Sunday, October 31, 2010

Now Near

"They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from Thy law. Thou art near, O Lord, and all Thy commandments are truth" (Psalm 119:150,151).

Many who distort God's way
Continue to draw near,
But God is faithful everyday,
And He is with us here.

This is where we find our peace
And steady confidence:
The love of God shall never cease,
And He is our Defense.

Thank You, Lord, for Your commands
That draw us near to You,
For in the end Your counsel stands
Victorious and true.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Purely Preserved

"The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.... Thy Word is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it. I am small and despised: yet do not I forget Thy precepts" (Psalm 12:6,7, 119:140,141). "Every Word of God is pure: He is a Shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:5,6).

It matters not if I'm despised,
For I am just the messenger:
The Gospel is uncompromised,
For every Word of God is pure.

As silver seven times is tried
In the refiner's fire,
The Word of God is purified
And kept by His desire.

Thus we see God's miracle
Through every generation:
His Word remains impeccable
By promised preservation.

And so we can be very sure,
In every last detail,
The Word of God shall still endure;
His promise shall not fail.

Lord, thank You for Your Word we love,
Preserved for us today,
As settled as Your throne above
Which shall not pass away.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Longing for Light

"The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.... I longed for Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:130,131). "The poor and deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes" (Proverbs 29:13).

The entrance of God's Word gives light
To all those who will long
To know the truth, to do what's right,
And turn from what is wrong.

The light of God will clearly show
The truth of our condition,
And thereby sinners come to know
Their fitness for perdition.

God's Word will thus illuminate
The dark, deceitful way,
And show the debt of sin so great
That sinners can't repay.

How sweet then is the revelation
The Word of God imparts:
That God extends His great salvation
To poor, deceitful hearts!

O Lord, we did not realize
How much we did not see
Until You opened then our eyes
To view our poverty.

We thank You, Lord, for light that shined
When Your words entered in
To open eyes which once were blind
And save us from our sin!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Voicing vs. Voiding

"It is time for Thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void Thy law.... Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:126-128). "The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the Word of His grace" (Acts 14:2,3).

There is a time to lend our voice
To counter those who void God's Word.
There is a time to make a choice,
And thus defend the truth we've heard.

Let us not be so deceived
To think that evil takes a break;
Surely we who have believed
Should not be making that mistake!

The serpent, speaking in the garden,
Began by asking, "Hath God said?"
How subtly Satan still may harden
The hearts by his deception led!

It's time to work against the lie
That seeks to void God's holy truth!
It's time to boldly testify,
To study, and to train our youth!

O Lord, we see the enemy
On every side still seeks to void
Your truth and Your authority,
Deceiving those he has destroyed.

O Lord, we know the time is right
To labor in Your harvest field
And stand relentless in the fight
With faith in You, our perfect Shield.

Lord, give us help against this flood
Of falsehood in this time and place.
We wrestle not with flesh and blood,
Yet we advance Your Word of grace.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Persuaded to Persist

"Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto Thy statutes continually" (Psalm 119:117). "Many... followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43).

Continue in the grace of God,
For this is where your safety is.
He guides us with His staff and rod,
And watches over each of His.

In His grace we follow on,
While opportunities exist.
Before the light of day is gone,
We are persuaded to persist.

Turning neither left nor right,
Persisting in His perfect will,
We shall walk within His light
And by His grace continue still.

Hold us up, Lord, in Your grace
To set our hearts on things above,
As we delight to seek Your face,
Persisting in Your faithful love.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Stirred and Stayed

"The LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying... The LORD God of heaven... hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 36:22,23). "I have inclined mine heart to perform Thy statutes always, even unto the end" (Psalm 119:112). He [God] gave testimony, and said, I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will" (Acts 13:22).

God has stirred within His own
A heart inclined to do His will,
Stayed on His eternal throne,
Who all His purpose shall fulfill.

Such was Cyrus, Persia's king,
And so was David stirred and stayed.
So may we sincerely bring
A heart like these who have obeyed.

