"They pierced My hands and My feet.... All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord.... They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done this" (Psalm 22:16,27,31).
We ought to take a closer look
And ponder more Psalm twenty-two.
For here in God's prophetic Book
We see the cross from heaven's view.
"He hath done this," they shall say,
When He comes again to reign.
They shall worship in that day,
Remembering His cross and pain.
This great prophetic Psalm foresaw
One thousand years before He came,
Our Savior satisfy the Law,
When on the cross he took our shame.
This Psalm foretold our Savior's cross,
His resurrection, and return.
What love is this that suffered loss,
That we might gain what He would earn?
When He comes again to earth
We'll all remember what He did,
And through eternity the worth
Of His cross shall not be hid!
Quiet Time Poems is a daily journal of poems that are inspired by a daily reading of Old and New Testament passages, waiting on the voice of God to counsel, encourage, reprove, correct, and rejoice the heart.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
All for Asking
"The king shall joy in Thy strength, O Lord, and in Thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips.... He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest it him, even length of days forever and ever" (Psalm 21:1,2,4). "Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life" (John 5:40).
How greatly, Lord, I now rejoice,
As in Your love I'm basking!
I cried for help, You heard my voice,
And gave all I was asking!
Indeed, my Lord, You gave me more
Than I could ask or think!
I did not ask for heaven's store,
But only not to sink.
I did not know the awful price,
Or how great that task
To save my soul by sacrifice;
All I could do was ask.
I did not know how fierce the strife
You entered, Lord, for me.
I only asked You for my life;
You went to Calvary!
How great will be the lamentation
Eternally for some
Who will not ask You for salvation,
Though You, Lord, bid them come!
All for asking! How astounding
Is Your love that hears our prayers
And answers us with grace abounding,
As we cast on You our cares!
How greatly, Lord, I now rejoice,
As in Your love I'm basking!
I cried for help, You heard my voice,
And gave all I was asking!
Indeed, my Lord, You gave me more
Than I could ask or think!
I did not ask for heaven's store,
But only not to sink.
I did not know the awful price,
Or how great that task
To save my soul by sacrifice;
All I could do was ask.
I did not know how fierce the strife
You entered, Lord, for me.
I only asked You for my life;
You went to Calvary!
How great will be the lamentation
Eternally for some
Who will not ask You for salvation,
Though You, Lord, bid them come!
All for asking! How astounding
Is Your love that hears our prayers
And answers us with grace abounding,
As we cast on You our cares!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Joyful in Judgment
"Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.... Every man's judgment cometh from the Lord" (Proverbs 29:25,26). "For the Father... hath committed all judgment unto the Son.... Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:22,24).
What a joy to look toward
A future with no condemnation!
Everyone who trusts the Lord
Shall have this joyful expectation!
God's judgment must be satisfied
Against our sin with justice served,
Yet that is why our Savior died
To bear the judgment we deserved!
How joyful therefore we may be;
Our future surely is not grim!
No judgment in eternity
Remains for those who trust in Him!
Thank You for this joyful rest,
Since we have placed in You our trust.
As far as east is from the west,
Lord, You removed our sin from us!
What a joy to look toward
A future with no condemnation!
Everyone who trusts the Lord
Shall have this joyful expectation!
God's judgment must be satisfied
Against our sin with justice served,
Yet that is why our Savior died
To bear the judgment we deserved!
How joyful therefore we may be;
Our future surely is not grim!
No judgment in eternity
Remains for those who trust in Him!
Thank You for this joyful rest,
Since we have placed in You our trust.
As far as east is from the west,
Lord, You removed our sin from us!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Have Heard Him
"And many more believed because of His own word, and said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world" (John 4:41,42).
Yes, there are books we can read on our shelves,
And others may tell us about Jesus Christ,
Yet not until we have thus heard Him ourselves,
Shall we find His grace for our souls has sufficed.
Yes, there are those who can share their account
That testifies brightly of how they were saved,
Yet not until we also drink from that Fount,
Will we taste the water of life we have craved.
Praise to the Lord who has thus met our need,
For each one who knows Him can surely rejoice
To know Christ as personal Savior indeed;
We have heard Him ourselves, and delight in His voice!
Yes, there are books we can read on our shelves,
And others may tell us about Jesus Christ,
Yet not until we have thus heard Him ourselves,
Shall we find His grace for our souls has sufficed.
Yes, there are those who can share their account
That testifies brightly of how they were saved,
Yet not until we also drink from that Fount,
Will we taste the water of life we have craved.
