Weeping vs. Sleeping

"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).

They that sow the Gospel seed
Are also those who weep.
Those who do not see the need
Are also those who sleep.

Those who weep with tears of love
Can see through Jesus' eyes.
Those who sleep are thoughtless of
The hopeless soul who dies.

Awake! The harvest time is here!
What shall the sleepers say,
When they before the Lord appear
On that approaching day?

Suffer them Sooner

"Then were brought unto Him little children, that He should put His hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:8).

Suffer the children to come to the Lord.
Do not forbid them or hinder their way.
The Savior is calling, and looking toward,
The children to trust Him and not go astray.

The sooner the better, little children should know
That God is concerned with a child's behavior.
So train up a child in the way he should go,
And guide him to trust in the Lord as his Savior.

Kindred Keeper

"And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9).

Am I my brother's keeper?
These were the words of Cain.
The secret lurking deeper,
Before the Lord was plain.

Before Cain slew his brother
God saw his evil heart.
The murder of another,
Is traced there from the start.

I am my brother's keeper,
A steward of God's love!
I watchman, not a sleeper,
Accountable above.

Asking for Adam

"And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" "For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost" (Matthew 19:11).

Lord, You knew where Adam hid,
And yet you asked him where he was.
Lord, You knew what Adam did,
And what each son of Adam does.

And still Your love has asked for us,
Within this garden cursed by sin.
We hear Your voice, and answer thus:
Forgive us, Lord, and enter in!

Changed as a Child

"And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:2,3).

Jesus called, the child came,
And He set him in their midst.
Thus He calls us, just the same,
Yet our rebel hearts resist.

Becoming as a little child
Does not mean to be naive.
How often rather we're beguiled
By our pride that will deceive.

Lord, we come to You defiled:
Cleanse us from the pride you find.
Change us, as a little child;
Keep us in that frame of mind.

Just Jesus

"This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him.... And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only" (Matthew 17:5-8).

Jesus only, what a sight!
Oh what peace our Lord imparts!
Jesus only, puts to flight
Every fear that plagues our hearts!

Lift your eyes to Jesus only;
Lend your ears to hear His voice.
We need not be sad or lonely;
Hear Him, see Him, and rejoice!

Decrees in the Darkness

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.... And God said, Let there be light in the firmament of the heaven... and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so" (Genesis 1:1-3,14,15). "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).

In the beginning when God had created
The heaven and earth in the darkness of night,
The light was ordained as soon as He stated:
"Let there be light," and then there was light.

And so shall it be with those who are wise,
Shining as stars by God's Gospel decree;
And so may His Spirit illumine the eyes
Of those who in darkness are longing to see.

Ready Remedy

"Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones" (Proverbs 3:7,8). "Unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings" (Malachi 4:2).

There is a ready remedy
That will heal our soul's disease:
Fear the Lord, and thereby flee
From all evil that He sees.

Let Your fear, Lord, make us wise,
With the remedy it brings.
Sun of righteousness, arise
With our healing in Your wings.

Fortune Finder

"I rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil" (Psalm 119:162). "My son, if thou wilt receive My words... Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom" (Proverbs 2:1-6).

Rejoice, my soul, at what you've found!
No earthly fortune can compare!
The treasures in God's Word abound;
Who would have thought so much was there!

Come, search with wondrous expectation
The knowledge of our God concealed:
Prophetic words of our salvation,
And His wondrous love revealed.

Lift your voice for understanding;
Search for her as hidden treasure!
Find the wisdom God is handing
To all those who seek His pleasure.

Hypocrisy in the Heart

"Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me" (Matthew 15:7,8).

Dear Lord, in view of all You are,
It seems so very odd
That hearts can choose to be so far
With lips that honor God.

Expose my heart's hypocrisy,
And purge it by Your gaze!
Thus shall my heart and lips agree
In love and grateful praise.

Waiting in the Watches

"Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy Word" (Psalm 119:148). "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea... saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew 14:25,27).

Sometimes when it is very late,
And all is quiet in the night,
I’ll read God’s Word and meditate,
And in His way I will delight.

Sometimes when storms will come my way,
I will cry to God for aid.
I’ll wait and watch to hear Him say:
“It is I, be not afraid!”

Priceless Prize

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, He hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it" (Matthew 13:45,46). "Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). "Ye are bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Jesus came into this world,
Heaven's splendor left behind,
To seek a priceless, precious pearl:
What was this pearl He sought to find?

He found His treasure, come and see!
Behold the prize our Savior sought!
That treasure found is you and me,
With all the church His blood has bought.

What was it that He saw in us
That made Him pay that awful price?
Amazing love that offered thus
Himself to be our sacrifice!

