"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.... When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face, my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek" (Psalm 27:4,8).
Our resolutions may compete
Beyond the New Year's dawn.
The old year then will be complete
And time shall press us on.
How then shall we now decide
What goals are best and worst?
Let this be our surest guide:
To put our Savior first!
Seek then first our awesome Lord
And dwell upon His beauty
That He may rightly be adored
And purify our duty.
Behold the beauty of our King,
And give Him all your heart.
Prioritizing this ONE THING
Brings blessing from the start.
Then let this principle of praise
Ensure our greatest gain,
For this shall guarantee our days
Shall not be spent in vain.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Place of our Pleasure
"LORD, I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honor dwelleth" (Psalm 26:8). "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (1 Corinthians 12:27).
How marvelous, Lord, is the place where You dwell,
For who could have possibly known
That You would reside in those rescued from hell,
And there You would set up Your throne!
O Lord, we have cherished this unlikely place
Where You have decided to stay!
For we are the body of Christ by Your grace,
Your temple of praise everyday!
Great God, though You fill all of heaven and earth
As Maker and Lord of creation,
It gives so much pleasure to know we were worth
A place for Your own habitation.
How marvelous, Lord, is the place where You dwell,
For who could have possibly known
That You would reside in those rescued from hell,
And there You would set up Your throne!
O Lord, we have cherished this unlikely place
Where You have decided to stay!
For we are the body of Christ by Your grace,
Your temple of praise everyday!
Great God, though You fill all of heaven and earth
As Maker and Lord of creation,
It gives so much pleasure to know we were worth
A place for Your own habitation.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Selected Secrets
"Hast thou heard the secret of God?.... Are the consolations of God small with thee? Is there any secret thing with thee?" (Job 15:8,11). "What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose.... The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant" (Psalm 25:12,14).
The Lord is waiting to reveal
His secrets whispered in the ear
With consolations that will heal
And comfort those with godly fear.
Have you heard His secret yet?
Now come with reverent expectation!
Fear the Lord and don't forget
The blessings of His consolation.
Come, delight in His correction
That cleanses us from secret sin,
As we're humbled with confession
When God has searched our heart within.
Come with boldness to His throne,
For though His strength is infinite,
God has welcomed all His own
To hear His secrets intimate.
O Lord, we come to hear Your voice
To learn how we may love You more,
To know the secrets of Your choice,
And serve You better than before.
The Lord is waiting to reveal
His secrets whispered in the ear
With consolations that will heal
And comfort those with godly fear.
Have you heard His secret yet?
Now come with reverent expectation!
Fear the Lord and don't forget
The blessings of His consolation.
Come, delight in His correction
That cleanses us from secret sin,
As we're humbled with confession
When God has searched our heart within.
Come with boldness to His throne,
For though His strength is infinite,
God has welcomed all His own
To hear His secrets intimate.
O Lord, we come to hear Your voice
To learn how we may love You more,
To know the secrets of Your choice,
And serve You better than before.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Kindness of our King
"Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one" (Job 14:4). "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 to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of His salvation.... The LORD of hosts, He is King of glory" (Psalm 24:3-10).
Since we were all declared unclean,
Then none were guiltless; no, not one.
Our God alone could intervene
By Jesus Christ, His spotless Son.
The hands, the heart, and soul of Christ
Ascended to God's holy place.
The Lamb of God was sacrificed
To cleanse us by His saving grace.
And thus the blessing was received
With righteousness Christ freely gave
To all who in Him have believed:
The hosts of those whom He would save.
The Lord of hosts, so good and kind,
Is Jesus Christ, our King of glory!
All His hosts would still be blind
And lost without redemption's story!
Great Lord, we are the hosts You'll bring
When earth shall lift her waiting gates,
Proclaiming then You are the King
Whom all the world celebrates!
Since we were all declared unclean,
Then none were guiltless; no, not one.
Our God alone could intervene
By Jesus Christ, His spotless Son.
The hands, the heart, and soul of Christ
Ascended to God's holy place.
The Lamb of God was sacrificed
To cleanse us by His saving grace.
And thus the blessing was received
With righteousness Christ freely gave
To all who in Him have believed:
The hosts of those whom He would save.
The Lord of hosts, so good and kind,
Is Jesus Christ, our King of glory!
All His hosts would still be blind
And lost without redemption's story!
Great Lord, we are the hosts You'll bring
When earth shall lift her waiting gates,
Proclaiming then You are the King
Whom all the world celebrates!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Shining in the Shadow
"He discovereth the deep things out of darkness, and bringeth out to light the shadow of death.... They grope in the dark without light, and He maketh them to stagger like a drunken man" (Job 12:22,25). "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me" (Psalm 23:4).
How dark was the forecast ahead that was plain:
The shadow of death like the clouds of a storm
Had darkened the sky, and it seemed quite insane
That apathy ruled as society's norm.
I felt so alone as in darkness I groped!
Why were the people content to be blind?
Then out of that darkness I cried and I hoped:
God heard my prayer, and in darkness He shined.
Then there was Light in the shadow of death!
God was not silent; He gave us His Word:
Our Lord came to earth, and He spent His last breath
Declaring the Gospel this world has heard!
Yet even today there is little concern
In matters eternal where God sheds His light.
The truth makes us free if we're willing to learn,
But time has a limit, and day turns to night.
We thank You, O Lord, for the Light that You gave
When You came from heaven to die in our place
To shine in the shadow of death and the grave,
Redeeming all those who will trust in Your grace!
How dark was the forecast ahead that was plain:
The shadow of death like the clouds of a storm
Had darkened the sky, and it seemed quite insane
That apathy ruled as society's norm.
I felt so alone as in darkness I groped!
Why were the people content to be blind?
Then out of that darkness I cried and I hoped:
God heard my prayer, and in darkness He shined.
Then there was Light in the shadow of death!
God was not silent; He gave us His Word:
Our Lord came to earth, and He spent His last breath
Declaring the Gospel this world has heard!
Yet even today there is little concern
In matters eternal where God sheds His light.
The truth makes us free if we're willing to learn,
But time has a limit, and day turns to night.
We thank You, O Lord, for the Light that You gave
When You came from heaven to die in our place
To shine in the shadow of death and the grave,
Redeeming all those who will trust in Your grace!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Declared Done
"My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?.... All they that see Me laugh Me to scorn.... They pierced My hands and My feet.... All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee.... A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted unto the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done this" (Psalm 22:1-31).
O God, our God, we hear those cries
Foretold of Jesus Christ Your Son.
We are the seed who testifies
The saving work He did is done!
They pierced His hands, His feet, His side,
And crowned His head with woven thorn;
They mocked Him as for us He died
And laughed the Son of God to scorn!
We give You thanks, Lord, for Your love
That spared our souls from condemnation,
That left Your splendid throne above,
And did the work of our salvation!
O God, our God, we hear those cries
Foretold of Jesus Christ Your Son.
We are the seed who testifies
The saving work He did is done!
They pierced His hands, His feet, His side,
And crowned His head with woven thorn;
They mocked Him as for us He died
And laughed the Son of God to scorn!
We give You thanks, Lord, for Your love
That spared our souls from condemnation,
That left Your splendid throne above,
And did the work of our salvation!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Good News of God's Nativity
"Canst thou by searching find out God?" (Job 7:11). "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country" (Proverbs 25:25). "Behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him" (Matthew 1:1,2).
Wise men came from lands afar
Into Jerusalem
Guided by that wondrous star
That led to Bethlehem.
And though the starlight became dim,
Their joyfulness increased
As still they came to worship Him
And traveled from the east.
Ah! So is good news to the thirst
In all who search and find
That God indeed had sought us first
And drew each heart and mind.
Can we by searching find out God?
The Gospel says we can!
For though our search is weak and flawed,
God draws the heart of man.
We thank You, Lord, for such good news
That came from heaven above,
Which drew our hearts to gladly choose
To search and find Your love!
Wise men came from lands afar
Into Jerusalem
Guided by that wondrous star
That led to Bethlehem.
And though the starlight became dim,
Their joyfulness increased
As still they came to worship Him
And traveled from the east.
Ah! So is good news to the thirst
In all who search and find
That God indeed had sought us first
And drew each heart and mind.
Can we by searching find out God?
The Gospel says we can!
For though our search is weak and flawed,
God draws the heart of man.
We thank You, Lord, for such good news
That came from heaven above,
Which drew our hearts to gladly choose
To search and find Your love!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Our Need of His Name
"Now know I that the LORD saveth His anointed.... we will remember the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:6,7). "And thou shalt call His name JESUS [lit. Jehovah's Salvation]: for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
We will remember our Lord's precious name:
JESUS, translated "Jehovah's salvation".
That is the reason our Lord Jesus came;
That is the greatness of His reputation!
We will remember that Christ came to save
A world where no one was righteous; not one.
How great was our need of the Treasure God gave:
The Wonderful Gift of Christ Jesus His Son!
We will remember that scene of the manger:
The Lord of the universe, born in a stall!
As Man He was homeless and lived as a Stranger,
Though we were the sinners estranged by the fall!
We will remember the price that He paid
To ransom our souls with redemption complete.
How great was the love on the cross He displayed
Beheld in His head, in His hands, and His feet.
O Lord, we were helplessly, hopelessly lost;
Our need that You met was enormous indeed!
Jehovah's salvation demanded a cost;
We thank You, Lord Jesus, that You met our need!
We will remember our Lord's precious name:
JESUS, translated "Jehovah's salvation".
That is the reason our Lord Jesus came;
That is the greatness of His reputation!
We will remember that Christ came to save
A world where no one was righteous; not one.
How great was our need of the Treasure God gave:
The Wonderful Gift of Christ Jesus His Son!
We will remember that scene of the manger:
The Lord of the universe, born in a stall!
As Man He was homeless and lived as a Stranger,
Though we were the sinners estranged by the fall!
We will remember the price that He paid
To ransom our souls with redemption complete.
How great was the love on the cross He displayed
Beheld in His head, in His hands, and His feet.
O Lord, we were helplessly, hopelessly lost;
Our need that You met was enormous indeed!
Jehovah's salvation demanded a cost;
We thank You, Lord Jesus, that You met our need!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Starry Statements
"Then Job answered and said... How should man be just with God?.... Which alone spreadeth out the heavens.... Which maketh Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades, and the chambers of the south. Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number" (Job 9:2-9). "The heavens declare the glory of God.... Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night uttereth knowledge.... Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world" (Psalm 19:1-4).
The heavens declare the glory of God,
And day after day utters speech.
Since God named the stars, it seems very odd
That we don't seem to care what they teach!
Job knew the names of the stars in the night
And their meanings that came from the Lord:
Arcturus "Coming", Orion "Prince of Light",
And Pleiades, "The Jewels that Are Stored".
Surely, there's wealth in the words of each star,
As the night is spread out like a scroll.
Their words are declaring God's glory afar,
And telling the worth of each soul!
How vast are the things that we cannot find out,
Yet great are the things God will show!
We know God has spoken, removing all doubt,
And thereby salvation we know!
The heavens declare what the Scriptures convey:
That the Lord would reveal His glory
Through His precious Son to provide us the way
To be saved! O how wondrous the story!
Note: An excellent resource to explore Biblical Astronomy in the light of the original star names given by God (Psalm 147:4) is a book by Kenneth Fleming (Emmaus Bible College) called "God's voice in the Stars." Astrology is not only a lie, it is a cover up! Satan is tirelessly working to obscure and pervert all that declares the glory of God. I have also posted star name charts and corresponding references in Scripture on my Blog entitled "Mazzaroth Gospel" (http://mazzarothgospel.blogspot.com/) with illustrations from Kenneth Fleming's book used by his permission.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
And day after day utters speech.
Since God named the stars, it seems very odd
That we don't seem to care what they teach!
Job knew the names of the stars in the night
And their meanings that came from the Lord:
Arcturus "Coming", Orion "Prince of Light",
And Pleiades, "The Jewels that Are Stored".
Surely, there's wealth in the words of each star,
As the night is spread out like a scroll.
Their words are declaring God's glory afar,
And telling the worth of each soul!
How vast are the things that we cannot find out,
Yet great are the things God will show!
We know God has spoken, removing all doubt,
And thereby salvation we know!
The heavens declare what the Scriptures convey:
That the Lord would reveal His glory
Through His precious Son to provide us the way
To be saved! O how wondrous the story!
Note: An excellent resource to explore Biblical Astronomy in the light of the original star names given by God (Psalm 147:4) is a book by Kenneth Fleming (Emmaus Bible College) called "God's voice in the Stars." Astrology is not only a lie, it is a cover up! Satan is tirelessly working to obscure and pervert all that declares the glory of God. I have also posted star name charts and corresponding references in Scripture on my Blog entitled "Mazzaroth Gospel" (http://mazzarothgospel.blogspot.com/) with illustrations from Kenneth Fleming's book used by his permission.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Loving the Living Lord
"I will love Thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.... The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted" (Psalm 18:1-3,46).
Lord, I will love You, for how could I not?
For You are my rock and my fortress so strong!
You have delivered me, and You have fought
Against all my foes (and their list is quite long!).
Lord, I will love You, my God and my strength,
In whom I will trust as my buckler and power,
My horn of salvation eternal in length,
My refuge of mercy, my strong and high tower.
Lord, I will love You, for thus I am led
To worship You now as I think on Your ways:
You came down from heaven to die in my stead,
And now You are risen, so worthy of praise!
Lord, I will love You; how rightly I should
With all the redeemed now surrounding Your throne!
May You be exalted, for You are so good,
Extending salvation to all of Your own!
Lord, I will love You, for how could I not?
For You are my rock and my fortress so strong!
