Sunday, December 31, 2006

Changeless Champion

New Year's Eve

"Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. They shall perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall have no end. The children of Thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before Thee" (Psalm 102:25-28).

Changing seasons, setting sun,
Falling leaves, and withering herb:
All will change except that One
Neither time nor age disturb.

Savior, Champion, and Creator:
Jesus Christ, our sovereign Lord!
Changeless love, there is none greater,
Than His love that was outpoured.

Every time-constrained endeavor:
Time consumes and age shall claim.
Yesterday, today, forever,
Christ shall always be the same!

Let this be our confidence
As the old year soon is gone:
Jesus Christ is our Defense,
It is His love we lean in upon.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Remember your Redemption

"Thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence" (Deuteronomy 24:18). "Speak evil of no man... showing meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving diverse lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared" (Titus 3:2-4).

Remember you were also lost;
Yes, bring it oft to mind,
Before you knew redemption's cost,
And found that God was kind.

Foolish, hateful, and deceived,
We too have had our part
In hopelessness till we received
A new birth and new heart.

Thus we ought to sympathize
And pray for those we know,
Whom we might tend to criticize,
Instead of kindness show.

Friday, December 29, 2006

Adorn and Adore

"Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things" (Titus 2:10).

Adorn the doctrine of our God,
Accountably to Christ our Savior.
And never mind if men applaud
Or scorn you for your good behavior.

It's not their praise that you live for,
Nor is it to avoid their scorn;
But rather that they might adore
Our God whose doctrine you adorn.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Looking at Life

Born Again Birthday (December 28, 1973)

"All men forsook me.... Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me" (2 Timothy 4:16,17).

Looking back on life
I cannot be mistaken:
In every toil and strife,
I never was forsaken.

Though friends did not abide
When trials ran their length,
The Lord stood at my side
And He gave me His strength.

P.S. Today marks the 33rd year that I have been born again into the family of God by His grace. Happy day!!!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Compassion and the Curse

"The Lord hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God" (Psalm 98:2,3). ""He that is hanged is accursed of God.... The Lord thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved thee" (Deuteronomy 21:23, 23:5).

Because our Savior loved us,
For us He was accursed.
Crucified He suffered thus,
And took this world's worst.

What mercy God has fashioned!
What truth He has displayed!
What marvelous compassion
Our ransom thus has paid!

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Appraising our Approval

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Approved unto God: yes, this is the goal!
Let this be the standard we rightly have raised.
Lesser objectives will injure the soul!
Stand before God and thus be appraised.

Study God's Word, and be not ashamed,
Giving an answer to all who will ask.
Whether commended or whether defamed,
Stand before God, approved in His task.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Day after Day

CHRISTMAS DAY

"Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised" (Psalm 96:2-4). "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given... and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Christmas with all of its carols and cheer,
Adorned with its bright decoration,
Soon will be over, as will the old year;
Not so of God's wondrous salvation!

Bright wrapping paper is all put away.
Trimmings are once again stored.
What does that matter, as day after day,
We celebrate Jesus our Lord?

For great is our Lord! And great is His praise,
For all that He is and has done!
Declare it on Christmas, and all of our days:
God sent to world His Son!

To us, as promised, a Child is born;
To us His Son He thus gave.
God kept His promise, just as He had sworn,
And keeps His promise to save.

Day after day, then, declare it again,
That Jesus descended to earth.
Tell of His tomb, His cross, and of when
He came to us through humble birth.

Tell that He lives to save evermore
Each one who will trust Him today.
Day after day, His praise we explore,
Though Christmas has long passed away.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Heeding or Hardened?

CHRISTMAS EVE

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart" (Psalm 95:7,8).

Today if you will hear His voice,
God isn't hard to hear.
Just turn away from empty noise,
And to the Lord draw near.

God is speaking from the manger,
As Lord of all, born humbly thus;
From the cross speaks of our danger,
Dying there to rescue us.

God is speaking from the tomb,
Thus victorious o'er the grave.
At your heart's door, calls for room:
Will you let Him in to save?

God is speaking from His Word:
"Come unto Me," we hear Him say.
Now that you have clearly heard,
Harden not your heart today.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Loss of Logic

"They say, The Lord shall not see.... He that formed the eye, shall He not see? .... The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity" (Psalm 94:7,9,11).

There is a mental vanity
When logic is dismissed,
Where reason pleads insanity
And foolishness is kissed.

This error in the human mind
Pertains to God our Lord.
How strangely in this realm we find
Sound logic is ignored.

The human eye has such design
That obviously shows
The One who formed it is Divine,
Who sees, Who hears, Who knows.

Yet in the name of so-called science
The world dismisses God.
And few will question its defiance,
And few will think it odd.

Escape from inconsistency
That blinds the mind of some!
The truth in Christ shall make those free
Who seek Him and will come.

Friday, December 22, 2006

Waning Waves

"The floods have lifted up, Oh Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh Thine house, Oh Lord, forever" (Psalm 93:3-5).

The floods have lifted up their voice;
The floods have lifted up their waves.
It is the old familiar noise,
The fool against the Lord still raves.

The answer of God's Word is sure;
So is the consecrated life.
The waves shall wane, but these endure
Beyond this world's noisy strife.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Mystery of Mercy

"And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness: 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 3:16).

The mystery of Christ is not that He came;
For history shows that He did.
The mystery is not to discover His fame,
For the life He lived was not hid.

This is the mystery: that He came to die
In order that I might be free.
The mystery is not WHAT He did, but WHY
Would He so set His love upon me?

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Without and Within

"Even a child is know by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.... The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20:11,27). "Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil" (1 Timothy 3:7).

Without and within
Lord, You see it all.
The motive of sin,
The pride before fall.

Within and without
Behold from above,
Purge be from doubt,
And fill me with love.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Teaching on Time

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.... And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it" (Psalm 90:12,17). "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3,4).

Teach us, Oh Lord, to number our days,
Doing Your will instead of our own.
This is our wisdom: to walk in Your ways,
Pointing to Jesus, and Jesus alone.

Teach us, Oh Lord, to truly be wise,
Living with love and not merely duty.
Cause us to see the lost through Your eyes;
Cause us to shine, reflecting Your beauty.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Sound of Salvation

"Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before Thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, Oh Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted" (Psalm 89:14-16).

The joyful sound is ringing
With increasing jubilation:
The hearts sinners singing
Set free by God's salvation!
Thanksgiving they are bringing
With praise and exaltation!
In Jesus joy abounds!
This is the joyful sound!

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Capably Called

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

Faithful is He Who now calls you;
His power will also suffice,
To go through whatever befalls you,
To honor your Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is He Who has found you,
To give you the peace that you need.
Though storms everyday may surround you,
He speaks, and the winds pay Him heed.

Faithful is He Who commands you;
Let this be your comfort today.
He loves you, He best understands you,
And He gives you grace to obey.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Glorious Gates

"The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.... The Lord shall count, when He writeth up the people, that this man was born there" (Psalm 87:2,3,6).

The glorious gates of Zion above,
More than the dwellings of earth,
Are where God has settled His infinite love,
And valued as priceless in worth.

For these are the gates where sinners come in
When they have received Jesus Christ.
This man was born there and cleansed of His sin,
By the blood of God's Lamb sacrificed.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Harried Heart

"Teach me Thy way, Oh Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy name" (Psalm 86:11).

