Memory of Majesty and Mercy

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

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

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

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

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

Happiest of Humanity

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

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

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

Lead in the Land

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

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

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

Remembering the Rescue

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lips and Life

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

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

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

Bible in the Battle

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

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

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

Which Way?

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

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

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

Grace Granted

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

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

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

Joy above Jerusalem

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

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

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

Liberty throughout the Land

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

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

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

Leery Likeness

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

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

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

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

Blaspheming the Blesser

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

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

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

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

Koinonia Key

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.... for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore" (Psalm 133:1-3). "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship (Greek, koinonia) with us: and truly our fellowship (koinonia) is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3).


Good and pleasant fellowship:
How illusive it can be!
Hold it fast; don't let it slip,
Remembering the key.

The key to fellowship that's sweet
Is where we fix our eyes:
It's not the building where we meet.
It's not what money buys.

It's like the oil on the head
Of Aaron, once anointed.
But now we see our Lord instead,
And we're not disappointed!

Let us therefore summarize
This koinonia key:
The place where we must fix our eyes
Is NOT on you or me.

Let's keep our eyes on Jesus Christ,
Our mutual Reward,
Our Priest, our Lamb once sacrificed,
Our Savior, and our Lord.

Search and See

"They received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).

There are many who will say
The truth cannot be known.
Each culture has its way
So different than our own.

But truth does not conform
To cultural dominion.
It does not fit the norm
Of popular opinion.

Do you really want to know
The truth that makes you free?
Then search if it is so
As found in history!

Then search the Scriptures too
With a readiness of mind
And God will give to you
The truth you seek to find.

That truth is found in Christ!
Hear what the Scriptures said:
He would be sacrificed,
And rise up from the dead.

The truth is on display;
The Lamb of God was slain.
He is alive today,
To make the Scriptures plain.

Simplicity with Sincerity

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 17:30,31).

What shall be said to the anxious of soul
Who comes to the end of himself,
Who longs to be saved, and cries to be whole?
What books shall we draw from the shelf?

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today!
Receive Him and you will be free!
As for those books, you can put them away:
Simplicity now is the key.

For diligent study there's surely a place;
There's so much to learn and explore!
But now is the time to speak of God's grace,
Believing in Christ, nothing more.

Harbor of our Hearkening

"Turn you at My reproof: behold, I will pour My Spirit unto you... Destruction cometh as a whirlwind... For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil" (Proverbs 1:23,32,33).

There is a harbor from the storm
Where waves and winds will cease;
Where all is quiet, safe, and warm,
And we enjoy God's peace.

It's the harbor of our hearkening
To reproof if we will hear it!
Now as the sky is darkening,
Will you heed God's Holy Spirit?

Turn you at the Lord's reproof,
O sinner, while you may!
Destruction comes to fools aloof;
You dare not turn away!

Saved, Severed, Sent

"And ye shall be holy unto Me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be Mine" (Leviticus 20:26). "The Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.... It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you.... For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost" (Acts 13:2, 15:25,28).

Saved by the grace of God from sin,
Severed to do His will,
Though we're not of the world we're in,
We're sent with a task to fulfill.

Sent by the Holy Spirit of God,
Judging success by this measure:
Whether the world will mock or applaud,
Doing what gives the Lord pleasure.

Yoke of Yeshua

"God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" (Acts 15:8-10). "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:29,30).

The yoke of the Law demanding perfection
Could only be borne by Yeshua, God's Son.
Jesus now bids us to make our selection,
Choosing the yoke of His grace to put on.

Come to the Savior; partake of His rest.
His yoke is easy; His burden is light.
Among every love, His love is the best,
Lowly, yet lifting us to heaven's height!

Lasting Labor

"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it" (Psalm 127:1). "And when they [Paul and Barnabas] were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that GOD had done with them, and how HE had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27).

Labor that is done if vain
Is all the work of man.
How wasted is the work and pain
In every godless plan.

Working as a bumble bee,
Running hard and fast,
Surely will not guarantee
The work that's done will last.

It's not the laborer that's skilled
That guarantees success;
It's only as the Lord will build,
And as the Lord will bless.

Keep this principle in mind
In everything you do,
And lasting labor you will find,
As God is using you.

Joined with Joy

"When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter.... Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy" (Psalm 126:1-5). "And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost" (Acts 13:52).

There is a joy that fills the heart
So full it overflows.
We cannot know this joy apart
From God the Holy Ghost.

This is not the kind of joy
That circumstances feed;
Joy in Christ does not employ
What others say we need.

This is joy that finds its source
In God the Holy Spirit,
Like a steam that runs its course
Wherever God will steer it.

Beware, Believe, Behold

"For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew Him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him.... Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you." (Acts 13:27,41).

The voice of the prophets may often be read,
Yet still they may never be heard.
For those who fulfilled all their voices had said,
Were blind to the truth of God's Word.

Beware therefore, sinner, lest that come to you,
This blindness that prophets foretold!
For all that the prophets have said will come true,
Beware, then, believe, and behold!

Life in Leviticus

"The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls, for it is the blood tat maketh an atonement for the soul.... Ye shall do My judgments, and keep Mine ordinances, which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord" (Leviticus 17:11, 18:5).

According to Leviticus,
The life is in the blood.
Atonement is imparted thus
To reconcile with God.

Yet in Leviticus we see
This option God will give:
Just keep His Law entirely,
And you shall surely live.

The way is plain in option one;
Not so in option two:
For in the blood the work is done
That Law demands we do.

How clearly we can hear God's voice
Extolling option one!
Leviticus displays that choice
Of life in God the Son.

For blood that has been sacrificed
Imparting life to us,
Was thus foreseen in Jesus Christ,
Here in Leviticus.

Ornament of Obedience

"As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear" (Proverbs 25:12).