You have delivered me, and You have fought
Against all my foes (and their list is quite long!).
Lord, I will love You, my God and my strength,
In whom I will trust as my buckler and power,
My horn of salvation eternal in length,
My refuge of mercy, my strong and high tower.
Lord, I will love You, for thus I am led
To worship You now as I think on Your ways:
You came down from heaven to die in my stead,
And now You are risen, so worthy of praise!
Lord, I will love You; how rightly I should
With all the redeemed now surrounding Your throne!
May You be exalted, for You are so good,
Extending salvation to all of Your own!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Precious Presents
"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19,20).
It isn't really hard to know
The gifts our God has sought.
Behold the presents He will show:
They are the ones He bought!
It isn't gold, or frankincense,
Or myrrh that He requires.
The gifts He bought at Christ's expense
Are those which He desires!
The gifts we therefore ought to give
Today, if we will hear it,
Are given by the life we live
In body, soul, and spirit.
We see, O Lord, Your sacrifice
Upon the cross, and thus
We are amazed You paid that price
For sinners such as us!
It seems a little strange, O Lord,
To bring now what You own
As gifts, which we could not afford,
Are given at Your throne.
Yet this is why You came to earth,
Though we had gone astray,
Because You thought our souls were worth
The ransom You would pay!
O Lord, we would not hesitate
To bring our heart to You,
Nor would we fail consecrate
Our soul and body too.
Lord, help us everyday to bring
These gifts for which You died.
With all we are, O Lord our King,
May You be glorified!
It isn't really hard to know
The gifts our God has sought.
Behold the presents He will show:
They are the ones He bought!
It isn't gold, or frankincense,
Or myrrh that He requires.
The gifts He bought at Christ's expense
Are those which He desires!
The gifts we therefore ought to give
Today, if we will hear it,
Are given by the life we live
In body, soul, and spirit.
We see, O Lord, Your sacrifice
Upon the cross, and thus
We are amazed You paid that price
For sinners such as us!
It seems a little strange, O Lord,
To bring now what You own
As gifts, which we could not afford,
Are given at Your throne.
Yet this is why You came to earth,
Though we had gone astray,
Because You thought our souls were worth
The ransom You would pay!
O Lord, we would not hesitate
To bring our heart to You,
Nor would we fail consecrate
Our soul and body too.
Lord, help us everyday to bring
These gifts for which You died.
With all we are, O Lord our King,
May You be glorified!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Heavenly Heritage
"The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance.... The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.... Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm 16:5-11).
How good is the heritage given to us,
Affording the greatest of treasures!
The Lord is our portion; in Him is our trust,
And in Him the truest of pleasures!
For what can compare with His infinite worth,
And who else could heal our soul?
The lines of our lot which we have by new birth
Have thrilled us with joy that is full!
O Lord, we give thanks for our treasure in You
We've only begun to explore,
For morning by morning Your mercies are new;
Your pleasures extend evermore!
How good is the heritage given to us,
Affording the greatest of treasures!
The Lord is our portion; in Him is our trust,
And in Him the truest of pleasures!
For what can compare with His infinite worth,
And who else could heal our soul?
The lines of our lot which we have by new birth
Have thrilled us with joy that is full!
O Lord, we give thanks for our treasure in You
We've only begun to explore,
For morning by morning Your mercies are new;
Your pleasures extend evermore!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Standard for Stewards
"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" (Proverbs 19:20,21). "Let a man so account of us, as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.... He that judgeth me is the Lord" (1 Corinthians 4:1-4).
The counsel of the Lord shall stand,
And His assessment is what matters.
The greatest scheme we may have planned,
If not from God, so quickly scatters!
Each steward has a ministry
With gifts from God he should invest.
And this responsibility
By God and men shall be assessed.
But though another shares his view,
Assessing us by his opinion,
The standard that is always true
Is only that of God's dominion.
Lord, help us by this standard live
Beneath Your holy, searching eyes:
Found faithful with the gifts You give,
That You at last may count us wise.
The counsel of the Lord shall stand,
And His assessment is what matters.
The greatest scheme we may have planned,
If not from God, so quickly scatters!
Each steward has a ministry
With gifts from God he should invest.
And this responsibility
By God and men shall be assessed.
But though another shares his view,
Assessing us by his opinion,
The standard that is always true
Is only that of God's dominion.
Lord, help us by this standard live
Beneath Your holy, searching eyes:
Found faithful with the gifts You give,
That You at last may count us wise.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Separated Seekers
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. 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 14:1-3). "Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself" (Proverbs 18:1,2).
The way of the foolish was seen in the land
As God looked from heaven above
To see who would seek Him, and thus understand,
And set upon God their heart's love.
Alas! There was no one! No, not even one!
Yet God would not thrust us away,
But sent to this earth His own precious Son,
Though all we like sheep went astray!
Thus prompted by God and convinced by His Spirit,
We fled from the wrath that will come.
Though not every sinner desires to hear it,
The Gospel is still saving some.
We thank You, O Lord, that you loved us first
And sent to the earth Your salvation,
Then gave to our hearts the unquenchable thirst
To find You through our separation.
The way of the foolish was seen in the land
As God looked from heaven above
To see who would seek Him, and thus understand,
And set upon God their heart's love.
Alas! There was no one! No, not even one!
Yet God would not thrust us away,
But sent to this earth His own precious Son,
Though all we like sheep went astray!
Thus prompted by God and convinced by His Spirit,
We fled from the wrath that will come.
Though not every sinner desires to hear it,
The Gospel is still saving some.
We thank You, O Lord, that you loved us first
And sent to the earth Your salvation,
Then gave to our hearts the unquenchable thirst
To find You through our separation.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Glorious Giver
"Ye are in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:30,31).
Glorious Giver! How great is His love
That gave us salvation in Christ!
All of the riches in heaven above
Without Him would not have sufficed!
We needed wisdom, for we were not wise,
And God made us wise in His Son.
We needed righteousness, since in God's eyes,
Without Him we surely had none!
We needed sanctification as well
To set us apart for the Lord.
We needed also redemption from hell,
Which only His grace could afford!
How great are the gifts, gracious Lord, that You gave!
How precious indeed was their cost,
For only by Jesus our Lord could You save
And give all these gifts to the lost!
Glorious Giver! How great is His love
That gave us salvation in Christ!
All of the riches in heaven above
Without Him would not have sufficed!
We needed wisdom, for we were not wise,
And God made us wise in His Son.
We needed righteousness, since in God's eyes,
Without Him we surely had none!
We needed sanctification as well
To set us apart for the Lord.
We needed also redemption from hell,
Which only His grace could afford!
How great are the gifts, gracious Lord, that You gave!
How precious indeed was their cost,
For only by Jesus our Lord could You save
And give all these gifts to the lost!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Medicinal Message
"The words of the LORD are pure words" (Psalm 12:6). "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24).
The words of the Lord are pleasant and pure,
With sweetness and health for the soul.
Their message provides the medicinal cure
To satisfy, save, and make whole.
The words of the Lord are able to save
And heal us when we receive
The Savior who died and rose from the grave
To ransom all those who believe.
The words of the Lord are a lamp to our feet
And a light that leads all the way home.
Lord, thank You for words that are healthy and sweet,
Which are likened to Your honeycomb.
The words of the Lord are pleasant and pure,
With sweetness and health for the soul.
Their message provides the medicinal cure
To satisfy, save, and make whole.
The words of the Lord are able to save
And heal us when we receive
The Savior who died and rose from the grave
To ransom all those who believe.
The words of the Lord are a lamp to our feet
And a light that leads all the way home.
Lord, thank You for words that are healthy and sweet,
Which are likened to Your honeycomb.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Eyeing Everything
"The LORD'S throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men" (Psalm 11:4). "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.... Hell and destruction are before the LORD: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?" (Proverbs 15:4,11).
The Lord is ruling on the throne;
He has His eye on everything.
He tries the hearts of all His own,
He is their Shepherd and their King.
The Lord is eyeing every place,
Beholding bad and good as well,
Persuading souls to seek His face,
To turn their hearts away from hell.
We thank You, Lord, that You provide
The vision to behold Your love,
That shows us there's a Place to hide,
In Christ upon His throne above.
Lord, knowing that Your eyes behold
Our every motive, word, and deed,
Refine our hearts as tested gold
To purge the sin we do not need.
The Lord is ruling on the throne;
He has His eye on everything.
He tries the hearts of all His own,
He is their Shepherd and their King.
The Lord is eyeing every place,
Beholding bad and good as well,
Persuading souls to seek His face,
To turn their hearts away from hell.
We thank You, Lord, that You provide
The vision to behold Your love,
That shows us there's a Place to hide,
In Christ upon His throne above.
Lord, knowing that Your eyes behold
Our every motive, word, and deed,
Refine our hearts as tested gold
To purge the sin we do not need.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Hearing the Humble
"LORD, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou wilt prepare their heart, Thou wilt cause Thine ear to hear" (Psalm 10:17).
Lord, even before their words have been spoken,
You hear the desire of hearts that are humble.
You hear with compassion the heart that is broken;
You hear as they call out to You when they stumble.
Lord, upon You we can cast every care;
This is the promise of Your invitation.
Touched by our weakness and moved by our prayer,
You hear and You heal with Your consolation.
Lord, we give thanks for the mercy You've shown,
Preparing our hearts to respond to Your love.
But for Your mercy, we would not have known
The love of our Savior who came from above.
Lord, even before their words have been spoken,
You hear the desire of hearts that are humble.
You hear with compassion the heart that is broken;
You hear as they call out to You when they stumble.
Lord, upon You we can cast every care;
This is the promise of Your invitation.
Touched by our weakness and moved by our prayer,
You hear and You heal with Your consolation.
Lord, we give thanks for the mercy You've shown,
Preparing our hearts to respond to Your love.
But for Your mercy, we would not have known
The love of our Savior who came from above.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Likeminded Love
"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" (Romans 15:5,6).
Consider the patience of God that we find:
What great consolation we have in His love!
So should His people with one mouth and mind
Now glorify God in Christ Jesus above.
Sometimes it's hard to have likeminded hearts
With other believers with differing views,
Yet with the likeminded love God imparts,
We may with one mouth proclaim the good news.
O Lord, help us focus on our common ground:
Christ Jesus is Lord and alone is our Savior!
So may a likeminded passion be found
With Your love beheld in our words and behavior.
Consider the patience of God that we find:
What great consolation we have in His love!
So should His people with one mouth and mind
Now glorify God in Christ Jesus above.
Sometimes it's hard to have likeminded hearts
With other believers with differing views,
Yet with the likeminded love God imparts,
We may with one mouth proclaim the good news.
O Lord, help us focus on our common ground:
Christ Jesus is Lord and alone is our Savior!
So may a likeminded passion be found
With Your love beheld in our words and behavior.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Children Chosen
"Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou ordained strength because of Thine enemies, that Thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger" (Psalm 8:2).
Out of the mouth of children ordained
The Lord has prepared His victorious defense.
Children who are in the Word of God trained
Will answer His enemies with confidence.
O Lord, give us children in our day to stand
Against adversaries rejecting Your will.
Hold up these little ones with Your mighty hand,
To answer the rebels, that they may be still.
And Lord, give us wisdom to train them aright,
As arrows a mighty man shoots to prevail
To speak in the gate with Your foes in the fight,
Assured by Your mercy that they shall not fail.
Out of the mouth of children ordained
The Lord has prepared His victorious defense.
Children who are in the Word of God trained
Will answer His enemies with confidence.
O Lord, give us children in our day to stand
Against adversaries rejecting Your will.
Hold up these little ones with Your mighty hand,
To answer the rebels, that they may be still.
And Lord, give us wisdom to train them aright,
As arrows a mighty man shoots to prevail
To speak in the gate with Your foes in the fight,
Assured by Your mercy that they shall not fail.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Waking for Warring
"It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.... Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:11-14).
Surely it's time to awake out of sleep:
The day is at hand; far spent is the night.
The battle is raging, the darkness is deep,
But we are provided with armor of light.
The armor of light is our Lord Jesus Christ!
Put on His righteousness! Walk in His love!
Make no provision for flesh that's enticed,
And do not fulfill the affections thereof.
O Lord, You have given the armor that's best;
We know that the battle at last shall be won.
Until that day comes when You tell us to rest,
Lord, teach us to fight the good fight till it's done.
Surely it's time to awake out of sleep:
The day is at hand; far spent is the night.
The battle is raging, the darkness is deep,
But we are provided with armor of light.
The armor of light is our Lord Jesus Christ!
Put on His righteousness! Walk in His love!
Make no provision for flesh that's enticed,
And do not fulfill the affections thereof.
O Lord, You have given the armor that's best;
We know that the battle at last shall be won.
Until that day comes when You tell us to rest,
Lord, teach us to fight the good fight till it's done.
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Hanging of Haman
"So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified" (Esther 7:10). "The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.... The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish" (Proverbs 10:24,28). "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
The hanging of Haman is one illustration
Whereby it should be understood
That God makes a way in our tribulation
To overcome evil with good.
Thus we are taught, and commanded as well,
To overcome evil that's known,
Assured by our Lord that the forces of hell
Shall never unsettle His throne.
The fear of the wicked, unless they will turn,
Shall surely upon them descend.
The hanging of Haman should help us discern
The judgment of God in the end.
So overcome evil with good, we are told;
This is God's mandate today.
Trusting the Lord, in His time we'll behold
How God drives the wicked away.
Teach us, O Lord, the way to withstand
The evil each day that we face,
Prevailing with good by Your sovereign hand
Upholding our souls by Your grace.
The hanging of Haman is one illustration
Whereby it should be understood
That God makes a way in our tribulation
To overcome evil with good.