Praise to the Lord who has thus met our need,
For each one who knows Him can surely rejoice
To know Christ as personal Savior indeed;
We have heard Him ourselves, and delight in His voice!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Korah's Kin
"The company of Korah... strove against the Lord: 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 26:9-11).
Korah died with those who strove
Against the Lord their God in sin.
Yet in this tragedy God wove
Salvation for his careful kin.
For Korah’s children had discerned
The rebellion of his hardened heart,
For God’s anointed one he spurned,
And in this they would have no part.
So it was, as Moses warned,
The earth then opened up and swallowed
Korah, who rebelled and scorned,
And all of those who with him followed.
Notwithstanding Korah’s children
Did not perish on that day,
For they decided they would listen
To the Lord, and Him obey.
Hereby we have God’s instruction
That we may avoid the path
That leads so many to destruction
Who refuse to flee from wrath.
Korah died with those who strove
Against the Lord their God in sin.
Yet in this tragedy God wove
Salvation for his careful kin.
For Korah’s children had discerned
The rebellion of his hardened heart,
For God’s anointed one he spurned,
And in this they would have no part.
So it was, as Moses warned,
The earth then opened up and swallowed
Korah, who rebelled and scorned,
And all of those who with him followed.
Notwithstanding Korah’s children
Did not perish on that day,
For they decided they would listen
To the Lord, and Him obey.
Hereby we have God’s instruction
That we may avoid the path
That leads so many to destruction
Who refuse to flee from wrath.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Seeking Such
"Show Thy marvelous lovingkindness, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings" (Psalm 17:7,8). "The Father seeketh such to worship Him" (John 4:23).
The searching eye of God above
Is seeking such in every land
Who are longing for His love
And looking for His saving hand.
The heart of God has called us near
As the apple of His eye,
Seeking such to make it clear:
That is why He came to die.
As a hen would spread her wings
To protect her brood from harm,
God is seeking such and brings
Around us His protective arm.
Thank You, Lord, for seeking such
As each of us to worship You.
Thank You for Your healing touch,
And thereby making all things new!
The searching eye of God above
Is seeking such in every land
Who are longing for His love
And looking for His saving hand.
The heart of God has called us near
As the apple of His eye,
Seeking such to make it clear:
That is why He came to die.
As a hen would spread her wings
To protect her brood from harm,
God is seeking such and brings
Around us His protective arm.
Thank You, Lord, for seeking such
As each of us to worship You.
Thank You for Your healing touch,
And thereby making all things new!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Awesome Alternative
"Out of Jacob shall He come that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.... his latter end shall be that he shall perish forever.... Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!" (Numbers 24:19,20,23). "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.... He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:16,36).
Jesus Christ shall have dominion;
He'll smite the nations with His rod,
And judgment shall replace opinion
Held by those who scorn our God.
When God does this, then who shall live?
Who shall stand before His face?
How sweet is the alternative
Of His awesome, saving grace!
For God so loved the world He gave
His sinless Son, forever cherished,
To bear our wrath and thus to save
Our sinful souls that would have perished.
So all who put their trust in Christ
Have found the single, saving path,
For He alone was sacrificed
That we might thus escape His wrath!
But those remaining in the city,
That is to say, that place of pride,
Are choosing judgment without pity,
Where God's wrath must then abide.
Jesus Christ shall have dominion;
He'll smite the nations with His rod,
And judgment shall replace opinion
Held by those who scorn our God.
When God does this, then who shall live?
Who shall stand before His face?
How sweet is the alternative
Of His awesome, saving grace!
For God so loved the world He gave
His sinless Son, forever cherished,
To bear our wrath and thus to save
Our sinful souls that would have perished.
So all who put their trust in Christ
Have found the single, saving path,
For He alone was sacrificed
That we might thus escape His wrath!
But those remaining in the city,
That is to say, that place of pride,
Are choosing judgment without pity,
Where God's wrath must then abide.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Temple Trouble
"By knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.... The thought of foolishness is sin" (Proverbs 24:4,9). "Take these things hence: make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.... He [Jesus] knew what was in man" (John 2:16,25).
Lord, I know that You're aware
Of all within this temple space:
My spirit, soul, and body there
Are sanctuaries of Your grace.
You know that trouble may invade
With other things that enter in,
And precious things I'd never trade,
May be replaced by thoughts of sin.
Lord, it comforts me to know
That You have never lost Your zeal
For every temple here below
In every child of God You heal.
Come, Lord Jesus, have Your way
Within Your Father's house of prayer.
Cleanse my heart and soul today
Of every wayward thought and care.
Cleanse me of the merchandise
That would rob me of Your peace.
Search me with Your holy eyes;
Till I'm home, Lord, never cease!