Lord, You know our inclination
To wander and to drag our feet.
We would, with fuller consecration,
All Your will for us complete.

So let our hearts, O Lord, be stirred
And stayed by Your sustaining grace
To thus obey Your precious Word,
Pursue Your heart, and seek Your face.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Despising Deception

"O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.... Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:97,104). "They mocked the messengers of God, and despised His words, and misused His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose... till there was no remedy (2 Chronicles 36:16).

Something happens to our view
When understanding is obtained:
We will love more what is true,
And falsehood shall be more disdained.

Understanding will embrace
The truth of God that makes us free,
Yet scorners mock amazing grace,
Until there is no remedy.

Throughout the precepts of our God,
We have the truth that lights our path;
We therefore hate the way that's trod
By souls deceived who march to wrath.

Some people love the "tolerance"
Which says that all ways are the same,
But falsehood has its consequence
That leads the soul to endless shame.

Lord, we thank You that today
We have the truth we love to tell:
Christ Jesus is the only Way
That saves us from eternal hell!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The Wicked have Waited

"The wicked have waited to destroy me: but I will consider Thy testimonies" (Psalm 119:95). "Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: for a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again" (Proverbs 24:15,16). "Peter was therefore kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers.... behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison... and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands" (Acts 12:5-7).

How many times has the wicked one waited
To steal, to kill, and destroy
The child of God with his weapons of hatred,
Which God would not let him employ!

God has not left us to wrestle alone
Against all these powers arrayed,
Since we are exhorted to come to His throne
For mercy and grace when we've prayed.

The wicked have waited (yet waited in vain)
To spoil the resting place found
Where prayer reaches heaven and breaks every chain,
Releasing those Satan has bound.

O Lord, we give thanks for Your marvelous love
That spreads over us Your protection.
With praise we will send our petitions above,
And rest in Your own intercession!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Lifting the Layer

"For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget Thy statutes.... All Thy commandments are faithful" (Psalm 119:83,86). "Labor not to be rich. Cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.... Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Hear thou, My son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way" (Proverbs 23:4-19).

Lifting the layer of smoke from my vision,
The Word of God makes it all plain:
This is the day of our Lord's great commission,
And all other riches are vain.

We ought to be fearing the Lord all day long,
And measuring things by their end.
God will illumine the right and the wrong,
As on Him we learn to depend.

Temporal riches shall make themselves wings,
The wisdom of earth shall be done,
But Jesus shall reign as King of all kings,
And exalted as God the Son.

Don't let the smoke that this world is blowing
Now block from your vision what's true.
The Word of our God is ceaselessly showing
All things as they are from God's view.

Lord, nothing is hidden from Your holy eyes;
Until the smoke clears away,
Guide us with truth, and we shall be wise,
Trusting in You, come what may!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Maker and Mentor

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:73). "The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the Maker of them all" (Proverbs 22:2).

The Lord is the Maker and Mentor of all;
Some pay attention, and some have refused.
Those who reject His instruction will fall,
Remaining in darkness, deceived and confused.

How foolish it is to refuse the instruction
Of God who has made us and fashioned our hearts!
They walk on in darkness to their own destruction
And cast aside mercy and truth God imparts.

The rich and the poor, the high and the low,
And everyone else who is somewhere between,
Have all been invited to come and to know
The truth that can free them and make their souls clean.

Maker and Mentor, we're made by Your hands,
And You are the One who instructs us as well.
Give us a heart that still more understands
Your love that constrains us and saves us from hell.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Here to Hear

"And it came to pass, when the king [Josiah] had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded... Go, inquire of the Lord... concerning the words of the book that is found" (2 Chronicles 34:19-21). "A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, He directeth His way" (Proverbs 21:29). "And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him... and said.... Thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God" (Acts 10:24-33).

All who have an ear to hear
And have a heart that will obey,
Will find the message very clear
That God commands to us today.

The stubborn heart with hardened face
May hear, but will not understand
His need for God's redeeming grace,
And thus resists His saving hand.

