Hello, Dear Friend
From My House to Yours…
It sure felt good to get the house cleaning done. Now it was time to celebrate. Don’t you just love that feeling when your house is clean and in order? My celebration consisted of treating myself to a good cup of coffee, with a little cinnamon sprinkled on top, and finally getting to sit down with my new book that just arrived. Little did I know, waiting for me within the pages of that book, was an old friend of mine. A dear friend that I would like you to meet. But first, let me tell you how this all came about.
Once I had my coffee and book in hand, I started scanning through the list of contributing authors. Surprised, but also thrilled, my eyes saw a familiar name I hadn’t seen in years. It was listed among many of the other great authors of his time. “His Victorious Indwelling,” my new book written by Nick Harrison, takes a number of wonderful authors and compiles them into a year-long devotional.
What I like most about this book is the way each story gives you a glimpse into that author’s life, as well as the way that each day’s scripture applies to the story. Much like my friend’s entry, Christ is the focus. Each author, in their own unique way, spurs us on towards a deeper commitment to Christ. I found it encouraging and also insightful to read about both the blessings and the trials of those who have lived before us. We are part of a rich heritage! And in their writings, we get to see the faithfulness of those dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Their legacy reminds us to remain faithful and true, no matter what obstacles may come our way!
“You will have no test of faith that will not fit you to be a blessing if you are obedient to the Lord.
I never had a trial but when I got out of the deep river I found some poor pilgrim on the bank that I was able to help by that very experience.” —A.B. Simpson
Now it’s time for the introduction: I am so very pleased to introduce you to my dear friend and contributing author, A. B. Simpson. I can’t tell you how much this man’s life, and his writings, have made a major impact on who I am today, and who I still am striving to be. That is why my heart was so excited and grateful to look down and see that all-too familiar name listed as the writer, dated September 25th. The moment I saw it, I couldn’t help but think back on the tremendous influence this person has had in my life. His beliefs, his perspective, and his heart for the Lord is what spoke to me all those years ago and after reading his words again, it was comforting to know, they still speak to me today. It not only felt good to say, “Hello” to my dear friend, but it also triggered many a memory as I took a moment to sit back and reminisce about the time in which we first met.
It was a little over 40 years ago that I was introduced to A.B. Simpson. In truth, I didn’t actually ever get to meet him face to face, for Albert Benjamin Simpson was born December 15, 1843, and died October 29, 1919. Yet in so many ways, it felt like I knew him. It was through his deeply profound writings that I benefited from getting to know this man. I loved the depth and the sincerity that came through in everything I read of his. From those writings, I gained a new and refreshing outlook on life. What was unique about A.B. Simpson, was he never promoted Christianity as something to be attained by strict regulations and man-made traditions. No, it was something much deeper and much more personal. His life, his sermons, and his writings proclaim this amazing truth, “All for Jesus and Jesus only.”
What a wonderful truth and simplistic way to look at life. “All for Jesus and Jesus Only” made me see life in a brand new way. This perspective was fresh, it was true, and it gave me a new roadmap for the future. One that was not cluttered with harsh limitations or restrictions. Instead, it kept the focus on Christ and His Word to us. Our part was also simple: give Him everything. This formula, that sets us free today and gives us that same assurance for all our tomorrows, begins and ends with our Lord Jesus.
“Jesus only” eliminates the need for quandaries or complications. It even clarifies what we are to do when our hearts become confused and we are in need of refocusing. If our eyes stay fully focused on Christ our perspective can change from what once was, to what IS now the truth! A.B. Simpson said it this way in one of his most famous writings and songs: “Once it Was the Blessing” (A.B. Simpson: Lyrics and Music. {1843-1919})
“Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word. Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own; Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone. Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust; Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost. Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast; Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast. Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer; Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care. Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says; Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise. Once it was my working, His it hence shall be; Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me. Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One; Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone. Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine; Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine. Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail; And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the veil.” ― A. B. Simpson
It is my hope that you too will get a chance to sit down and read the words within this book; “His Victorious Indwelling” by Nick Harrison. And if you like history, you might enjoy looking up some of the writings of A.B. Simpson. I believe you will be blessed by both! It is my prayer, that you (and I) will be strengthened in our faith, just as those who have gone before us.
Enjoyed the book recommendation, but also enjoyed the reminder of one the most insightful Christian leaders from more than a century ago. Thank you.
Thank you! I always appreciate your insights and encouragement!!