Oh Lord, unite my harried heart
To fear Your name alone.
Show the peace You thus impart;
Through me, Lord, make it known.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Price of Peace

"I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints.... Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Psalm 85:8,10).

God the Lord has spoken peace,
But He did more than speak.
He could not compromise the least
The judgment peace must seek.

Alas, we had no righteousness!
God knew what He must do
To pay the price that He might bless
And save His people too.

Righteousness and peace have kissed,
For God has reconciled
All the righteousness we missed
Because we were defiled.

Oh the price love had to pay!
For us our Savior died!
He purchased peace that He might say
Our debt is satisfied!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Ministry Mandate

"Blessed is the man who strength is in Thee... who passing through the valley of Baca (weeping) make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God" (Psalm 84:5-7). "And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it" (Colossians 4:17).

Take heed to the ministry you have received;
Stand before God for His strength every hour.
Hearts that are broken, unsolaced, and grieved
Wait for God's healing conveyed by His power.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Errors of Eyes

"Ye shall not do after all the things that we do her this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes" (Deuteronomy 12:8). "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise" (Proverbs 12:15). "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God" (Colossians 3:22).

Let us not do what is right in our eyes,
Nor only what's right in the eyes of others.
Let us fear God, and thus we'll be wise
In our Father's sight, sisters and brothers.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Affection Above

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things of the earth" (Colossians 3:1,2).

Seek those things which are above,
Not the temporal things of earth.
Set your heart on Jesus' love
And on His everlasting worth.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Properly Preeminent

"Giving thanks to the Father... Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.... the Firstborn of every creature.... the Firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:12-18).

We're brought out of darkness, translated to light,
Into the kingdom of God's holy Son.
How thrilling it is, how gracious, how right,
That Jesus should be the preeminent One!

Jesus, the Firstborn of all of creation,
Lord of the universe, Maker of all,
The Firstborn from death, the Lord of salvation,
We worship You, Lord, and on Your name call.

This is our prayer, as we call on Your name:
Come, Lord, and take in our hearts the first place!
You took the lowest place, bearing our shame;
Receive now our praise for Your marvelous grace!

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Walk Worthy

"And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, to keep the commandments of the Lord, and His statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?.... He is thy praise, and He is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen" (Deuteronomy 10:12,13,21). "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).

What does the Lord thy God require
But to fear Him, to walk in His ways,
To love Him, and serve Him with all your desire?
He is your God and He your praise!

All His commandments are given for good,
And all with His power are found.
Let us walk worthy, therefore, as we should;
Let fruit for His pleasure abound!

Friday, December 08, 2006

Intercession for His Inheritance

"The Lord spake unto me, saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people.... I prayed therefore unto the Lord, and said.... Yet they are Thy people and Thine inheritance, which Thou broughtest out by Thy mighty power and by Thy stretched out arm" (Deuteronomy 9:13, 26, 29). "Wherefore I also... cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers... that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of His inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:15-18). "Therefore my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved" (Philippians 4:1).

They are dearly beloved, yet stubborn as well.
Pray for the people of God gone astray.
God's own inheritance, oft will rebel;
It's easy to criticize, harder to pray.

They need intercession, not only reproof.
Pray for the saints whose hearts have grown cold.
Pray, plead, reprove, but don't stand aloof,
Lest your heart be hardened like those you behold.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Mind for the Mark

"I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.... This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14).

Forgetting those things which now are behind
And reaching for things which yet are before,
Lord, help me to focus my wandering mind
On that which Your hand apprehended me for.

The calling of God: yes, this is the prize!
This is the reason for which I would live!
Lord, give me the heart and open my eyes
To press for the mark of the calling You give.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Humbled by Hunger

"And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know, that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live" (Deuteronomy 8:3).

Every word that God has said
In this dry and barren land
Satisfies us with His bread
From His faithful, gracious hand.

If I never hungered so,
I would not have been humbled.
If I never longed to know,
In darkness I'd have stumbled.

I needed bread that satisfies;
Yet needed hunger too!
You taught me, Lord, to realize
My hunger was for You.

Thank you, Lord! I see it now
Here in Your sanctuary.
How lovingly You show me how
You give what's necessary.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Should and Shall

"Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God: let all that be round about Him bring presents unto Him that OUGHT to be feared" (Psalm 76:11). "Unto Me every knee SHALL bow, every tongue SHALL swear" (Isaiah 45:23). "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee SHOULD bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and that every tongue SHOULD confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).

One day every knee shall bow
Exalting Jesus' worth.
Yet every knee should do so now
Before He comes to earth.

One day every mouth shall say
That Christ is Lord of all.
We ought to say it everyday
As on His name we call.

Jesus, name above all names,
To You we pay our vow
To join the host that now proclaims
Your Lordship even now.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Privilege of our Promotion

"Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth" (Deuteronomy 7:6). "Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another" (Psalm 75:6,7). "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

Above all people on the earth
There is no higher plain
Than life in Christ for all its worth,
Then death for all its gain.

What a privilege is ours
Who have it thus both ways!
Heaven waits beyond the stars,
And Christ fills all our days!

What a Savior! What salvation
He has thus bestowed,
That raised us to this elevation,
Paying what we owed!

It's okay to show emotion,
To weep or shout for joy:
God has purchased our promotion,
Which no one can destroy!

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Acknowledging His Arising

"Arise, O God, plead Thine own cause.... The tumult of those that rise up against Thee increaseth continually" (Psalm 74:22:23). "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct Thy paths.... For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken" (Proverbs 3:6,26). "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).

Arise, Oh God, and plead today
Your cause for souls in this late hour.
We see the battle in array
Is much too great for our small power.

Arise, Oh God, from Your great throne;
We wrestle not with flesh and blood.
The battle now is Yours alone
Against this rising evil flood.

Arise, Oh God, against this tide
That everyday we see increase.
Powers of darkness can't abide
Wherever You command Your peace.

Arise, Oh God, receive our praise:
For the battle Jesus won,
When on His cross that shout He raised:
"It is finished!" Praise the Son!

Arise, Oh God, as we advance,
Confident You will prevail.
Without You, Lord, we have no chance;
With You we can never fail.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Love the Lord

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might" (Deuteronomy 6:5).

You shall love the Lord your God
With all that is within.
This command is holy sod;
Put off your shoes of sin.

All your heart, your soul, and might
Are summoned now to stand
Before the Lord who has the right
To utter this command.

Love the Lord with all your heart;
This is the human spirit
Where God speaks to our hidden part
His truth, if we will hear it.

Love the Lord with all your soul,
Which makes us self aware,
Where God bids us give Him control
And cast on Him our care.

Love the Lord with all your might,
Your body, strength, and mind,
Where God, through us, reflects His light
With deeds before mankind.

You shall love the Lord your God:
Why do we hesitate?
Does it not seem very odd,
Since His love is so great?

Friday, December 01, 2006

Certainly and Circumspectly

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-17).

God has told us what is certain.
Days are evil in this age.
God will soon draw back the curtain
On this world's final stage.

Things are not as they may seem;
Evil now appears to rule.
Let the dreamer dream his dream;
He shall soon be found a fool.

Days are precious; use them well!
Let's redeem the time for souls!
Press against the gates of hell,
Knowing that our God controls.

Therefore walk with circumspection.
Watch and pray with open eyes.
Seek to know the Lord's direction.
Do His will; be not unwise.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Gospel Gap

"O God, forsake me not; until I have showed Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to every one that is come" (Psalm 71:18). "There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. there is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men" (Proverbs 30:11-14).

