Handmaid of the Lord

Regardless of their differences, God demonstrated His power in the lives of both Esther and Ruth. Esther was a Jewish captive in a foreign land, while Ruth was a young widow from a pagan country serving her bitter mother-in-law in Israel. Crowned queen of Babylon at the king's pleasure, Esther accepted her position with courage. Ruth, loving and determined, chose to leave her native country and wait God as a servant in the fields. They entrusted their lives to God. As a result, the exiled Jews were spared from death and Ruth was restored with a godly husband and the privilege of being one of Jesus' earthly forebearers. The promise of fulfilled purpose can still be found in God today....

"Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it." 1 Thess. 5:24

My Adoration of Autumn

Pennsylvania's annual beauty is neatly framed into four seasons. Of these seasons autumn has grounded its roots deepest in my delight. Naturally, the rapture of fiery hue captivates my sight; but more so, the Lord's goodness captivates my heart. After the struggle in the birth of spring and in the heat of summer, autumn surrounds me with a sense of completeness. The fruits of labor have ripened! Autumn portrays the Final Harvest when in radiant glory Christ shall return for His own. Thanksgiving, matchless to any other gratitude, will define each soul –now fully complete with Him. The promise of redeeming grace shall surely be satisfied.

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." Jude 21;24;25

The Holy Spirit's Rejoicing

Am I abiding in the Spirit or quenching it? What function can the enlightened heart perform? Where does praise originate? And how can I thank God for all things in sincerity? Is there really a position in which the soul freely submits one to another?

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:18-21

This passage in Ephesians directs, “Be not drunk... but be filled with the Spirit.” A person drinking an overabundance of alcohol is soon possessed by it and unable to control himself. He does not know who he is, where he is, or what he is doing. In the same way, Christians should be filled --or possessed by-- the Spirit. If you were controlled by the Spirit, your identity would be Christ, your location would be the Father's will, and your calling would be Spirit's power and precedence.

“Quench not the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” Galatians 5:16-18

“Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.” Psalm 15:1;2

As a Child of God the Spirit lives in you. Your heart is the Spirit's home and workplace. The Holy Spirit is God on earth today. The Spirit was sent here to teach, empower, lead, and comfort us after God the Son returned to reign victorious in Heaven. When you confess your sin and ask God the Father to cleanse you from all unrighteousness He can and will because His Son is making intercession for you now before the Father. Being pardoned from sin, you are enabled to stand in pure unity before God. Present sins are the very means of “quenching the Spirit.” --And when they are purged, you are placed in fellowship with God-- allowing Him to work in your life.

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23;24

“Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come." John 16:13

The excellent work begins: The Spirit reveals the truth of God's holy Word. Truth revealed is not merely a Christians reading God's law, but the Christlike wisdom and understanding from which Christians can be used of God to the utmost. God wrote His Word, and only by God can you fully understand what He would have you to know. The ultimate foundation of truth is Christ. In being exposed to the image of God your mind and heart is transformed. The response to such glory in the unity of God is proclamation. Since it is from the meditation of your heart you act, the truth is testified to others through you by the Spirit Himself!

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:8

At the realization of God's power, the heart swells with a boldness to not only tell of it but also sing forth in wonder and thanksgiving. You can see no greater call than to praise the Lord before the throne of grace. This is the heart the God desires you to have. This is the heart of Jesus Christ --in the streets of the blind, at the table of publicans, and on the cross of separation from His Father-- for you.

No greater joy and strength is found than knowing the Truth --glimpsing the glory of God. Paul, the human author of Ephesians 5:18-21, later wrote in 3 John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walking in truth.” Your walk blesses fellow brothers in Christ by saying, “Being strong and of good courage; greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world!”

Your praise to God continues in thanking Him for all things. Not just singing about it-- living your every action in gratitude always. Although an imperfect sinner, as long as you am abiding in the Spirit, you will always be thanking God for all things. If you are not thankful you are not in fellowship with God, believing that all things are being fitted into the perfect masterpiece. Therefore, may you daily seek the Lord's face and walk in His footprints... and witness His blueprint being unfolded.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:5;8

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” Psalm 63:1

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

As a result of this power, joy, strength, and love you freely submit yourself “one to another in the fear of God.” You have understanding in our Father. His will is made clear. Being acceptable before the Lord is the safest, most glorified place to be. There your will is none other than that which the Lord wills.