Josiah and Cornelius
Are bright examples in God's Word,
Who needed, like the rest of us,
God's counsel that they gladly heard.

And now, O Lord, may we be found
Prepared by Your indwelling Spirit,
To understand what You expound
And thus obey, not only hear it.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Hastening to Holiness

"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto Thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:59,60). "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man, who can find?.... Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?.... Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?.... Mercy and truth preserve the King, and His throne is upholden by mercy" (Proverbs 20:6,9,24,28).

I thought on my ways from my point of view,
But something just didn't seem right.
Despite the indifference of others, I knew
That I was condemned in God sight.

O where could I hide? How foolish the thought,
For no one can hide from the Lord!
I ran out of options until I had sought
For mercies from God unexplored.

How gracious was God who prompted my prayer
With a heart that was utterly humbled,
To cry out to Him, "O God, if You're there,"
And similar words which I fumbled.

Why should He hear me? Why would He incline
His ear to attend to my cry?
Certainly not for some goodness of mine,
But for His own love; that is why!

My prayer was so awkward! It hardly made sense,
But that didn't matter to God,
For heaven rejoices when one soul repents,
Though grammar and prose may be flawed!

I thank You today, Lord, for loving correction,
With counsel and wisdom so sweet,
So when I'm off course, I can change my direction,
And hasten to You with my feet!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Sojourners' Songs

"Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage" (Psalm 119:54).

The pilgrim passing through this land
For heaven's shoreline longs,
And statutes of our Lord's command
Comprise sojourners' songs.

These are the songs that dwell on things
Where Christ now reigns above.
These are the songs the pilgrim sings,
Rejoicing in His love.

These are the songs that fill the hearts
Of all who have adored
The Lamb of God who now imparts
Salvation from the Lord.

O Lord, as we're sojourning through
The paths of peace or strife,
The songs we sing rejoice in You,
The Way, the Truth, the Life!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Gift to Go

"I will speak of Thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed" (Psalm 119:46). "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men" (Proverbs 18:16). "And the Lord said.... Saul of Tarsus.... is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:11-15).

Go to elderly and to the youth,
To rich and poor, to high and low,
And bring to them the Gospel truth,
That every person needs to know.

Go to those who need to hear,
And use the gift that God intends
To widen and define the sphere
Of those to whom He thereby sends.

Go, and never be ashamed
To bear the name of Jesus Christ,
That name above all others named,
Who for our souls was sacrificed!

Lord, we look to You each day
To send us on Your chosen path
To preach of Christ and boldly say:
No other name can save from wrath!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Rest upon Reality

"[Hezekiah] spake comfortably to them saying, Be strong and courageous; be not afraid or dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: with him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah" (2 Chronicles 32:6-8).

Rest upon the Word of God
Obeying His command:
Guided by His staff and rod,
He'll lead us with His hand.

Rest upon reality,
And make it clearly known:
Our God who reigns eternally
Will not forsake His own!

Rest in God without alarm;
Fear not the hosts of hell:
With us is God's mighty arm
Who fights for us as well.

Look again to Calvary,
Recalling that great fight!
Rest upon reality,
Rejoicing in that sight.

The natural mind, of course, can't see
Our clear advantage now,
But one day every single knee
Shall to our Savior bow.

And every tongue shall then confess
Christ Jesus as the Lord,
Yet now we trust His faithfulness,
Which others have ignored.

Lord, we'll rest upon Your love,
That sweet reality,
Until we're face to face above
And for eternity.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Readiness to Run

"My soul cleaveth to the dust.... My soul melteth for heaviness.... Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Thy law graciously.... I will run the way of thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart" (Psalm 119:25-32).

Lord, I hear You gently calling
To run a race that's steady.
The flesh is weak, my is soul is stalling,
My spirit, though, is ready.

My soul is cleaving to the dust,
And weighted down, is heavy.
Yet I would run! O Lord, I must!
O Lord, please make me ready!

Remove from me the lying ways
That always make me stumble.
Let me focus on Your praise,
Surrendered, Lord, and humble.