The so-called generation gap
Has never bothered me.
The greater problem is the trap
That robs morality.

The Gospel gap, that void of truth,
Is really what is wrong.
Without God's Word, our troubled youth
Cannot survive for long.

They need to see the Gospel's power
In their own generation.
This is their crucial need this hour:
To taste of God's salvation.

This generation learned too well
Their rule of revolution:
The fittest lived, the weaker fell;
They call it evolution.

Thus we reap what we have sown;
Why should we be surprised?
The consequences now are known
For God's Word compromised.

Let us therefore work to lay
A Gospel-based foundation.
For Christ is still the only way
To save this generation.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Divine Dimensions

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.... That ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:14-19). "For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth His children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.... The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting" (Psalm 103:11-17).

What is the breadth and length of God's love,
That measures His glory abroad?
What is the depth and height up above
That measures the fullness of God?

We measure the breadth as east is from west,
Knowing they never shall meet.
We measure the length by eternity's rest
In Christ, everlasting and sweet.

We measure the depth by the Fatherlike pity,
That stooped down to save us with grace.
We measure the height by the heavenly city
Where mercy reserves us a place.

Oh Lord, hear our prayer for our comprehension
Regarding Your infinite love!
It passess our knowledge in every dimension:
Around us, beneath, and above!

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Quietly Quickened

"And you hath He quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins.... But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace are ye saved), and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:1-7).

Quietly quickened; no sirens were heard.
I prayed— I listened: no audible word.
No blinding light there, no earthshaking voice,
But God heard my prayer when I made my choice.

Quietly quickened; I remember that day:
No longer burdened, my sins washed away!
No human could hear heaven's jubilant shout
When I lost my fear and abandoned my doubt.

Quietly quickened, when Christ entered in;
God has transitioned my soul dead in sin.
He changed me forever to be His own child,
Forsaking me never, to Him reconciled.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Burdened with Benefits

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah" (Psalm 68:19). "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).

Loaded with benefits! The burden is sweet!
How is it possible then to complain?
For we have the Blesser and blessings complete;
God has not spoken this promise in vain!

All of the blessings that God could afford
Were purchased for us by His spotless Lamb.
We have it all, if we have Christ the Lord;
How burdened indeed with blessings I am!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Glaring Glory

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Galatians 6:16).

God forbid that I should glory,
Save in my Savior's cross.
Though the world hates the story
That says their gain in loss.

The cross condemns this world of sin
With glaring clarity
And shows the state that it is in
With its hostility.

The cross has nothing glorious
Save Jesus, Whom it bore,
Who lived, Who died, Who rose for us,
And lives forevermore.

So let the world be crucified,
As on the cross condemned,
That Christ may thus be glorified:
The Hope of sinful men.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Testimony Time

"Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul" (Psalm 66:16).

Come and hear, and I will tell
What the Lord did for my soul,
How He ransomed me from hell,
Bore my judgment, made me whole!

Come and hear, and we'll take turns
Sharing testimonies thus;
Blessed time where each one learns
How the Lord has rescued us!

Come and hear, and if you find
You do not have a testimony,
Leave your doubts and fears behind,
Come to Christ, and trust Him only!

Friday, November 24, 2006

Purpose of Purging

"O Thou that hearest prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come. Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, Thou shalt purge them away. Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee, that he may dwell in Thy courts: we shall be abundantly satisfied with the goodness of Thy house, even of Thy holy temple" (Psalm 65:2-4).

Lord, my iniquities today
Have called for my reproach!
But You have purged them all away,
And caused me to approach.

Thus approaching You I find
The fullest satisfaction,
The cleansing of my heart and mind,
And call to urgent action.

For soon all flesh to You shall come,
But some are not prepared!
Lord, would You send me now to some
To tell them You hear prayer?

Lord, surely to this end You purge
And send us forth today.
So lead us, Lord, that we may urge
And lead the lost to pray.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Inexpressible Inheritance

Thanksgiving Day

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15). "For the Lord Thy God hath blessed thee... the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing" (Deuteronomy 2:7). "But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth His Son.... God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art... an heir of God through Christ" (Galatians 4:4-7).

How can human lips express
Our thanks in proper measure
For all that God has done to bless
With heaven's highest treasure?

For when the fullness of the time
Had finally sufficed,
God sent forth His Gift Sublime,
Our Savior Jesus Christ.

Unspeakable! Yet we can hear it
By grace that God imparts!
For God sent forth His Holy Spirit
Into our very hearts!

How feeble are the words we speak,
Though God made us His heir!
Still we come, with praise so weak,
And God receives our prayer!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Thirsting and Thanking

"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.... Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee.... Because Thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of Thy wings will I rejoice" (Psalm 63:1,3,7).

Oh Lord, in this land so dry, how I thirst!
I'm weary of searching for water to drink.
I'm learning again, Lord, to come to You first;
How gently You're changing the way that I think!

Because life is empty that's void of Your love,
Because life is hopeless without saving grace,
I'm lifting Your praise to the heavens above,
For Your love is better than life in this place.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Debt of Death

"God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy, there is none that doeth good, no not one.... My soul, wait thou only upon God.... He only is my rock and my salvation" (Psalm 53:2,3, 62:5,6). "The Son of God... loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain" (Galatians 2:20,21).

If righteousness could come by law,
Then why did Jesus die?
Is that what God looked down and saw?
We needed just to try?

What awful pride and foolishness
It is to entertain
The notion that for righteousness
Our Savior died in vain!

As if we could ourselves atone
For sin by being nice!
As if another way was known
To pay our ransom's price!

Give thanks, my soul, to God above,
And worship Jesus Christ,
Who gave Himself for me in love!
Nought else would have sufficed.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Higher Heritage

"From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.... For Thou, O God... hast given me the heritage of those that fear Thy name" (Psalm 61:2,5).

Lord, higher than I ever dreamed
That I could ever rise,
You lifted me so high, it seemed
To take me by surprise!

The heritage You gave to me
Was not what I expected!
You placed me in Your family
With those by grace perfected.

You lifted me from hopelessness,
The pit that I was in,
And gave to me Your righteousness
And took away my sin.

Everyday, Lord, lead me higher,
By Your Spirit from above
To the Rock of my desire,
To my Savior's changeless love.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Sole Satisfaction

"And ye shall take no satisfaction from him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest" (Numbers 35:32). "He shall see the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall by righteous Servant justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.... because He hath poured out His soul unto death" (Isaiah 53:11,12).

The cities of refuge were built for protection
For those who would flee from the sword.
Yet freedom would never arrive to perfection,
Till death seized the priest of the Lord.

No price could be paid to gain satisfaction,
That he might be free to go home.
The revenger of blood would swiftly take action,
If one from that city should roam.

We see here a picture of mercy and grace
Where judgment has been satisfied:
Our Priest, the Lord Jesus, has died in our place;
We're free and are now justified!

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Safety and Sufficiency

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.... There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:10,24). "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The name of the Lord is our tower of safety;
We rest there in His reputation.
His grace will afford us His own sufficiency;
We run there to find our salvation.

We will praise without end, over every other,
The name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
He's the sinner's best Friend, closer than a brother,
With grace that has always sufficed.

Friend, are you seeking a place now to run
To hide from God's judgment for sin?
His Spirit is speaking of grace in God's Son;
Now why don't you let the Lord in?

Friday, November 17, 2006

Heart to Hear

"Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?" (Proverb 17:16).