Words about Wounds

"And one shall say unto Him, What are these wounds in Thine hands? Then He shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of My friends. Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man that is My Fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered" (Zechariah 13:6,7). "And when He has so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord" (John 20:20).

What are these wounds in my good Shepherd's hands?
Why are they marred in this way?
Speak to me, Lord, till my heart understands:
What will You answer and say?

These are the wounds with which I was smitten
When I walked in the house of My friends.
These are the marks of love that are written
And the proof that My love never ends.

These are reminders of salvation's price
That I paid on the cross to the full.
These are the tokens of My sacrifice
That I offered to ransom your soul.

Spear and Spirit

"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced.... In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness" (Zechariah 12:10, 13:1).

Oh what amazing grace we hear
That God Almighty prophesied:
Those who pierced Him with a spear,
Shall see Him Whom they crucified!

And what a Fountain here is seen
As God pours out His Spirit:
The blood of Jesus washes clean
The sinners who draw near it!

Prophesied Price

"The poor of the flock that waited upon Me knew that it was the word of the Lord. And I said unto them, If ye think good, give Me My price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for My price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was prized at of them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord" (Zechariah 11:11-13).

Never was silver accounted so dirty,
And never betrayal so cruel,
Than the pieces foretold, amounting to thirty,
In the covenant made by a fool.

The poor of the flock remember that price,
And the temple in which it was hurled.
They'd rather be poor, and have Jesus Christ,
Than considered as rich by this world.

Way of His Word

"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto Thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments.... How sweet are Thy words to my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path" (Psalm 119:59,60,103-105).

Your words, O Lord, are very sweet;
More sweet than honey to my taste.
They're like a lamp, they guide my feet
To do Your perfect will with haste.

So when I think upon my way
And find it different than Your Word,
Lord, turn my feet without out delay
To do what I have therein heard.

Prudent Prisoners

"A prudent man forseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Proverbs 22:3). "As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. Turn ye to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope" (Zechariah 9:11,12). "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Turn now to the Hiding Place,
You prisoners of hope!
In Jesus Christ is saving grace,
A life preserving rope!

In Jesus Christ we safely rest;
We could not safer be!
His love has stood the strongest test;
His truth has set us free!

Ode to His Ordinance

"Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to Thine ordinances: for all are Thy servants" (Psalm 119:90,91).

Let all the earth tremble at this awesome thought:
God merely spoke, and the universe wrought.
And now by that same word, all things are sustained,
The earth yet continues as He has ordained.

Your faithfulness, Lord, is to all generations:
Your ordinance rules over all Your creations.
For all are Your servants, obedient to You.
Lord, I would submit to Your ordinance too.

Losing your Life

"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it" (Matthew 10:39). "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:11).

Life and death paradox: how will you choose?
By finding your life, your life you will lose.
By losing your life for the Lord, you will find
His life more abundant and His peace of mind.

Fashion my Faith

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:73).

Lord, You have fashioned my heart with Your hand;
You know me thoroughly, inside and out.
Fashion my faith so that I'll understand
That wisdom will trust you, and folly will doubt.

Harvest Helper

"The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:37,38).

The harvest is white, but the workers are few.
The day turns to night, and then we are through.
Draw near to the Lord of the harvest and pray,
That He may accordingly send you today.

Manifold Mercy

"The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy: teach me Thy statutes" (Psalm 119:64).

How great is Your mercy, O Lord, in the earth,
So filled with Your beauty, Your wisdom, and worth!
In the things we can see, Your attributes shine:
Each flower and tree manifests Your design.

In the things we can hear, Your message is heard:
The hymns we hold dear, the song of a bird.
In the things we can smell, Your fragrance we meet:
The fresh breezes swell with aromas so sweet.

In the things we can taste, Your flavors delight.
Each fruit You've encased with a savor just right.
In things that we touch, Your hand we can feel.
We need You so much, Lord, to hold and to heal.

All of our God-given senses reveal
Your mercy, O Lord, from the day of our birth.
We see, hear, and taste; we smell and we feel
Your manifold mercy in all of the earth.

Manner of Man

"The men marveled, saying, What manner of Man is this that even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:27). “Who being in the form of God... took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men... Wherefore God hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:6-11).

What manner of Man is this One Who came
Commanding the wind and the sea?
What manner of Man could heal the lame
And set Satan's prisoners free?

What manner of Man would descend from above
And lay down His life for the lost?
What manner of Man could be moved by such love,
To pay that unspeakable cost?

This manner of Man is our God and our Lord,
Though He took on Himself human frame.
This manner of Man shall be ever adored:
The Lord Jesus Christ is His name!

Sayings in Season

"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!.... The words of the pure are pleasant words.... The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (Proverbs 15:23,26,28). "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15).