Lord, I know that You're aware
Of all within this temple space:
My spirit, soul, and body there
Are sanctuaries of Your grace.
You know that trouble may invade
With other things that enter in,
And precious things I'd never trade,
May be replaced by thoughts of sin.
Lord, it comforts me to know
That You have never lost Your zeal
For every temple here below
In every child of God You heal.
Come, Lord Jesus, have Your way
Within Your Father's house of prayer.
Cleanse my heart and soul today
Of every wayward thought and care.
Cleanse me of the merchandise
That would rob me of Your peace.
Search me with Your holy eyes;
Till I'm home, Lord, never cease!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Lens of Love
"The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no not one" (Psalm 14:2,3). "God is not a man, that He should lie... Hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good? Behold... He hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel" (Numbers 23:19-21). "Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile" (John 1:47).
The Lord looked down from heaven above
To see if any understood,
To see if any searched His love:
His eye found no one who was good.
But God has found a way to cleanse
By means of His amazing grace,
And when He views us through that lens,
We are clean before His face!
Our God is not as man who lies;
He surely sees iniquity.
The lens of grace before His eyes
Removes ours sins through Calvary!
And thus we see the reason why
He saw in Israel none perverse:
He knew that He would satisfy
The Law demanding judgment's curse.
And though He knows we are defiled
Our Savior thus has met our need,
Just like Nathaniel without guile,
An Israelite by faith indeed!
Thank You, Lord, for what You did
To cleanse us in Your holy eyes!
Our sins are gone, not merely hid,
Thus washed away by Jesus Christ!
The Lord looked down from heaven above
To see if any understood,
To see if any searched His love:
His eye found no one who was good.
But God has found a way to cleanse
By means of His amazing grace,
And when He views us through that lens,
We are clean before His face!
Our God is not as man who lies;
He surely sees iniquity.
The lens of grace before His eyes
Removes ours sins through Calvary!
And thus we see the reason why
He saw in Israel none perverse:
He knew that He would satisfy
The Law demanding judgment's curse.
And though He knows we are defiled
Our Savior thus has met our need,
Just like Nathaniel without guile,
An Israelite by faith indeed!
Thank You, Lord, for what You did
To cleanse us in Your holy eyes!
Our sins are gone, not merely hid,
Thus washed away by Jesus Christ!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
New Name
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor, rather than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1). “Andrew…. findeth his own brother Simon.... and he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, He said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone” (John 1:40-42).
There is a new name God bestows
To everyone who comes to Jesus;
A purpose seen He only knows,
As was that given name of Cephas.
Cephas, by interpretation,
Was “a stone” that Christ could see.
The solid Rock of his salvation
Would change him for eternity.
What a difference Christ has made
Since the day that we have met!
We are His workmanship displayed,
And still He is not finished yet!
There is a purpose that’s reflected
In the new name that Christ gives
That’s clarified as we're perfected
Because our Savior in us lives.
There is a new name God bestows
To everyone who comes to Jesus;
A purpose seen He only knows,
As was that given name of Cephas.
Cephas, by interpretation,
Was “a stone” that Christ could see.
The solid Rock of his salvation
Would change him for eternity.
What a difference Christ has made
Since the day that we have met!
We are His workmanship displayed,
And still He is not finished yet!
There is a purpose that’s reflected
In the new name that Christ gives
That’s clarified as we're perfected
Because our Savior in us lives.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sound of Safety
"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). "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.... safety is of the Lord" (Proverbs 21:30,31). "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
There is the sound of safety heard
For those oppressed and poor:
It is God's pure and precious Word
Preserved forevermore.
The sighing of the needy soul
The Lord can surely hear.
The Word of God is rich and full
That brings salvation near.
There is no wisdom that can bind
The counsel of the Lord,
Nor understanding of the mind
That cancels His reward.
The safety of the Lord that came
By our Lord Jesus Christ,
The Word of God made flesh by name,
For us was sacrificed.
Thank You for the joyful sound
Of safety in our ears!
In Jesus Christ, the Word, we've found
A Refuge from our fears!
There is the sound of safety heard
For those oppressed and poor:
It is God's pure and precious Word
Preserved forevermore.
The sighing of the needy soul
The Lord can surely hear.
The Word of God is rich and full
That brings salvation near.
There is no wisdom that can bind
The counsel of the Lord,
Nor understanding of the mind
That cancels His reward.
The safety of the Lord that came
By our Lord Jesus Christ,
The Word of God made flesh by name,
For us was sacrificed.
Thank You for the joyful sound
Of safety in our ears!