Thus we are taught, and commanded as well,
To overcome evil that's known,
Assured by our Lord that the forces of hell
Shall never unsettle His throne.
The fear of the wicked, unless they will turn,
Shall surely upon them descend.
The hanging of Haman should help us discern
The judgment of God in the end.
So overcome evil with good, we are told;
This is God's mandate today.
Trusting the Lord, in His time we'll behold
How God drives the wicked away.
Teach us, O Lord, the way to withstand
The evil each day that we face,
Prevailing with good by Your sovereign hand
Upholding our souls by Your grace.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Upward Understanding
"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). "Come, eat of My bread.... and go in the way of understanding" (Proverbs 9:5,6). "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!.... For of Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen" (Romans 11:33-36).
There is a place where we can look
To give us understanding.
It's not the latest "How-To" book
That readers are demanding.
It is the upward look to God
That gives a right perspective,
For every other view is flawed,
Unholy, and deceptive.
We need to see God's awesome hand
Which orchestrates all things,
That we may rightly understand
He's still the King of kings.
The upward look to God each morning
Before the day begins,
Provides us counsel, wisdom, warning,
And cleansing from our sins.
We thank You, Lord, that as we pray
To You and we look up,
We understand more everyday
As with You, Lord, we sup.
There is a place where we can look
To give us understanding.
It's not the latest "How-To" book
That readers are demanding.
It is the upward look to God
That gives a right perspective,
For every other view is flawed,
Unholy, and deceptive.
We need to see God's awesome hand
Which orchestrates all things,
That we may rightly understand
He's still the King of kings.
The upward look to God each morning
Before the day begins,
Provides us counsel, wisdom, warning,
And cleansing from our sins.
We thank You, Lord, that as we pray
To You and we look up,
We understand more everyday
As with You, Lord, we sup.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Treasures of Truth
"O ye sons of men.... how long will love vanity?.... There be many that say, Who will show us any good? LORD, lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased" (Psalm 4:2-7). "Doth not wisdom cry?.... Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.... For My mouth shall speak truth.... Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.... I will fill their treasures" (Proverbs 8:1-21).
O children of men, how long will you love
Your lies that have led to confusion,
Despising the wisdom that comes from above,
Removing the truth in conclusion?
You study the earth, the seas, and the sky,
But never discern truth, of course,
As science (so-called) is confined by a lie,
When God is removed as its Source.
The treasures of truth are certainly greater
Than material things they contain.
Behold now their Source, their magnificent Maker!
How long will you love what is vain?
O Lord, You have given us gladness of heart
And riches with much greater measure
Than all that this world could ever impart,
Abundantly filling our treasure!
For abounding much more than all of creation
Are mercy and truth to our soul
Affording forever Your wondrous salvation,
With treasures eternal and full!
O children of men, how long will you love
Your lies that have led to confusion,
Despising the wisdom that comes from above,
Removing the truth in conclusion?
You study the earth, the seas, and the sky,
But never discern truth, of course,
As science (so-called) is confined by a lie,
When God is removed as its Source.
The treasures of truth are certainly greater
Than material things they contain.
Behold now their Source, their magnificent Maker!
How long will you love what is vain?
O Lord, You have given us gladness of heart
And riches with much greater measure
Than all that this world could ever impart,
Abundantly filling our treasure!
For abounding much more than all of creation
Are mercy and truth to our soul
Affording forever Your wondrous salvation,
With treasures eternal and full!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Terms of Time
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall enlargement and deliverance arise... from another place... and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14). "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:13-15).
Our life and opportunities
Are framed in terms of time
That we must circumspectly seize,
Or waste what is sublime.
Is this a time to hold our peace
While many need to hear
The Gospel that we should not cease
To preach, both far and near?
The terms of time and energy
Are wasted if we miss
Their purpose for eternity
For such a time as this.
It is a time to preach God's Word,
That sinners may repent,
And bring good tidings we have heard
Wherever we are sent.
Lord, teach us by Your Spirit how
To use the grace You give
In terms of time that we call now,
Each moment that we live.
Our life and opportunities
Are framed in terms of time
That we must circumspectly seize,
Or waste what is sublime.
Is this a time to hold our peace
While many need to hear
The Gospel that we should not cease
To preach, both far and near?
The terms of time and energy
Are wasted if we miss
Their purpose for eternity
For such a time as this.
It is a time to preach God's Word,
That sinners may repent,
And bring good tidings we have heard
Wherever we are sent.
Lord, teach us by Your Spirit how
To use the grace You give
In terms of time that we call now,
Each moment that we live.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Reasoning with 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). "O man, who art thou that repliest against God?" (Romans 9:20).
Why do nations rage today?
What are they thinking of,
Who cast the cords of God away
And spurn His wondrous love?
To rage against the living God
Is so completely vain
With reasoning that is so flawed,
It surely is insane!
For who are you, O little man,
In your imagination,
That you reply with fisted hand
To God with indignation?
The God who made each blazing star
Extends His cords of grace:
Who, then, do you think you are
To fling them in His face?
Now stop and think! Eternity
Shall soon engulf your soul,
And neither rage nor apathy
Shall make God's judgment null.
Alas, in spite of evidence
Inviting honest reason,
The fool replies with insolence
And perishes in season.
We thank You, Lord, for love beyond
Our human comprehension
That urges sinners to respond,
In spite of their contention.
Why do nations rage today?
What are they thinking of,
Who cast the cords of God away
And spurn His wondrous love?
To rage against the living God
Is so completely vain
With reasoning that is so flawed,
It surely is insane!
For who are you, O little man,
In your imagination,
That you reply with fisted hand
To God with indignation?
The God who made each blazing star
Extends His cords of grace:
Who, then, do you think you are
To fling them in His face?
Now stop and think! Eternity
Shall soon engulf your soul,
And neither rage nor apathy
Shall make God's judgment null.
Alas, in spite of evidence
Inviting honest reason,
The fool replies with insolence
And perishes in season.
We thank You, Lord, for love beyond
Our human comprehension
That urges sinners to respond,
In spite of their contention.
Sunday, December 05, 2010
Mercifully Mindful
"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). "The ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth all his goings" (Proverbs 5:21). "He that... searcheth the hearts.... spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all" (Romans 8:26-32).
It certainly seems logical
To fix our meditation
On God who is so wonderful,
The Lord of all creation.
But viewing, on the other hand,
The gracious thoughts of God
On us are hard to understand,
So mercifully odd!
For why should God in us delight,
In view of who we are?
Now shouldn't sinners in His sight
Be thrust from Him afar?
O Lord, we thank You for Your love
That thought on with grace
And sent our Savior from above
To take the sinner's place!
It certainly seems logical
To fix our meditation
On God who is so wonderful,
The Lord of all creation.
But viewing, on the other hand,
The gracious thoughts of God
On us are hard to understand,
So mercifully odd!
For why should God in us delight,
In view of who we are?
Now shouldn't sinners in His sight
Be thrust from Him afar?
O Lord, we thank You for Your love
That thought on with grace
And sent our Savior from above
To take the sinner's place!
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Led into Light
"Hear, O My son, and receive my sayings.... I have taught thee 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" (Proverbs 4:10-18). "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14).
I know that the path on which I am led
Is leading me into the light.
If I will receive what my Father has said,
I know that the path will be right.
For all of God's sons are led by His Spirit,
Though sometimes our feet tend to stray.
His mercy reproves us, for when we will hear it,
He teaches us then to obey.
Thank You, dear Father, for leading my soul
And teaching my heart from Your Word,
Though often You know that my hearing is dull
And slow to obey what I've heard.
Lord, You have led me through all of my life;
I know You are leading me still.
So whether You lead me in peace or in strife,
Lord, teach me to follow Your will.
I know that the path on which I am led
Is leading me into the light.
If I will receive what my Father has said,
I know that the path will be right.
For all of God's sons are led by His Spirit,
Though sometimes our feet tend to stray.
His mercy reproves us, for when we will hear it,
He teaches us then to obey.
Thank You, dear Father, for leading my soul
And teaching my heart from Your Word,
Though often You know that my hearing is dull
And slow to obey what I've heard.
Lord, You have led me through all of my life;
I know You are leading me still.
So whether You lead me in peace or in strife,
Lord, teach me to follow Your will.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Royal Responsibility
"The LORD taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation.... Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two edged sword in their hand... this honor have all His saints. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 149:4-9). "The Lord shall be thy confidence.... His secret is with the righteous.... He giveth grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory" (Proverbs 3:26-35).
The debt of service we have owed
Is measured now by this degree:
When greater honor is bestowed
So is responsibility.
Our God has placed within our hand
And in our hearts His two-edge sword,
Which is the Word of His command
To praise and glorify the Lord.
The Lord shall be our confidence,
His secret shall be clearly shown,
His glory, our inheritance
By grace and truth to us made known.
O Lord, we thank You for Your love
With daily benefits so full,
And for Your blessings from above
For which we are accountable.
The debt of service we have owed
Is measured now by this degree:
When greater honor is bestowed
So is responsibility.
Our God has placed within our hand
And in our hearts His two-edge sword,
Which is the Word of His command
To praise and glorify the Lord.
The Lord shall be our confidence,
His secret shall be clearly shown,
His glory, our inheritance
By grace and truth to us made known.
O Lord, we thank You for Your love
With daily benefits so full,
And for Your blessings from above
For which we are accountable.
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Freedom and Fruitfulness
"Understanding shall keep thee: to deliver thee from the way of the evil man.... that thou mayest walk in the way of good men" (Proverbs 2:11,20). "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:22,23).
Thank the Lord for what He gives
And what He also takes:
For fruitfulness because He lives,
For freedom from mistakes.
Being now made free from sin,
No longer thus enslaved,
We have the power to begin
To live like people saved.
The wages that we all deserve
Are death and condemnation;
Instead we are made fit to serve,
Endowed with God's salvation!
We thank You for the gift, O Lord,
Of life eternally,
And for the freedom You afford
By truth that makes us free.
Thank the Lord for what He gives
And what He also takes:
For fruitfulness because He lives,
For freedom from mistakes.
Being now made free from sin,
No longer thus enslaved,
We have the power to begin
To live like people saved.
The wages that we all deserve
Are death and condemnation;
Instead we are made fit to serve,
Endowed with God's salvation!
We thank You for the gift, O Lord,
Of life eternally,
And for the freedom You afford
By truth that makes us free.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
He Heals
"Praise ye the LORD.... He gathereth together the outcasts.... He healeth the broken in heart.... He showeth His Word" (Psalm 147:1-3,19). "Turn you at My reproof: behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known My words unto you" (Proverbs 1:23). "God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.... When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Romans 5:8,10).
Praise the Lord, and heed His voice:
He calls the outcast from disgrace.
He makes the sorrowful rejoice;
He heals the broken heart with grace.
He calls the rebel now to turn.
He pours His Spirit freely out.
He shows His Word to thus discern
And thereby purge remaining doubt.
For sinners Christ was sacrificed,
And thus He demonstrates His love.
For us, when enemies of Christ,
He left His majesty above!
Our loving Savior never fails,
As our Lord Jesus Christ reveals:
In life and death His love prevails,
And in His faithfulness He heals.
Praise the Lord, and heed His voice:
He calls the outcast from disgrace.
He makes the sorrowful rejoice;
He heals the broken heart with grace.
He calls the rebel now to turn.
He pours His Spirit freely out.
He shows His Word to thus discern
And thereby purge remaining doubt.
For sinners Christ was sacrificed,
And thus He demonstrates His love.
For us, when enemies of Christ,
He left His majesty above!
Our loving Savior never fails,
As our Lord Jesus Christ reveals:
In life and death His love prevails,
And in His faithfulness He heals.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Powerfully Persuaded
"Happy is he... whose hope is in the LORD his God, which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth forever" (Psalm 146:5,6). "He [Abraham] believed, even God, who... calleth those things which be not as though they were.... he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform" (Romans 4:20,21).
Our God who created the heaven and earth,
The sea, and the splendor within them that is,
Has thus demonstrated His power and worth,
Persuading the faith of all who are His.
It surely transcends our most lofty thought
To think how creation had come to exist.
For God called it forth while yet it was not,
Displaying the power that none can resist.
O Lord, we have seen by the things that You made
Your power displayed in the work of creation,
And yet there is more now to further persuade:
You gave us Your Son who accomplished salvation!
Lord, we're persuaded that all You have said
Will find its fulfillment in its proper time.
Just as You promised to rise from the dead,
Your Word is the truth, and Your proof is sublime!
Our God who created the heaven and earth,
The sea, and the splendor within them that is,
Has thus demonstrated His power and worth,
Persuading the faith of all who are His.
It surely transcends our most lofty thought
To think how creation had come to exist.
For God called it forth while yet it was not,
Displaying the power that none can resist.
O Lord, we have seen by the things that You made
Your power displayed in the work of creation,
And yet there is more now to further persuade:
You gave us Your Son who accomplished salvation!
Lord, we're persuaded that all You have said
Will find its fulfillment in its proper time.
Just as You promised to rise from the dead,
Your Word is the truth, and Your proof is sublime!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Just and Justifier
"The LORD is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works. The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them" (Psalm 145:17-19). "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through he redemption that is in Christ Jesus.... that He might be just and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:23-26).
God is righteous in His ways,
And He is holy in His deeds,
Yet saves the sinner when he prays
Though justice yet against him pleads.
But God has answered justice well
By dying in the sinner's place.
Though we deserve eternal hell,
Our God has saved us by His grace.
The Lord remains completely just
With holiness uncompromised,
In justifying all who trust
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
You knew, Lord, what it would require
Upon the cross to save our soul.