O how good are words in season!
How a pleasant word can heal!
Hope within us has a reason
That our answers may reveal.

Be ready, then, to answer well
In every situation.
Woo to heaven, warn of hell,
Declaring God's salvation.

Good Gifts

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.... If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" (Matthew 7:7,8,11).

God will give to those who ask.
God will show to those who seek.
For every need and every task,
Go to God and freely speak.

God will open, if we knock,
Doors of opportunity,
If with Him we humbly walk,
And to Him obedient be.

If we then, with evil mind,
Give our children what is good,
How much more is God inclined
To give much better than we would?

First things First

"The Desire of the nations shall come.... and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:7,9). "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).

Come, Desire of the nations;
Fill my hunger, quench my thirst.
Rid me of the expectations
That displace You as the first.

First things first, Lord, I would seek,
Your kingdom and Your righteousness.
Here I am to hear You speak:
Nothing more, and nothing less.

Consider the Counselors

"Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors" (Psalm 119:24).

Counselors of mercy, counselors of light,
Comfort of God's heart, correction in His sight;
Counselors of wisdom, in all things always right:
His testimonies counsel me, and they are my delight.

Rejoicing in His Riches

"I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies as much as in all riches" (Psalm 119:14). "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).

Rejoice in the riches you find in God's word,
More than the temporal wealth of this earth.
Eye has not seen and ear has not heard
The fullness of Christ and His infinite worth.

Rejoice in the joy that your Lord has in you,
Sing with the song of your Lord's jubilation.
Rest in the love that your Lord rests in too,
Which sought you, which bought you, and brought you salvation.

Might of the Meek

"Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness" (Zephaniah 2:3). "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

There is a perception that's wrong
Concerning that trait God calls "meek."
The meek in God's sight are the strong;
Though others perceive them as weak.

The meek shall inherit the earth,
For they know it belongs to the Lord.
They work and they wait for the worth
Of a new earth and heaven restored.

Remember that Jesus is meek;
Almighty, yet lowly in heart.
So let us His meekness seek,
And wait for the strength He'll impart.

Forming Fishers

"And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).

Jesus Christ said, "Follow Me,"
And thus His fishers He would make.
What greater purpose could there be
Than fishing souls for Jesus sake?

Teach us, Lord, to bait the hook
With grace attracting precious souls.
Make us fishers by Your Book,
And by Your Spirit Who controls.

Thus we see our Savior's heart,
Who came to seek and save the lost.
Teach us, Lord, Your fisher's art,
To fish for souls at any cost.

The Reason to Rejoice

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17,18).

Temporary treasures fail.
The flower blossoms fade.
Mortal flesh must soon grow pale,
And in the grave be laid.

Giving thanks for bread each day
Must surely have its place;
Yet this too will pass away
Without a lasting trace.

Yet in God I will rejoice,
And joy in His salvation!
So to Him I lift my voice
With grateful adoration!

Sin against Self

"Thou hast consulted shame... and hast sinned against thy soul... for the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord... Thou art filled with shame for glory" (Habakkuk 2:10-16). "He goeth... till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life" (Proverbs 7:22,23).

The one who won't give to Jesus control,
Refusing to let Him come in,
Is sinning against his very own soul,
Betraying himself by his sin.

How treasonous is the self-deceived heart
Who forfeits his glory for shame;
That hastens as would bird to a dart,
And knows not his life it will claim!

Read and Run

"The Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.... The just shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:2,4). "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ... For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16,17).

Write the words and make them plain
That the one who reads may run;
And that he may not run in vain,
And make it clear to everyone:
"The just shall live by faith" in Christ,
For Jesus Christ alone can save!
For Christ for us was sacrificed,
And for us rose up from the grave!

Whosoever Will

"And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17).

Whosoever is athirst,
Now come and freely drink.
Come, though others think the worst;
Let them alone to think.
Don't wait for some
With careless thought;
Sometimes they'll come,
And sometimes not.
Come, the bride and Spirit say,
And freely drink your fill!
Come while it is called today,
Now whosoever will!

No Night

"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18). "And there shall be no more curse... and they shall see His face... and there shall be no night there... for the Lord God giveth them light" (Revelation 22:4,5).

Why is the path of believers like light
That shines more and more on their path?
Because it is leading where there is no night,
And there is no curse and no wrath.

God gives the light in that glorious place,
Where the light of our path is from.
And soon we shall see our Lord face to face!
Let's follow that light till He come.

Basis of the Book

"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.... And the city had no need of the sun...the Lamb is the light thereof... and there shall in no wise enter into it any... but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Revelation 20:15, 21:23,27).