In Jesus Christ, the Word, we've found
A Refuge from our fears!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Ressurrection Remembrance
"Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher... and they found the stone rolled away... and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.... And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and... said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hand of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered His words" (Luke 24:1-8).
Now on the first day of the week,
On the third day since Christ died,
Our Lord's disciples came to seek
His body that was crucified.
But very early on that day,
Before the sun began to dawn,
They found the stone was rolled away
And that His body now was gone!
While this troubled much their mind,
Two in shining robes then said
That they would surely never find,
Their risen Lord among the dead!
O may we never lose the thrill
That made their joyful hearts then race!
Our Lord is truly risen still
To save and keep us by His grace!
Now on the first day of the week,
On the third day since Christ died,
Our Lord's disciples came to seek
His body that was crucified.
But very early on that day,
Before the sun began to dawn,
They found the stone was rolled away
And that His body now was gone!
While this troubled much their mind,
Two in shining robes then said
That they would surely never find,
Their risen Lord among the dead!
O may we never lose the thrill
That made their joyful hearts then race!
Our Lord is truly risen still
To save and keep us by His grace!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Derailed Devices
"There are many devices in a man's heart, nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand" (Proverbs 19:21).
The counsel of the Lord will certainly prevail,
No matter what devices the hearts of men have planned.
Devices of His enemies in time He will derail,
And in the end the counsel of the Lord alone shall stand.
It doesn't really matter, after all is said and done,
How many vain devices against God are arrayed.
God will have the final word through Jesus Christ His Son,
And hearts that are indifferent now shall learn to be afraid.
How very good it is to know the counsel of the Lord
May give us rest and refuge with assurance of salvation.
For no one can derail the faith that God's Word will afford,
Since the counsel of the Lord shall stand in every situation.
The counsel of the Lord will certainly prevail,
No matter what devices the hearts of men have planned.
Devices of His enemies in time He will derail,
And in the end the counsel of the Lord alone shall stand.
It doesn't really matter, after all is said and done,
How many vain devices against God are arrayed.
God will have the final word through Jesus Christ His Son,
And hearts that are indifferent now shall learn to be afraid.
How very good it is to know the counsel of the Lord
May give us rest and refuge with assurance of salvation.
For no one can derail the faith that God's Word will afford,
Since the counsel of the Lord shall stand in every situation.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Separated Seekers
"They that know Thy name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee" (Psalm 9:10). "Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom" (Proverbs 18:1). "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him.... But the other.... said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23:39-43).
The Lord has not forsaken one
Who truly seeks His face,
For all who trust in Christ His Son,
Shall know His saving grace.
And everyone who knows His name
Shall find a separation
From those rejecting Christ who came
To purchase our salvation.
We can see this demonstrated
As we view those dying thieves
Beside the Christ, thus separated:
One is cursing; one believes.
That separation spanned far more
Than merely difference of desire:
For one would be on heaven's shore,
The other in the lake of fire!
Thank you, Lord, for stirring thus
Our hearts to seek you with the wise,
And thereby separating us
To be with You in paradise!
The Lord has not forsaken one
Who truly seeks His face,
For all who trust in Christ His Son,
Shall know His saving grace.
And everyone who knows His name
Shall find a separation
From those rejecting Christ who came
To purchase our salvation.
We can see this demonstrated
As we view those dying thieves
Beside the Christ, thus separated:
One is cursing; one believes.
That separation spanned far more
Than merely difference of desire:
For one would be on heaven's shore,
The other in the lake of fire!
Thank you, Lord, for stirring thus
Our hearts to seek you with the wise,
And thereby separating us
To be with You in paradise!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Obeying vs. Obscuring
"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water.... And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly.... And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them" (Numbers 20:7-12).
"Speak to the rock," commanded our God,
But Moses decided that he would do more:
Lifting his hand up, he smote with his rod
The rock from which water would then freely pour.
And so in that moment of careless frustration,
Moses would learn what he would not forget:
Obedience beautifies God's illustration;
Rebellion distorts it and ends in regret.
God had commanded the rock to be smitten
Just one time before, and then never again.
This was the portrait of Christ that was written,
Which God would inspire His prophets to pen.
How many distortions have we thus portrayed
By a lack of adherence to God's precious Word?
May God find us faithful, that when we've obeyed,
The beauty of Christ may be thus seen and heard.
"Speak to the rock," commanded our God,
But Moses decided that he would do more:
Lifting his hand up, he smote with his rod
The rock from which water would then freely pour.
And so in that moment of careless frustration,
Moses would learn what he would not forget:
Obedience beautifies God's illustration;
Rebellion distorts it and ends in regret.
God had commanded the rock to be smitten
Just one time before, and then never again.