Wise Reprover on my ear,
Superior to the rest,
Lord, there's none so wise, so dear
As You, to know what's best.

Lord, I pray that You'll adorn
My ear with what You say;
And with that ornament thus worn,
A heart that will obey.

Exceeding Expectation

"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). "And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent His angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of he people" (Acts 12:11).

Let all the expectation of the people be exceeded,
For God is my salvation, providing all I've needed.
Lay not, O wicked one, in wait against my soul:
I'm trusting God the Son to cleanse and make me whole.

Let all the expectation of the powers of darkness fail.
God hears my supplication; He surely will prevail.
Yes, let my soul arise, victorious, undiminished,
And thus my foe surprise, who thought that I was finished.

Let all the expectation of even my own heart
Exceed the limitation, I imagined at the start.
Let Jesus be exalted, victorious over strife;
His kingdom never halted in ruling all my life.

What Was I?

"What was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:17). "O man, who art thou that repliest against God?" (Romans 9:20).

God is God, so what was I,
That I could then withstand,
Or ever utter a reply
Against His sovereign hand?

Yet, in fact, I understand,
That You gave me, Lord, a will
To obey or to withstand;
To do good, or to do ill.

How well I know that I am prone
Against You to reply!
And in repentance at Your throne,
I wonder, what was I?

And therefore, Lord, I now elect
To willingly obey!
And I will trust You to protect
And keep me in Your way.

Preservation for the Proclamation

"The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge.... 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 22:12,20,21). "And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:42,43).

The eyes of the Lord watch over His Word,
Ensuring its pure preservation.
Thus it is written, thereby we have heard,
And preach therefore His proclamation.

For God has commanded His people to preach
The same Word that brought us salvation.
The prophets all witness, and so we will teach,
His Gospel among every nation.

Looking at Lordship

"But Peter said, Not so, Lord.... Then Peter opened up his mouth and said.... Jesus Christ... is Lord of all" (Acts 10:14,36).

Lord of heaven, Lord of earth,
And of those who on You call,
Does my life reflect that worth,
That You are Lord of all?

Is there inconsistent strife
Where Your Lordship is in view?
Are there pockets in my life
Not submitted, Lord, to You?

Lord, You know me thoroughly,
How easily I roam.
Let Your Lordship grow in me
Until You take me home.

Great Grace

"I rejoice at Thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.... Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Psalm 119:162,165). "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all" (Act 4:33).

If I had won the lottery
With a billion dollar prize,
You would not think it strange of me
To shout with glad surprise.

Yet what I've found is far above
The world's greatest treasure:
The wealth of God's tremendous love
Exceeds our greatest measure.

So if you hear me sing and shout,
It's not the lottery:
Great grace is what it's all about
For all eternity!

Qualifying the Quickening

"Quicken me according to Thy word.... Quicken me according to Thy judgments.... Quicken me, O Lord, according to Thy lovingkindness" (Psalm 119:154,156,159).

Quicken me, O Lord, according to Your word:
Help me be obedient to all that I have heard.
Let Your Holy Spirit bring to light what You have said.
Quicken me lest should sleep alongside of the dead.

Quicken me, O Lord, in judgment to discern
The things that You would daily have my heart to learn.
Let Your Holy Spirit in Your fear thus make me wise.
Quicken me to understand Your truth with opened eyes.

Quicken me, O Lord, according to Your love,
To set all my affections on the things of Christ above.
Let Your Holy Spirit draw me close by Your love story.
Quicken me to love You more and give You all the glory.

Closeness of Christ

"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). "There is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24).

Those who follow lies
Are drawing ever near;
Wise in their own eyes,
They have no godly fear.

But Christ is closer still
Than that approaching host
Of those who steal and kill,
And in destruction boast.

And so I will depend
On Christ, and not another;
For Christ, my dearest Friend,
Sticks closer than a brother.

Despite the Despised

"Thy word is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it. I am small and despised: yet do not I forget Thy precepts.... Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is the truth.... The righteousness of Thy testimonies is everlasting" (Psalm 119:140-144).

Despite the fact that I am small
And I may be despised,
Your word is pure, and that is all
That should be emphasized.

Lord, You are righteous, though I'm not,
In all that You have said.
I will not trust my wavering thought;
I'll trust in You instead.

Those who do not want to see
May choose to turn their eyes
To failure and hypocrisy
In those whom they despise.

But Your truth does not depend
On those who sometimes fail.
It rests on You, and in the end
Your word, Lord, shall prevail.

Utterly Unclean

"He is a leprous man, he is unclean: the priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean; his plague is in his head. And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean" (Leviticus 13:44,45). "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 16:25). "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

Unclean! Unclean! The leper thus would cry.
What then does this mean? What does it signify?
How shall we understand this passage we have read?
For this was God's command when the plague was in his head.

There is a way that seems, to man, that all is right;
Thus leprosy, unclean, is a portrait that sheds light,
Allowing us to see the end of sin that spreads:
That sin will surely be like cancer in our heads.

There is way of healing; a way that God gives peace.
His Gospel is revealing, the cure for sin's disease.
O come to Christ today, and discover what it means
To have sin washed away by the blood of Christ that cleans!

Time and Tools

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

Lord, it's time for You to work,
And time for us as well.
The powers of the darkness lurk
And lead the way to hell.

Yet in this present darkness now
Your truth gives us a song.
Your precepts rightly tell us how
To know what's right and wrong.

We hear it in the public school
And everywhere we find
The godless teaching of the fool;
The blind thus lead the blind.

Yet we are workmen from Your school
And soldiers in Your field.
Your Gospel is our harvest tool;
Your truth, our sword and shield.

Yes, we are workmen You have sent;
We'll work, Lord, as we learn.
And since the night is now far spent,
We'll watch for Your return.