That You might be our Justifier,
You paid our penalty in full.
Thank You, Lord, for what You did
That justice might be satisfied.
Our sins, which never could be hid,
Are judged, and we are justified!
God is righteous in His ways,
And He is holy in His deeds,
Yet saves the sinner when he prays
Though justice yet against him pleads.
But God has answered justice well
By dying in the sinner's place.
Though we deserve eternal hell,
Our God has saved us by His grace.
The Lord remains completely just
With holiness uncompromised,
In justifying all who trust
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
You knew, Lord, what it would require
Upon the cross to save our soul.
That You might be our Justifier,
You paid our penalty in full.
Thank You, Lord, for what You did
That justice might be satisfied.
Our sins, which never could be hid,
Are judged, and we are justified!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Understanding Unbelief
"Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the Lord understand all things" (Proverbs 28:5). "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; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and overcome when Thou art judged" (Romans 3:3,4).
The evidence that God is true
Has surely never lacked,
And unbelief cannot undo
That never-changing fact.
Those who truly seek the Lord
Will understand and find
The truth that others have ignored
Who willfully are blind.
We know the truth that God inspires
Forevermore shall reign,
And all who disagree are liars,
And unbelief is vain.
We thank You, Lord, for absolutes
Above this world's opinion
Because Your truth has solid roots
In Your supreme dominion.
The evidence that God is true
Has surely never lacked,
And unbelief cannot undo
That never-changing fact.
Those who truly seek the Lord
Will understand and find
The truth that others have ignored
Who willfully are blind.
We know the truth that God inspires
Forevermore shall reign,
And all who disagree are liars,
And unbelief is vain.
We thank You, Lord, for absolutes
Above this world's opinion
Because Your truth has solid roots
In Your supreme dominion.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Foresight of Faith
"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" (Psalm 143:8). "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.... A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Proverbs 27:1,12).
There is a foresight that God gives
To those who trust His love.
It is by faith His child lives,
Assured of things above.
And though the details of tomorrow
Are hidden from our mind,
We are assured in joy or sorrow
That God is always kind.
We know there's evil that would stalk
Our way to make us stumble,
But God will show us how to walk,
And faith will keep us humble.
O Lord, we thank You for Your Word
That we may thus foresee
The certainty of things assured
For all eternity.
There is a foresight that God gives
To those who trust His love.
It is by faith His child lives,
Assured of things above.
And though the details of tomorrow
Are hidden from our mind,
We are assured in joy or sorrow
That God is always kind.
We know there's evil that would stalk
Our way to make us stumble,
But God will show us how to walk,
And faith will keep us humble.
O Lord, we thank You for Your Word
That we may thus foresee
The certainty of things assured
For all eternity.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Pity on my Path
"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path.... Refuge failed me; 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). "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4).
There was a time upon my path
When I was overwhelmed,
Much like a ship in stormy wrath,
When I was at the helm.
The horror of eternity
Was all I saw ahead;
With no escape in front of me,
My heart was filled with dread.
I looked for others who might care,
But sadly, there was none.
I cried to God in my despair,
For refuge in His Son.
The waves and wind then heard His voice;
Their raging then did cease.
How greatly did I then rejoice!
How great then was my peace!
The goodness of my God had sent
The raging wind and sea,
That He might lead me to repent,
And do so earnestly.
O Lord, I thank You for Your love
That rescued me from wrath
When You beheld me from above
With pity on my path!
There was a time upon my path
When I was overwhelmed,
Much like a ship in stormy wrath,
When I was at the helm.
The horror of eternity
Was all I saw ahead;
With no escape in front of me,
My heart was filled with dread.
I looked for others who might care,
But sadly, there was none.
I cried to God in my despair,
For refuge in His Son.
The waves and wind then heard His voice;
Their raging then did cease.
How greatly did I then rejoice!
How great then was my peace!
The goodness of my God had sent
The raging wind and sea,
That He might lead me to repent,
And do so earnestly.
O Lord, I thank You for Your love
That rescued me from wrath
When You beheld me from above
With pity on my path!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
American Ambassador
"A faithful messenger... refresheth the soul.... As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country" (Proverbs 25:13,25). "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.... I am debtor.... I am ready.... I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Romans 1:8-16).
America, from shore to shore,
God shined on you His face,
And made you an ambassador
And debtor to His grace.
America, now thank the Lord
For your unique foundation
Upon which blessings have been poured:
The Gospel of salvation.
America, do not forget
That God has blessed you so!
You bear the Gospel and the debt
To let the world know.
America, be not ashamed
Of your foundation laid!
The name of Christ you once proclaimed
Should never be betrayed!
America, it's time to turn,
Before it is too late,
To God again that you may learn
His mercy made you great.
America, there is a way
That you may be restored,
If you are humble and will pray
And turn to seek the Lord.
We thank You, Lord, that You addressed
This promise to Your own;
Revive America so blessed
To make Your glory known!
America, from shore to shore,
God shined on you His face,
And made you an ambassador
And debtor to His grace.
America, now thank the Lord
For your unique foundation
Upon which blessings have been poured:
The Gospel of salvation.
America, do not forget
That God has blessed you so!
You bear the Gospel and the debt
To let the world know.
America, be not ashamed
Of your foundation laid!
The name of Christ you once proclaimed
Should never be betrayed!
America, it's time to turn,
Before it is too late,
To God again that you may learn
His mercy made you great.
America, there is a way
That you may be restored,
If you are humble and will pray
And turn to seek the Lord.
We thank You, Lord, that You addressed
This promise to Your own;
Revive America so blessed
To make Your glory known!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Our Back in Our Battles
"O God the Lord, the Strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle" (Psalm 140:7). "A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again" (Proverbs 24:16).
How often was there an attack
That went without detection,
When God was watching then our back
And gave our head protection!
How many times when we have slept
Was God our Guardian then?
How often, when we fell, He kept
And raised us up again!
Perhaps when we arrive in heaven
And look back on our life,
We'll see the times (much more than seven!)
God rescued us in strife.
Until that time we would be wise
To thank God constantly
For blessings hidden from our eyes
And those that we can see.
O Lord, before we even knew,
You sheltered us from loss
When all our sins were laid on You
Upon that cruel cross.
We thank You, Lord, because You are
The Strength of our salvation,
Our great Protector, never far
In every situation.
How often was there an attack
That went without detection,
When God was watching then our back
And gave our head protection!
How many times when we have slept
Was God our Guardian then?
How often, when we fell, He kept
And raised us up again!
Perhaps when we arrive in heaven
And look back on our life,
We'll see the times (much more than seven!)
God rescued us in strife.
Until that time we would be wise
To thank God constantly
For blessings hidden from our eyes
And those that we can see.
O Lord, before we even knew,
You sheltered us from loss
When all our sins were laid on You
Upon that cruel cross.
We thank You, Lord, because You are
The Strength of our salvation,
Our great Protector, never far
In every situation.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Searching for Surrender
"O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me.... 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 139:1,23,24). "My son, give Me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe My ways" (Proverbs 23:26).
O Lord, I hear Your voice so tender,
As You have searched my heart:
You're calling me for more surrender
Of every inward part.
O Lord, I'll add my invitation
To search my heart within:
I know I need examination
To purge my heart from sin.
O Lord, there surely is a need
To search me everyday
To purify my heart indeed
Of every wicked way.
O Lord, it is a joy to give
My heart each day to You;
There is no other way to live
Abundantly and true.
Thank You, Lord, for searching me
With eyes that watch with love,
Until the day I'll fully be
Surrendered up above.
O Lord, I hear Your voice so tender,
As You have searched my heart:
You're calling me for more surrender
Of every inward part.
O Lord, I'll add my invitation
To search my heart within:
I know I need examination
To purge my heart from sin.
O Lord, there surely is a need
To search me everyday
To purify my heart indeed
Of every wicked way.
O Lord, it is a joy to give
My heart each day to You;
There is no other way to live
Abundantly and true.
Thank You, Lord, for searching me
With eyes that watch with love,
Until the day I'll fully be
Surrendered up above.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Anchor of our Answer
"The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge.... That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 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 sent unto thee?" (Proverbs 22:12,19-21). "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Acts 27:25).
The anchor of our trust today
Is in God's written Word.
His prophecies now on display
Make unbelief absurd.
That we may put in Him our trust,
God gives us certainty;
His Word is like an anchor thrust,
Unmoved eternally.
That we may answer those who ask
Why we have confidence,
The Lord has given us the task
To show His evidence.
To manifest that God has spoken
To those who ask a reason,
We show His prophecies unbroken,
Completed in their season.
The written Scriptures that we hold,
Our Lord preserved unflawed.
We trust the things therein we're told,
For we believe in God.
The anchor of our trust today
Is in God's written Word.
His prophecies now on display
Make unbelief absurd.
That we may put in Him our trust,
God gives us certainty;
His Word is like an anchor thrust,
Unmoved eternally.
That we may answer those who ask
Why we have confidence,
The Lord has given us the task
To show His evidence.
To manifest that God has spoken
To those who ask a reason,
We show His prophecies unbroken,
Completed in their season.
The written Scriptures that we hold,
Our Lord preserved unflawed.
We trust the things therein we're told,
For we believe in God.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Hopelessly Hardened
"A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, He directeth his way" (Proverbs 21:29). "And as he [Paul] spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.... Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:24,28).
The sinner with a hardened face
May speak with rage or apathy,
But either way he turns from grace
And misses heaven hopelessly.
Both Festus and Agrippa heard
The testimony that Paul gave.
One was angry; one was stirred,
But none of these responses save.
For both the one who will reject
The Lord with blasphemy like some,
Or simply chooses to neglect
Shall not escape the wrath to come.
O Lord, we thank You for Your voice
Which, by Your Spirit from above,
Persuaded us to make the choice
To turn to You and trust Your love.
The sinner with a hardened face
May speak with rage or apathy,
But either way he turns from grace
And misses heaven hopelessly.
Both Festus and Agrippa heard
The testimony that Paul gave.
One was angry; one was stirred,
But none of these responses save.
For both the one who will reject
The Lord with blasphemy like some,
Or simply chooses to neglect
Shall not escape the wrath to come.
O Lord, we thank You for Your voice
Which, by Your Spirit from above,
Persuaded us to make the choice
To turn to You and trust Your love.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Forming the Faithful
"A faithful man, who can find?.... The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20:6,27). "Hananiah... was a faithful man, and feared God above many" (Nehemiah 7:2). "Saul, Saul.... I am Jesus whom thou persecutest..... I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness" (Acts 26:14-16).
We cannot find a faithful man
Unless God works within.
Apart from God there is no plan
To cleanse him from his sin.
A faithful man will fear the Lord
And live to give Him pleasure.
The smile of God is his reward;
God's purpose is his treasure.
Saul of Tarsus would have fought
Until his final breath
Unless the Lord in mercy sought
And ransomed him from death.
The plan of Saul was sinister
Before he heard God's call,
Yet God made him a minister,
The great apostle Paul.
O Lord, we need You everyday
To search our inward part
That You may have in us Your way
To form a faithful heart.
We cannot find a faithful man
Unless God works within.
Apart from God there is no plan
To cleanse him from his sin.
A faithful man will fear the Lord
And live to give Him pleasure.
The smile of God is his reward;
God's purpose is his treasure.
Saul of Tarsus would have fought
Until his final breath
Unless the Lord in mercy sought
And ransomed him from death.
The plan of Saul was sinister
Before he heard God's call,
Yet God made him a minister,
The great apostle Paul.
O Lord, we need You everyday
To search our inward part
That You may have in us Your way
To form a faithful heart.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Activity of the Almighty
"I know the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.... the idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands" (Psalm 135:5,6,15).
The Lord Almighty made the skies,
The earth, and all the seas.
Creation clearly testifies:
God does what He will please.
An idol fashioned by a nation
With mouth, and eyes, and ears
Can never hold a conversation;
It neither sees nor hears.
The point is this: God has displayed
His truth by His BEHAVIOR,
Through everything that He has made
And sending us a Savior.
We know, O Lord, that You are great
By all that You have done.
Yet most of all we celebrate
The Gift of Your own Son.
The Lord Almighty made the skies,
The earth, and all the seas.
Creation clearly testifies:
God does what He will please.
An idol fashioned by a nation
With mouth, and eyes, and ears
Can never hold a conversation;
It neither sees nor hears.
The point is this: God has displayed
His truth by His BEHAVIOR,
Through everything that He has made
And sending us a Savior.
We know, O Lord, that You are great
By all that You have done.
Yet most of all we celebrate
The Gift of Your own Son.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Solace in Solitude
"Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.... 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 18:1,10,24).
There is a solace we must find
When we are all alone,
As in a solitude of mind
We draw near to God's throne.
This is where we find the tower
Of Jesus' lofty name
As here we are renewed with power
And solace that we claim.
This is where we find the Friend
That's closer than a brother;
This is when we comprehend
His love is like no other.
This is where we can retreat
To draw near to our Lord,
As fellowship with Him is sweet
And solace is restored.
This is where we are renewed
With solace by His grace
In times of quiet solitude
When we may seek His face.
Lord, we're lifted by Your love
To heights we could not climb,
To find Your solace from above
Within the quiet time.
There is a solace we must find
When we are all alone,
As in a solitude of mind
We draw near to God's throne.
This is where we find the tower
Of Jesus' lofty name
As here we are renewed with power
And solace that we claim.
This is where we find the Friend
That's closer than a brother;
This is when we comprehend
His love is like no other.
This is where we can retreat
To draw near to our Lord,
As fellowship with Him is sweet
And solace is restored.
This is where we are renewed
With solace by His grace
In times of quiet solitude
When we may seek His face.