Is your name in the Lamb's book of life?
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come in?
Do you have peace with God, or strife?
Has the blood of the Lamb washed your sin?

If your name has been written above,
It's because you received Jesus Christ.
And your basis to be there is love
That compelled Him to be sacrificed.

Finding His Fear

"The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.... The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:2,10). "Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:3-6).

The works of the Lord are great in creation!
How great is the God who created all things!
And oh, as we ponder His works in salvation,
What pleasure is ours to unveil such things!

Come let us search as for great hidden treasure,
And count the indifference of this world as odd!
In the fear of the Lord we'll discover His pleasure,
And find heaven's wealth in the knowledge of God.

Wisdom's Warning

"Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets... in the city she uttereth her words, saying, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity, and scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at My reproof: behold, I will pour out My Spirit unto you, I will make known My words unto you" (Proverbs 1:20-23). "The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see Thy name: hear ye the rod, and Who hath appointed it" (Micah 6:9).

The voice of the Lord has cried to the city;
Hear His reproof, sinner, hear now the rod.
Turn by His Spirit, yet warning with pity:
Flee from the judgment of Almighty God!

How long will you scoff at His voice of reproof?
How long will you yawn in the Almighty's face?
How long will you stand unashamed and aloof?
How long will you snub His astonishing grace?

Wherein Wearied?

"The Lord hath a controversy with His people... O my people, what have I done unto thee? And wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against Me" (Micah 6:2,3).

"Wherein have I wearied you?" God has inquired.
What have I done now to make you so tired?
Are you bored with creation displaying God's glory?
Or is now your salvation a tedious story?

O dread accusation, that I am deemed weary!
And when did salvation begin to seem dreary?
Awake to the splendor of all God has made,
To Christ your Defender, and the ransom He paid!

Heaven's Help

"Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for He it is that shall tread down our enemies" (Psalm 108:12,13). Every word of God is pure: He is a Shield unto them that put their trust in Him" (Proverbs 30:5).

Give us help from trouble, Lord
(For vain is help from man),
By Your Shield, by Your Sword,
And by Your battle plan.

Your Word, the Spirit's sword, we wield,
And wait for Your command.
We trust You, Lord, our Strength and Shield,
And by Your help we stand.

Reproved without Remedy

"He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy" (Proverbs 29:1). "He (the Comforter) will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8).

The Spirit of the Lord reproves
The world everyday;
And God in His compassion moves
To heal those gone astray.

Yet still the sinner may resist
God's perfect remedy;
And thus with hardened neck insist
On hell eternally.

Loathing the Leanness

"They waited not for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul" (Psalm 106:13-15).

Lord, teach us to loathe this condition of leanness
That enters our soul when we trust our own heart.
And give us the healing that comes with the cleanness
Of your holy fear that Your Word will impart.

Wretched condition, this leanness of soul,
With wandering eyes, so full of distraction!
Oh how much better when we give control
To God who alone can give satisfaction!

Wisest Witness

"Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you" (Micah 1:2). "God... commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).

Let all of the earth be attentive and hear;
Let the Lord witness against you today.
The witness of God will teach you to fear;
The fear of the Lord will teach you to pray.

The Lord is beholding each sinful behavior,
He knows every thought, every word, every deed.
The Lord is the Witness, yet also the Savior,
Of all who repent and will trust Him indeed.

Making a Minister

"Who maketh his angels spirits; His ministers a flaming fire" (Psalm 104:4).

Make us, Lord, Your flaming fire,
To start revival's flame.
Mold in us this one desire:
To magnify Your name.

The essence ministers are of
Is fuel that burns with zeal;
So let us brightly burn with love
That others see and feel.

Missing their Mercy

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.... For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgression from us.... The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him" (Psalm 103:2,11,17). "They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy... Salvation is of the Lord" (Jonah 2:8,9).

As high as the heaven is over the earth,
As far as the distance that east is from west,
As long as the ages without end or birth,
So great is God's mercy, His peace, and His rest.

What great deprivation they have who observe
Lies that destroy them by turning their eyes!
Turning aside from salvation, they swerve,
Missing their mercy for vanity's lies.

Sleep that Slays

"If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? And He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it?.... Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man" (Proverbs 24:11,12,33,34). "Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? Arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not" (Jonah 1:6,7).

How shall I answer my Keeper
When He ponders my heart with disdain:
"What do you mean, O sleeper?
Will you not be concerned for those slain?"

I have no excuse for delay
With regard to my sleep in the past.
But while it is still called today
Let me rise from my slumber at last.

Sureness of Shortness

"The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time" (Revelation 12:12).

Surely the devil is busy today,
Knowing he has but a very short time.
Shouldn't we therefore be watchful and pray,
And fervently work in our calling sublime?