Why should the Lord continue to speak
If my heart is not ready to hear?
Why should I ask for the wisdom I seek
Without an obedient ear?

Oh Lord, how I need Your wisdom each day;
Yet first, an obedient heart!
So give me a heart prepared to obey
The wisdom that You will impart.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Subtlety vs. Simplicity

"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" (Genesis 3:1). "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Have you heard serpent's latest word?
It really isn't new at all:
"Yea, hath God said?" we have heard
Since the day of Adam's fall.

It does not help shake our head
With disapproval over Eve,
While Satan whispers "Hath God said?"
And we are coaxed to not believe.

YES, God said it, then preserved
His Word's divine authority;
Though some have doubted this and swerved
By Satan's lying subtlety.

Trust the Word of God today.
Don't doubt its promised purity,
Lest your minds be led astray
From Jesus Christ's simplicity.

Heaven and earth shall pass away
But not God's perfect, holy Word.
Let us hear what God will say,
And then obey what we have heard.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Weapons of our Warfare

"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:4,5).

The weapons of our warfare
Are mighty through the Lord.
Though war is raging everywhere
We have the mightier sword.

By the Word of God we wield,
By the sword of God the Spirit,
Come, let us take the battlefield:
The hearts of those who hear it.

We're casting down imaginations
Against the truth of God
And pulling down the exaltations
Foolish men applaud.

We know the battle is not won
Till every wayward thought
Is taken captive by God's Son,
And in submission brought.

Thus we fight for liberation
Of the hearts and minds
Of each who longs for God's salvation,
And thereby freedom finds.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Call and Cast

"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.... Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:16,17,22).

Whether evening, morning, noon,
Times of peace, or times of stress,
Prayer can never be too soon;
Call on God, and He will bless.

Cast your burden on the Lord,
Jesus knows your joy and pain.
He will never give you more
Than His grace and strength sustain.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Really Rich

"There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches" (Proverbs 13:7). "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" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

The one who seeks for more and more
Of this world's passing treasure,
Is not aware he's really poor
By God's eternal measure.

If you would know the truest form
Of riches in God's eyes,
Then look away from this world's norm
And look to Jesus Christ.

For Christ in loving condescension
Gave Himself in grace.
Though rich beyond our comprehension,
He took the lowly place.

So let us thus evaluate
If we are rich or not.
For if our wealth in grace is great,
We'll give the grace we've got.

But heaven measures poverty
By what we fail to give.
We gain or lose eternally
By how we choose to live.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Canvassing for Counselors

"To the counselors of peace is joy" (Proverbs 12:20). "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 7:4).

There is a joy that thrills the heart
Of every counselor
Who shares the peace God will impart
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Nothing else can quite compare
With this unique elation
Of counselors of peace who share
The way of God's salvation.

But counselors of peace must weep
Before their joys abound,
For sinners lost, for straying sheep,
And pray that they'll be found.

Yes, counselors of peace will go
Through trials and tribulations.
But still God's comfort they shall know
In every situation.

Help wanted: counselors of peace;
God's Spirit will employ.
The benefits shall never cease
Of everlasting joy!

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Wisdom Seen in Winning Souls

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us.... As workers together with Him.... by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left" (2 Corinthians 5:20, 6:1,7).

Winning souls for Christ is wise
(Though laborers be few),
As Holy Scripture testifies,
Commending those who do.

We see the tree of life in view
And the ambassador,
The worker, and the soldier too;
We ponder here these four.

We grow as trees with fruit for God
As souls for Christ are won.
How deep the roots, how rich the sod,
That glorify the Son!

We speak as an ambassador
For reconciliation.
Christ is who we're speaking for
To souls for His salvation.

We are workers with the Lord
Together in His field.
We sow with tears and look toward
The souls His Word will yield.

We are soldiers. This is war!
With armor stand and fight!
Stand your ground; advance for more:
Our cause for souls is right!

On these portraits meditate,
And pray that souls be won.
The stakes are high, the hour late;
Our work is not yet done.

Friday, November 10, 2006

Code of Confidence

"We are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: For we walk by faith not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him.... For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Corinthians 5:6-14).

If from the body absent,
We are present with the Lord:
And therefore we are confident,
In the things we look toward.

In this code of confidence
We walk by faith, not sight;
It does not make a difference,
If men commend or slight.

For surely in this present place
We labor for God's pleasure,
Who daily gives to us His grace
And strength in proper measure.

Thus with joyful confidence,
Constrained by Jesus' love,
We'll labor till He calls us hence
To dwell with Him above.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Vanquishing the Veil

"Their minds were blinded: for unto this day remaineth the same veil.... the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it (the heart) shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.... But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.... For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 3:14-18, 4:6).

The veil of darkness remains to this day
On hearts yet refusing God's grace.
But if they will turn, it is taken away,
And glory is seen open face.

Glorious light then shines in the heart
And changes the once darkened mind!
Thus when the veil is gone we can start
To see, though before we were blind!

God, who in darkness commanded the light
To shine in the days of creation,
Will vanquish the veil yet blinding the sight
Of all who will cry for salvation.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Pleading with Plainness

"Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech" (2 Corinthians 3:12).

The speech we use is very plain
When speaking of salvation.
Our Lord and Savior bore our pain
To spare us condemnation.

Jesus gave Himself for us;
That's all we need to know.
The Gospel clearly stated thus,
Assures us it is so.

And Christ will take away your sin
If you will hear His voice
With open heart to let Him in:
This plainly is your choice.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Subtlety of Satan

"Forgive... comfort... confirm your love.... lest Satan should get and advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:7-11).

Be ready always to forgive
And to comfort one another
Our Lord has taught us thus to live,
Showing love toward each other.

Beware, lest Satan's subtlety
Through his hateful, dark devices,
Thus seize the opportunity
When our bitterness arises.

Be wise, therefore, and circumspect,
For Satan surely does not rest.
Let your light for Christ reflect
His mercy, love, and tenderness.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Status in the Stillness

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).

Lord, I know You'll be exalted
In the nations of the earth.
Yet this question leaves me halted:
Do I thus exalt Your worth?

Am I still, like You command,
Long enough to worship You?
Do I really understand
The things of Christ You want me to?

Help me, Lord, to now be still,
And know the status of my heart.
Thus surrendered to Your will,
Bid my foolishness depart.

In this stillness, so sublime,
Come, Lord, take Your rightful place.
Not just now, but all the time,
Be exalted in Your grace.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Accounted Accursed

"If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema (Accursed); Maranatha (The Lord Comes)" (1 Corinthians 16:22).

If any man love not the Lord,
Then count that one accursed.
His lesser loves cannot afford
A well to quench his thirst.

If any man love not the Lord,
His poverty is great!
He cannot know God's grace outpoured
In his deprived estate.

If any man love not the Lord,
Then let us for him pray!
What does he have to look toward
When Christ returns one day?

If any man love not the Lord,
He has not yet perceived
The reason Christ should be adored,
And He should be received.

If any man love not the Lord,
Oh, what a tragedy,
That Jesus Christ should be ignored
Who is His remedy!

If any man love not the Lord,
Still Christ for him was cursed.
Yes! For him Christ was abhorred,
When Satan wrought his worst.

If any man love not the Lord,
Plead for his soul today,
That he will fear the judgment stored
For those who go astray.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

The Land by the Lord

"They got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but Thy right hand, and Thine arm, and the light of Thy countenance, because Thou hadst a favor unto them. Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.... For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me... In God we boast all the day long, and praise Thy name forever" (Psalm 44:3-8).