This was the portrait of Christ that was written,
Which God would inspire His prophets to pen.
How many distortions have we thus portrayed
By a lack of adherence to God's precious Word?
May God find us faithful, that when we've obeyed,
The beauty of Christ may be thus seen and heard.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Holy Heifer
"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged" (Proverbs 16:6). "The Lord hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke.... And one shall burn the heifer in his sight... and the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer... The ashes of the heifer... shall be kept for... a water of separation: it is a purification for sin" (Numbers 19:2-9).
Among the symbols that portrayed
God's sacrificial purging price,
Was in His ordinance conveyed
Within the heifer's sacrifice.
A heifer that was red was brought,
Never having had a yoke,
Without blemish, without spot,
And wholly burned in flaming smoke.
Cedar wood and scarlet too,
Along with hyssop from the ground,
Were also burned within the view
Of that priest by statute bound.
The ashes of the heifer burned
In water mixed for separation,
Would purify the one concerned
Of sin demanding condemnation.
How clearly now, in view of Christ,
In all these symbols we can see
The cost to purge us that sufficed
Was yet to come at Calvary!
In wood we see His cross implied,
His precious blood in scarlet thread,
In hyssop was the blood applied,
And as that heifer, Christ was led!
Lord, teach us in this meditation
Still more about Your saving love,
Until we're done with hesitation
To set our hearts on things above!
Among the symbols that portrayed
God's sacrificial purging price,
Was in His ordinance conveyed
Within the heifer's sacrifice.
A heifer that was red was brought,
Never having had a yoke,
Without blemish, without spot,
And wholly burned in flaming smoke.
Cedar wood and scarlet too,
Along with hyssop from the ground,
Were also burned within the view
Of that priest by statute bound.
The ashes of the heifer burned
In water mixed for separation,
Would purify the one concerned
Of sin demanding condemnation.
How clearly now, in view of Christ,
In all these symbols we can see
The cost to purge us that sufficed
Was yet to come at Calvary!
In wood we see His cross implied,
His precious blood in scarlet thread,
In hyssop was the blood applied,
And as that heifer, Christ was led!
Lord, teach us in this meditation
Still more about Your saving love,
Until we're done with hesitation
To set our hearts on things above!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Serving as the Savior
"The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility" (Proverbs 15:33). "And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And He said unto them.... He that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that does serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as He that serveth" (Luke 22:24-27).
Who are the greatest of those in your midst?
It's those who are serving as Jesus our Lord.
No other standard shall ever exist
By which He'll assess us and thereby reward.
Therefore let all who would seek to be great
Be ready to serve as the younger in meekness.
Let all who would rise to a more honored state
Serve, with humility, others in weakness.
Teach us, O Lord, by observing Your life,
How to achieve Your example observed,
That we may be rid of vainglory and strife
As we, in Your likeness, have thus humbly served.
Who are the greatest of those in your midst?
It's those who are serving as Jesus our Lord.
No other standard shall ever exist
By which He'll assess us and thereby reward.
Therefore let all who would seek to be great
Be ready to serve as the younger in meekness.
Let all who would rise to a more honored state
Serve, with humility, others in weakness.
Teach us, O Lord, by observing Your life,
How to achieve Your example observed,
That we may be rid of vainglory and strife
As we, in Your likeness, have thus humbly served.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Morning Meeting
"My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:3). "And all the people came early in the morning to Him in the temple, for to hear Him" (Luke 21:38).
There is a morning meeting
That I never want to miss:
It is the daily greeting
When God communes with His.
It is time when I look up,
And lift to Him my prayer.
He bids me come and with Him sup
And cast on Him my care.
He speaks to me in every line
Of Scripture that I read,
Instructing me with words Divine
To go where He will lead.
Other meetings come and go
That waste our time and gas,
But this is one, I surely know,
I do not want to pass!
There is a morning meeting
That I never want to miss:
It is the daily greeting
When God communes with His.
It is time when I look up,
And lift to Him my prayer.
He bids me come and with Him sup
And cast on Him my care.
He speaks to me in every line
Of Scripture that I read,
Instructing me with words Divine
To go where He will lead.
Other meetings come and go
That waste our time and gas,
But this is one, I surely know,
I do not want to pass!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Blossoms of Blessing
"And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from Me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you. And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their father's houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness. And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds" (Numbers 17:5-8).
The head of each tribe of Israel came,
And each of them brought to Moses their rod,
On each of those rods inscribing their name,
To find out which one would be chosen by God.
God chose a way, undeniably awesome,
To show who it was that He set apart:
Only the rod that He chose would blossom,
So all of the rebels would take it to heart.