Now doesn't it seem just a little bit odd,
While Satan is active and surely aware,
That we would be drowsy and lukewarm for God,
Halfhearted in labor and sleepy in prayer?

Celebrate the Certainty

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God.... Be thankful unto Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good" (Psalm 100:1-5). "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 send unto thee?" (Proverbs 22:19-21).

Celebrate the certainty of all we surely know.
The Lord is God, the Lord is good from whom all blessings flow.
Serve the Lord with gladness, and share His certainty
With everyone with ears to hear the truth that makes us free.

Familiar Famine

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the Word of the Lord, and shall not find it" (Amos 8:11,12).

Behold, the day of famine comes,
No, not for thirst and not for bread,
But like the fading beat of drums,
We shall not hear what God has said.

Oh, awful day by famine cursed
That even now we've seen and heard!
Familiar hunger, dreadful thirst,
Are all around us for God's Word!

Ends of the Earth

"The Lord hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen. He hath remembered His mercy and His truth...all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God" (Psalm 98:2,3). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

The ends of the earth have seen the salvation
That God has so clearly made known to all.
Thus every tribe and every nation
Under the heavens have heard His call.

And no other name but the Lord Jesus Christ
Under all heaven has power to save:
To this very end was our Lord sacrificed,
And by His power He conquered the grave.

Woe to the World

"Woe to them that are at ease... that put far away the evil day.... which rejoice in a thing of nought" (Amos 6:1,3,13). "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth" (Revelation 8:13).

Woe to the world yet taking its ease,
Thinking that judgment is so far away.
Woe to the people refusing to seize
The gift of salvation God offers today.

Woe the world that will not repent,
Rejoicing in temporal pleasures of nought.
Judgment will come and time will be spent:
Then what shall become of the treasures it sought?

Daily Declaration

"Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people" (Psalm 96:2,3).

Sing to the Lord and bless Jesus' name,
Declaring His wonders among every nation:
How He endured the cross and the shame
For the joy He foresaw in our glorious salvation!

Meeting your Maker

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart" (Psalm 95:7-10). "Prepare to meet thy God... For, lo, He that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind... declareth unto man what is his thought" (Amos 4:12,13).

The hearts of men are all exposed
Before our Maker's throne.
Our hidden thoughts have been disclosed,
And our deceit is known.

So hear His voice, and harden not
Your heart by vain deceit!
He who declares to man his thought
Is God, whom you must meet.

Sinner, hear what God declares:
Christ Jesus is the Way!
Cast on Him your sin and cares,
And come to Him today!

Listen to the Lion

"The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" (Amos 3:8). "Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed" (Revelation 5:5).

The lion has roared; then who will not fear?
Who would not heed it if they were so warned?
The Lord God has spoken; who will not hear?
Yet many won't read it; God's Word is so scorned!

Yet Jesus prevailed, when He came to the earth,
Bringing salvation by the blood of His cross.
In heaven He's hailed for His power and worth;
In hell, lamentation for their infinite loss.

Not Wowed by Noisy Waves

"The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea" (Psalm 93:3,4). "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.... He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh" (Psalm 2:1-4).

The floods of rebel voices cry
That earnestly have vowed
To fight against our Lord on high;
God laughs and is not wowed.

Door of Decision

"These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth... I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it" (Revelation 3:7,8).

The door of opportunity
Is opened to us wide.
Jesus Christ now holds the key,
And calls us to decide.

We have a little strength today,
A little time to act.
Let's decide to do and say
What we would not retract.

Latter Love

"Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him" (Psalm 91:14). "Thou hast left thy first love" (Revelation 2:4).

How can it be that latter love
Should not be more than first?
What is my foolish heart made of
That makes the latter worst?

Revive that first love memory
When You satisfied my thirst!
Then cause the latter love in me
To be greater than the first.

God's Work in a Good Word

"To the counselors of peace is joy.... Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad" (Proverbs 12:20,25).

There is a heaviness of heart
That God would have us lift.
A good word that we may impart
In wisdom is God's gift.

Counselors of peace, arise!
Don't wait until tomorrow.
Speak with comfort true and wise
Today to those in sorrow.

Laud for the Lord

"Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood... be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen" (Revelation 1:5,6).

To Jesus Christ our gracious Lord
Who loved us to the end,
Who washed us with His blood outpoured,
Who is our dearest Friend,
Be glory and dominion now
And through eternity;
And I will tell the story how
He saved a wretch like me.

Larger Love

"Love covereth all sins" (Proverbs 10:12). "Keep yourselves in the love of God" (Jude 21).

Keep yourself in perfect love
That's larger than your own.
This is passion from above;
It comes from God alone.