Lord, we're lifted by Your love
To heights we could not climb,
To find Your solace from above
Within the quiet time.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Conscience with Confidence
"And herein to I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men" (Acts 24:16).
If we would live without offence
Toward God and then to men,
Let's give to God the preference,
And clear our conscience then.
That doesn't mean that we ignore
What others may desire,
But God in all things comes before
What others may require.
Though others surely will despise
This standard we present,
As long as God esteems it wise,
We can be confident.
O Lord, we thank You for the peace
In living for Your pleasure.
So may all other standards cease
That do not meet this measure.
If we would live without offence
Toward God and then to men,
Let's give to God the preference,
And clear our conscience then.
That doesn't mean that we ignore
What others may desire,
But God in all things comes before
What others may require.
Though others surely will despise
This standard we present,
As long as God esteems it wise,
We can be confident.
O Lord, we thank You for the peace
In living for Your pleasure.
So may all other standards cease
That do not meet this measure.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Will to Work
"So built we the wall; and the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work" (Nehemiah 4:6). "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.... A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps" (Proverbs 16:3,9).
Nehemiah heard the call,
Along with others too,
To build again the broken wall
As God would have them do.
The people had a willing mind
To build as God had said.
So may we likewise be inclined,
And by the Lord be led.
For surely there's a work today
That isn't yet fulfilled
For every heart that will obey
The Lord's command to build.
Make us willing, Lord, and wise
To build where You assigned;
Not as we ourselves devise,
But as You have designed.
Nehemiah heard the call,
Along with others too,
To build again the broken wall
As God would have them do.
The people had a willing mind
To build as God had said.
So may we likewise be inclined,
And by the Lord be led.
For surely there's a work today
That isn't yet fulfilled
For every heart that will obey
The Lord's command to build.
Make us willing, Lord, and wise
To build where You assigned;
Not as we ourselves devise,
But as You have designed.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Orchestrated by Omniscience
"Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me" (Psalm 131:1,2). "And the night following, the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome" (Acts 23:11).
My life is like a tapestry
Designed with heaven's love;
It's like a brilliant symphony
Composed by God above.
Omniscience surely orchestrated
My personal salvation,
No less than when the Lord created
The work of all creation.
Reflecting on His work of grace
When sorrows had their season,
I know these also had their place
For God's omniscient reason.
The hand of God was on Paul's life,
In every trial near.
The Lord stood by him in the strife,
And gave to him good cheer.
And though I can't compare to Paul,
I am no less assured
That in my life God orders all
According to His Word.
I thank You, Lord, and well I should,
For how You orchestrate
The matters of my life for good,
In all things small and great.
My life is like a tapestry
Designed with heaven's love;
It's like a brilliant symphony
Composed by God above.
Omniscience surely orchestrated
My personal salvation,
No less than when the Lord created
The work of all creation.
Reflecting on His work of grace
When sorrows had their season,
I know these also had their place
For God's omniscient reason.
The hand of God was on Paul's life,
In every trial near.
The Lord stood by him in the strife,
And gave to him good cheer.
And though I can't compare to Paul,
I am no less assured
That in my life God orders all
According to His Word.
I thank You, Lord, and well I should,
For how You orchestrate
The matters of my life for good,
In all things small and great.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Bold to Build
"The God of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build" (Nehemiah 2:20). "Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.... In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge" (Proverbs 14:1,26).
The God of heaven calls His own
To build with His instruction.
The only other option shown
Is self-imposed destruction.
It's option one or option two;
There is no option three.
We either build each day anew
Or tear down foolishly.
We're called to build with confidence
As unto God alone.
He is our Refuge and Defense,
The God of heaven's throne.
So let us now be bold to build
While it is called today,
That we may see our work fulfilled
Before we pass away.
O help us, Lord, and make us wise
To build as You command,
So when the storms of life arise,
Our work for You will stand.
The God of heaven calls His own
To build with His instruction.
The only other option shown
Is self-imposed destruction.
It's option one or option two;
There is no option three.
We either build each day anew
Or tear down foolishly.
We're called to build with confidence
As unto God alone.
He is our Refuge and Defense,
The God of heaven's throne.
So let us now be bold to build
While it is called today,
That we may see our work fulfilled
Before we pass away.
O help us, Lord, and make us wise
To build as You command,
So when the storms of life arise,
Our work for You will stand.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Troubled Transgressor
"Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard" (Proverbs 13:15). "And the Lord said... it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.... 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.... And I said, what shall I do, Lord?" (Acts 9:5, 22:7-10).
The transgressor ought to assess his behavior
And question himself in regard
To why he opposes the Lord and His favor,
Thus choosing the way that is hard.
Paul, the apostle, remembered so well
The road to Damascus that led
To trusting the Savior who saved him from hell,
Receiving His favor instead.
Troubled transgressor, how long will you wait?
Tomorrow is not guaranteed!
Now flee from transgression before it's too late,
When mercy shall no longer plead!
O Lord, we give thanks for Your refuge of grace
Awaiting all those who will turn
And flee from transgression by seeking Your face
To favor we never could earn!
The transgressor ought to assess his behavior
And question himself in regard
To why he opposes the Lord and His favor,
Thus choosing the way that is hard.
Paul, the apostle, remembered so well
The road to Damascus that led
To trusting the Savior who saved him from hell,
Receiving His favor instead.
Troubled transgressor, how long will you wait?
Tomorrow is not guaranteed!
Now flee from transgression before it's too late,
When mercy shall no longer plead!
O Lord, we give thanks for Your refuge of grace
Awaiting all those who will turn
And flee from transgression by seeking Your face
To favor we never could earn!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Scalpel of Scripture
"There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.... Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad" (Proverbs 12:18,25). "Paul... said to the chief captain, May I speak unto thee?.... I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people" (Acts 21:37,39).
Like the piercings of a sword
That carelessly can maim,
If discretion is ignored
Our tongue can do the same.
Heaviness within the heart
May need a surgeon's glove
To use a word that will impart
The healing of God's love.
A scalpel in the surgeon's hand
Performs with great precision.
So let us likewise understand
Our Scriptural commission.
For we are called to rightly use
The Scripture from the Lord.
At times a scalpel we must choose
And other times a sword.
Lord, teach us in each situation
What Scripture is revealing,
Whether battling for salvation
Or bringing tender healing.
Like the piercings of a sword
That carelessly can maim,
If discretion is ignored
Our tongue can do the same.
Heaviness within the heart
May need a surgeon's glove
To use a word that will impart
The healing of God's love.
A scalpel in the surgeon's hand
Performs with great precision.
So let us likewise understand
Our Scriptural commission.
For we are called to rightly use
The Scripture from the Lord.
At times a scalpel we must choose
And other times a sword.
Lord, teach us in each situation
What Scripture is revealing,
Whether battling for salvation
Or bringing tender healing.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
With or Without
"Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.... The fruit of the womb is His reward" (Psalm 127:1,3). "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). "The will of the Lord be done" (Acts 21:14).
The will of the Lord shall surely be done,
With or without us, for He is the Lord.
But we'll have the joy of seeing souls won
If with Him we labor to see this reward.
Our houses are built and cities are kept,
But not without God's attendance and grace.
For workmen and watchmen may just have well slept,
If we have forgotten to seek the Lord's face.
The fruit of the womb is a blessing we see
In children the Lord gives to cherish and train.
The fruit of the righteous is shown as a tree
Where God gives the increase of souls that we gain.
With or without us, Lord, You shall fulfill
The things You have purposed to do all along,
Yet we would partake in the joy of Your will,
For with You we're right, but without You we're wrong.
The will of the Lord shall surely be done,
With or without us, for He is the Lord.
But we'll have the joy of seeing souls won
If with Him we labor to see this reward.
Our houses are built and cities are kept,
But not without God's attendance and grace.
For workmen and watchmen may just have well slept,
If we have forgotten to seek the Lord's face.
The fruit of the womb is a blessing we see
In children the Lord gives to cherish and train.
The fruit of the righteous is shown as a tree
Where God gives the increase of souls that we gain.
With or without us, Lord, You shall fulfill
The things You have purposed to do all along,
Yet we would partake in the joy of Your will,
For with You we're right, but without You we're wrong.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Compelling Compassion
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5,6). "He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame" (Proverbs 10:5).
Our Lord's commandment now is "Go!"
Go forth to every nation,
And preach the Gospel that we know
Communicates salvation.
Our own compassion should compel
Our urgency with tears,
For those who blindly march to hell,
As now their judgment nears.
Our precious seed shall surely yield
Its fruit for those who toil
And go forth in the harvest field
Where hearts await as soil.
Now turn us, Lord, to do Your will
Since we have heard Your voice,
Compelled by Your compassion till
With sheaves we may rejoice.
Our Lord's commandment now is "Go!"
Go forth to every nation,
And preach the Gospel that we know
Communicates salvation.
Our own compassion should compel
Our urgency with tears,
For those who blindly march to hell,
As now their judgment nears.
Our precious seed shall surely yield
Its fruit for those who toil
And go forth in the harvest field
Where hearts await as soil.
Now turn us, Lord, to do Your will
Since we have heard Your voice,
Compelled by Your compassion till
With sheaves we may rejoice.
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Sparse Space
"And now for a little space, grace hath been showed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in His holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage" (Ezra 9:8).
Our God has now permitted space,
A little opportunity,
Extending to His people grace
To exercise it prudently.
A little space now has arrived,
A little window that God gave,
That we by grace may be revived
To show that Jesus Christ will save.
We know the window soon will close
To use this grace that we receive
To preach of Christ who died and rose
And lives to save all who believe.
So grant us wisdom, Lord, to live,
Redeeming time, while yet we may,
To use the grace You freely give
Within this moment called "today."
Our God has now permitted space,
A little opportunity,
Extending to His people grace
To exercise it prudently.
A little space now has arrived,
A little window that God gave,
That we by grace may be revived
To show that Jesus Christ will save.
We know the window soon will close
To use this grace that we receive
To preach of Christ who died and rose
And lives to save all who believe.
So grant us wisdom, Lord, to live,
Redeeming time, while yet we may,
To use the grace You freely give
Within this moment called "today."
Monday, November 08, 2010
No More Nightmare
"If it had not been the LORD who was on our side.... then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul.... Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth" (Psalm 124:1-8). "And the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and such as lay in wait by the way" (Ezra 8:31).
It's good for us to contemplate
Salvation with this thought:
Christ redeemed us from our fate,
But what if He had not?
How could we escape our sin
And our despair as well?
We'd see the end now closing in:
The precipice of hell!
Like a nightmare that remains
And worsens when we wake,
How could we escape the pains
Of hell's approaching lake?
But God descended from above
To take the sinner's place
And thus delivered us with love
Through His amazing grace!
O Lord, how lovely is the dawn
Since we awake with You!
The nightmare is forever gone,
For You made all things new!
It's good for us to contemplate
Salvation with this thought:
Christ redeemed us from our fate,
But what if He had not?
How could we escape our sin
And our despair as well?
We'd see the end now closing in:
The precipice of hell!
Like a nightmare that remains
And worsens when we wake,
How could we escape the pains
Of hell's approaching lake?
But God descended from above
To take the sinner's place
And thus delivered us with love
Through His amazing grace!
O Lord, how lovely is the dawn
Since we awake with You!
The nightmare is forever gone,
For You made all things new!
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Error of Ease
"Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, and with the contempt of the proud" (Psalm 123:4). "As a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life" (Proverbs 7:23). "The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all them that forsake Him" (Ezra 8:22).
Mockers scorn and take their ease;
They give no thought to seeking God.
They do not think God hears or sees,
And those just like them will applaud.
The bird that races to the snare
Portrays the error of their way:
They cast aside all prudent care,
Until their final, fatal day.
Lord, we thank You, for Your favor
Toward each one who seeks Your face:
All who seek You find the Savior,
And all who don't shall find disgrace.
Help us, Lord, to hear Your Word
Above this world's mindless scorn.
Remembering that careless bird,
We ought to pray for those we warn!
Mockers scorn and take their ease;
They give no thought to seeking God.
They do not think God hears or sees,
And those just like them will applaud.
The bird that races to the snare
Portrays the error of their way:
They cast aside all prudent care,
Until their final, fatal day.
Lord, we thank You, for Your favor
Toward each one who seeks Your face:
All who seek You find the Savior,
And all who don't shall find disgrace.
Help us, Lord, to hear Your Word
Above this world's mindless scorn.
Remembering that careless bird,
We ought to pray for those we warn!
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Jerusalem's Joy
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.... Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee" (Psalm 122:1,2,6).
Pray for Jerusalem; pray for her peace.
Pray for her gladness for which she has yearned.
One day her sorrows and conflicts shall cease,
As soon as the Prince of her peace has returned.
Pray that the day shall be hastened toward
Jerusalem's joy; O the prospect is sweet,
When we shall go into the house of the LORD,
And within the gates of Jerusalem meet!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for this expectation
That fills us with joy: You are coming again!
Jerusalem's peace and her great jubilation
Approaches each day! Even so, Lord, amen!
Pray for Jerusalem; pray for her peace.
Pray for her gladness for which she has yearned.
One day her sorrows and conflicts shall cease,
As soon as the Prince of her peace has returned.
Pray that the day shall be hastened toward
Jerusalem's joy; O the prospect is sweet,
When we shall go into the house of the LORD,
And within the gates of Jerusalem meet!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for this expectation
That fills us with joy: You are coming again!
Jerusalem's peace and her great jubilation
Approaches each day! Even so, Lord, amen!
Friday, November 05, 2010
Guarding our Going
"The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore" (Psalm 121:8). "Ezra went up from Babylon, and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses... according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. And.... to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. For Ezra has prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:6-10). "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace. For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city" (Acts 18:9,10).
