Greetings!

This page is all about good news ... not dulcimers!  If you've followed my "Latest News" ... "New Latest News" , etc. over the last several years this is really just a continuation of that process.  I've spent the last 34 years designing, building, playing, recording and performing on Hammer Dulcimers.  I have been blessed and I am eternally grateful.  This page, however, is about a much more important relationship ... than the one I have with my work.  I walk ... up the mountain here where I live ... at any hour of the day or night.  I've been doing it for years.  It can be very scary ... in the middle of the night ... on a moonless night ... with no light save for the tiny flashlight in my pocket.  Why do I do that?  Because I have sought to know my Father for as far back as I can remember.  He tells me "walk by faith."  Am I tempting Him?  Am I entreating Him? 

So ... these words are a direct result of my times alone ... with our Father ... who is faithful and true.  I post here when I cannot keep silent.  I don't strive to write here.  I write here because I have a greater love than dulcimers.  My hope is that this testimony might encourage you to ... walk ... even when it's scary ... with our Father.  He is, most certainly, faithful ... and true.  By the way ... the entries for this page began in October 2008.  I've entered approximate and specific dates from time to time to give you a timeline.  The most recent post is all the way down this page.  In Him Alone (but one servant - Jerry Read Smith).

Many words have been written and many are being written today but there is only one collection ever written that remains imperishable. How long will we look for someone's new words to rest in when there is only one place we can truly find rest? Here are some interesting words written long ago. "Our kings, our princes, our priests, and our fathers have not kept your law or paid attention to your commandments and your warnings that you gave them. Even in their own kingdom, enjoying your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and rich land that you set before them, they did not serve you or turn from their wicked works. Behold, we are slaves this day; in the land that you gave to our fathers to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts, behold we are slaves. And its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress." (jrs 10/08)

I caught a beautiful and very professional presentation on the History Channel yesterday.  It was entitled "The Universe:  Dark Matter."  I couldn't stop watching.  Later I had Lisa record it (it showed again at a later time) and when we were talking in the evening she said that what she watched made her sad.  That surprised me until she explained why.  My reaction was different.  I went from rapt contemplation to periodic spontaneous laughter.  I loved the program.  Now she really liked what she saw and wants to watch the whole thing with me but she's very emotional (like I'm not) and often needs time to ... adjust.  Dark matter was fun ... but the best part, for me, was dark energy.  The program did leave me somewhat confused and ... if I took it too seriously ... I'm sure I would have found it depressing.  As fate would have it I read something later that I do take very seriously and all the lingering confusion vanished as a vapor.  Here's what I read.  "Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.  Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.  Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.  Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.  Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.  He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.  Praise the Lord from the earth ..." (jrs 11/08)

"Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him.  So shall it be!  Amen."

"Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake:  some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.  Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever."

Lisa and I had a Christmas like none we have ever had before ... this year.  It was very quiet.  We read quite a bit.  We spent time in front of the fireplace and in the kitchen and being close ... over coffee ... hot chocolate ... and such.  We didn't go out much although I did take a short motorcycle ride on Christmas day.  I called my Mom several times up until Christmas Eve.  I needed to make sure she knew how much I love her.  We attended no holiday parties or services.  We finally took the time ... this year ... to fall more deeply in love with Jesus.  (jrs 12/08)

"Here is the patience of the saints:  here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth:  Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."

Just sittin' around listening to music tonight.  Lisa's in the other room checking her email.  It's too warm for a fire.  The stuffed bell peppers almost seem to be silently crying out ... from the kitchen ... "we're good and tasty."  I've had a great day.  One that the Lord hath made ... and I rejoice.  Our sister Barbara is at Solace and going home shortly.  We, locally, are left to commiserate amongst ourselves.  And yet ... there is a greater hope.  I've spent most of my day trying to relate that Truth to those of whom I have "chanced" to meet ... this day ... and I give thanks.  By the way ... I almost never link ... but Lisa and I wanted to share this with you.  I hope you can enjoy.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P39oEuI2-s

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

I've been watching the news tonight (01/09/09) and I feel strongly urged to post an antithesis.  This is good news for those who have ears to hear.  "What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath - prepared for destruction?  What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory - even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?  ... Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.  For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality."

Please ... watch closely this day ... and the next.  The "frenzy" is increasing and ... it's this ... and it's that.  Here's the truth ... "... If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:  How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery;  (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;  That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:  Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power."  This was Paul ... ages ago ... but his words are applicable today.

"... But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."

I just watched an interview with Michio Kaku.  He, apparently, is one of the leading physicists promulgating scientific thought in the world today.  I did recognize him because he was prominent in that delightful History Channel piece involving "dark matter" I mentioned a while back.  He is a very engaging individual who uses humor and wit to substantiate his view of reality.  He's fun to listen to ... but still ... I would love to ask him ... who, Mr. Kaku,  is God?  (jrs 01/28/09)

"But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  But every man in his own order: ... "

"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."

"Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.  Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil."

I had a wonderful walk this AM in the misty rain.  During my morning reading I came upon some amazing words that prompted my walk ... so I could be quiet and consider them.  On my walk I was impressed to post them here ... so ... here's Isaiah from "a while back."  By the way ... I found many of the words and phrases in this passage intriguing.  Also ... it's longer than normal ;-)  "Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.  And a man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.  And the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken.  The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly.  The vile person shall be no more called liberal, nor the churl said to be bountiful.  For the vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practise hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.  The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying works, even when the needy speaketh right.  But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand."  (jrs 02/14/09)

... "but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

"Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am."

"Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?  The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. ... Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling."  (02/23/09)

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain."