No greater love this world sees
Than dying for its friends.
But Jesus died for enemies,
And His love never ends.

Idiocy of Idolatry

"What have I to do anymore with idols? I have heard Him, and observed Him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is Thy fruit found" (Hosea 14:9). "I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21).

Why should I have more to do
With idols of distraction?
I've heard my Savior's voice so true;
I've seen my Lord in action.

What idiocy turns my glance
From Christ where joys abound?
Lord, You're the Vine; I am Your branch:
From me is Your fruit found.

Look or Lose

"Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward" (2 John 8).

Look to yourself or you may well lose
The blessing that God is intending.
If Christ is not first in the things that you choose,
Your choices are not worth defending.

Revival Revealed

"Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?.... I will hear what God the Lord will speak... Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Psalm 85:6,8,10).

So that Your people may rejoice,
Revive us, Lord, again today!
And we will listen to Your voice
To hear what God the Lord will say.

Now show us, Lord, what we have missed:
How mercy met with truth in Christ;
How peace and righteousness have kissed
Because our Lord was sacrificed.

Seek and Sow

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till He come and rain righteousness upon you" (Hosea 10:12). "The rain also filleth the pools" (Psalm 84:6). "Your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

It is time to seek the Lord and pray
With hands upon the plow.
Break up your fallow ground today;
The time to sow is now.

Sow the seeds of righteousness.
Your labor won't be vain,
For God has promised He will bless
And send refreshing rain.

Grace to be Greater

"Many false prophets are gone out into the world... Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:1,4).

Greater is He that's in you
Than he that is in the world.
Greater is God's point of view
Than lies that false prophets have hurled.

It's not because we are so bright
That we've overcome Satan's lies,
But rather that God gives us light
By grace to beware and be wise.

Dangers in Darkness

"They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness" (Psalm 82:5). "The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble" (Proverbs 4:19).

Dangers are lurking in darkness each day;
Still there are those who will walk on that path.
They know not the dangers attending that way;
They will not pay heed to God's warning of wrath.

And so they walk onward without understanding
As dangers in darkness are simply ignored,
Till one day they find themselves fearfully standing,
Too late for salvation, before Christ the Lord.

There are dangers in darkness! O sinner, beware!
You're stumbling over the Chief Corner Stone!
If you will not repent toward God in your prayer,
Be sure you will stand at His Great Judgment Throne.

Lose the Lust

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world... For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof" (1 John 2:15-17).

Love not the world, God's Word has said,
For the lust of it passes and shall not abide.
O how much better to love Christ instead,
Losing the worldly lust and its pride!

Lord of Light

"Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause Thy face to shine; and we shall be saved" (Psalm 80:19). "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.... If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:5,7).

Turn us again, O Lord, to You.
Let us reflect the light of Your face.
You are the Source of all that is true.
Shine and we shall be saved by Your grace.

You are the Sun, Lord; we're like moon.
Truly we have no light of our own.
In light of the prospect that You'll return soon,
Let us reflect and make Your way known.

Grow in Grace

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Proverbs 1:7). "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen" (2 Peter 3:18).

Two-thousand and six is finally here,
And the best that this year can afford
Is to grow in God's grace and His holy fear
And the knowledge of Jesus our Lord.

The knowledge of Christ that is coupled with grace
Is a treasure of unequaled worth.
So let us continue to seek our Lord's face,
And declare His salvation on earth.

Resolution to Remember

New Year's Eve

"They remembered not His hand, nor the day when He delivered them" (Psalm 78:42).

The year is coming to a close,
And our thoughts will likely move
To resolutions we suppose
Will help us to improve.

Thus as we ponder what should be
In contrast to what is,
The words of Christ "Remember Me,"
Should draw our hearts to His.

So let this resolution stand:
By grace may it be thus,
That we will not forget the hand
Of Him Who died for us.

Delight to Deliver

"The Lord knoweth how to deliver" (2 Peter 2:9).

Ponder this kernel of truth:
Our Lord God knows how to deliver.
Whether in old age or youth,
This comfort gives peace like a river.

Not only does our Lord know how
To deliver the trusting soul,
He delights to and will do so now,
Whenever we give Him control.

Precious Promises

"His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Peter 1:3,4).

God's promises so precious
And so exceeding great
Are freely given to us;
We need no longer wait.

These promises are yours and mine
That we might each partake
Of God's own character divine
And ours like His remake.

Height of the Humble

"Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another" (Psalm 75:5-7). "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6).

Get rid of the foolish and arrogant notion
That the future belongs to the proud.
For God is the Judge and grants the promotion
In His time to the one He's allowed.

Under the shadow of God's mighty hand
The humble are gladly at rest;
Content with purpose that Jesus has planned,
Assured that his timing is best.