Thus it was Aaron that God clearly chose,
For his was the singular rod that would bloom;
And so, in like manner, our Savior who rose
Refutes all imposters by His empty tomb!
The head of each tribe of Israel came,
And each of them brought to Moses their rod,
On each of those rods inscribing their name,
To find out which one would be chosen by God.
God chose a way, undeniably awesome,
To show who it was that He set apart:
Only the rod that He chose would blossom,
So all of the rebels would take it to heart.
Thus it was Aaron that God clearly chose,
For his was the singular rod that would bloom;
And so, in like manner, our Savior who rose
Refutes all imposters by His empty tomb!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Lord and Lifter
"Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory, and Lifter up of mine head" (Psalm 3:3). "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad" (Proverbs 12:25).
Lord, You are a shield for me;
You're my glory and my crown.
When contemplating Calvary
You lift my head up when I'm down.
I see You died, Lord, in my stead,
On the cross to bear my shame.
Thus You lift my bowing my head
To magnify Your matchless name!
Heaviness within my heart
Can make it stoop and leave it sad.
But Your good word will impart
The grace of God that makes it glad.
Lord and Lifter of my eyes,
Do not let me waste the time
By stooping down when I should rise
To see Your majesty sublime.
Lord, You are a shield for me;
You're my glory and my crown.
When contemplating Calvary
You lift my head up when I'm down.
I see You died, Lord, in my stead,
On the cross to bear my shame.
Thus You lift my bowing my head
To magnify Your matchless name!
Heaviness within my heart
Can make it stoop and leave it sad.
But Your good word will impart
The grace of God that makes it glad.
Lord and Lifter of my eyes,
Do not let me waste the time
By stooping down when I should rise
To see Your majesty sublime.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Wise Why's
"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.... Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth" (Psalm 2:1,2,10). "He [Jesus] perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye Me?" (Luke 20:23).
Why do nations vainly rage
Against the Lord, supremely wise?
Have they not read Scripture's page
Or viewed creation with their eyes?
Why do kings and rulers make
Against the Lord a foolish plan?
Do they think He's not awake
Or that He is afraid of man?
Why do people tempt the Lord
As if He cannot pass their test?
Have they willfully ignored
The prophecies that Christ addressed?
Be wise therefore, and hear instruction!
Turn now at the Lord's reproof!
The way that leads to sure destruction
Is filled with those who stand aloof!
Why do nations vainly rage
Against the Lord, supremely wise?
Have they not read Scripture's page
Or viewed creation with their eyes?
Why do kings and rulers make
Against the Lord a foolish plan?
Do they think He's not awake
Or that He is afraid of man?
Why do people tempt the Lord
As if He cannot pass their test?
Have they willfully ignored
The prophecies that Christ addressed?
Be wise therefore, and hear instruction!
Turn now at the Lord's reproof!
The way that leads to sure destruction
Is filled with those who stand aloof!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Nurtured in Not
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1:1-3).
How blessed indeed we find ourselves
To WALK NOT as the counselors say,
Who author books upon our shelves
That teach us how to go astray.
How blessed indeed we are as well
To STAND NOT in the sinners' path.
It is the way that leads to hell,
Destruction, and eternal wrath.
How blessed indeed we are at last
To SIT NOT in the scorners' seat.
When all their mockery has passed,
The One they mock, they yet shall meet.
How blessed indeed is meditation
That we NURTURE day and night
In the Word of our salvation
That teaches us to live aright.
How blessed indeed that we may grow,
Thus NURTURED as a fruitful tree,
As in the Word of God we know
We have the truth that makes us free!
How blessed indeed we find ourselves
To WALK NOT as the counselors say,
Who author books upon our shelves
That teach us how to go astray.
How blessed indeed we are as well
To STAND NOT in the sinners' path.
It is the way that leads to hell,
Destruction, and eternal wrath.
How blessed indeed we are at last
To SIT NOT in the scorners' seat.
When all their mockery has passed,
The One they mock, they yet shall meet.
How blessed indeed is meditation
That we NURTURE day and night
In the Word of our salvation
That teaches us to live aright.
How blessed indeed that we may grow,
Thus NURTURED as a fruitful tree,
As in the Word of God we know
We have the truth that makes us free!
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Blue Borders
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue: and it shall be unto to you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: that ye may remember, and do all My commandments, and be holy unto your God" (Numbers 15:38-40).
The people of Israel had such an order
To aid to them in keeping their calling in view:
On each of their garments they placed on the border
A holy reminder, a ribbon of blue.
That heavenly color was there to recall
Commandments from which they should never depart,
And served as a warning to great and to small
To not go astray through the lusts of their heart.