Am I possessed by the Spirit today? Is there any way that I am poisoning the the truth that the Spirit is trying to show me? What is there in my life that is keeping me from being fully in the Spirit? Lay aside not only every sin, but also every weight. What is my song? Is it of corrupt, former things of unrighteousness –or of truth, joy, thanksgiving, and a godly willingness? Remember, it is from the meditation of the heart that I act. May our lives continue to grow up in Him in all things.

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:8-11

         

“I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.” Psalm 104:33-34

The Language of Music

Music is one of the earth's most fascinating languages. Because music is orchestrated on instruments throughout the world, it is universally understood. There is no end of creativity or existence in the writing of music. Displaying a theme, music reflects the historic vernacular of a people; however, it also publishes much of an individual's evaluation in morals and limitations. While one performs the music of another the dialect may be altered, but the aria remains distinguished. Unquestionably, the skillful voice of music has an indescribable impact on the human soul.

“And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” ~Psalm 40:3

Complete In Thee

Lately this hymn has been holding a special place in my heart with the Lord...


Complete in Thee! no work of mine

May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;
Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
And I am now complete in Thee.

Refrain:
Yea, justified! O blessed thought!
And sanctified! Salvation wrought!
Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
And glorified, I too, shall be!

Complete in Thee! no more shall sin,
Thy grace hath conquered, reign within;
Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee,
And I shall stand complete in Thee.

Complete in Thee each want supplied,
And no good thing to me denied;
Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be,
I ask no more, complete in Thee.

Dear Saviour! when before Thy bar
All tribes and tongues assembled are,
Among Thy chosen will I be,
At Thy right hand, complete in Thee.

An Afternoon with Owen & Reagan

A walk to the Apple Orchard

How are these apples?

 A wee bit tart yet

Up in the tree line

 Reagan

Owen spotted this caterpillar in the fields....

 Hiking into the Woods

 Catchin' Salamanders at the creek!

 Jewel Weed

     In the meadow

  Good Bye!

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: being born again, not of a corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. ~1 Peter 1:22-23

The Mystery of Godliness

1 & 2 Timothy were written by the apostle Paul to Timothy, a young pastor. In Acts and Romans we can study the life of Paul, who went from warring against the church to being a soldier of Christ, a missionary that fulfilled the call, a prisoner that sang with joy, and a human that God chose to write down the Almighty's very own Words. Although Paul was older and more mature, Timothy could experience the same Grace in his walk with God. The Books of Timothy were not only for struggling young Timothy yesterday, but also for you and me today.

"...But godliness is profitable unto  a l l  t h i n g s , having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of  a l l  acceptation." 
1 Timothy 4:8-9

A godly individual is someone who is pleasing to the Lord. Because "without  f a i t h  it is impossible to please Him"(Heb. 11:6), godliness should first of all be seen as the result of dependence on God. In Galatians 5:6 we read, "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love". We work for what we do because we cherish it. Love for Christ avails [produces] godliness.
Once the definition of godliness is rightly discerned, we can apply it to our lives (through Christ). Godliness requires devotion (another result of love). In verse 7 of 1 Timothy 4 we are commanded: "...exercise thyself rather unto godliness". Thyself-personal-just you, not others we wish would make our lives less stressful. Remember, godliness is the product of love.
This godliness, what is its use? Godliness is the image of Christ on you and the will of God in you. Verse 8 simply states that it is profitable in all things. God is a God of detail. Godliness is profitable unto ALL things! This is profit, how so? Verse 8 reveals that too. Attaining godliness is having "the promise of the life" exposed in us. Not only future life, but also life now. Christ is Life. The promise of that held in our lives is the fullness of Christ  l i v i n g  in our heart.
Are we accepting this in every area of our lives? This is a faithful, never-failing Truth. It is worth our life, our heart-- and our love.