The land that our Lord had decreed
To be portioned by His command
Was therefore His people's indeed
Before they stepped foot on the land.

They got not the land by their sword,
And not by the strength of their arm,
But God was their Captain and Lord,
To lead them and keep them from harm.

O Lord, we depend on Your favor;
We need your deliverance today.
You called us to go forth and labor;
Come lead us, Lord, as we obey.

Lord, You are forever our King;
In You we will boast all day long!
And thus by Your favor we'll bring
Our sheaves with rejoicing and song.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Rescued from the Race

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22).

Adam's race is born in sin;
In Adam all must die.
That's the race we all are in,
As Death will testify.

How hopeless it would be for those
Now born in Adam's race,
If Christ had never died and rose
To rescue us with grace!

Amazing love! Astounding plan:
That Christ would leave His throne,
And enter Adam's race as Man,
And thus redeem His own!

And now we are alive in Christ;
We need not fear the grave!
The Lamb of God was sacrificed,
And ever lives to save!

Friend, you need no longer strive
In Adam and be lost.
Come to Christ! Be made alive!
He paid your ransom's cost!

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Korah's Kinsmen

"And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign. Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not." (Numbers 26:10,11). "To the Chief Musician, Maschil (with Understanding), for the Sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God" (Psalm 42: Title, verse 1).

Korah and his company
Became a judgment sign.
They perished in their infamy
With rebels of like mind.

The sons of Korah, notwithstanding,
Did not share their fate.
Their thirst for God gave understanding,
Rather than their hate.

Children of this godless age,
Awake! I say, awake!
You do not have to share its rage,
Nor make the same mistake!

The time has come for you to flee
From wrath that's drawing near.
The truth in Christ shall make you free
From judgment and from fear.

Part, I say, from family,
If indeed you must.
For your eternal destiny
Depends on whom you trust.

The sons of Korah, standing true,
Are models for your vision.
May their wisdom guide you through
The valley of decision.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Comfort vs. Confusion

"How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity, and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at My reproof: behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known My words unto you.... Whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from of evil" (Proverbs 1:22,23,33). "God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Our world has many voices,
But they do not agree.
Its contradicting noises
Parade simplicity.

But our God authors peace
For those who gladly hear it.
His comforts never cease
For all who heed His Spirit.

In God there's no confusion,
But comfort and accord
With this one great conclusion:
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

Thank You, Lord, for making known
Your words from age to age.
We find our comfort at Your throne
And on the Scripture's page.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Opened for Obedience

"Mine ear hast Thou opened.... I have not refrained my lips.... I have declared Thy faithfulness and salvation" (Psalm 40:6,9,10). "The man whose eyes are open hath said: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High... there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.... Out of Jacob shall He come that shall have dominion" (Numbers 24:15-19). "Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction" (Proverbs 31:8).

You made our ears wise, Lord, thus opened to hear,
You opened our eyes, to the truth that is clear.
Your love is so plain in Your great revelation!
We would not refrain to share Your salvation!

And since You're commanding Your Gospel be told,
Lord, grant understanding, that we may be bold,
To go forth with weeping for those who are lost,
Thus sowing and reaping, and sparing no cost.

Monday, October 30, 2006

What in the World?

"And now, Lord, what wait I for? My hope is in Thee" (Psalm 39:7). "Days.... riches.... beauty... surely every man is vanity.... O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more" (Psalm 39:5,6,11,13).

What in the world, Oh Lord, wait I for?
My hope is forever in Jesus alone.
Before I am hurled from here evermore,
Let me endeavor to make His love known.

Our days here are fleeting, our riches are vain;
They're passing away like a withering rose.
Our beauty, depleting, soon turns to disdain,
Consumed everyday like our moth-eaten clothes.

Lord, why should we labor for things that are not,
And fight to the end for our temporal store?
Lord, grant us Your favor in what we have wrought,
As servants You send, and Your soldiers in war.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Grace for the Groaning

"Lord, all my desire is before Thee; and my groaning is not hid from Thee.... In Thee, O Lord, do I hope: Thou wilt heart, O Lord my God" (Psalm 38:9,15). "For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary, from heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death" (Psalm 102:19,20).

Lord, all my desire You surely have known
In trials by fire, in the floods when I groan.
Each time, in each place, and in each situation,
You've shown me Your grace, Your love, and salvation.

And though I despair, I am never alone.
I know that You care, and You hear when I groan.
And even in sorrow, You are working for good.
In heaven's tomorrow, it will be understood.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Foolish Faith

"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool" (Proverbs 28:25).

There is an object of our trust
That renders us a fool:
Our own deceitful heart of lust
That seeks to have its rule.

Foolish faith! How many times
We learn it and bemoan
Our folly when our own will climbs
To sit on our heart's throne.

That throne belongs to Jesus Christ,
And rightly so it is!
He bought it when He sacrificed
Himself to make us His.

Oh rid us, Lord, of foolishness
And confidence in dust,
As we find all our righteousness
In Jesus, whom we trust.

Friday, October 27, 2006

Gladness and Glory of God

"My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me" (Proverbs 27:11). "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I hear my heavenly Father say,
My son, be wise, and make Me glad.
O may these words attend my way
To guide me lest I make Him sad!

And can it be I have this power,
To gladden or to grieve His heart?
Is this the choice I make each hour
When I heed Him or depart?

Let me live then with this goal;
Let this be my daily story:
To live with all my heart and soul
For His gladness and His glory.

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Run to Receive

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (1 Corinthians 9:24). "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1,2).

There is a prize for us who run,
While looking to our Lord:
To hear at last His words: "Well done!"
Shall be enough reward.

Run to win, yet not compete
With others in this race,
But to cast at Jesus' feet,
A crown that's won by grace.

Let us run then to obtain
That crown we'll long to give,
And we will not have run in vain
Nor shall we vainly live.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Save Some

"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.... I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the Gospel's sake" (1 Corinthians 9:19,22,23).

By every means, in every place
In every situation,
May God impart His saving grace
Through us for His salvation.

Lord, give to us a servant's walk
That we might gain the more,
That through us they may hear You knock,
And open their heart's door.

While we pray there will be many,
Lord, through us save some!
What a tragedy that any
Still refuse to come!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Love that Limits

"Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.... But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.... And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye so sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ" (1 Corinthians 1,9,11,12).

Love that limits, makes us free
To live in such a way
That will help another see
The love of God today.

Love that seeks to edify
And live unselfishly,
Will often charge us to deny
Ourselves some liberty.

Love that seeks another's good,
Avoiding prideful strife,
Yearns to do what Jesus would,
And emulate His life.

Love that values other souls
As those for whom Christ died,
The Spirit of the Lord controls,
And Christ is magnified.

Love that models Christ shall thus
To our observers show
How Jesus gave Himself for us:
That's all they need to know.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Sorrowful Similes

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee" (Psalm 32:8,9).

Let us not be as the horse,
Neither be found as the mule,
Which either is held back by force,
Or stubborn to go, as a rule.

This is God's reprimanding
To us illustrated in these
Which have no understanding;
What sorrowful similes!

For why should there be a need
For God to thus force His will?
Or why should He have to plead,
And find us so stubborn still?