Hide in Here!

"I hate vain thoughts: but Thy law do I love. Thou art my Hiding Place and my Shield: I hope in Thy Word" (Psalm 119:113,114). "Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not things on the earth. For...your life is hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:1-3).

I hate the thoughts of vanity
That fill me with distractions.
They waste my time and energy
On worldly attractions.

Where then shall I run and hide?
What refuge can I find?
They come at me from every side
To battle with my mind.

Now I hear You bid me, Lord,
To hide myself in You;
To meditate upon Your Word;
So virtuous and true.

You say to seek those things above,
And not the things of earth;
To love the things that You will love
That have eternal worth.

And so I'll gladly heed Your voice:
When You say, "Hide in here!"
I'll hide in Christ, and there rejoice,
In love and godly fear.

Laughter in the Light

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.... Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage forever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart" (Psalm 119:105,111). "The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out" (Proverbs 13:9).

Rejoice, beloved, on the path
That God lights with His Word!
Jesus saves us from the wrath
That He, for joy, endured.

That joy ahead He kept in mind,
So He endured the shame.
And since His light for us has shined,
We ought to do the same.

Reason for Rightness

"The thoughts of the righteous are right.... He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness" (Proverbs 12:5,17). "If ye continue in My word... ye shall know the truth" (John 8:31,32).

I know it may sound strange to some
To say, "I know I'm right."
But this is where I'm coming from:
The Word of God is light.

The light of God within His Word
Illumines what is true.
Our God has spoken, I have heard,
And I believe Him too.

Our God is right, in any case,
If we believe or not.
And we are right when we embrace
His truth within our thought.

Settled Servant

"Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven. 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.... I am Thine, save me.... I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy commandment is exceeding broad" (Psalm 119:89-96).

Lord, settled in heaven and serving on earth
Are all Your commandments that order creation.
There's only one creature that questions the worth
Of Your perfect will and of Your great salvation.

That creature is man, that prideful exception,
The object of heaven's astonishing love!
Refusing to see Your commandment's perfection,
He clenches his fist against heaven above!

O Lord, I am Yours! O save me today
From this world's folly, defying You still!
Let all that I am be true to Your way
And settled forever, conformed to Your will.

Smart in the Smoke

"Mine eyes fail for Thy word, saying, When wilt Thou comfort me? For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget Thy statutes.... All Thy commandments are faithful... help Thou me" (Psalm 119:82,83,86).

Lord, when things become obscure,
Like bottles in the smoke,
I know that I can rest secure
In every word You spoke.

For soon the smoke will clear again
And then I know You'll be
The very same as You were when
My eyes could clearly see.

So this is how You teach my heart
In every situation;
No matter what, it's always smart
To trust Your reputation.

Holy Hands

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn Thy commandments" (Psalm 119:73). "Go in the way of understanding.... The knowledge of the Holy is understanding" (Proverbs 9:6,10).

Lord, You made me with Your hands;
You fashioned me to be
A child of God who understands
What faith alone can see.

Lord, I've heard Your gracious call
Since I was heaven-born,
To search the Holiest of all:
The veil now is torn!

Here between the cherubim,
The bloodstained mercy seat
Speaks so perfectly of Him,
Where truth and mercy meet.

Here I see the Law's demands
Were fully satisfied!
Here I see why holy hands
For me were crucified!

Be still, my soul, in silent awe;
For words cannot suffice
To tell what God the Father saw
When Christ was sacrificed.

Lord, Your hands, now nail-scarred,
Have led me to this place,
To melt my heart that once was hard,
With holiness and grace.

Consequence of Consecration

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said.... This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the Head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:8-13).

They were just unlearned and ignorant men:
Such was the world's perception
Of Peter and John who were undaunted then,
In the face of their hostile reception.

The leaders forbade them to teach in Christ's name,
They mocked them as being unlearned;
They threatened to punish and put them to shame,
And hoped that would make them concerned.

But the boldness of their proclamation,
The fact that they'd been with the Lord,
And result of their consecration
With Jesus could not be ignored.

So may we also draw near to the throne
In the stillness of God's consecration,
That we, by being with Jesus alone,
May boldly proclaim His salvation.

Turned to His Testimonies

"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). "God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities" (Acts 3:26).

I thought, Lord, on my ways, and found upon reflection,
Whenever my heart strays, I forfeit Your protection.
Yet I find a refuge sweet, in Your Word when I obey.
So I turn my erring feet, to Your truth without delay.

WHAT was I thinking of? WHERE did I lose my song?
WHY did I doubt Your love? WHEN were You ever wrong?
HOW can such foolishness, still lead my soul astray
From Christ WHO came to bless, and take my sin away?

Your testimonies sure, in every situation,
Are altogether pure, the light of Your salvation.
And so I'll heed that light, and guide my feet thereby,
Esteeming Your Word right, and unbelief a lie.

Reviving my Remembering

"Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy word hath quickened me... I have remembered Thy judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself... I have remembered Thy name, O Lord, in the night" (Psalm 119:49,52,55).

Remember, Lord, Your word upon which I rely.
I know that sounds absurd; I know You cannot lie!
You have not failed yet; I know You never will.
I know You won't forget; each promise You'll fulfill.

So now that we've rehearsed Your faithful reputation,
The point is now reversed, to view my dedication:
Do I remember You, recalling Your affliction?
Your faithfulness so true, now fills me with conviction!

That's why the bread and wine, were given to us all,
Because we are inclined to forget and not recall!
Forgive forgetfulness, so often seen in me,
And in Your faithfulness, revive my memory!

Ambassador's Ambition

"And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy judgments.... I will speak of Thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed" (Psalm 119:43,46).