Now be not afraid, but rather be ready,
Assured that the Lord is preserving your soul.
The good hand of God will strengthen and steady
The hand of His servants who give Him control.
Ezra was ready to go where God led,
And so God was with him to show him His favor.
Preparing his heart to do what God said,
He taught what he modeled by his own behavior.
Paul was instructed by God in a vision
To stay in the city, and keep right on speaking.
God's hand would guard him throughout his commission,
As God drew the hearts of those truly seeking.
O Lord, we give thanks for Your promise to keep
And guide all our going and our coming in.
Receiving this promise, Lord, help us to reap
The souls You are drawing and saving from sin.
Now be not afraid, but rather be ready,
Assured that the Lord is preserving your soul.
The good hand of God will strengthen and steady
The hand of His servants who give Him control.
Ezra was ready to go where God led,
And so God was with him to show him His favor.
Preparing his heart to do what God said,
He taught what he modeled by his own behavior.
Paul was instructed by God in a vision
To stay in the city, and keep right on speaking.
God's hand would guard him throughout his commission,
As God drew the hearts of those truly seeking.
O Lord, we give thanks for Your promise to keep
And guide all our going and our coming in.
Receiving this promise, Lord, help us to reap
The souls You are drawing and saving from sin.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Waging War
"My soul hath long dwelt with him that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war" (Psalm 120:6,7).
It's time for us to finally see
The battle lines are drawn,
As Satan's great hostility,
Though subtle, rages on.
As long as Satan still is loose,
Our warfare cannot cease,
For there shall never be a truce
With him who hates God's peace.
Throughout the days on earth we dwell
Until our latest hour,
We shall be waging war with hell
And its seductive power.
We shouldn't be discouraged now,
For God is on His throne,
And He will readily endow
His grace to all His own.
O Lord, until we're home with You,
Uphold us by Your grace
To fight for what we know is true,
Whatever we may face.
It's time for us to finally see
The battle lines are drawn,
As Satan's great hostility,
Though subtle, rages on.
As long as Satan still is loose,
Our warfare cannot cease,
For there shall never be a truce
With him who hates God's peace.
Throughout the days on earth we dwell
Until our latest hour,
We shall be waging war with hell
And its seductive power.
We shouldn't be discouraged now,
For God is on His throne,
And He will readily endow
His grace to all His own.
O Lord, until we're home with You,
Uphold us by Your grace
To fight for what we know is true,
Whatever we may face.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Scrutinized by the Scriptures
"O Lord, give me understanding according to Thy Word" (Psalm 119:169). "Let there be a search made... whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem.... Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls.... and therein was a record thus written" (Ezra 6:17-7:2). "These were more noble... in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
Let all things be scrutinized
By God's Word everyday,
For thereby truth is realized
By what the Scriptures say.
Let there be a search that's made
To see if what we've heard
Agrees with all that is conveyed
In God's unerring Word.
Search the perfect Word of God,
For God will thereby show
If what we have been told is flawed
Or whether it is so.
Thank You, Lord, for all we find
In Scriptures' holy light.
Give us readiness of mind,
Discerning what is right.
Let all things be scrutinized
By God's Word everyday,
For thereby truth is realized
By what the Scriptures say.
Let there be a search that's made
To see if what we've heard
Agrees with all that is conveyed
In God's unerring Word.
Search the perfect Word of God,
For God will thereby show
If what we have been told is flawed
Or whether it is so.
Thank You, Lord, for all we find
In Scriptures' holy light.
Give us readiness of mind,
Discerning what is right.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Watching our Ways
"Then rose up Zerubbabel... and Jeshua... and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them. At that time came to them... companions, and said... Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?.... What are the names of the men that make this building? But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease" (Ezra 5:2-5). "I have kept Thy precepts and Thy testimonies: for all my ways are before Thee" (Psalm 119:168).
The eye of our God is upon us today
To cause us to build with His peace.
Who in the world can stand in our way
If God has not told us to cease?
A sparrow shall never be cast to the ground,
That's hidden from God's watching eyes,
Nor ever on earth was an empire found
Without God's permission to rise.
All of our ways, and not merely our deeds,
Before God are thoroughly known.
He calls us to pray, though He knows all our needs,
That we may draw near to His throne.
It's as in the days when the prophets proclaimed
The commandment of God to rebuild,
And workers arose, unafraid, unashamed,
Determined to do what God willed.
Knowing Your eye is upon us, O Lord,
Now teach us to live by this measure:
To seek everyday to achieve the reward
Of heartily doing Your pleasure.
The eye of our God is upon us today
To cause us to build with His peace.
Who in the world can stand in our way
If God has not told us to cease?
A sparrow shall never be cast to the ground,
That's hidden from God's watching eyes,
Nor ever on earth was an empire found
Without God's permission to rise.
All of our ways, and not merely our deeds,
Before God are thoroughly known.
He calls us to pray, though He knows all our needs,
That we may draw near to His throne.
It's as in the days when the prophets proclaimed
The commandment of God to rebuild,
And workers arose, unafraid, unashamed,
Determined to do what God willed.
Knowing Your eye is upon us, O Lord,
Now teach us to live by this measure:
To seek everyday to achieve the reward
Of heartily doing Your pleasure.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Paul's Pause
"I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known My words unto you" (Proverbs 1:23). "They [Paul and Silas]... were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia... they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.... And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him saying, Come over to Macedonia, and help us.... The Lord had called us for to preach the Gospel unto them" (Acts 16:6-10).
There is a calling by God's Spirit
That may not fit our plan.
Those with ears to hear will hear it;
It does not come from man.
Paul and Silas had arranged
To preach where they intended,
But God the Holy Spirit changed
Their plans they then amended.
The Spirit of the Lord forbade
The course of their decision,
But then a Macedonian prayed:
"Come, help us!" in Paul's vision.
O Lord, we know there is a cause
Much greater than our own,
So teach us how to rightly pause
Until Your will is shown.
There is a calling by God's Spirit
That may not fit our plan.
Those with ears to hear will hear it;
It does not come from man.
Paul and Silas had arranged
To preach where they intended,
But God the Holy Spirit changed
Their plans they then amended.
The Spirit of the Lord forbade
The course of their decision,
But then a Macedonian prayed:
"Come, help us!" in Paul's vision.
O Lord, we know there is a cause
Much greater than our own,
So teach us how to rightly pause
Until Your will is shown.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Now Near
"They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from Thy law. Thou art near, O Lord, and all Thy commandments are truth" (Psalm 119:150,151).
Many who distort God's way
Continue to draw near,
But God is faithful everyday,
And He is with us here.
This is where we find our peace
And steady confidence:
The love of God shall never cease,
And He is our Defense.
Thank You, Lord, for Your commands
That draw us near to You,
For in the end Your counsel stands
Victorious and true.
Many who distort God's way
Continue to draw near,
But God is faithful everyday,
And He is with us here.
This is where we find our peace
And steady confidence:
The love of God shall never cease,
And He is our Defense.
Thank You, Lord, for Your commands
That draw us near to You,
For in the end Your counsel stands
Victorious and true.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Purely Preserved
"The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation forever.... Thy Word is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it. I am small and despised: yet do not I forget Thy precepts" (Psalm 12:6,7, 119:140,141). "Every Word of God is pure: He is a Shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:5,6).
It matters not if I'm despised,
For I am just the messenger:
The Gospel is uncompromised,
For every Word of God is pure.
As silver seven times is tried
In the refiner's fire,
The Word of God is purified
And kept by His desire.
Thus we see God's miracle
Through every generation:
His Word remains impeccable
By promised preservation.
And so we can be very sure,
In every last detail,
The Word of God shall still endure;
His promise shall not fail.
Lord, thank You for Your Word we love,
Preserved for us today,
As settled as Your throne above
Which shall not pass away.
It matters not if I'm despised,
For I am just the messenger:
The Gospel is uncompromised,
For every Word of God is pure.
As silver seven times is tried
In the refiner's fire,
The Word of God is purified
And kept by His desire.
Thus we see God's miracle
Through every generation:
His Word remains impeccable
By promised preservation.
And so we can be very sure,
In every last detail,
The Word of God shall still endure;
His promise shall not fail.
Lord, thank You for Your Word we love,
Preserved for us today,
As settled as Your throne above
Which shall not pass away.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Longing for Light
"The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.... I longed for Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:130,131). "The poor and deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes" (Proverbs 29:13).
The entrance of God's Word gives light
To all those who will long
To know the truth, to do what's right,
And turn from what is wrong.
The light of God will clearly show
The truth of our condition,
And thereby sinners come to know
Their fitness for perdition.
God's Word will thus illuminate
The dark, deceitful way,
And show the debt of sin so great
That sinners can't repay.
How sweet then is the revelation
The Word of God imparts:
That God extends His great salvation
To poor, deceitful hearts!
O Lord, we did not realize
How much we did not see
Until You opened then our eyes
To view our poverty.
We thank You, Lord, for light that shined
When Your words entered in
To open eyes which once were blind
And save us from our sin!
The entrance of God's Word gives light
To all those who will long
To know the truth, to do what's right,
And turn from what is wrong.
The light of God will clearly show
The truth of our condition,
And thereby sinners come to know
Their fitness for perdition.
God's Word will thus illuminate
The dark, deceitful way,
And show the debt of sin so great
That sinners can't repay.
How sweet then is the revelation
The Word of God imparts:
That God extends His great salvation
To poor, deceitful hearts!
O Lord, we did not realize
How much we did not see
Until You opened then our eyes
To view our poverty.
We thank You, Lord, for light that shined
When Your words entered in
To open eyes which once were blind
And save us from our sin!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Voicing vs. Voiding
"It is time for Thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void Thy law.... Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:126-128). "The unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the Word of His grace" (Acts 14:2,3).
There is a time to lend our voice
To counter those who void God's Word.
There is a time to make a choice,
And thus defend the truth we've heard.
Let us not be so deceived
To think that evil takes a break;
Surely we who have believed
Should not be making that mistake!
The serpent, speaking in the garden,
Began by asking, "Hath God said?"
How subtly Satan still may harden
The hearts by his deception led!
It's time to work against the lie
That seeks to void God's holy truth!
It's time to boldly testify,
To study, and to train our youth!
O Lord, we see the enemy
On every side still seeks to void
Your truth and Your authority,
Deceiving those he has destroyed.
O Lord, we know the time is right
To labor in Your harvest field
And stand relentless in the fight
With faith in You, our perfect Shield.
Lord, give us help against this flood
Of falsehood in this time and place.
We wrestle not with flesh and blood,
Yet we advance Your Word of grace.
There is a time to lend our voice
To counter those who void God's Word.
There is a time to make a choice,
And thus defend the truth we've heard.
Let us not be so deceived
To think that evil takes a break;
Surely we who have believed
Should not be making that mistake!
The serpent, speaking in the garden,
Began by asking, "Hath God said?"
How subtly Satan still may harden
The hearts by his deception led!
It's time to work against the lie
That seeks to void God's holy truth!
It's time to boldly testify,
To study, and to train our youth!
O Lord, we see the enemy
On every side still seeks to void
Your truth and Your authority,
Deceiving those he has destroyed.
O Lord, we know the time is right
To labor in Your harvest field
And stand relentless in the fight
With faith in You, our perfect Shield.
Lord, give us help against this flood
Of falsehood in this time and place.
We wrestle not with flesh and blood,
Yet we advance Your Word of grace.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Persuaded to Persist
"Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto Thy statutes continually" (Psalm 119:117). "Many... followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God" (Acts 13:43).
Continue in the grace of God,
For this is where your safety is.
He guides us with His staff and rod,
And watches over each of His.
In His grace we follow on,
While opportunities exist.
Before the light of day is gone,
We are persuaded to persist.
Turning neither left nor right,
Persisting in His perfect will,
We shall walk within His light
And by His grace continue still.
Hold us up, Lord, in Your grace
To set our hearts on things above,
As we delight to seek Your face,
Persisting in Your faithful love.
Continue in the grace of God,
For this is where your safety is.
He guides us with His staff and rod,
And watches over each of His.
In His grace we follow on,
While opportunities exist.
Before the light of day is gone,
We are persuaded to persist.
Turning neither left nor right,
Persisting in His perfect will,
We shall walk within His light
And by His grace continue still.
Hold us up, Lord, in Your grace
To set our hearts on things above,
As we delight to seek Your face,
Persisting in Your faithful love.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Stirred and Stayed
"The LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying... The LORD God of heaven... hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 36:22,23). "I have inclined mine heart to perform Thy statutes always, even unto the end" (Psalm 119:112). He [God] gave testimony, and said, I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after Mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will" (Acts 13:22).
God has stirred within His own
A heart inclined to do His will,
Stayed on His eternal throne,
Who all His purpose shall fulfill.
Such was Cyrus, Persia's king,
And so was David stirred and stayed.
So may we sincerely bring
A heart like these who have obeyed.
Lord, You know our inclination
To wander and to drag our feet.
We would, with fuller consecration,
All Your will for us complete.
So let our hearts, O Lord, be stirred
And stayed by Your sustaining grace
To thus obey Your precious Word,
Pursue Your heart, and seek Your face.
God has stirred within His own
A heart inclined to do His will,
Stayed on His eternal throne,
Who all His purpose shall fulfill.
Such was Cyrus, Persia's king,
And so was David stirred and stayed.
So may we sincerely bring
A heart like these who have obeyed.
Lord, You know our inclination
To wander and to drag our feet.
We would, with fuller consecration,
All Your will for us complete.