Let us take heed to His voice
Preparing our hearts to obey;
Not led by force, but by choice,
Attentive to what He will say.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Love the Lord

"O love the Lord, all ye His saints" (Psalm 31:23). "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Oh love the Lord! How right it is
For those He has redeemed!
The price He paid to make us His
Is more than we have dreamed!

The depth of sorrow He endured
Exceeds imagination.
He weighed the cost and then procured
Our souls with His salvation.

The height of mercy He extended
Soars out of sight above.
What His Father comprehended
Was infinite in love.

Glorify Him, with your soul,
Your body, and your spirit!
He paid redemption's price in full;
Let all the world hear it!

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Girded with Gladness

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.... Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent" (Psalm 30:5,11,12).

God has filled our hearts with joy
And girded us with gladness
To the end we may employ
His song where there is sadness.

Let us not be silent now
While we may offer cheer
To those whom God would thus endow
His joy, and dry each tear.

Weeping comes for just a night,
But night can seem so long!
So in this darkness, shine His light
And sing His joyful song.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Purging for Peace

"The Lord sitteth King forever. The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace" (Psalm 29:10,11). "A king that sitteth in the throne of judgment scattereth away all evil with his eyes. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?" (Proverbs 20:8,9). "Purge out therefore the old leaven... as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7). "Who... when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Hebrews 1:3).

The Lord gives peace and purity
To those who are His own.
And this is our security:
He's sits upon the throne.

He sat as King upon the flood
To purge in Noah's day,
Yet as our Savior shed His blood
To purge our sins away.

The purging for our peace begins
And ends in Jesus Christ,
Who by Himself once purged our sins,
When He was sacrificed.

He's seated now and satisfied;
His work is fully done.
And none can say they're purified,
Except by God the Son.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Standard that Stands

"Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them, and not build them up" (Psalm 28:5). "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart, nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.... Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools." (Proverbs 19:20,21,27-29).

Because there is scorning and so much disdain
For the works of the Lord by some,
Does that somehow change God's warning so plain,
That judgment shall nonetheless come?

Because they regard not the works of the Lord,
Nor heed what He does with His hands,
Does that mean the judgment they're calloused toward
Is void and it no longer stands?

Hear counsel that you may be wise in the end!
For why should you perish with fools?
The standard of God shall not break, neither bend,
But stand for as long as God rules.

The counsel of God, thus standing forever,
Commands everyone to repent.
Those who imagine that scorning is clever,
Are fools to the greatest extent!

Cease then to hear the instruction that causes
The fool and the scorner to err.
The careless rush on, but the wise-hearted pauses
To heed God's command to beware.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Closeness of Christ

"Thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up" (Psalm 27:9,10). "There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24).

He's closer than the dearest one
We hold in our relation;
Than father, mother, daughter, son:
This God of our salvation.

He's closer than our sisters, brothers,
Or the dearest lifelong friends.
Jesus Christ, above all others,
Loves with love that never ends.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Place of Praise

"Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honor dwelleth" (Psalm 26:8). "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He the glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:30,31).

The place where Jesus' honor dwells
Is where I love to be,
Where praise ascends with love that tells
What Jesus did for me.

How pleasant is place of His
Where He receives the glory,
For all He's done, for all He is,
As told in His love story.

He is our wisdom, righteousness,
Our holy separation,
Our redemption, refuge, rest,
And our great salvation.

Yes, where His honor fills the place,
That is the place I love.
Yet here it's just a glimpse of grace:
What shall it be above?

Monday, October 16, 2006

Divinely Directed

"What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose" (Psalm 25:12). "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

To live in the fear of the Lord everyday
Is to always invite God's inspection;
To pray as we plan, thus devising our way,
While looking to God for direction.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Criteria of Christ

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart, who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of His salvation" (Psalm 24:3-5).

Who indeed is qualified, with clean and holy hands,
With heart and soul thus purified, to meet the law's demands?
One and only One could meet, God's holy standard set,
And never from His law retreat, and never once forget.

Jesus Christ, and He alone, this high criteria filled,
Who then ascended to God's throne, and to His holy hill,
To stand within that place, and thus, the blessing to receive:
The righteousness He gives to us, and all who will believe.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Vitality in the Valley

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). "The righteous hath hope in his death" (Proverbs 14:32).

We know that soon life's winding path
Leads to the valley of death.
Yet He who rescued us from wrath
Attends us with each breath.

Each step we take, each breath we finish,
Draws from our finite supply,
Which soon, at last, shall be diminished;
Then we're appointed to die.

What sweet assurance! The presence of God
Is with us each step of the way!
The comfort of staff, correction of rod,
Has guarded us lest we should stray.

This is the hope of those who are blest,
Whom God declares righteous by grace!
Death merely ushers us home to our rest,
Where God has reserved us a place!

Friday, October 13, 2006

Common Comfort

"Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus, that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.... Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost" (Romans 15:4-6).

Ah! Here indeed is common ground
We have with one another:
Our help, our hope, and joy abound,
In Christ, and in no other.

Then let us glorify our God
For hope He thus imparts,
With love His Spirit sheds abroad
Within likeminded hearts.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Kind of Kingdom

"The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17).

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink,
Or pious facade that forbids us to think.
For social religion, contrived regulation,
And empty tradition, are not His salvation.

For we are released, by God's righteousness,
By His perfect peace, and His joyfulness,
To His liberty through His Holy Spirit,
For all who will see, and all who will hear it.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Better Banners

"We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners.... Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:5,7).

We raise our banners in the name
Of Jesus Christ our King.
His great salvation we proclaim,
And of His mercies sing.

Other banners that are thrust
So high into the air
Are not worthy of our trust
Nor with our Lord compare.

Some may trust in chariots, horses,
And the things soon must fail.
Christ is calling out His forces
With His promise to prevail.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Sensible Sacrifice

"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). "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1).

What could be more sensible,
Than giving to the Lord
A sacrifice acceptable
In every spoken word?

What more should we render,
In view of our salvation?
Our heart we may surrender
With every meditation!

It seems, Lord, only right,
And no less will suffice,
To be pleasing in Your sight
Than a living sacrifice!

Monday, October 09, 2006

More Meek

"Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3). "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).

Moses was the meekest man of all upon the earth,
As a vessel that God's hand had made with precious worth.
Yet a meeker Man than he would come another day:
"Take My yoke and learn of Me," this greater Man would say.

Yes, that Man is Jesus Christ, God's meek and lowly Son!
He was for us sacrificed, who were by sin undone.
O wondrous invitation, that we too might learn to be
More meek in His salvation, by His Spirit's liberty!

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Transient Treasure

"Men of this world... have their portion in this life... whose belly Thou fillest with Thy hid treasure: they are full of children,and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness" (Psalm 17:14,15). "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7). "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12). "And they shall see His face" (Revelation 22:4).

Those who only hold their treasure
In this passing world today,
Soon shall find, to their displeasure,
Their transient treasure hurled away.

As for me, I shall be behold
My Savior face to face,
And through the ages He'll unfold
The riches of His grace.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Righteousness for Wretchedness

"And Moses said unto to the Lord.... If I have found favor in Thy sight... let me not see my wretchedness" (Numbers 11:11,15). "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.... For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.... For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed" (Romans 7:24,25, 10:10,11).

Lord, You've seen the worst of me
In all my wretchedness,
And yet You went to Calvary
To give me righteousness.

That wretched man You know I am,
I'll never fully see.
For You have suffered as the Lamb
That I may righteous be.