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"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12

Now armed against evil, we take on the example --or image-- of the believers. In apprehending God's Words and presence we live life anew. Amid the battle of life God looks upon us and sees Christ's righteousness. Do not be blinded when others despise [think little or nothing of] you.You have been called unto liberty! God does not despise, but rewards such that love Him. (Heb 11:6). Fully surrendered in love to God, every area will be found changing-- like Christ. Open your face to behold the GLORY of all that God is.

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the  s a m e  image from glory to glory, even as be the Spirit of the Lord." 
2 Corinthians 3:17-18


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"But if I [Paul] tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the  m y s t e r y  o f  g o d l i n e s s: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into GLORY." 
1 Timothy 3:15-16

Banner of the Cross

There’s a royal banner given for display

To the soldiers of the King;
As an ensign fair we lift it up today,
While as ransomed ones we sing.

Refrain

Marching on, marching on,
For Christ count everything but loss!
And to crown Him King, we’ll toil and sing,
’Neath the banner of the cross!

Though the foe may rage and gather as the flood,
Let the standard be displayed;
And beneath its folds, as soldiers of the Lord,
For the truth be not dismayed!

Over land and sea, wherever man may dwell,
Make the glorious tidings known;
Of the crimson banner now the story tell,
While the Lord shall claim His own!

When the glory dawns—’tis drawing very near,
It is hastening day by day—
Then before our King the foe shall disappear,
And the cross the world shall sway!

"Thou hast given a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the Truth. Selah." ~Psalm 60:4

This hymn was written by a human, just like you and me. Yet the devotion that influenced the man who wrote these words is not so commonly acquired.  Daniel Webster Whittle, born in the November of 1840, has a testimony worthy of acknowledgment.


Whittle was named af­ter Amer­i­can pol­i­ti­cian Dan­i­el Web­ster. Whit­tle reached the rank of ma­jor in the Amer­i­can ci­vil war, and for the rest of his life was known as “Ma­jor” Whit­tle. Dur­ing the war, Whit­tle lost his right arm, and end­ed up in a pris­on­er of war camp. Re­cov­er­ing from his wounds in the hos­pi­tal, he looked for some­thing to read, and found a New Test­a­ment. Though its words res­o­nat­ed with him, he was still not rea­dy to ac­cept Christ. 

Short­ly af­ter, a hos­pit­al or­der­ly woke him and said a dy­ing pris­on­er want­ed some­one to pray with him. Whit­tle de­murred, but the or­der­ly said, “But I thought you were a Christ­ian; I have seen you read­ing your Bi­ble.” Whit­tle then agreed to go. He re­cord­ed what took place at the dy­ing youth’s bed side:

I dropped on my knees and held the boy’s hand in mine. In a few brok­en words I con­fessed my sins and asked Christ to for­give me. I be­lieved right there that He did for­give me. I then prayed ear­nest­ly for the boy. He be­came qui­et and pressed my hand as I prayed and plead­ed God’s prom­ises. When I arose from my knees, he was dead. A look of peace had come over his trou­bled face, and I can­not but be­lieve that God who used him to bring me to the Sav­ior, used me to lead him to trust Christ’s pre­cious blood and find par­don. I hope to meet him in hea­ven.

 After the war, Whittle be­came trea­sur­er of the El­gin Watch Com­pany in Chi­ca­go, Ill­i­nois. In less than 10 years, though, he en­tered the evang­el­ism field. Dur­ing this per­i­od, he worked with mu­si­cians Phil­lip Bliss and James Mc­Gran­a­han. His daugh­ter May Moody al­so wrote mu­sic for some of his lyr­ics.

Of his de­ci­sion to de­vote his life to the Gos­pel, Whittle said that, while at work, he:

… gave my life to my Heav­en­ly Fa­ther to use as He would.

(The biography was used from The Cyber Hymnal site which is dedicated to the glory of God, established in 1996, and contains over 8,500 Christ­ian hymns & Gos­pel songs from ma­ny de­nom­in­a­tions. We have lyr­ics, sheet mu­sic, au­dio, pic­tures, bi­o­graph­ies, his­to­ry, & more.)

