beckons to the weary
Come, I will give you rest my child
I've rested in His arms a million times or more
And every time He's held me tenderly
So I will stand and say to you that I know Him
Will you stand with me and agree?
25. Stand Fast In Liberty And Freedom
I am so thankful for the liberty and freedom from sin I have in Christ Jesus. I am not perfect and I make mistakes, but the Lord forgives me and gives me the desire to be a better person. I want to live for Jesus. I want others to see that I am a Christian. Some in the early church wanted to believe in Jesus for salvation, but they also wanted to be under the law of Moses. Paul told the church at Galatia, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)
Michael and I voted Monday morning. It took almost an hour, but it was worth the wait to know that I was doing my part to take a stand for our liberty and freedom. I believe that this is the most important election held during my lifetime. If the right choices are not made in this election, we are in danger of losing much of our freedom to live and worship our Lord Jesus. The wickedness of this world increases continually. For the sake of our babies, and our children, please take a stand and vote for those who want the right path for our future.
26. Stand By Your Loved Ones In TheTime Of Need
My mom called Tuesday morning to tell me that her friend's husband passed away during the night. My mom often drives her friends shopping, out to lunch, and various other places. She told me that she was going to take her to the funeral home that afternoon. My mom is a good friend who stands by her friends in their times of need. I want to be like her. I try to be a person that people can depend on. Our verse today is John 19:26. "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!" Jesus wanted to make sure His mother was taken care of after He was gone, and He chose the disciple who was standing by in His last hours. To all my family and friends, "I love you! If you need me, I'll be standing by, just call me."
27. My Redeemer Liveth, And He Shall Stand In The Latter Day
You have probably heard of all the troubles of Job. He lost his wealth, his children, and his health, but he did not lose his faith.
"20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1:20-22)
His good friends came to mourn with him but instead they made things worse for him. At one point Job said, "I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all." (Job 16:2) It only grew worse from there. "How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?" (Job 19:2) You may feel like you lost a lot in 2020. You may have even turned to your family and friends in hope of finding comfort, only to be hurt by their words and actions. Job suffered through all of that, but he never gave up on God. He wanted the future generations to know that he kept his faith. Don't lose hope. Our Redeemer lives! The Lord is in control and He will carry us through!
"23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" (Job 19:23-26)
28. Don't Just Stand Around
In the 1970's our youth group was very active, holding tent meetings, home prayer meetings, and even street meetings. One evening as we were standing around the church bus, one of the young preachers quoted part of Acts 1:11. "...Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." He was not the type to stand around, but was always busy trying to do something for the Lord. Most of 2020 we feel like we have been standing around, waiting for the virus to be over. Our church attendance has been low since the doors were opened again, but I am thankful that the services are now online and reaching farther out. The Lord does not want us to stand idly by, as we see in two verses in the parable of the vineyard. "And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,... And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?" (Matthew 20:3 & 6) The Apostle Paul even warned that women were also not to be idle. "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." (I Timothy 5:13) Time is growing short and we have work to do. "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together." (John 4:35-36)
29. Our Last Stand
This is our last devotional on "Stand Still." There are several verses we could talk about today. There are Bible verses that tell us to "stand fast" in the faith and in the Lord. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." (I Corinthians 16:13) "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." (Philippians 4:1) Scripture tells us about how the wicked and righteous stand against each other. "And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them." (I Samuel 17:3) "The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand." (Proverbs 12:7) We could look at these or several others, but I think the best thoughts to use for our last stand are those about our last stand. We are all going to stand in judgment before the Lord. Are you ready?
"But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (Romans 14;10)
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (II Corinthians 5:10)
"For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (Revelation 6:17)
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Revelation 20:12)