Lord, You've heard this prayer before;
Well, here it is again:
I would be Your ambassador
Before the sons of men.

Kings and peasants, rich and poor,
All need to hear Your Word.
I would be Your ambassador,
Until they all have heard.

Till night has come and then no more
Your Word may be proclaimed,
I would be Your ambassador,
And will not be ashamed.

Way of the Word

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end.... Stablish Thy Word unto Thy servant, who is devoted to Thy fear" (Psalm 119:33,38). "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.... Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil" (Proverbs 4:18,19,26,27).

Teach me, O Lord, in the way of Your Word,
And let all my ways be established therein.
For why should I wander from what I have heard,
To stumble in darkness and wallow in sin?

For the path of the justified shines as the light
That shines more and more till the fullness of day.
Your will is the center, not left, neither right,
And that is the path I would walk all the way.

Faithful Fire

"This is the law of the burnt offering: it is the burnt offering because of the burning upon the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be burning in it.... It shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it.... The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out" (Leviticus 6:9-13). "This same Jesus... shall so come in like manner" (Acts 1:11).

How faithful this type is of Jesus we see:
An offering by fire that never goes out.
His love is unquenchable for you and me;
How sweetly that knowledge removes every doubt!

Our seasons of darkness cannot quench His flame.
His passion continues unchanged through the night.
Each morning we rise up to find Him the same;
God's Word sets in order that truth in our sight.

Unquenched by millenniums which have gone by,
The love of our Savior has never diminished.
The very same passion that caused Him to die
Shall come in like manner when this age is finished.

Lesson Learned (again)

"Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following... Peter seeing Him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him... What is that to thee? Follow thou Me" (John 21:22).

So "what is that to you?
Our Lord was heard to say.
His words still ring so true
And relevant today!

As Peter turned his face
So distracted and concerned,
How often in our case
This lesson is relearned!

We quickly turn aside
From truth that makes us free.
Then hear our Savior chide
Again: "You follow Me!"

We turn back to our Lord,
Repenting of our strife;
Reproved and thus restored—
This is the school of life.

Discerning my Desire

"I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches" (Psalm 119:14). "Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.... So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonah, lovest thou Me more than these?" (John 21:10,15).

Jesus bids me, "Come and dine."
Reminding me as we recline,
That I am His and He is mine,
And none can quench love's fire.

Temporal pleasures, luxuries,
With all this world's treasuries,
"Do you love me more than these?"
I hear my Lord inquire.

Let all the world's riches fade,
With all its passing, vain parade!
Let all my hope in Christ be stayed,
With all my heart's desire!

Do you love Me more than these?
I am ashamed at what He sees!
Yet I will go down on my knees,
That He may lift me higher.

Why do you Weep?

"Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? .... Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord" (John 20:15,20).

Why is it that you weep, mournful Mary, in the gloom?
Whom is it that you seek, as you tarry at the tomb?
Where is it you suppose, that they took your Lord away?
What joy! Your Savior rose, and He meets with you today!

Oh what a transformation, as Jesus speaks your name!
What joy and exultation, replaces gloom and shame!
So give to us that vision, as we come to You, dear Lord;
And give us hearts to listen, that our joy may be restored.

Wooed with Words

"Every word of God is pure: He is a Shield unto them that put their trust in Him" (Proverbs 30:5). "It is finished" (John 19:30).

Ah! Hear the words of Jesus spoken on the cross;
Draw near to love that frees us from eternal loss.
His love could not be drowned with floods of human hate;
No other can be found with love so true and great.

“Father, forgive them!” How His love shines through!
In His words of pity, “They know not what they do.”
Oh! What love for sinners, as to the thief He cries:
“Today thou shalt be with Me in paradise.”

Comforting His mother, though He was the suffering One,
He spoke of His disciple, “Woman, behold thy son.”
Shepherd’s love so selfless, thinking of another!
Telling His disciple, “Behold thy mother.”

Refrain: Ah! Hear the words of Jesus...

Hear His lamentation, foretold in prophecy:
“My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?”
The Fount of every blessing for our sakes was cursed!
He gave living water, yet declared, “I thirst.”

Triumphant proclamation! The mighty work is done!
He cried, “It is finished!” Salvation had been won!
His final word (His Father must have longed to hear it!):
“Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit!”

Written and Wrought

"And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, the King of the Jews; but that He said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written" (John 19:19-22).

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews,
For our sakes was smitten, believe it or not.
Scoffers may gather with contrary views,
Yet what has been written shall surely be wrought.

Write it in Hebrew, in Greek, and in Latin;
Write it in all of the languages known!
The Scripture is true; be sure it will happen:
No one shall stall the decree from God's throne.

Neither jot nor a tittle in all of God's Word
Shall ever be wrong, and cannot pass away.
The lot and the little of Scripture we've heard,
No matter how long, shall be wrought in its day.

Reasoning on Rendering

"He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.... What shall I render unto the LORD for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.... I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the LORD" (Psalm 116:12,13,17).

What offering can I afford?
What tribute shall I bring
For all the benefits toward
My soul from Christ my King?

The greatest gift that I can give
Is to surrender all!
And so as long as I shall live,
Upon You, Lord, I'll call.

For Lord, You know my fickle heart
Is prone to stray and falter;
A living sacrifice to start,
That climbs off of the altar.

And so I'll call on Jesus Christ,
To give to me His power
To be a be a living sacrifice
Each day and every hour!

Tripping over Truth

"Jesus answered.... Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice. Pilate saith unto Him, What is truth?" (John 18:37,38).

"What is truth?" is what he said,
Though Truth stared Pilate in the face!
Truth had raised men from the dead,
And Truth extended heaven's grace.

"What is truth?" the world quips,
Though Christ has risen from the grave!
Thus the fool in darkness trips
Still over Truth Who lives to save.