So let our hearts, O Lord, be stirred
And stayed by Your sustaining grace
To thus obey Your precious Word,
Pursue Your heart, and seek Your face.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Despising Deception
"O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day.... Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:97,104). "They mocked the messengers of God, and despised His words, and misused His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose... till there was no remedy (2 Chronicles 36:16).
Something happens to our view
When understanding is obtained:
We will love more what is true,
And falsehood shall be more disdained.
Understanding will embrace
The truth of God that makes us free,
Yet scorners mock amazing grace,
Until there is no remedy.
Throughout the precepts of our God,
We have the truth that lights our path;
We therefore hate the way that's trod
By souls deceived who march to wrath.
Some people love the "tolerance"
Which says that all ways are the same,
But falsehood has its consequence
That leads the soul to endless shame.
Lord, we thank You that today
We have the truth we love to tell:
Christ Jesus is the only Way
That saves us from eternal hell!
Something happens to our view
When understanding is obtained:
We will love more what is true,
And falsehood shall be more disdained.
Understanding will embrace
The truth of God that makes us free,
Yet scorners mock amazing grace,
Until there is no remedy.
Throughout the precepts of our God,
We have the truth that lights our path;
We therefore hate the way that's trod
By souls deceived who march to wrath.
Some people love the "tolerance"
Which says that all ways are the same,
But falsehood has its consequence
That leads the soul to endless shame.
Lord, we thank You that today
We have the truth we love to tell:
Christ Jesus is the only Way
That saves us from eternal hell!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Wicked have Waited
"The wicked have waited to destroy me: but I will consider Thy testimonies" (Psalm 119:95). "Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place: for a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again" (Proverbs 24:15,16). "Peter was therefore kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers.... behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison... and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands" (Acts 12:5-7).
How many times has the wicked one waited
To steal, to kill, and destroy
The child of God with his weapons of hatred,
Which God would not let him employ!
God has not left us to wrestle alone
Against all these powers arrayed,
Since we are exhorted to come to His throne
For mercy and grace when we've prayed.
The wicked have waited (yet waited in vain)
To spoil the resting place found
Where prayer reaches heaven and breaks every chain,
Releasing those Satan has bound.
O Lord, we give thanks for Your marvelous love
That spreads over us Your protection.
With praise we will send our petitions above,
And rest in Your own intercession!
How many times has the wicked one waited
To steal, to kill, and destroy
The child of God with his weapons of hatred,
Which God would not let him employ!
God has not left us to wrestle alone
Against all these powers arrayed,
Since we are exhorted to come to His throne
For mercy and grace when we've prayed.
The wicked have waited (yet waited in vain)
To spoil the resting place found
Where prayer reaches heaven and breaks every chain,
Releasing those Satan has bound.
O Lord, we give thanks for Your marvelous love
That spreads over us Your protection.
With praise we will send our petitions above,
And rest in Your own intercession!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Lifting the Layer
"For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget Thy statutes.... All Thy commandments are faithful" (Psalm 119:83,86). "Labor not to be rich. Cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.... Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end, and thine expectation shall not be cut off. Hear thou, My son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way" (Proverbs 23:4-19).
Lifting the layer of smoke from my vision,
The Word of God makes it all plain:
This is the day of our Lord's great commission,
And all other riches are vain.
We ought to be fearing the Lord all day long,
And measuring things by their end.
God will illumine the right and the wrong,
As on Him we learn to depend.
Temporal riches shall make themselves wings,
The wisdom of earth shall be done,
But Jesus shall reign as King of all kings,
And exalted as God the Son.
Don't let the smoke that this world is blowing
Now block from your vision what's true.
The Word of our God is ceaselessly showing
All things as they are from God's view.
Lord, nothing is hidden from Your holy eyes;
Until the smoke clears away,
Guide us with truth, and we shall be wise,
Trusting in You, come what may!
Lifting the layer of smoke from my vision,
The Word of God makes it all plain:
This is the day of our Lord's great commission,
And all other riches are vain.
We ought to be fearing the Lord all day long,
And measuring things by their end.
God will illumine the right and the wrong,
As on Him we learn to depend.
Temporal riches shall make themselves wings,
The wisdom of earth shall be done,
But Jesus shall reign as King of all kings,
And exalted as God the Son.
Don't let the smoke that this world is blowing
Now block from your vision what's true.
The Word of our God is ceaselessly showing
All things as they are from God's view.
Lord, nothing is hidden from Your holy eyes;
Until the smoke clears away,
Guide us with truth, and we shall be wise,
Trusting in You, come what may!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Maker and Mentor
"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:73). "The rich and poor meet together: the LORD is the Maker of them all" (Proverbs 22:2).
The Lord is the Maker and Mentor of all;
Some pay attention, and some have refused.
Those who reject His instruction will fall,
Remaining in darkness, deceived and confused.
How foolish it is to refuse the instruction
Of God who has made us and fashioned our hearts!
They walk on in darkness to their own destruction
And cast aside mercy and truth God imparts.
The rich and the poor, the high and the low,
And everyone else who is somewhere between,
Have all been invited to come and to know
The truth that can free them and make their souls clean.
Maker and Mentor, we're made by Your hands,
And You are the One who instructs us as well.
Give us a heart that still more understands
Your love that constrains us and saves us from hell.
The Lord is the Maker and Mentor of all;
Some pay attention, and some have refused.
Those who reject His instruction will fall,
Remaining in darkness, deceived and confused.
How foolish it is to refuse the instruction
Of God who has made us and fashioned our hearts!
They walk on in darkness to their own destruction
And cast aside mercy and truth God imparts.
The rich and the poor, the high and the low,
And everyone else who is somewhere between,
Have all been invited to come and to know
The truth that can free them and make their souls clean.
Maker and Mentor, we're made by Your hands,
And You are the One who instructs us as well.
Give us a heart that still more understands
Your love that constrains us and saves us from hell.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Here to Hear
"And it came to pass, when the king [Josiah] had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded... Go, inquire of the Lord... concerning the words of the book that is found" (2 Chronicles 34:19-21). "A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, He directeth His way" (Proverbs 21:29). "And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him... and said.... Thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God" (Acts 10:24-33).
All who have an ear to hear
And have a heart that will obey,
Will find the message very clear
That God commands to us today.
The stubborn heart with hardened face
May hear, but will not understand
His need for God's redeeming grace,
And thus resists His saving hand.
Josiah and Cornelius
Are bright examples in God's Word,
Who needed, like the rest of us,
God's counsel that they gladly heard.
And now, O Lord, may we be found
Prepared by Your indwelling Spirit,
To understand what You expound
And thus obey, not only hear it.
All who have an ear to hear
And have a heart that will obey,
Will find the message very clear
That God commands to us today.
The stubborn heart with hardened face
May hear, but will not understand
His need for God's redeeming grace,
And thus resists His saving hand.
Josiah and Cornelius
Are bright examples in God's Word,
Who needed, like the rest of us,
God's counsel that they gladly heard.
And now, O Lord, may we be found
Prepared by Your indwelling Spirit,
To understand what You expound
And thus obey, not only hear it.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hastening to Holiness
"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto Thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:59,60). "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man, who can find?.... Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?.... Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?.... Mercy and truth preserve the King, and His throne is upholden by mercy" (Proverbs 20:6,9,24,28).
I thought on my ways from my point of view,
But something just didn't seem right.
Despite the indifference of others, I knew
That I was condemned in God sight.
O where could I hide? How foolish the thought,
For no one can hide from the Lord!
I ran out of options until I had sought
For mercies from God unexplored.
How gracious was God who prompted my prayer
With a heart that was utterly humbled,
To cry out to Him, "O God, if You're there,"
And similar words which I fumbled.
Why should He hear me? Why would He incline
His ear to attend to my cry?
Certainly not for some goodness of mine,
But for His own love; that is why!
My prayer was so awkward! It hardly made sense,
But that didn't matter to God,
For heaven rejoices when one soul repents,
Though grammar and prose may be flawed!
I thank You today, Lord, for loving correction,
With counsel and wisdom so sweet,
So when I'm off course, I can change my direction,
And hasten to You with my feet!
I thought on my ways from my point of view,
But something just didn't seem right.
Despite the indifference of others, I knew
That I was condemned in God sight.
O where could I hide? How foolish the thought,
For no one can hide from the Lord!
I ran out of options until I had sought
For mercies from God unexplored.
How gracious was God who prompted my prayer
With a heart that was utterly humbled,
To cry out to Him, "O God, if You're there,"
And similar words which I fumbled.
Why should He hear me? Why would He incline
His ear to attend to my cry?
Certainly not for some goodness of mine,
But for His own love; that is why!
My prayer was so awkward! It hardly made sense,
But that didn't matter to God,
For heaven rejoices when one soul repents,
Though grammar and prose may be flawed!
I thank You today, Lord, for loving correction,
With counsel and wisdom so sweet,
So when I'm off course, I can change my direction,
And hasten to You with my feet!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sojourners' Songs
"Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage" (Psalm 119:54).
The pilgrim passing through this land
For heaven's shoreline longs,
And statutes of our Lord's command
Comprise sojourners' songs.
These are the songs that dwell on things
Where Christ now reigns above.
These are the songs the pilgrim sings,
Rejoicing in His love.
These are the songs that fill the hearts
Of all who have adored
The Lamb of God who now imparts
Salvation from the Lord.
O Lord, as we're sojourning through
The paths of peace or strife,
The songs we sing rejoice in You,
The Way, the Truth, the Life!
The pilgrim passing through this land
For heaven's shoreline longs,
And statutes of our Lord's command
Comprise sojourners' songs.
These are the songs that dwell on things
Where Christ now reigns above.
These are the songs the pilgrim sings,
Rejoicing in His love.
These are the songs that fill the hearts
Of all who have adored
The Lamb of God who now imparts
Salvation from the Lord.
O Lord, as we're sojourning through
The paths of peace or strife,
The songs we sing rejoice in You,
The Way, the Truth, the Life!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Gift to Go
"I will speak of Thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed" (Psalm 119:46). "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men" (Proverbs 18:16). "And the Lord said.... Saul of Tarsus.... is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:11-15).
Go to elderly and to the youth,
To rich and poor, to high and low,
And bring to them the Gospel truth,
That every person needs to know.
Go to those who need to hear,
And use the gift that God intends
To widen and define the sphere
Of those to whom He thereby sends.
Go, and never be ashamed
To bear the name of Jesus Christ,
That name above all others named,
Who for our souls was sacrificed!
Lord, we look to You each day
To send us on Your chosen path
To preach of Christ and boldly say:
No other name can save from wrath!
Go to elderly and to the youth,
To rich and poor, to high and low,
And bring to them the Gospel truth,
That every person needs to know.
Go to those who need to hear,
And use the gift that God intends
To widen and define the sphere
Of those to whom He thereby sends.
Go, and never be ashamed
To bear the name of Jesus Christ,
That name above all others named,
Who for our souls was sacrificed!
Lord, we look to You each day
To send us on Your chosen path
To preach of Christ and boldly say:
No other name can save from wrath!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Rest upon Reality
"[Hezekiah] spake comfortably to them saying, Be strong and courageous; be not afraid or dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: with him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah" (2 Chronicles 32:6-8).
Rest upon the Word of God
Obeying His command:
Guided by His staff and rod,
He'll lead us with His hand.
Rest upon reality,
And make it clearly known:
Our God who reigns eternally
Will not forsake His own!
Rest in God without alarm;
Fear not the hosts of hell:
With us is God's mighty arm
Who fights for us as well.
Look again to Calvary,
Recalling that great fight!
Rest upon reality,
Rejoicing in that sight.
The natural mind, of course, can't see
Our clear advantage now,
But one day every single knee
Shall to our Savior bow.
And every tongue shall then confess
Christ Jesus as the Lord,
Yet now we trust His faithfulness,
Which others have ignored.
Lord, we'll rest upon Your love,
That sweet reality,
Until we're face to face above
And for eternity.
Rest upon the Word of God
Obeying His command:
Guided by His staff and rod,
He'll lead us with His hand.
Rest upon reality,
And make it clearly known:
Our God who reigns eternally
Will not forsake His own!
Rest in God without alarm;
Fear not the hosts of hell:
With us is God's mighty arm
Who fights for us as well.
Look again to Calvary,
Recalling that great fight!
Rest upon reality,
Rejoicing in that sight.
The natural mind, of course, can't see
Our clear advantage now,
But one day every single knee
Shall to our Savior bow.
And every tongue shall then confess
Christ Jesus as the Lord,
Yet now we trust His faithfulness,
Which others have ignored.
Lord, we'll rest upon Your love,
That sweet reality,
Until we're face to face above
And for eternity.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Readiness to Run
"My soul cleaveth to the dust.... My soul melteth for heaviness.... Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Thy law graciously.... I will run the way of thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart" (Psalm 119:25-32).
Lord, I hear You gently calling
To run a race that's steady.
The flesh is weak, my is soul is stalling,
My spirit, though, is ready.
My soul is cleaving to the dust,
And weighted down, is heavy.
Yet I would run! O Lord, I must!
O Lord, please make me ready!
Remove from me the lying ways
That always make me stumble.
Let me focus on Your praise,
Surrendered, Lord, and humble.
O Lord, uphold me by Your grace
With strength that I may run
With patience my appointed race
To hear You say: Well done!
Lord, I hear You gently calling
To run a race that's steady.
The flesh is weak, my is soul is stalling,
My spirit, though, is ready.
My soul is cleaving to the dust,
And weighted down, is heavy.
Yet I would run! O Lord, I must!
O Lord, please make me ready!
Remove from me the lying ways
That always make me stumble.
Let me focus on Your praise,
Surrendered, Lord, and humble.
