Vision vs. Vitriol

"Let the LORD be magnified" (Psalm 35:27).  "If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest... Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he... Many seek the ruler's favor; but every man's judgment cometh from the LORD" (Proverbs 29:9,18,26).  "Preach the word... for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears" (2 Timothy 4:2,3). 

Unless the Lord is magnified,

The people perish without vision. 

Our hearts by God shall thus be tried

And rise or fall by our decision.  

Though many seek the ruler's favor,

A wise man with the truth contends

To seek approval from our Savior

With vision that the Lord commends. 

We're called to preach the Word today,

Though many shall against it rage

As from the truth they turn away

And turn to fables in this age. 

O Lord, we've heard Your higher call

As You command us to be wise

Through vision, versus vitriol,

With truth that still exposes lies.  

Precious Truth in Perilous Times

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together... O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him" (Psalm 34:3,8).  "Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things" (Proverbs 28:5).  "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be... ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth...  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God"  (2 Timothy 3:1-16). 

The troubling times which were foretold

We see unfolding in our day. 

How rightly then we should be bold,

Proclaiming truth while yet we may. 

O let the Lord be magnified,

And let His name be now exalted! 

Christ Jesus lives who for us died;

Let truth be told and lies be halted!   

Though evil men don't understand

The truth of God's approaching wrath,

The Scriptures now are in our hand

As we proclaim Christ's saving path. 

Lord, in these times so perilous

When truth eludes the sinner's heart,  

How precious is Your truth to us

Which, by the Scriptures, You impart! 

Friendship in Fellowship

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy... Our soul waiteth for the LORD: He is our help and our shield" (Psalm 33:18,20).  "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel... Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend" (Proverbs 27:9,17).  "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" (2 Timothy 2:22). 

There is a fellowship of friends  

The Spirit of the Lord imparts

With unity His love extends   

To knit together kindred hearts. 

The Lord has been our Help and Shield,

And in His counsel we rejoice

By which we're sharpened and are healed

As we obey our Savior's voice. 

We flee from former youthful lusts

With which we once had been enticed,

And join with everyone who trusts

And worships our Lord Jesus Christ. 

O Lord, we pray You will equip

Our hearts with grace to show Your love

In friendship and in fellowship

On earth like heaven does above.

Journey with Jesus

"For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys" (Exodus 40:38).  "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye.  Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding" (Psalm 32:8,9).  "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). 

A cloud by day and fire by night

Upon tabernacle stayed;

Throughout their journeys in the sight

Of Israel it was displayed.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

Who guided them, is still our Guide. 

The Lamb of God once sacrificed

Now bids us follow by His side. 

The horse and mule are not inclined

To follow Christ with understanding,

But God gives grace and a sound mind

With love to heed our Lord's commanding. 

Lord Jesus Christ, we journey on

As You now lead us to the place

Where our eternal joy shall dawn

When we shall see You face to face.  

Faithfully Following

"According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work... and Moses blessed them" (Exodus 39:42,43).  "O love the LORD, all ye His saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful" (Psalm 31:23).  "A faithful messenger...  refresheth the soul of his masters" (Proverbs 25:13).  "Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  Fight the good fight of faith... keep that which is committed to thy trust" (1 Timothy 6:11,12,20). 

The tabernacle work was finished

According to the Lord's command. 

Not one instruction was diminished

To which they put their heart and hand. 

How good it is to love the Lord

By doing what we're told to do! 

His pleasure is our heart's reward

In all we faithfully pursue. 

We're led in paths of righteousness

Because our Shepherd lives today

To lead His sheep where He will bless

All those who faithfully obey. 

O Lord, our Savior and our King,

Since You delivered us from wrath,

We faithfully are following

Your steps of love upon our path.