Jordan vs. Jesus

"What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? Thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?.... Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord" (Psalm 114:5,6). Jesus, therefore, knowing all things that should come upon Him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered Him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am. As soon then as He had said unto them I am, they went backward, and fell to the ground" (John 18:4-6).

What ailed you, oh Jordan River
That you were driven back?
Behold, oh earth, the Lord, and quiver:
His presence wrought your act!

What ailed you, Oh feeble band,
When Jesus simply said
In His response to you, "I am,"
That you fell down as dead?

You did not know that you had found
The Lord of lords, your God!
You did not know the holy ground
On which you rashly trod!

Tremble at the great "I am"!
And do not be mistaken:
The earth again shall see the Lamb
And once more shall be shaken!

Poverty to Princely

"He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill, that He may set him with princes, even with he princes of His people" (Psalm 113:7,8). "Better it is that is be said unto thee, Come up hither, than to be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen" (Proverbs 25:7).

How gracious is the Lord
Who stoops in love to lift
The poor who can't afford
The riches of His gift.

Yes, He freely gives it since
He knows we cannot buy
The right to sit as prince
With our Lord of love on high.

From poverty to princely:
Oh what a transformation!
How sweetly He convinced me
To cry for His salvation!

Changeless Cheer

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

In the world we surely shall have tribulation.
But be of good cheer, for Christ overcame!
And so we press on in His changeless salvation;
To build and to battle in His glorious name!

For greater is He Who is in us today,
Than all of the powers of darkness combined!
Let His changeless cheer be a light to our way,
Restoring us daily with His peace of mind.

Excellent Expectation

"Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.... My son, it thine heart be wise, My heart shall rejoice, even Mine.... For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off" (Proverbs 23:5,15,18). "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (John 16:22).

Set not your hope on earthly things,
That very soon decay.
The world's riches make their wings
And surely fly away.

Let Jesus be your Expectation,
Your dear, unfailing Friend!
The riches of His great salvation
Shall never, never end.

Lookingglass Laver

"And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal... For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister.... And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation" (Exodus 30:17-20, 38:8). "Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3).

Behold the laver made of brass
Where servant priests would meet,
Constructed from the lookingglass,
To wash their hands and feet.

Your Word is like that polished laver
That shows to me my sins;
And cleanses me to serve my Savior,
Before my work begins.

Peculiar Peace

"Because I live, ye shall live also.... Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:19,27).

How fragile is this world's peace
That gives no peace of mind!
Her wars continue and increase,
In spite of treaties signed.

How different is the peace of Christ
That Jesus freely gives;
Procured when He was sacrificed,
Secure because He lives.

Fixed on His Faithfulness

"O God, my heart is fixed.... I will praise Thee, O Lord, among the people" (Psalm 108:1,3). "Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man, who can find?" (Proverbs 20:6). "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me... I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me" (John 14:1,6).

My heart is fixed; I rest my mind
Upon the faithfulness and worth
Of Jesus Christ, in Whom we find,
The only faithful Man on earth.

We search the earth and we can see
That many think that they are good.
Yet with a closer scrutiny,
None do as they always should.

None, that is, but Jesus Christ!
Praise Him for His faithfulness
That led Him to be sacrificed,
And forevermore shall bless!

Learning His Love

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.... Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD" (Psalm 107:31,43). "Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end.... Jesus said... A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another" (John 13:1,31,34).

Whoso shall observe the things
That Jesus said and did,
Shall understand the love He brings;
His way shall not be hid.

The more that we have learned His love,
The more we understand
What Jesus Christ was speaking of
When He gave His command.

As He loved us, so should we
Be loving one another.
By His model we can see
How we should love each other.

Regretfully Restrained

"And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make anymore work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing" (Exodus 36:5,6). "Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light.... While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light" (John 12:35,36).

The kind who put off till tomorrow
What the Lord commands today,
May find to their surprise and sorrow,
Time for service passed away.

While we have the light to work,
Let's use our opportunity!
How regretful if we shirk
Our own responsibility!

Yes, one day we shall be restrained,
So seize the day and count the cost.
Days lived for the Lord are gained,
And days lived otherwise are lost.

Sir, We Would See

"Sir, we would see Jesus... Jesus answered, The hour is come, that the Son of Man should be glorified.... For this cause came I unto this hour" (John 12:21-27).

Sir, we would see Jesus, and then make Him known,
For no one else frees us, but Jesus us alone.
We'd follow His path from heaven above;
To save us from wrath, He came down in love.

Sir, we would see Jesus, and look on His face,
To know how He sees us with marvelous grace.
We'd follow His trail that led to the cross:
We see Him prevail; He came for this cause.

Sir, we would see Jesus, Whom death could not hold.
Let His passion seize us, and let us be bold.
We'd follow His Spirit, and go forth to tell,
To all who will hear it, that Christ saves from hell.

Willing Worship

"Take ye from among you and offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD.... And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD's offering.... And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted" (Exodus 35:5-22). "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment" (John 12:3).

Let everyone that's willing-hearted,
Bring an offering to the Lord.
Give to God what He's imparted,
Like the ointment Mary poured.

How cannot our hearts be stirred
When we thus view Him on the cross,
According to His faithful word,
To save us from eternal loss?

What then shall we bring to Him?
What kind offering can suffice?
Fill our hearts, Lord, to the brim,
To pour them out in sacrifice.

Believe and Behold

"Show me now Thy way, that I may know Thee.... And he [Moses] said, I beseech Thee, show me now Thy glory" (Exodus 33:13,18). "He made known His ways unto Moses" (Psalm 103:7). "Jesus saith unto her [Martha], Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" (John 11:40).

Show me now Your way, O Lord,
That I may better know
The glory that may be explored
In Christ that You will show.