O Lord, uphold me by Your grace
With strength that I may run
With patience my appointed race
To hear You say: Well done!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Precious Prayers

"Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold the wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psalm 119:18). "The prayer of the upright is His delight" (Proverbs 15:8). "The priests... blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even to heaven" (2 Chronicles 30:27). "And they stoned Stephen calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:59,60).

God delights upright prayers;
He's touched by all our tears,
And so we cast on Him our cares,
Assured He cares and hears.

Sometimes when our heart is stirred,
A Scripture we recall
May capture then a prayerful word
That aptly says it all.

We may pray for opened eyes
That we may thus behold
That wondrous things of God so wise
That prophets had foretold.

We may pray that God will bless
The souls for whom we plead,
For peace in times of deep distress,
For help in time of need.

We pray for help, Lord, by Your favor,
That we may live with power
And glorify our Lord and Savior
Throughout our final hour.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Healing for the Heart

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his heart? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119:9-11). "A multitude of the people... had not cleansed themselves... but Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, the good LORD pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God... and the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people" (2 Chronicles 30:18,19).

There is a way to cleanse the heart
That surely should be heeded:
First seek the Lord who will impart
The cleansing that is needed.

It isn't only guarded thought
With memory verses learned,
For cleansing comes when we have sought
And for the Lord have yearned.

O let us seek to love the Lord
With all our heart and soul,
And we shall surely be restored,
For He shall make us whole.

Ah! Then the Word of God shall speak
With words that we shall treasure,
When we determine first to seek
And find in Him our pleasure!

Recalling Hezekiah's prayer
This cleansing was revealed:
For every heart that would prepare
To seek the Lord, He healed.

Teach us, Lord, to seek Your face
And hide Your Word within,
That You may cleanse us by Your grace,
And keep our hearts from sin.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Aim of Ambassadors

"A faithful ambassador is health" (Proverbs 13:17). "And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah.... So the posts went with letters from the king... saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God.... Yield yourselves unto the LORD.... for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful.... So the posts passed from city to city... but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Nevertheless divers... humbled themselves and came" (2 Chronicles 30:1-11).

The aim and the priority
Ambassadors should hold
Is representing faithfully
The message they are told.

Let's represent the Gospel well
In word and in behavior
That has the power to save from hell
Through Jesus Christ our Savior!

The Gospel may be laughed to scorn
By those to whom we're sent;
Be faithful nonetheless to warn
The sinner to repent!

When Hezekiah reigned as king
He sent an invitation
With those who faithfully would bring
The message of salvation.

Some then scorned, but others came;
It is the same today:
So let us faithfully proclaim
The Gospel we convey.

So help us, Lord, to preach the wealth
Of life that never ends,
And thereby show Your saving health
The Gospel yet extends.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Reason we're Right

"He did that which was RIGHT in the sight of the Lord.... for so was the commandment of the LORD by His prophets" (2 Chronicles 29:2,25). "It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in man.... The Stone which the builders refused is become the Head Stone of the corner" (Psalm 118:8,22). "The thoughts of the righteous are RIGHT.... The way of a fool in right in his own eyes" (Proverbs 12:5,15). "If this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:38,39).

God is right, and so are we
Whenever we obey His Word.
Some, no doubt, will disagree,
And want their folly to be heard.

God is right. That will not change,
No matter what the fool may say.
Though the world counts it strange,
God will surely have His way.

God is true, yet fools may fight
Against the Lord to their destruction.
The righteous in the end are right
Because they follow God's instruction.

Prophetic truth that God has planned,
Mere man shall ever overthrow!
The counsel of the Lord shall stand
Against the lies of every foe.

Lord, we place our trust in You,
Rejoicing that we now are sure
That every word of God is true,
And all Your counsel shall endure.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Not Now Negligent

"Hezekiah began to reign.... And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.... And he brought the priests and Levites... and said unto them, Hear me ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers.... My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before Him, and that ye should minister unto Him" (2 Chronicles 29:1-11). "The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life" (Acts 5:19,20).