Your holy eyes behold it all,
My nature so depraved,
But You have bidden me to call
Upon You and be saved.

And thus You've hidden from my view
My sinfulness and shame,
And turned my eyes instead to You,
To call upon Your name.

Friday, October 06, 2006

The Call to Come

"And Moses said... We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel" (Numbers 10:29).

Friend, we're going to the place
Where God has promised rest.
Won't you come now by His grace
To journey with the blest?

Come with us! We're going home
To be with Christ our God!
Why should you still further roam
In darkness where you've trod?

Come with us where Jesus said
He'll lead us all the way!
The glory land is just ahead;
Don't wait another day!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Know Knowledge

"Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge?" (Psalm 14:4). "And we KNOW that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

There is an inconsistency
Commended by the lost.
They care not for eternity,
Nor do they count its cost.

But temporal things consume their mind,
That soon must pass away.
They do not know that they are blind,
To things that come to stay.

They have no interest in the thing,
That God has done or said.
Their motto is: Eat, drink, and sing:
Tomorrow we are dead.

But God makes known His truth to all
Who call upon Him still,
And thus have loved Him and are called
According to His will.

Thus we know eternally
What God now makes us know.
There's so much more for us to see,
And much more God would show!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Led by the Lord

"I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.... The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.... Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established" (Proverbs 4:11,18,26). "So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night... And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed" (Numbers 9:16,21,22). "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14).

Led by the cloud by day,
Led by the fire by night:
All through that wilderness way,
God led His people aright.

His Spirit that moved in that cloud,
And led them by night with His fire,
Is now in God's people endowed,
To lead in His holy desire.

Whether at home or abroad,
Whether a year, month, or day,
All of the children of God
Are led thus to go or to stay.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Power vs. Puffing

"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. 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" (Psalm 12:5-7). "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart.... For the Lord shall be thy confidence.... He giveth grace unto the lowly" (Proverbs 3:5,26,34).

God has risen to give aid
To the poor and needy soul;
God has said, "Be not afraid,"
Showing us He's in control.

Let the wolf, then, huff and puff;
Soon his words shall disappear.
God has spoken; that's enough
To deliver us from fear.

God preserves His words forever,
And His truth is our defense.
Earth shall pass, but His words never!
Let this be our confidence.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Gift of God

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

How wonderful is the alternative
To the wages that sin would afford:
Death was our portion, but rather we live
Through Jesus our Savior and Lord!

How costly this gift our Savior has bought,
Yet freely bestowed to our soul!
Sweeping away the death that we wrought,
His gives life eternal and full!

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Turn to Talk

"And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with Him, then he heard the voice of One speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim: and He spake unto him" (Numbers 7:89). "Turn you... behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you; I will make known My words unto you" (Proverbs 1:23).

How often when we turn to pray
Our Lord would interrupt
With something He has first to say
When we with Him have supped!

So let us be attentive then
To listen and to learn,
Lest we conclude with our "amen",
Denying God His turn.

Saturday, September 30, 2006

We as Well

"For what saith the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.... Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.... Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him, but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:3,23-25).

What was it Abraham had found?
What is it Scripture says?
As David likewise did expound:
By faith, God's righteousness.

What Abraham and David found
Now we as well are shown.
This Scripture that was written down
Was not for them alone.

Hallelujah! We as well
By faith have found the place
Where righteousness that saves from hell
Is given by His grace!

That place where we are justified
Is sure and undisputed.
By faith in Christ, who for us died,
Is righteousness imputed.

Friday, September 29, 2006

Blessedness of Believing

"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin" (Romans 4:4-8).

How marvelous this blessedness
That God extends through grace,
Imparting thus His righteousness
To Adam's helpless race!

Not by works which we have done,
Not by our self denial,
Not by strength we have to run,
Could we be undefiled.

This blessedness is found in hearts
Where Christ has been received.
It is a gift that God imparts
To all who have believed.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Unchanged by Unbelief

"For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:3,4).

Shall unbelief be able to change the truth of God?
Shall atheistic fable? Shall views that men applaud?
No, my friend, be not deceived; He's true forevermore.
Two plus two, though not believed, will still add up to four!

Shall the popular opinion of infidelity
Nullify our Lord's dominion throughout eternity?
No, my friend, for God is higher than every faithless view.
Every man is made a liar who calls our God untrue.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Bliss of the Blessing

"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying... On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them" (Numbers 6:22-27).

What wonderful words of blessing we hear
Declared to the people that God would bring near.
The bliss of this blessing was not through the Law,
Which never could bless, but condemn every flaw.

The bliss of God's blessing belongs to the saved
By the mercy of God, from our nature depraved.
In Christ is our blessing, our keeping, and grace!
In Christ is our peace by the light of His face!

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Countering the Curse

"In the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.... I will come into Thy house in the multitude of Thy mercy. Lead me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness... make Thy way straight before my face" (Psalm 5:3,7,8). "The curse causeless shall not come" (Proverbs 26:2). "Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" (Romans 2:4).

Surely the curse that is causeless won't come,
And yet we can see its effect everywhere.
Sin, death, and sickness touch all, not just some,
And so I will look up and lift up my prayer.

For the goodness of God has countered the curse,
And leads us aright to repent of our sin.
The Spirit of Christ calls the best to the worst,
In patience and mercy to let Him come in.

Monday, September 25, 2006

Trading the Truth

"O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah" (Psalm 4:2). "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man.... who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen" (Romans 1:23-25).

Turning the glory of God into shame,
They're hating the good to love vanity.
Spurning the Savior, blaspheming His name,
They're trading the truth for insanity.

Professing themselves to be very wise,
They are demanding their view taught in schools.
They're guessing they're right while closing their eyes,
Not understanding they thus become fools.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Prophetic Prognosis

"Well spake the Holy Ghost by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers, saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them" (Acts 28:25-27).

Well spoke Isaiah by God's Holy Spirit,
Hearing, you hear, but do not really hear it.
Seeing, you see, but you do not perceive;
Such is the case when you will not believe.

Go to this people now, nevertheless;
Tell them that Jesus is longing to bless.
Call them to weigh evidence that is real.
Plead with the souls God desires to heal.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

Reason for Rage

"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" (Psalm 2:1-3). "The love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Why do the nations rage, and the people conceive what is vain?
Why do the kings of this age refuse to believe what is plain?
Why do they cast away cords, that draw them to trust in the Savior?
The reason is that this affords no constraint on their sinful behavior.

Control us, O Lord, from above, in the midst of this people insane!
Constrain us with cords of Your love! Lord, keep us from living in vain!
Their reason for rage against You is that they have chosen a lie.
Lord, lead us to all that is true, by the love that compelled You to die.

Friday, September 22, 2006

College of Counsels

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.... But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night" (Psalm 1:1,2). "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.... Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?" (Proverbs 22:6,20,21).

Excellent things in counsels and knowledge
Are written to us that the truth may be plain.
Thus we're enrolled to learn in God's college,
And pass on His truth to those whom we train.

The counsels of God have been proven, and thus
We have His assurance, and thereby may know
With certainty what has been written to us
To train up a child the way he should go.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Sailing to Safety

"The horse is prepared against the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord" (Proverbs 21:31). "And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Acts 27:22-25).

The horse may be prepared, but safety is not here.
The ship shall not be spared, but there is still good cheer.
For things so temporary that you hold dearly to
Are not what you can carry to eternity with you.