Mr. Whittle died in 1901. One day, years ago, you were born. Some day, sooner than you discern, you will die. What will you do about Jesus Christ? Mr. Whittle has an amazing testimony because he went from being under sin to under the cross. With the banner of the cross as your theme, and the Lord as your identity, your testimony can be too.


"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." ~Romans 10:9


I know not why God’s wondrous grace

To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain

But I know Whom I have believèd,

And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing us of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.

Daniel Whittle also wrote the following hymns:
I know Whom I Hath Believed (above)
Beloved Now Are We
By Grace Are Ye Saved
Christ Liveth in Me
The Church of God is One
Come Believing
The Crowning Day
Glory to God the Father
He is not Here, but Risen!
The Hope of the Coming Lord
I'll Stand by until the Morning
I will Pass Over You
Jesus is Coming
Moment by Moment
Neither Do I condemn Thee
Oh, Revive Us by Thy Word
Preach the Gospel
Redemption Ground
There Shall Be Showers of Blessing
They Tell Me the Story of Jesus Is Old
Thou Remainest
Why Not Now?

Handiwork in the Heavens

Lately great clouds have been dwelling in the sky. They are exposed in the birth of the morning sun and then reign in established splendor amid the peak life. The earth is reminded of the clouds when their immense shadows voyage overhead. As the sun draws in its last breath, etched across horizon the clouds remain. Their flushed colors settle in the painted display. Hastily darkness emerges; and yet, we can faintly read the promise of return.

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"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:17

"He holdeth back the face of His throne, and spreadeth His cloud upon it." 

Job 26:9

A Little Light on Halloween

October 31st 1517 Martin Luther nailed his Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences on the doors of the Catholic church. This disputation, commonly known as The 95 Theses, caused an uproar...

Halloween, nowadays celebrated as a holiday with candy, costumes, and creepy movies, was formally recognized as the eve of All Saints Day. A Catholic tradition, All Hallowed Saints' Day was a day in honor of any saints (known or unknown). On 1st of November it is said that all evil spirits were absent; however, October 31st was marked an evening of suspicion to ward off many evil spirits. Catholics celebrated All Saints' Day in the fundamental belief that “there is a prayerful spiritual communion between those in the state of grace who have died and are either being purified in purgatory or are in heaven, and the church members who are the living”.

German at birth, Martin Luther was a devout Roman Catholic priest. He claimed, "If anyone could have gained heaven as a monk, then I would indeed have been among them," and he practiced the church's false teaching to the fullest-- until he caught a glimpse of light. The Truth he discovered could not be concealed. God's punishment of sin could not be freed by the purchase of money. Good deeds do not earn or keep salvation-- Salvation is received as a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of sin. Man is justified by faith alone. The Catholic church was in error and the people were stumbling in the dark. Fear, doubt, and pride ruled the hearts of these lost men. Martin Luther himself experience this despair and declared "I lost touch with Christ the Savior and Comforter, and made of Him the jailor and hangman of my poor soul". Martin sought to free the imprisoned and began opening his letter (The 95 Theses) with “Out of love and concern for the truth...”

The Protestant Reformation had begun. Martin Luther did not cloak the knowledge God gave him and neither should we. Though excommunicated from the church and persecuted by many, Martin Luther was used of God to aid in sending a light of hope and Salvation in a dark age. Are you being used of God to show forth the Truth today?

To read Martin Luther's 95 Theses visit:  http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/history/95theses.htm

One of Martin Luther's hymns:

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.

Let Your Requests be Made Known unto God

Solomon, a king of Israel like no other, was the wisest man on earth.  God inquired of him saying, "Ask what I shall give thee."  Solomon requested wisdom and an understanding heart to judge the kingdom --his responsibility in life-- righteously.  Because the young king asked not for gain to glorify himself, but to serve God and his people, God was pleased.  His request was fulfilled.

T o d a y  G o d  i s  a s k i n g  C h r i s t i a n s  t h e  s a m e     q u e s t i o n. 