King Hezekiah did not waste
His time or opportunities,
But rather moved with prudent haste
To do what God would please.

The admonition of this king
Is surely relevant
In this our day, in everything,
To be not negligent.

It is as when the angel came
Into the prison strife,
And doors were opened to proclaim
The message of this life.

O let us not be negligent
For such a time as this,
While souls who perish may repent
And enter heaven's bliss.

O Lord, we wouldn't now be slack,
But leap at Your command,
And, thus obeying, never lack
The grace You give to stand.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Beloved Because

"I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications.... For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling" (Psalm 116:1,8). "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22).

The reasons that I love the Lord
Are very plain to see:
Behold the blessings He outpoured
Because He first loved me!

I love the Lord because He heard
My voice and supplication;
When fear within my heart was stirred,
I cried in desperation.

The Lord not only heard my voice,
Responding to my prayer,
He made my trembling heart rejoice
When I was in despair!

Death was coming; that I knew,
But no one seemed to care.
I cried at last, O Lord, to You,
And You were waiting there.

You saved my soul from endless fears!
You came when I was calling,
And drawing near, You dried my tears,
And kept my feet from falling.

The blessings I could not afford
To me You richly gave.
But Oh! How much it cost You, Lord,
To ransom those You save!

I love You, Lord of my salvation,
For all Your blessings given.
I would, with greater consecration,
By grateful love be driven.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Senseless vs. Sovereign

"Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased" (Psalm 115:2,3). "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together.... For of a truth against Thy holy Child Jesus... the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done" (Acts 4:24-28).

Why indeed should nations say,
Where is now their God?
The Lord our God made night and day
And formed us from the sod.

How senseless, then, that nations trust
In idols that they made,
Since God, who formed us from the dust,
His sovereignty displayed!

Those who choose to not believe
Become like idols too,
Who senselessly cannot perceive
The things so plainly true!

Our God displays His sovereignty,
Through all of His creation.
Yet more than this, we surely see
His hand in our salvation!

Our sovereign God revealed His hand
Before concerning Christ,
And prophesied who would withstand
His Son they sacrificed.

O Lord our God, how great Your are,
As all Your work proclaims:
It pleased You to create each star
And give them all their names!

It pleased You, Lord, to save each soul
Through Christ who brought salvation,
And we are pleased to now extol
Our Lord with adoration!

Friday, October 08, 2010

Power Point

"What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest?.... Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord" (Psalm 114:5,7). "They asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them.... Be it known unto you all, and all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ... doth this man stand before you whole.... Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:7-12).

Why did Egypt let them go
Who once had been their slaves?
The power came, we surely know,
From Israel's God who saves!

Why then was the Red Sea parted,
And Jordan driven back?
God would finish what He started;
His power wasn't slack.

And by what power, may we ask,
Did Peter heal the lame?
He had no power for that task,
But in Christ Jesus' name!

And we as well in this late hour
Will point to Jesus Christ:
There is no other saving power
That ever has sufficed!

He is the Head, the Corner Stone,
Which builders had refused.
Salvation comes from Him alone;
Let no one be confused!

O Lord, we thank You that today
The Gospel still is full
Of power that will point the way
To Christ who saves the soul!

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Sun Dawn to Sun Down

"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the LORD'S name is to be praised" (Psalm 113:3). "Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign.... and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.... But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 26:3-16).

Our life begins like morning's dawn;
How soon declines the sun
When opportunities are gone,
And life on earth is done!

Our life is like the fleeting hours
That quickly span the day,
For youth declines with all its powers,
And soon we fly away.

How many kings began so well
And sought the Lord in youth,
But then in later years they fell
When they forsook the truth!

How dependent was their strength
The Chronicles record:
They prospered only for the length
They truly sought the Lord!

It is as when Uzziah reigned,
And God had made him strong
Until his trust in God had waned,
Then everything went wrong.