O Lord, uphold me by Your grace
With strength that I may run
With patience my appointed race
To hear You say: Well done!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Precious Prayers
"Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold the wondrous things out of Thy law" (Psalm 119:18). "The prayer of the upright is His delight" (Proverbs 15:8). "The priests... blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even to heaven" (2 Chronicles 30:27). "And they stoned Stephen calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:59,60).
God delights upright prayers;
He's touched by all our tears,
And so we cast on Him our cares,
Assured He cares and hears.
Sometimes when our heart is stirred,
A Scripture we recall
May capture then a prayerful word
That aptly says it all.
We may pray for opened eyes
That we may thus behold
That wondrous things of God so wise
That prophets had foretold.
We may pray that God will bless
The souls for whom we plead,
For peace in times of deep distress,
For help in time of need.
We pray for help, Lord, by Your favor,
That we may live with power
And glorify our Lord and Savior
Throughout our final hour.
God delights upright prayers;
He's touched by all our tears,
And so we cast on Him our cares,
Assured He cares and hears.
Sometimes when our heart is stirred,
A Scripture we recall
May capture then a prayerful word
That aptly says it all.
We may pray for opened eyes
That we may thus behold
That wondrous things of God so wise
That prophets had foretold.
We may pray that God will bless
The souls for whom we plead,
For peace in times of deep distress,
For help in time of need.
We pray for help, Lord, by Your favor,
That we may live with power
And glorify our Lord and Savior
Throughout our final hour.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Healing for the Heart
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his heart? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119:9-11). "A multitude of the people... had not cleansed themselves... but Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, the good LORD pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God... and the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people" (2 Chronicles 30:18,19).
There is a way to cleanse the heart
That surely should be heeded:
First seek the Lord who will impart
The cleansing that is needed.
It isn't only guarded thought
With memory verses learned,
For cleansing comes when we have sought
And for the Lord have yearned.
O let us seek to love the Lord
With all our heart and soul,
And we shall surely be restored,
For He shall make us whole.
Ah! Then the Word of God shall speak
With words that we shall treasure,
When we determine first to seek
And find in Him our pleasure!
Recalling Hezekiah's prayer
This cleansing was revealed:
For every heart that would prepare
To seek the Lord, He healed.
Teach us, Lord, to seek Your face
And hide Your Word within,
That You may cleanse us by Your grace,
And keep our hearts from sin.
There is a way to cleanse the heart
That surely should be heeded:
First seek the Lord who will impart
The cleansing that is needed.
It isn't only guarded thought
With memory verses learned,
For cleansing comes when we have sought
And for the Lord have yearned.
O let us seek to love the Lord
With all our heart and soul,
And we shall surely be restored,
For He shall make us whole.
Ah! Then the Word of God shall speak
With words that we shall treasure,
When we determine first to seek
And find in Him our pleasure!
Recalling Hezekiah's prayer
This cleansing was revealed:
For every heart that would prepare
To seek the Lord, He healed.
Teach us, Lord, to seek Your face
And hide Your Word within,
That You may cleanse us by Your grace,
And keep our hearts from sin.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Aim of Ambassadors
"A faithful ambassador is health" (Proverbs 13:17). "And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah.... So the posts went with letters from the king... saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the Lord God.... Yield yourselves unto the LORD.... for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful.... So the posts passed from city to city... but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them. Nevertheless divers... humbled themselves and came" (2 Chronicles 30:1-11).
The aim and the priority
Ambassadors should hold
Is representing faithfully
The message they are told.
Let's represent the Gospel well
In word and in behavior
That has the power to save from hell
Through Jesus Christ our Savior!
The Gospel may be laughed to scorn
By those to whom we're sent;
Be faithful nonetheless to warn
The sinner to repent!
When Hezekiah reigned as king
He sent an invitation
With those who faithfully would bring
The message of salvation.
Some then scorned, but others came;
It is the same today:
So let us faithfully proclaim
The Gospel we convey.
So help us, Lord, to preach the wealth
Of life that never ends,
And thereby show Your saving health
The Gospel yet extends.
The aim and the priority
Ambassadors should hold
Is representing faithfully
The message they are told.
Let's represent the Gospel well
In word and in behavior
That has the power to save from hell
Through Jesus Christ our Savior!
The Gospel may be laughed to scorn
By those to whom we're sent;
Be faithful nonetheless to warn
The sinner to repent!
When Hezekiah reigned as king
He sent an invitation
With those who faithfully would bring
The message of salvation.
Some then scorned, but others came;
It is the same today:
So let us faithfully proclaim
The Gospel we convey.
So help us, Lord, to preach the wealth
Of life that never ends,
And thereby show Your saving health
The Gospel yet extends.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Reason we're Right
"He did that which was RIGHT in the sight of the Lord.... for so was the commandment of the LORD by His prophets" (2 Chronicles 29:2,25). "It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in man.... The Stone which the builders refused is become the Head Stone of the corner" (Psalm 118:8,22). "The thoughts of the righteous are RIGHT.... The way of a fool in right in his own eyes" (Proverbs 12:5,15). "If this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:38,39).
God is right, and so are we
Whenever we obey His Word.
Some, no doubt, will disagree,
And want their folly to be heard.
God is right. That will not change,
No matter what the fool may say.
Though the world counts it strange,
God will surely have His way.
God is true, yet fools may fight
Against the Lord to their destruction.
The righteous in the end are right
Because they follow God's instruction.
Prophetic truth that God has planned,
Mere man shall ever overthrow!
The counsel of the Lord shall stand
Against the lies of every foe.
Lord, we place our trust in You,
Rejoicing that we now are sure
That every word of God is true,
And all Your counsel shall endure.
God is right, and so are we
Whenever we obey His Word.
Some, no doubt, will disagree,
And want their folly to be heard.
God is right. That will not change,
No matter what the fool may say.
Though the world counts it strange,
God will surely have His way.
God is true, yet fools may fight
Against the Lord to their destruction.
The righteous in the end are right
Because they follow God's instruction.
Prophetic truth that God has planned,
Mere man shall ever overthrow!
The counsel of the Lord shall stand
Against the lies of every foe.
Lord, we place our trust in You,
Rejoicing that we now are sure
That every word of God is true,
And all Your counsel shall endure.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Not Now Negligent
"Hezekiah began to reign.... And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.... And he brought the priests and Levites... and said unto them, Hear me ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers.... My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before Him, and that ye should minister unto Him" (2 Chronicles 29:1-11). "The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life" (Acts 5:19,20).
King Hezekiah did not waste
His time or opportunities,
But rather moved with prudent haste
To do what God would please.
The admonition of this king
Is surely relevant
In this our day, in everything,
To be not negligent.
It is as when the angel came
Into the prison strife,
And doors were opened to proclaim
The message of this life.
O let us not be negligent
For such a time as this,
While souls who perish may repent
And enter heaven's bliss.
O Lord, we wouldn't now be slack,
But leap at Your command,
And, thus obeying, never lack
The grace You give to stand.
King Hezekiah did not waste
His time or opportunities,
But rather moved with prudent haste
To do what God would please.
The admonition of this king
Is surely relevant
In this our day, in everything,
To be not negligent.
It is as when the angel came
Into the prison strife,
And doors were opened to proclaim
The message of this life.
O let us not be negligent
For such a time as this,
While souls who perish may repent
And enter heaven's bliss.
O Lord, we wouldn't now be slack,
But leap at Your command,
And, thus obeying, never lack
The grace You give to stand.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Beloved Because
"I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications.... For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling" (Psalm 116:1,8). "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22).
The reasons that I love the Lord
Are very plain to see:
Behold the blessings He outpoured
Because He first loved me!
I love the Lord because He heard
My voice and supplication;
When fear within my heart was stirred,
I cried in desperation.
The Lord not only heard my voice,
Responding to my prayer,
He made my trembling heart rejoice
When I was in despair!
Death was coming; that I knew,
But no one seemed to care.
I cried at last, O Lord, to You,
And You were waiting there.
You saved my soul from endless fears!
You came when I was calling,
And drawing near, You dried my tears,
And kept my feet from falling.
The blessings I could not afford
To me You richly gave.
But Oh! How much it cost You, Lord,
To ransom those You save!
I love You, Lord of my salvation,
For all Your blessings given.
I would, with greater consecration,
By grateful love be driven.
The reasons that I love the Lord
Are very plain to see:
Behold the blessings He outpoured
Because He first loved me!
I love the Lord because He heard
My voice and supplication;
When fear within my heart was stirred,
I cried in desperation.
The Lord not only heard my voice,
Responding to my prayer,
He made my trembling heart rejoice
When I was in despair!
Death was coming; that I knew,
But no one seemed to care.
I cried at last, O Lord, to You,
And You were waiting there.
You saved my soul from endless fears!
You came when I was calling,
And drawing near, You dried my tears,
And kept my feet from falling.
The blessings I could not afford
To me You richly gave.
But Oh! How much it cost You, Lord,
To ransom those You save!
I love You, Lord of my salvation,
For all Your blessings given.
I would, with greater consecration,
By grateful love be driven.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Senseless vs. Sovereign
"Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased" (Psalm 115:2,3). "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: who by the mouth of Thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together.... For of a truth against Thy holy Child Jesus... the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel determined before to be done" (Acts 4:24-28).
Why indeed should nations say,
Where is now their God?
The Lord our God made night and day
And formed us from the sod.
How senseless, then, that nations trust
In idols that they made,
Since God, who formed us from the dust,
His sovereignty displayed!
Those who choose to not believe
Become like idols too,
Who senselessly cannot perceive
The things so plainly true!
Our God displays His sovereignty,
Through all of His creation.
Yet more than this, we surely see
His hand in our salvation!
Our sovereign God revealed His hand
Before concerning Christ,
And prophesied who would withstand
His Son they sacrificed.
O Lord our God, how great Your are,
As all Your work proclaims:
It pleased You to create each star
And give them all their names!
It pleased You, Lord, to save each soul
Through Christ who brought salvation,
And we are pleased to now extol
Our Lord with adoration!
Why indeed should nations say,
Where is now their God?
The Lord our God made night and day
And formed us from the sod.
How senseless, then, that nations trust
In idols that they made,
Since God, who formed us from the dust,
His sovereignty displayed!
Those who choose to not believe
Become like idols too,
Who senselessly cannot perceive
The things so plainly true!
Our God displays His sovereignty,
Through all of His creation.
Yet more than this, we surely see
His hand in our salvation!
Our sovereign God revealed His hand
Before concerning Christ,
And prophesied who would withstand
His Son they sacrificed.
O Lord our God, how great Your are,
As all Your work proclaims:
It pleased You to create each star
And give them all their names!
It pleased You, Lord, to save each soul
Through Christ who brought salvation,
And we are pleased to now extol
Our Lord with adoration!
Friday, October 08, 2010
Power Point
"What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest?.... Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord" (Psalm 114:5,7). "They asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them.... Be it known unto you all, and all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ... doth this man stand before you whole.... Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:7-12).
Why did Egypt let them go
Who once had been their slaves?
The power came, we surely know,
From Israel's God who saves!
Why then was the Red Sea parted,
And Jordan driven back?
God would finish what He started;
His power wasn't slack.
And by what power, may we ask,
Did Peter heal the lame?
He had no power for that task,
But in Christ Jesus' name!
And we as well in this late hour
Will point to Jesus Christ:
There is no other saving power
That ever has sufficed!
He is the Head, the Corner Stone,
Which builders had refused.
Salvation comes from Him alone;
Let no one be confused!
O Lord, we thank You that today
The Gospel still is full
Of power that will point the way
To Christ who saves the soul!
Why did Egypt let them go
Who once had been their slaves?
The power came, we surely know,
From Israel's God who saves!
Why then was the Red Sea parted,
And Jordan driven back?
God would finish what He started;
His power wasn't slack.
And by what power, may we ask,
Did Peter heal the lame?
He had no power for that task,
But in Christ Jesus' name!
And we as well in this late hour
Will point to Jesus Christ:
There is no other saving power
That ever has sufficed!
He is the Head, the Corner Stone,
Which builders had refused.
Salvation comes from Him alone;
Let no one be confused!
O Lord, we thank You that today
The Gospel still is full
Of power that will point the way
To Christ who saves the soul!
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Sun Dawn to Sun Down
"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the LORD'S name is to be praised" (Psalm 113:3). "Sixteen years old was Uzziah when he began to reign.... and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.... But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 26:3-16).
Our life begins like morning's dawn;
How soon declines the sun
When opportunities are gone,
And life on earth is done!
Our life is like the fleeting hours
That quickly span the day,
For youth declines with all its powers,
And soon we fly away.
How many kings began so well
And sought the Lord in youth,
But then in later years they fell
When they forsook the truth!
How dependent was their strength
The Chronicles record:
They prospered only for the length
They truly sought the Lord!
It is as when Uzziah reigned,
And God had made him strong
Until his trust in God had waned,
Then everything went wrong.
Preserve us, Lord, to give You praise
For Your unfailing love,
From dawn to dusk throughout our days
Until we meet above.
Our life begins like morning's dawn;
How soon declines the sun
When opportunities are gone,
And life on earth is done!
Our life is like the fleeting hours
That quickly span the day,
For youth declines with all its powers,
And soon we fly away.
How many kings began so well
And sought the Lord in youth,
But then in later years they fell
When they forsook the truth!
How dependent was their strength
The Chronicles record:
They prospered only for the length
They truly sought the Lord!
It is as when Uzziah reigned,
And God had made him strong
Until his trust in God had waned,
Then everything went wrong.
Preserve us, Lord, to give You praise
For Your unfailing love,
From dawn to dusk throughout our days
Until we meet above.
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