Those borders may also remind us as well
To seek not the lusts of our heart and our eyes.
Since we are God's people delivered from hell,
We're called to be heavenly, holy, and wise.
The people of Israel had such an order
To aid to them in keeping their calling in view:
On each of their garments they placed on the border
A holy reminder, a ribbon of blue.
That heavenly color was there to recall
Commandments from which they should never depart,
And served as a warning to great and to small
To not go astray through the lusts of their heart.
Those borders may also remind us as well
To seek not the lusts of our heart and our eyes.
Since we are God's people delivered from hell,
We're called to be heavenly, holy, and wise.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Joyful Judgment
"The Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory.... Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand.... to execute upon them the judgment written: this honor have all His saints. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 149:5-9). "And [Jesus] said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.... And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house" (Luke 19:5-9).
There is a judgment that is written,
An honor that the Lord bestows,
A sword by which the foe is smitten,
That even Satan can't oppose.
That sword is placed into the hands
Of all who will receive the Lord.
It is the Word of God that stands,
His sharp, discerning, two-edged sword.
It is a sword that has two sides,
That joyfully declares salvation,
And yet that judgment still abides:
Without the Lord is condemnation.
It is a sword beyond opinion
To discern what we have heard,
Declaring sin has no dominion
Over those who trust God's Word.
Child of God, rejoice today:
In Christ we have the victory!
Don't let Satan have his way:
Submit to God and he will flee!
There is a judgment that is written,
An honor that the Lord bestows,
A sword by which the foe is smitten,
That even Satan can't oppose.
That sword is placed into the hands
Of all who will receive the Lord.
It is the Word of God that stands,
His sharp, discerning, two-edged sword.
It is a sword that has two sides,
That joyfully declares salvation,
And yet that judgment still abides:
Without the Lord is condemnation.
It is a sword beyond opinion
To discern what we have heard,
Declaring sin has no dominion
Over those who trust God's Word.
Child of God, rejoice today:
In Christ we have the victory!
Don't let Satan have his way:
Submit to God and he will flee!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Commanded Closeness
"He also exalteth... a people near unto Him. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 148:14). "A certain blind man sat by the wayside begging.... Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought to Him: and when he was come near, He asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God" (Luke 18:35-43).
Rise up now, for Christ commands
That mercy now may bring you near.
Extending now to you His hands,
He bids you come, and not to fear.
Hear Him call above the noise
Of all the crowd that would forbid.
Yes, He hears your feeble voice,
And from His sight you are not hid.
Rise up now, and you will find
His healing power gives you sight
To follow Him, no longer blind,
In the pathway of His light.
How good it is that we are brought
So close to Christ, our Lord and Savior!
By His precious blood He bought
A people near Him, in His favor.
Rise up now, for Christ commands
That mercy now may bring you near.
Extending now to you His hands,
He bids you come, and not to fear.
Hear Him call above the noise
Of all the crowd that would forbid.
Yes, He hears your feeble voice,
And from His sight you are not hid.
Rise up now, and you will find
His healing power gives you sight
To follow Him, no longer blind,
In the pathway of His light.
How good it is that we are brought
So close to Christ, our Lord and Savior!
By His precious blood He bought
A people near Him, in His favor.
Monday, July 06, 2009
Prevailing Prayer
"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not... even as this publican.... And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God, be merciful to me, a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other" (Luke 18:10-14).
Prevailing prayer displays the key
That haughty hearts can never find
That's guarded by humility
And glory to our God in mind.
Many volumes upon our shelves
May now condone the way we pray,
Yet our opinion of ourselves
May be the stone that blocks our way.
The pharisaic prayer thus failed
Because of pride he held within.
The praying publican prevailed
Through true repentance of his sin.
Teach us, Lord, to pray aright,
As You examine us with grace.
Chase the darkness with Your light,
So pride may find no hiding place!
Prevailing prayer displays the key
That haughty hearts can never find
That's guarded by humility
And glory to our God in mind.
Many volumes upon our shelves
May now condone the way we pray,
Yet our opinion of ourselves
May be the stone that blocks our way.
The pharisaic prayer thus failed
Because of pride he held within.
The praying publican prevailed
Through true repentance of his sin.
Teach us, Lord, to pray aright,
As You examine us with grace.
Chase the darkness with Your light,
So pride may find no hiding place!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Lot's Loss
"Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.... Remember Lot's wife" (Luke 17:28-32).
We ought to be giving some serious thought
To the losses that we may observe in Lot's life.
All of his riches were gathered for naught,
And then we are told to remember Lot's wife.
Though Lot had escaped from the fiery wrath,
Sodom corrupted his wife and his daughters.