Preserve us, Lord, to give You praise
For Your unfailing love,
From dawn to dusk throughout our days
Until we meet above.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Direction with Discretion

"A good man... will guide his affairs with discretion.... his heart is fixed, trusting the LORD" (Psalm 112:5-7). "Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter.... My son, keep thy Father's commandment.... it shall lead thee... it shall keep thee... it shall talk with thee" (Proverbs 06:5-22). "And with many other words did he [Peter] testify, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40).

This is not the time or place
To live our days with indiscretion.
These are evil days we face:
We ought to walk with circumspection.

God has given His command
To lead, to keep, and with us talk;
Thus He guides us with His hand
To show us how we ought to walk.

Save yourself as would a roe
Who sees the hunter and will run.
Trust the Lord, and He will show
The things to do and things to shun.

For though the Lord would surely guide
And set all hearts on things above,
The path that leads to hell is wide
For those who yet refuse His love.

Lord, guide us with Your staff and rod,
And talk with us upon our path,
And keep us in the love of God
That saved our grateful souls from wrath!

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Great and Gracious

"The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.... He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.... He sent redemption unto His people" (Psalm 111:2-9).

How great the works of God are found
By those who have explored
His wondrous treasures that abound!
What pleasure they afford!

How gracious is the Lord who makes
His works to be preserved.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes
The judgment we deserved!

How sweet the memory of His love
Compelling Jesus Christ
To leave His majesty above
And then be sacrificed!

O Lord, we ponder with great pleasure
That we are Your redeemed!
In You we find our greatest Treasure,
More than we could have dreamed!

Monday, October 04, 2010

Pentecost Power

"Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning" (Psalm 110:3). "Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..... When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost" (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4).

O people of God, now indwelt by His Spirit:
This is the day of God's power!
His coming approaches, yet as we draw near it,
There's grace now to live in this hour!

O people of God, shall not we be willing
In the beauties of holiness given,
The womb of new birth, and His Spirit's filling,
To thus by His power be driven?

O people of God, we know it so well
That His Pentecost day has arrived:
The Spirit of God has been sent to indwell
All His people who thus are revived.

Lord Jesus, we know that You're coming again,
With power to reign on this earth.
Yet surely we ought not to wait until then,
To live by the grace of new birth!

Sunday, October 03, 2010

Divine Direction

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct Thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5,6). "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 Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
Lean on His wisdom, and not on your own.
In every place where you stay or depart,
Acknowledge the Savior, who makes His way known.

Trust in the Lord so that He may reveal
His marvelous counsel in all its perfection.
Be always aware that His presence is real,
And He will divinely provide His direction.

Trust in the Lord and His Spirit to guide,
Directing your paths with His power above.
Whether He calls you to go or abide,
He will direct you in His perfect love.

O Lord, You are worthy of all of our praise,
Unequaled in wisdom, in love, and in worth.
Wherever You send us, in all of our ways,
Make us Your witnesses throughout the earth.

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Fixed on Following

"O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory" (Psalm 108:1). "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following.... Peter, seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me" (John 21:20-22).

O God, I have no other place
To fix my heart but You.
In You alone is saving grace,
And mercies ever new.

At times I turn around to see
What other men may do.
Your sweet reproof then comes to me,
Now "What is that to you?"

Lord, I thank You that You give
This simple admonition
That we may by this standard live
Fulfilling Your commission.

So keep our eyes upon You, Lord,
To follow where You lead,
And fix our hearts on the reward
Of loving You indeed.

Friday, October 01, 2010

Oh Observe!

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.... Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!.... Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord" (Psalm 107:1,2,8,43).

Oh that men would look around
And open up their eyes
To see the lovingkindness found
In God, so good and wise!

His works in all creation speak
Of mercies from the Lord
From every splendid mountain peak
To ocean depths explored!

Above the wonders of creation
Which we cannot exhaust,
We see the work of His salvation,
Redeeming thus the lost!

Lord, Your works are wonderful,
As Your redeemed can say,
In Christ, Your Gift unspeakable,
Who washed our sins away!

We pray that we may yet observe
His beauty more and more,
That we with greater love may serve
The Christ whom we adore!