There are so many misconceptions (kind wording) being promulgated this very day.  I, myself, have been going about my business this day ... which has been extraordinarily "busy" ... just lately.  By Grace ... we, who believe, are in our Father's hands ... and so ... I do not fear ... or despair.  Rather ... I lift my voice in praise and exultation because I know the One.  Here's my charge to you:  please enjoin me.  Stop ... if you dare ... feeding your fear ... and, rather, Believe ... in the One who knows YOU.  Stop now ... won't you please.  (jrs 02/25/09)

We have "free will."  On the other hand ... God's will is sovereign.  Whew ... how do we reconcile that one?  I'm pretty sure the Bible teaches us to "offer" our free will to our Creator ... willingly.  What would that mean?  It would mean that we would begin to keep the Sabbath ... holy.  In other words ... desist from our personal exertion ... and let Him take the reins, provide the strength and BE our God.  Whew (again) ... so what's this Sabbath we might need to keep holy?  Is it a specific day?  No.  Does it involve any effort?  No.  Ok ... so what is it, exactly?  I would say ... to offer our free will to our Creator ... willingly.  (jrs  02/28/09  7:06 PM)

Caleb has 5 songs.  Please listen.  (you can find them on the  M B C Music player)  http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/  (jrs 03/01/09  8:32 PM)

 

March 2, 2009 "Morning Walk"

God's almighty and imperishable Word is more relevant today than ever.  It will not return to Him void ... but will prosper ... in fact.  Here's some of what I've been reading on this day.  I'm skipping around a little!  "Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him?  or the son of man, that thou makest account of him?  ... Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.  His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.  ... Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.  Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.  Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.  ... And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed."  (03/06/09)

"I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.  ... And the Lord God of hosts is he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.  It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth:  The Lord is his name."  (03/10/09)

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.  And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.  Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have."  (03/11/09)

"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh; For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  ... In whom you are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit."  (03/12/09)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."  (later on the 12th)
 

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust: And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  For if these things be in you, and abound , they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (jrs (03/13/09)

Lisa and I love movies.  We just finished watching a great one.  "Swing Vote"  (later on the 13th)

"For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. ... Go through, go through the gates; prepare you the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.  Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold his reward is with him, and his work before him."  (03/16/09)

Have you ever wondered when all your toil would end?  In my studies today I came across the rest we are urged to enter as believers.  In the original Hebrew it refers to: the perpetual sabbath "rest" to be enjoyed uninterruptedly by believers in their fellowship with the Father and the Son, in contrast to the weekly Sabbath under the Law.  Here's where I found it:  "Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief, Again he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."  You can enter that very rest today ... if you believe.  (jrs. 03/22/09)  

OK ... so where do we go from here.  Are we like the father of the child saying "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."?  Let it be so.  (03/23/09 ... Sorry ... I originally posted this date as "02/23/09" ... we just "got back" from a 12 day pilgrimage ... and I caught my error.  (jrs. 04/05/09)  More soon!)

OK again ... the Final Four is tomorrow night and my first year of paying any attention to College Basketball (at all) was 1982 ... do you remember what happened at that time?  I had moved my life to North Carolina 10 years earlier.  Then ... 8 years later I married a beautiful Italian girl from Chicago.  Many years have since passed ... and I've watched, and we've watched ... and we've cheered ... but as I sit here tonight listening to "From Here" (BDW)  I wish I could hear "Close to your heart" ... but my player still won't play it.  I am so thankful that the ONE who plays my life ... never fails.  (jrs 04/05/09 ... later)  Go team ... !

My walk this "mid" night was a balm to my soul (as they so often are).  I have come to learn over the many years that if I wake in the middle of the night ... I might be in a state of dis-ease and someone's trying to get my attention.  I have come to learn that I need my personal physician, my personal counselor ... my Father.  Usually when I wake I just pray and quiet my mind ... but ... many times He bids me to rise ... and walk ... with Him.  Tonight the moon was nearly full.  The forest floor was blanketed with April snow.  The light and shadows danced as the clouds mimicked the baton of an orchestra conductor.  In the deep silence of this night my Dad settled my thoughts to abide in Ecclesiastes.  It's much easier for me to see the Truth when the bustle of the day is behind.  And so I rejoice ... that we have a Father ... who speaks ... in His word ... in our hearts ... in the middle of the night.  (jrs 5:07AM 04/08/09) 

My heart goes out to the scoffers and mockers on this Good Friday.  Our Father speaks today ... "But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;  And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."  (jrs 11:42 AM 04/10/09)

I awoke today with praise and singing in my heart.  I went to be with my Father ... in the wood ... far from any assembly on this morning.  And ... I sing with the psalmist ... "As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me.  Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.  He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me ..." (jrs 04/12/09)

Jesus taught us to pray "Thy Will be done ... on earth ... as it is in heaven."  Now that requires a certain relinquishing I mentioned about a month and a half ago (scroll up to see).  It's not easy ... in these days and times ... and yet ... why not heed our Lord's words now ... I mean ... why wait any longer?  Hey ... what's the worst that could happen?  Are you praying for Him to "come quickly" or praying for the stock market to rally?  Is the love of the Father in you ... or are you still clinging to the hope of "the world?"  I pray you hear these words ... "Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out as out of the middle of a sling."  (jrs 04/14/09) 

I was looking and hoping for another "Close to your heart" that I mentioned 10 days ago ... but this is where my Father led me .. tonight because the other one is still not playing.  If you enjoy ... listen to "Hear our prayers" afterwards ... it's good too.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOro_ycjtdI  (jrs 04/15/09)

More Good News!