This was the consequence of his chosen path
That poisoned the well of morality's waters.
No wonder the Scriptures declare he was vexed!
No wonder that Lot had such grief in his soul!
May we well consider this serious text,
And surrender our hearts to our Savior's control!
We ought to be giving some serious thought
To the losses that we may observe in Lot's life.
All of his riches were gathered for naught,
And then we are told to remember Lot's wife.
Though Lot had escaped from the fiery wrath,
Sodom corrupted his wife and his daughters.
This was the consequence of his chosen path
That poisoned the well of morality's waters.
No wonder the Scriptures declare he was vexed!
No wonder that Lot had such grief in his soul!
May we well consider this serious text,
And surrender our hearts to our Savior's control!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Nation as the Nine
"One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" (Luke 17:15-17).
None of the nine returned to give thanks
For all of the healing that Jesus had done.
Among those ten lepers, all that broke ranks
To give thanks and praise to the Lord was just one.
And where are the nine that we are addressing
Reflected today in our attitude?
They're seen when we have received the Lord's blessing
And just as those nine, forget gratitude.
Forgive us, O Lord, and heal our nation;
How greatly You've blessed America's land!
Revive us, O Lord, and send Your salvation,
As now we give thanks for Your merciful hand!
None of the nine returned to give thanks
For all of the healing that Jesus had done.
Among those ten lepers, all that broke ranks
To give thanks and praise to the Lord was just one.
And where are the nine that we are addressing
Reflected today in our attitude?
They're seen when we have received the Lord's blessing
And just as those nine, forget gratitude.
Forgive us, O Lord, and heal our nation;
How greatly You've blessed America's land!
Revive us, O Lord, and send Your salvation,
As now we give thanks for Your merciful hand!
Friday, July 03, 2009
State of our Stewardship
"There was a certain rich man which had a steward... And he called him, and said unto him... Give an account of thy stewardship.... He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:1-10).
How great are the blessings of God we enjoy;
How great is the grace our stewardship too!
As stewards accountable in His employ,
We'll give an account to Him that is true.
What is the state of our stewardship now?
Will God find us faithful in little and much?
May we employ wisely what God will endow,
Extending to others the grace of His touch.
How great are the blessings of God we enjoy;
How great is the grace our stewardship too!
As stewards accountable in His employ,
We'll give an account to Him that is true.
What is the state of our stewardship now?
Will God find us faithful in little and much?
May we employ wisely what God will endow,
Extending to others the grace of His touch.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Daily Discernment
"Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee.... Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness" (Psalm 143:8,10).
Lord, cause me hear Your love in the morning
Before I advance through the course of the day,
Before I am met with the hatred and scorning
Of those who are bitterly going astray.
Lord, cause me know the path I should walk,
For I lift up my soul this morning to You.
Though conflicts will come and sinners will mock,
I'd walk in Your counsel, eternally true.
Balanced by love and the wisdom You give,
Cause me to live out the truth that I learn.
Teach me, O Lord, everyday how to live,
Led by the Spirit of God to discern.
Lord, cause me hear Your love in the morning
Before I advance through the course of the day,
Before I am met with the hatred and scorning
Of those who are bitterly going astray.
Lord, cause me know the path I should walk,
For I lift up my soul this morning to You.
Though conflicts will come and sinners will mock,
I'd walk in Your counsel, eternally true.
Balanced by love and the wisdom You give,
Cause me to live out the truth that I learn.
Teach me, O Lord, everyday how to live,
Led by the Spirit of God to discern.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
The Cry to Christ
"I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto to Thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my Refuge and my Portion in the land of the living" (Psalm 142:4,5). "No man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said.... I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee" (Luke 15:16-18).
There was a day that I recall
That I had looked around to see
That no man cared for me at all
Regarding my eternity.
Yes, I remember it so well!
I wondered where my soul would be:
In heaven or eternal hell?
How fearful was that time for me!
Finding no one who would care,
I simply had no other choice:
I lifted up my awkward prayer,
And Jesus Christ then heard my voice!
I came to Christ confessing sin,
I thanked Him that He died for me,
And then and there He entered in
To save my soul eternally!
There was a day that I recall
That I had looked around to see
That no man cared for me at all
Regarding my eternity.
Yes, I remember it so well!
I wondered where my soul would be:
In heaven or eternal hell?
How fearful was that time for me!
Finding no one who would care,
I simply had no other choice:
I lifted up my awkward prayer,
And Jesus Christ then heard my voice!
I came to Christ confessing sin,
I thanked Him that He died for me,
And then and there He entered in
To save my soul eternally!
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