Would be Wise

"Arise, O God, plead Thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth Thee daily.... The tumult of those that rise up against Thee increaseth continually" (Psalm 74:22,23). My son, be wise, and make My heart glad, that I may answer him the reproacheth Me" (Proverbs 27:11).

"My son, be wise, and cheer My heart,"
I hear my Father say.
What tender words can thus impart
A longing to obey!

And since it's so that I can make
My Father's heart be glad,
Then let me finally forsake
The sin that makes Him sad!

You hear the tumult of this world,
O God, against You rise,
So while reproaches thus are hurled,
O Lord, I would be wise.

So grant me wisdom, Lord, today
And victory in the strife,
That You may have somewhat to say
By the answer of my life.

Best of Both

"Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee" (Psalm 73:24,25).

Lord, whom have I in heaven above
That cares for me like You?
And who on earth guides with Your love
And perfect counsel too?

Lord, You are the very best
That both worlds have in worth!
You are my Refuge and my Rest
In heaven and on earth.

Day of Dominion

Christmas Day

"He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth" (Psalm 72:8).

The day is coming when there shall be
Christ's dominion from sea to sea.
But not so at our Savior's nativity;
And what about His place now in me?

Yes, He shall reign to the ends of the earth,
So very unlike it was at His birth.
Lord, reign in my heart; now have Your dominion,
Regardless of this world's changing opinion!

Telling the Times

Christmas Eve

"Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (i.e. "sevens" of years, 49 years), and threescore and two weeks (i.e., 434 years)... And after three score and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself" (Daniel 9:25,26). "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow" (1 Peter 1:10,11).

Prophets searched and have inquired
To know what time God signified
When God's prophetic Word inspired,
Regarding Jesus, testified.

What a privilege is ours
To see what prophets longed to see!
Though we have no prophetic powers,
History shows us Calvary.

And history also shows the glory
Of our Savior's empty grave.
The fullness of God's great love story
Is on display in time to save.

Kept by our King

"His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope...who are kept by the power of God" (1 Peter 1:3,5).

With abundance of mercy He gave us new birth
And a hope that is living to which we now cling.
Until we have finished our journey on earth,
We are kept by the power of Jesus our King.

Patience of the Prophets

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.... Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience" (James 5:8,10).

Be patient, my brethren, establish your hearts;
The coming of Jesus our Savior draws near.
God always completes whatever He starts.
Let not your heart be troubled with fear.

Consider, my brethren, the prophets of old
Who faithfully spoke in the name of the Lord.
Take their example: be patient and bold.
God can be trusted, and He will reward.

Compassionate Command

"Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which Thou hast wrought for us.... Ascribe ye strength unto God.... that giveth strength and power unto His people. Blessed be God" (Psalm 68:28,34,35). "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).

Lift up your weary head and hands
And hear what God, our God, commands:
He gives us strength by His decree,
Then gently tells us, "Follow Me."

Blessed be our God of love
Who sends His power from above!
Hearts grow weary, eyes grow dim,
But God commands our strength through Him.

Shine to Share to Show

"God be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us... that Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations" (Psalm 67:1,2).

God have mercy, shine Your face,
Bless and send us with Your grace
To share Your Gospel truth and wealth;
To show Your way and saving health.

See and Say

"Come and see the works of God.... Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul" (Psalm 66:5,16).

Come and see the works of God
Displayed in all the earth!
Let all creation now applaud
Our Lord and Savior's worth.

Come and hear, and I will tell
How Jesus saved my soul!
He has rescued me from hell;
He paid my debt in full.

Deliver Me from a Double Mind

"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways" (James 1:8). "Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear Thy name. I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart" (Psalm 86:11,12).

Lord, You have the only cure
For double-minded hearts:
The Word of God is quick and pure,
And healing grace imparts.

So let Your Word deliver me
From double-minded shame.
Unite my heart and set it free
To praise and fear Your name.

Contented Conversation

"Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).

What kind of blind insanity
Would rob me of content?
For Jesus gave Himself for me:
What more could He have spent?

Yet there is more! For He has said
That He will never leave!
What would I rather have instead?
What more could I receive?

Battle of the Better

"Thy lovingkindness is better than life" (Psalm 63:3). "Better is... righteousness... wisdom... an humble spirit... and he that ruleth his spirit" (Proverbs 16:8,16,19,32). "But ye are come... to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel" (Hebrews 12:22,24).

Be done with worldly, lesser things:
Behold in Christ the best!
Behold His lovingkindness brings
His satisfying rest!

Better is His righteousness,
And the wisdom of His Spirit,
That God imparts to save and bless,
To those with ears to hear it.

The blood of Abel testifies
Against his guilty brother,
But Jesus' blood that justifies
Speaks better than the other!