Remember now what Jesus said,
When standing at the grave
Where Lazarus was four days dead,
And this command He gave:

"Take away the stone." That's all.
But unbelief objected.
And then He bade them to recall
How glory was detected.

His glory He would soon display
If they would just believe;
And thus believing, then obey,
And they would then perceive.

How many times has it been so
That I have not believed,
And missed the glory God would show,
And thus His heart I grieved?

Earnestly and Early

"Be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto Mount Sinai, and present thyself there to Me in the top of the mount. And no man shall come up with thee... And Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto Mount Sinai, as he Lord had commanded him, and took in his hand two tables of stone. And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord" (Exodus 34: 2-5).

Be ready in the morning to hear the word of God.
Above the world's scorning, above what men applaud,
Reserve this special time apart, come early and alone,
That God may write upon your heart, as once He did on stone.

Come earnestly and early with an attentive ear.
Draw near to God and surely, He also will draw near.
Come up into His presence, before the morning ends.
This is the daily essence of the blessing God extends.

Surety of His Sheep

"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand" (John 10:27,28).

How good it is to surely know
We are the Savior's sheep.
We're in the hand that won't let go,
Forever His to keep.

We hear His voice, He knows us well,
He shelters us from strife;
We follow Him, He saves from hell,
And gives eternal life.

Credible Creator

"Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture" (Psalm 100:3).

The science books upon the shelves that atheists applaud,
Affirm that we have made ourselves without the hand of God.
This is the dogma in our schools; they call it evolution.
God has rightly called them fools who hold to this conclusion.

But God has told us very clearly, we are His creation,
Though atheists will hold that theory in their desperation.
Yet God has told us furthermore that we are His own sheep.
This is the truth the fools ignore that we, His people, keep.

Invention vs. Integrity

"Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.... Thou was a God that forgavest them, though Thou tookest vengeance of their inventions" (Psalm 99:8). "The integrity of the upright shall guide them" (Proverbs 11:3). "One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.... Herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes.... If this Man were not of God, He could do nothing.... And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshiped Him" (John 9:25-38).

How marvelous a thing we see,
That man with his inventions
Is blind without integrity,
In spite of best intentions.

Inventions of religious minds
Can never be our guide.
Religion only further blinds
And turns our hearts aside.

God is giving full attention
To those with integrity.
Cast away your vain invention,
And His truth shall make you free.

Night is Near

"He that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame" (Proverbs 10:5). "The night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4).

The fields are ready, the harvest is white;
Rise up while the day is still here!
For no one can work when the day turns to night;
Awake, O my soul: night is near!

Awake to the danger of procrastination
That can't pay back time it will borrow.
Today is the day we must call for salvation!
Now boast not yourself of tomorrow.

The Call to Come

"Wisdom... hath killed her beasts... she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city... Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled" (Proverbs 9:1-5).

Wisdom is calling us now to the feast:
All things are ready, so come now and dine.
The table once spread with the sacrificed beast,
Has now been replaced with bread and with wine.

Come now and eat, in remembrance, the bread,
And drink of the wine Christ has mingled for us.
Jesus who died and who rose from the dead,
Calls us today to remember Him thus.

Word to the World

"And He said unto them; Ye are from beneath, I am from above... If ye continue in My word, then are ye my disciples indeed: and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:23,31,32).

Yes! It's possible to know
The truth of God's abiding love,
Though we are from the world below,
And God is from the heights above.

For God has sent His Word to us
By prophets who foretold
The promises of God and thus
The truth confirmed we hold.

Now Christ has come and we have heard
His words to you and me:
If we continue in His Word,
The truth shall make us free.

Hiding our Hardening

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness" (Psalm 95:6-8).

The Gospel music may be playing,
The call to worship loud,
Yet hear now what the Lord is saying,
We're not lost in the crowd.

The worship lyrics are not wrong,
That call us here to kneel,
But God does not reprove the song,
But hearts that He would heal.

How subtle is the hardened heart
Beneath the happy mask
That sings the song and plays the part;
O what a weary task!

Today your weary heart is bidden
To hear God's voice contest.
Your hardened heart has not been hidden;
Return and find your rest!

Doctrine of Discernment

"They say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see? He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not He correct? He that teacheth man knowledge, shall not He know?" (Psalm 94:9,10). "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine" (John 7:17).

The doctrine of discernment's key
To many is not clear.
They say the Lord shall never see.
They say He does not hear.

When will the foolish be made wise?
When will they choose to hear?
Shall not He see who formed our eyes
And hear who made the ear?

If anyone will do God's will,
His doctrine shall be known.
Those who will not shall fulfill
What prophets long have shown.

For mockers in the latter days
Shall willfully ignore
The evidence that God displays,
The key to wisdom's door.

But God is waiting, calling still
And bids humanity
To come now, whosoever will,
To Christ who holds the key.

Weakness of the Waves

"The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods have lifted 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).

The floods have lifted up their waves!
Oh Lord, what shall we do?
They mock the truth that Jesus saves;
They say it isn't true!

They crash and break upon the shore,
And with their rising tide,
Advance their falsehood more and more,
Yet are not satisfied.

The floods have lifted up their voice,
But God has said, "Be still,
And Let the waters make their noise,
But you obey My will."

And thus He calms the storm in me,
And makes me understand,
He's greater than the raging sea;
He still is in command.

Freedom of the Fruitful

Independence Day

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age... to show that the LORD is upright: He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him" (Psalm 92:13-15). "The truth shall make you free... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:32,36). "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

The freedom to be fruitful now
And in the days ahead,
Our God has promised to endow
To all those Spirit-led.

For if the Son shall make us free
We shall be free indeed,
To flourish like the cedar tree
As God supplies our need.

So may we show by fruitfulness,
In old age or in youth,
In God, our Rock, is righteousness,
And freedom in His truth.