We're sailing on to safety, to land on heaven's shore.
We're sailing to eternity with souls and nothing more.
Let go of earthly treasures! They are not what they seem,
For God thus lightly measures the things that men esteem.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Song and a Sword

"Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand" (Psalm 149:5,6). "Take... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). "Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles" (Acts 26:22,23).

Sing of the things that the prophets have said!
Sing that our Savior is raised from the dead!
Sing it all day and at night on your bed!
Sing in the joy of the Lord!

Wield the two-edged sword of God's Word!
Share now the powerful truth you have heard!
Witness to hearts that the Spirit has stirred!
Advance with a song and a sword!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Exhortation for Exaltation

"Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights. Praise ye Him, all His angels: praise ye Him, all His hosts. Praise ye Him, sun and moon: praise Him, all ye stars of light.... Kings of the earth and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: both young men, and maiden; old men, and children.... He also exalteth the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto Him. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 148:1-14). "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13).

Praise to the Lord in the highest of heights!
Now Praise Him you angelic hosts!
Praise Him all stars with your brightest of lights,
In God alone creation boasts!

Praise your Creator, as well, sun and moon!
Join all creation and sing!
Jesus is coming to earth again soon;
And we shall behold the great King.

Now let us likewise exalt Him on high,
And praise Him with love and with fear,
Remembering Jesus descended to die,
That we by His blood might draw near.

O what a thrill to join in this chorus
To praise Him with all of creation!
Exalting the One Who gave His life for us
To purchase in full our salvation!

Monday, September 18, 2006

Trustworthy Traits!

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds... Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite" (Psalm 147:2,4). "The fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself" (Proverbs 18:2).

The love, the power, and wisdom conveyed
In the Scriptures have clearly defined
The traits of our Lord manifestly displayed
In His dealings with all of mankind.

Our Lord is too loving to be found unkind.
Our Lord is too mighty to fail.
Our Lord is too wise in His infinite mind
To be wrong in the smallest detail.

What trustworthy traits! O how they impart
The peace of our Lord to the soul!
Be not as the fool who trusts his own heart,
Refusing to give God control.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Medicine of the Merry

"Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God" (Psalm 146:5). "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Proverbs 17:22).

Marvelous medicine! Wonderful balm!
Hope of the happy and Help from above!
God is our Helper and Theme of our Psalm;
Fullness of joy of is ours in His love!

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Memory of Majesty and Mercy

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts.... They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy great goodness" (Psalm 145:3,4,7).

Great beyond our comprehension
Is our Lord in majesty.
More than we in time can mention:
It will take eternity!

Yes, in every generation
There is cause to give Him praise
For the acts of His creation
That God graciously displays.

Who can the praise of God exhaust
Remembering His salvation?
He came to seek and save the lost,
And bear our condemnation!

His greatness is unsearchable,
And remembering these facts
We see that God is merciful
As we explore His acts!

Friday, September 15, 2006

Happiest of Humanity

"Happy is that people whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 144:15).

How happy is that people whose God is Christ the Lord;
There ought to be none happier on the earth!
They may be counted feeble; their truth may be ignored,
But not when one has measured lasting worth.

Yes, happy is that part of the earth's humanity
Who have their reservation up above.
God's joy shall fill their heart for all eternity;
They'll sing of His salvation and His love!

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Lead in the Land

"Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness" (Psalm 143:10). "And He [the Lord] said unto me [Paul], Depart: for I will sent thee far hence unto the Gentiles" (Acts 22:21).

Teach me to do Your will,
And lead me, O Lord, by the hand.
Cause me to know and fulfill
The plan for me that You command.

Wherever You send I would go.
Whatever You say I would do.
I'll wait for Your Spirit to show
The way I may glorify You.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Remembering the Rescue

"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path.... no man cared for my soul. I cried unto Thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living" (Psalm 142:3-5). And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And I answered, Who art Thou, Lord? And He said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest" (Acts 22:6-8).

Lord, You knew the fearful path
I walked when no one cared.
The end in sight: eternal wrath,
And I was unprepared!

Time was like an hour glass;
The sands were almost gone!
My journey soon would come to pass
And time just pressed me on.

I remember very well
That overwhelming stress,
As death approached along with hell,
I froze in helplessness.

At last, O Lord, I cried to You,
And hoped that You would hear.
And there You were, my path You knew,
And You were always near.

Jesus, Lord, what shall I say,
Of love that rescued me?
I never will forget that day
For all eternity!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Lips and Life

"Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works" (Psalm 141:3,4).

Lord, set a watch at my lip's door
Lest I regret what I have said.
Guard my heart, Lord, furthermore,
Cleansing thus the fountainhead.

Lord, set a watch upon my life,
Lest I regret what I have done.
Guard me from the works of strife,
That I may live for God the Son.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Bible in the Battle

"O God, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle" (Psalm 140:7).

The battle rages on today,
I'm sure that you've discovered.
The Bible shows us God's true way,
And thus our head is covered.

So let God's helmet shield your head
With promises He keeps,
Remembering what our God has said,
And that He never sleeps.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Which Way?

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23,24).

There is a way that's found in me;
But is it mine or God's in view?
Search my heart, O Lord, to see
If my way is at odds with You.

And if You find within my heart
Some hidden wickedness today,
Lord, let that way from me depart,
And lead me in Your perfect way.

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Grace Granted

"In the day when I cried Thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul" (Psalm 138:3).

There was a day I cried for grace;
You answered my request.
I asked for strength to run the race;
You heard me, and You blessed.

So it is You've taught me, Lord,
And teach me still today,
That there is strength to be restored
If only I will pray.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Joy above Jerusalem

"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land? .... Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy" (Psalm 137:6). "Wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it... For whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord" (Proverbs 8:11,35). "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Joy above Jerusalem, and every other joy,
Fairer than the sons of men, and all they can employ,
Is Christ our chief Desire, our Wisdom, Righteousness,
Our Savior, Sanctifier, Redeemer, and our Rest.

Even if we are removed from places that we love,
Even though we are reproved, in grace by God above,
Yet let us not forget to sing the glories of our Lord.
Let not our tongue to silence cling, forgetting His reward.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Liberty throughout the Land

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" (Leviticus 25:10). "So all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.... so mightily grew the word of God and prevailed" (Acts 19:10,20).

Liberty throughout the land
Is still today proclaimed
When those who have God's Word will stand
And preach it unashamed.

So let the truth of freedom ring
As God grants liberty
Through Jesus who alone can bring
The truth that makes us free.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Leery Likeness

"For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that DID He in the heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.... The idols of the heathen... have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not.... They that make them are like unto them: so is everyone that trusteth in them" (Psalm 135:5,6,15-18).

Idols that can neither speak,
Nor see, nor hear, nor do,
Are trusted by the ones who seek
A god that is not true.

Does it not seem very odd
That people make this choice,
Who will not trust the one true God,
And will not hear His voice?

And so it is they come to be
Just like the gods they make:
They never speak of, neither see,
Nor hear their grave mistake!

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Blaspheming the Blesser

"Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord.... Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee out of Zion" (Psalm 134:1-3). "And he [Paul] reasoned... and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads" (Acts 18:4-6).

They thought they were opposing Paul;
At least that's how it seemed.
But that was not the case at all
When they the Lord blasphemed.

It was themselves that they opposed
When they blasphemed the Lord!
God would bless them but they closed
Their hearts to His reward.

Behold, you servants, bless the Lord,
Surrendering control!
Lift your hands and heart toward
The Blesser of your soul!