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" Luke 11:9-10;13

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5

God's will is that we love and serve Him and others before ourselves. 

"And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us."  1 John 5:14

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." James 4:3

"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22

In studying these verses we realize that God has promised to give under the condition that we ask according to His will--> to glorify Him more completely.  God alone knows what will honor Him more.  He also discerns what is foremost according to each individual. 

When Solomon replied to God's offer, he replied not only humbly but also confidently.  In doing so, he expressed faith in God. 

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." James 1:6-7

Lest these gifts be squandered, we should not expect gifts from God if we are pridefully trusting in ourselves.  Many people are found miserable and discouraged in life because they are expecting things instead of serving God.  Without God people are nothing.  Godless people are very unrewarding-- and in serving yourself you will identify that this is true.  The only people on earth that are satisfying are these that have God in the mist of their life.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
What do you desire now?  It may be something spiritual, physical, or perhaps material.  What responsibility  has God placed in your life that you could  improve for His Name?  Widen your vision of God.  Let your mind grasp first of all that He desires to give to you.  Secondly, believe that He can perform.  Live by His promises and not by your expectations.  And most importantly, thank Him in all you do-- assured that there is no greater title than a Christian of His praise.


Remember, God not only gave Solomon wisdom, but also riches and honor-- and a long life if he obeyed God.
"...lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee." 1 Kings 3:12
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"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians  3:20-21

Only the Lord's Touch

Every soul like an instrument doth play, Yea, each unique in appearance and array.  Describing a bleeding sunset or a ranting sea,  Only some can obtain perfect harmony. Would you give thyself each day? Or on the shelf foolishly stay?  Some though not a sight to behold,  Tuned they sing fine as Heav'n's gold! For only the Luthier's touch, Can enable a sound like such! Where doth thy diligence dwell? For what price wilt thou sell?  Who composes thy melody?   What inspires thy tone? Give thy soul unto the Lord, In His hands thyself poured.  By His strength daily withstand;  For the song of eternity's land. For only the Lord's touch, Can enable a soul like such! By Rachel C. Weller

~Love That Availed Much

• “And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had... and I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.” Genesis 24:1-4

• Abraham, known in this chapter as a greatly blessed master (verses 1;35), was concerned about his son's future spouse. He called his eldest servant to go find a wife from his own kin for Isaac. This servant was a wise choice for Abraham's mission -he was his most trusted servant- having rule over all Abraham's possessions. This servant had gained his master's favor throughloyal submission. 
• Abraham was compassionate,  and understood  the servant's fear of possible unwillingness in the woman's heart; he suffered him not to pursue the mission if so. (verses 5-6;8) Abraham also encouraged  him by assuring him that God would send his angel before him. (v.7) In doing God's will, He is always before us; He is always protecting --and providing. Notice in verse 10 that the servant obediently departed with all his master's goods in his hands. God gives us all provision to do His will. “ And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work, (2 Cor. 9:8).”  Be encouraged!
•  The servant prayed from a believing heart because of his love for his master, and his plea of faith availed much! “And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth....” (verse 45)  God was instant in reply and lovingly gave the servant the desire of his heart. “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart, (Psalm 37:4).”
• The servant was filled with great thankfulness and assuring peace. “And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me...” (verse 26-27) Having that assurance, he was filled with a determination to complete his mission. “But he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand...” (verse 33) The next morning he eagerly requested to continue. God gave Rebekah a willingness to go, and she trusted the servant.
• The servant finally was home with his master. “And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.” (verse 66) So what had he done? The servant loved  his master. Because of this love he was willingly obedient. Because of this love, his prayer of faith availed much: Isaac loved her, and she was a comfort to him. (verse 67) “...God gave the increase, (1 Cor. 3:6)." 
• Satisfaction of doing your best for your Master brings unspeakable joy. “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the JOY of thy lord, (Matthew 25:23).”"...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, (James 5:16)."  If we truly love someone, we will have a desire to please and obey them-- "God-loving people will have no trouble loving God's law since His laws are a reflection of His nature." ~Jim Berg 

" For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love, (Gal.5:5-6)."