Wonderful Will

"And this is the Father's will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that everyone which seeth the Son and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day" (John 6:39,40).

The Father's will was clearly done
For those Christ came to save:
That He would not lose even one
Of those the Father gave.

The Father's will in Jesus Christ
Was that we all should see,
That He for us was sacrificed,
And trusting, be made free.

How wonderful the Father's will!
His love has found a way
To give us life, and further still,
To raise us up one day!

Wearing our Wisdom

"And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he many minister unto Me in the priest's office" (Exodus 28:2,3). "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom... And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it" (Psalm 90:12,17).

Garments of glory and beauty were made
By those who applied their God-given arts.
So may the beauty of Christ be displayed,
By numbering our days and applying our hearts.

Melody of Mercy

"I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known Thy faithfulness to all generations... Justice and judgment are the habitation of Thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before Thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound... In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted" (Psalm 89:1,14-16).

The melody of mercy that God Himself makes known
And His faithfulness to every generation,
Does not deny the justice and the judgment of His throne,
But satisfies them fully in salvation.

For His mercy and His truth in Jesus Christ are found
To go before fulfilling judgment's claim.
How happy are those people who know that joyful sound,
Rejoicing all the day in Jesus' name!

Search the Son

"Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son's name, if thou canst tell? Every word of God is pure: He is a Shield unto them that put their trust in Him" (Proverbs 30:4,5). "Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17).

Who ascended up above?
Who came down below?
Who has shown us heaven's love?
Tell me if you know.

Who commands the winds and sea,
And they obey His voice?
Who created you and me,
And gave to us a choice?

The choice is ours to use our mind
To search God's glorious Son.
Those who do shall surely find
There's none like Him, not one!

The Father works, and so do I,
Our Lord and Savior said.
And so for us He came to die,
And rise up from the dead.

How marvelous to search the Son,
By meditating thus!
He saw us in our sins undone
And came to rescue us!

Every word of God is pure;
His Son is there revealed.
Those who trust Him can be sure
That He will be their Shield.

Glorious Gates

"The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. Selah.... And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest Himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count, when He writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah." (Psalm 87:2-6). "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he the reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together" (John 4:35,36).

Lift up your eyes and see the gates
As the door to heaven above.
This is why the Scripture states
God has set on them His love.

Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Gates of Zion, as we're told
Sinners once defiled, broken,
Now may walk the streets of gold!

This and that one have been written
In the book of Zion's roll,
For God's Lamb for us was smitten,
Tasting death for every soul.

Harmonize my Heart

"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: and I will glorify Thy name for evermore" (Psalm 86:11,12). "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).

Harmonize my heart, O Lord;
Unite it by Your fear
Like an orchestrated chord
That's pleasing to Your ear.

Lord You know my tendency
To live by my emotion.
Give to me Your harmony
That's driven by devotion.

Teach me, Lord, Your way that I
May always put You first.
Let Your Spirit satisfy
This harmonizing thirst.

King's Key

"This my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:29,30).

How incredible but true the love of Jesus is!
No wonder John the Baptist was so completely thrilled!
To know that He is mine, and I'm forever His
Floods my soul with peace, and my joy is thus fulfilled.

My heart is satisfied, yet I long for even more;
What was true of John, is true of you and me:
If we would enter fullest joy, Christ Jesus is the door,
And more of Him, but less of us, His key.

Preparatory Presence

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee, in whose heart are the ways of them, who passing through the valley of Baca (weeping), make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools; they go from strength to strength; everyone of them in Zion appeareth before God... For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:5-11).

Strength and blessing, grace and glory,
No good thing will God withhold.
His presence is preparatory;
We're invited to be bold.

Fill your cup to overflowing;
God can use all its excesses
For the comfort He's bestowing
In the work that He thus blesses.

Messenger for the Master

"As the cold of snow in time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.... As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country" (Proverbs 25:13,25).

As snow atop the mountain
Refreshes those below,
When it becomes a fountain
Of rushing streams that flow,

Let me thus refresh the heart
Of a thirsty soul today,
By the good news I impart
Through the Gospel I convey.

Commission of Compassion

"Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked" (Psalm 82:3,4). "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? And shall not He render to every man according to His works?" (Proverbs 24:11,12).

Defend the poor and fatherless;
Deliver the afflicted.
Do these commands of tenderness
Make our hearts convicted?

Then let conviction come, and thus
May we be stirred to heed!
For thereby God commissions us
To meet another's need.

Virtue for Vomit

"I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would none of Me. So I gave them up to their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.... With honey out of the Rock should I have satisfied thee" (Psalm 81:10-16). "The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words" (Proverbs 23:8). "But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God.... Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:12,29).

Thank you, Lord! You took away
The vomit of my sin,
And gave Your virtue that I may
By grace be born again.

Thank You, Lord, for what You gave
And took away from me!
The vomit of my sin that clave
Is gone and I am free!

Written and Wrought

"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 22:20,21). "These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Me" (Luke 24:44).

Excellent things in counsels and thought
Are written from God to you and to me.
Promises written and perfectly wrought,
Makes the truth certain, and truth makes us free.

The Law and the prophets must all be fulfilled,
As well as the Psalms and the words Jesus said.
Thus it was written that Christ would be killed,
And also that Jesus would rise from the dead.

How great is the certainty God thereby gives!
How great is our mission with which we are tasked!
Equipped with the knowledge that Jesus Christ lives,
We ought to be ready to answer when asked.

Muting the Mocker

"Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God?" (Psalm 79:10). "The He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?" (Luke 24:25,26).

Why should those who think they're wise
Still say, "Where is your God?"
They plug their ears and close their eyes;
Their reasoning is flawed.