Compared to Jesus, none is greater;
From this world we turn away.
For Jesus Christ our Mediator,
Has better things to say.

Finisher of Faith

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1,2). "My soul followeth hard after Thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me" (Psalm 63:8).

Looking unto Jesus, our Savior and our Goal,
We find the strength we need to run the race.
So let us run with patience as the Lord upholds our soul,
To finish, as we started, by His grace.

My Haven and My Heritage

"For Thou hast been a Shelter for me.... Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear Thy name" (Psalm 61:3,5). "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge" (Proverbs 14:26).

Lord, You have been my Haven and a Shelter from my shame.
You gave to me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
What confidence is mine, O Lord, with those who rest in grace!
What Refuge I have found with all Your children in this place!

Faith in Facts

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith in God is based on facts;
It's hope's substantiation.
It weighs the evidence of acts
That meet our expectation.

Thus we have faith's definition,
Its substance, and its proof.
Honest seekers gain admission,
While scorners stand aloof.

A Little While and the Lord Will

"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Hebrews 10:37).

A little while and He shall come,
He shall not tarry on that day.
In spite of mockery by some,
Our Lord will come, and not delay.

Sanctifying Sacrifice

"We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:10).

Once and only once was our Savior crucified;
He did not need to suffer for us twice.
Thus by the offering of Himself we are sanctified;
We need no other plea or sacrifice!

Fixed Faith

"I lie even among them that are set on fire.... My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed" (Psalm 57:4,7). "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (Daniel 3:17,18).

Lord, fix this fickle heart of mine
Upon my God and Savior,
And thereby let Your light so shine
In all of my behavior.

For faith is tested by the fire,
To know what sort it is.
Let Christ be found my chief desire,
To show that I am His.

Wandering and Weeping

"Thou tellest my wanderings: put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not in Thy book? When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me" (Psalm 57:8,9).

What is the cause of my wand'ring and weeping?
The answer is found in God's wonderful Book!
It's not because God is indifferent or sleeping,
But rather because of my wandering look.

But God is still for me, I surely do know,
In each of my trials and all of my tears,
With goodness and mercy wherever I go;
I know every time that I cry that He hears.

Secrets of Seasons

"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: and He change the times and the seasons.... But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known... what shall be in the latter days" (Daniel 2:20,21,28).

The secrets of the seasons from human eyes concealed
Cannot by human reason be discovered nor revealed.
But there is a God above who makes His secrets known,
And manifests His love through Christ toward His own.

Answer and Anchor

"[We] have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope that is set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the Forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus" (Hebrews 6:18-20).

Jesus is the answer for those who long for hope,
For those who look for reasons and in the darkness grope.
Jesus is the anchor for the souls of all His own,
A refuge in the storm, sure and steadfast as His throne.

Daniel's Determination

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank" (Daniel 1:8). "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

Though others thought his choice unwise,
Daniel would not compromise.
And now we see his purposed heart
In retrospect was really smart!

Lord, give our hearts determination,
Just to know that You have smiled;
And not for this world's expectation,
Not conformed, and not defiled!

Goodness of God

"The goodness of God endureth continually" (Psalm 52:1). "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

The goodness of God cannot be diminished;
In the time of our need He has plenty of grace.
Until we are home and our course has been finished,
Let's draw from His mercy and strength for our race.

Inward Interest

"Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me... wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.... Create in me a clean heart" (Psalm 52:6-10).

God is concerned with our innermost part,
Not with pretentious, religious behavior.
Search me, O God, exposing my heart,
Cleansing my sin by the blood of my Savior.

Calling Continually

"The mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof" (Psalm 50:1). "How shall we escape, if we neglect to great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him, God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?" (Hebrews 2:3,4).

The Mighty God, the Prince of Peace,
Has called the earth and does not cease
To send His servants forth to tell:
There is but one escape from hell.

What more, oh sinner, could God say?
His words and works are on display!
What more could our Lord Jesus do?
For even now He's calling you.

Reception by Redemption

"They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.... But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me. Selah" (Psalm 49:6,7,15). "The Son of Man came... to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).

So let the worldly boast of wealth,
Temporal pleasure, fleeting health.
But all these things must pass away,
And these cannot our ransom pay.

But God Himself redeemed my soul;
My price was weighed and paid in full.
For Jesus gave Himself for me,
And I am His eternally!

God and Guide

"We have thought of Thy lovingkindness, O God.... According to Thy name, O God, so is Thy praise.... This God is our God forever and ever: He will be our Guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:9,10,14).

O God, our God eternally,
Our Guide as well through all our days,
Your lovingkindness sets us free,
And fills our hearts with grateful praise.