Dear believer, don't be swayed
By those who will not see.
Behold the evidence displayed!
The truth shall make you free!

The evidence is in God's Word
By all the prophets said.
And just in case you haven't heard,
Our Lord rose from the dead!

If fools will not believe today,
It's not for lack of proof.
So let them say what they will say,
And let them stand aloof.

Let not your heart be troubled then
By fools and all their talk.
God told us there would be such men
Who ignorantly mock.

Concerning Conversing

"And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them.... And He said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?" (Luke 24:15,17).

What manner of communication
With each other have we had?
Now are we speaking of salvation,
Cheering those whose hearts are sad?

As our Savior now draws near,
Listening to our interaction,
Will the talk that He will hear
Bless His heart with satisfaction?

Let this be the faithful measure
Judging what we think and say:
If it won't give Jesus pleasure,
Cast that thought and word away.

Mount of Mercy

"And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.... And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish" (Exodus 19:18,21). "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him... Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:33,34).

How fearful was the sight and sound
Of Sinai's mount of smoke,
Where no approach to God was found,
As God in judgment spoke.

How merciful the words of grace
On Calvary's mount we hear,
Where Jesus suffered in our place,
And prayed to draw us near.

Weepers Wanted

Father's Day

"There followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him. But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.... For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" (Luke 23:27-31).

Fathers and mothers of this weary world:
Weep for yourselves and your children therein.
Weep for the lost before they are hurled
Into eternity yet in their sin.

Weep if you find you're unable to cry
For souls yet in darkness the Lord longs to save.
Though the green tree is now withered and dry,
Weep while there's hope on this side of the grave.

Pride vs. Promotion

"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). "Hereafter shall the Son of Man sit on the right hand of the power of God" (Luke 22:69).

God sets up one and He also puts down.
God is in charge of promotions allowed.
Jesus is seated with heaven's high crown,
Though he was crowned once with thorns by the proud.

Make no mistake, Christ is coming again
To reign as the King of all kings on this earth.
Be sure every knee shall bow to Him then;
Every mouth shall acknowledge His worth.

Prevailing Prayer

"And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed" (Exodus 17:11). "And when He rose up from prayer, and was come to His disciples, He found them sleeping for sorrow, and said unto them, Why sleep ye? Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation" (Luke 22:45,46).

When Moses lifted up his hand
Then Israel prevailed.
So God would have us understand
The reason we have failed.

We're sleeping when we ought to pray,
And we are not aware
That Satan's host prevails today
When we are not in prayer.

Rise and pray, shake off your sleep,
Or fall into temptation!
Pray that you may daily keep
Prevailing in salvation.

Sanctuary Sights

"I was envious at the foolish.... Until I went into the sanctuary of God: then understood I their end.... So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before Thee. Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast held me by my right hand. 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 73:2,17-25).

What a sight for weary eyes
The sanctuary can afford!
Here the foolish is made wise,
And stills his heart before the Lord.

In the sanctuary now
I see God's holiness.
Rebel mockers soon will bow
And shall His name confess.

Here my foolishness I see;
I did not understand!
Still, O Lord, You stood with me
And held me by my hand.

Lord, You will guide me here on earth,
And afterwards to glory.
In earth or heaven, Lord, Your worth,
Is told in Your love story.

Displaying His Dominion

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

He shall have the clear dominion from the sea to sea.
This is not a mere opinion; this is God's decree.
Till that day our Lord and Savior reigns within His own.
Let us then, by our behavior, make that clearly known.

Song to the Savior

"I will sing unto the LORD, for He hath triumphed gloriously.... The LORD is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation... and I will exalt Him" (Exodus 15:1,2). "My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto Thee; and my soul, which Thou hast redeemed" (Psalm 71:23).

Lord, You are my strength and song,
And You are my salvation.
My lips shall sing the whole day long
With joyful exaltation.

You have triumphed gloriously,
Though You were sorely bruised;
Yes, bruised for my iniquity,
And for my sins abused.

And now my heart belongs to You;
My soul You have redeemed.
I wake each day to find it true,
More than I could have dreamed!

Stand Still

"And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today" (Exodus 14:13).

As sure as there's a time to run,
There is a time for standing still.
When our obedience is done,
It's time to wait upon His will.

It's not a time for us to fear,
Nor is it time to feed frustration.
Stand still as God is drawing near,
And you will see the Lord's salvation.

Reproached for my Redemption

"For thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered My face.... The reproaches of them that reproached Thee are fallen upon Me.... Thou hast known My reproach.... Reproach hath broken My heart, and I am full of heaviness" (Psalm 69:7,9,18-20). "The Son of God... loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

How heavy was my Savior's load
Who bore reproaches for my sake,
And thus redemption was bestowed,
And my unrighteousness did take.

O Heart of heaviness for me!
O broken Heart to heal mine!
Lord, now I worship as I see,
The selfless love in Your resign.

Lord, let me linger by Your cross,
Though You're now enthroned above,
To think of my eternal loss,
Had You not come down in love!

Ready Rocks

"And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, Master, rebuke Thy disciples. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out" (Luke 19:37-40).

The rocks were ready to proclaim
The glory of our Lord,
If men would not exalt the name
That ought to be adored.

Jesus Christ, our Lord and King,
Let rocks their silence keep!
Why should rocks say anything,
Unless we are asleep!

Was it for rocks You suffered thus
And rose up from the dead?
Not for rocks! You died for us!
Should rocks praise You instead?

O spare us, Lord, the awful shame
Of silence in our day.
Let us spread abroad Your fame
By all we do and say.

To Seek and To Save

"The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

Son of God and Son of Man,
You're the only One who can
Devise and carry out the plan
To seek and save the lost.

Seeker of our souls astray,
Savior of the world today,
Only You could find a way
And then would pay the cost.