Fountain Found

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" (Psalm 42:1,2). "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:27).

My soul is panting as a deer
That thirsts for water brooks.
This desert has no water here,
No matter where one looks.

Yet I have found a Fountainhead,
Not from this world's well,
But in the fear of God instead
That bids us turn from hell.

This world's snares of death abound,
And all her wells are dry.
But heaven's Fountain has been found
Whose waters satisfy!

Come and satisfy your thirst
Where godly fear begins.
Flee from fountains dry and cursed,
And wash away your sins!

Familiar Friend

"Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.... By this I know that Thou favorest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me" (Psalm 41:9,11). "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed" (Proverbs 13:20).

This world poses as a friend,
Yet readily betrays
The one whose morals will not bend,
Conforming to its ways.

This world's friendship still, I know,
Will call me with seduction,
Yet lift its heel as my foe
And seek my soul's destruction.

I have a Friend Who cannot fail,
Who shields me with favor.
My enemy shall not prevail,
Because He is my Savior.

The wise will choose companions well
Who also love the Christ
Who rescued them from sin and hell
When He was sacrificed.

Beware of the familiar friend
That laughs and leads astray
Until your path comes to its end,
Then looks the other way.

Throng of His Thoughts

"Many, O Lord my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to usward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered... Sacrifice and offering Thou didst not desire... Lo, I come: in the volume of the Book it is written of Me.... The Lord thinketh upon me: Thou are my Help and my Deliverer" (Psalm 40:5-7, 18).

Consider the thoughts of our Lord toward us
That throng us with mercies so kind.
They cannot be reckoned; they're too numerous
To count or to grasp with our mind.

But God has selected, and thus simplified,
Some wonderful thoughts in this throng,
By showing His mercy and truth prophesied,
To give us our joyful new song!

Now in the volume of Scripture I see
His promise to die for my sin!
How precious the truth that He thinks upon me!
It's almost too much to take in!

Worth Winning

"He that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30).

What is really worth our striving
That will gain the hard-won prize?
What's our purpose that is driving?
He that wins a soul is wise!

When we take the time to pause
And prayerfully prioritize,
What's our most important cause?
He that wins a soul is wise!

The ultimate reality
Is what's important in God's eyes.
What is God's priority?
He that wins a soul is wise!

Christ has so esteemed our worth
That He would suffer, die, and rise.
That is why He came to earth.
He that wins a soul is wise!

Let us then assess the soul
By what the Scripture testifies.
Read it in the Sacred Scroll:
"He that winneth souls is wise."

Gospel in the Gap

"I sought for a man among them, that they should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none" (Ezekiel 22:30). "I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21:13).

God is still searching for those who will heed
His calling to stand in gap for the land.
He's looking for those who will yet intercede,
And those who steadfastly for His name will stand.

Whom shall He find, then, to make up the hedge
And stand in the breach of the broken down wall
Where so many souls at eternity's edge
Have not yet responded to God's gracious call?

Stand in the gap while God is yet seeking
For those who are ready to share the good news.
Silence is sin when we ought to be speaking
To plead with the souls who have so much to lose!

Seasoned Servants

"And when they were come to him [Paul], he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.... For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:18,27).

God will season every servant
As He leads them on through life.
Thus He makes them faithful, fervent,
Through times of peace and times of strife.

From the first day to the last,
God is working in His own.
Every care on Him we cast,
As we trust in Him alone.

God is faithful in all seasons,
Though we falter and we fail.
Add that to your list of reasons
Why you know He will prevail.

Let us therefore never shun
To show the counsel of God's grace,
For seasons here shall soon be done,
And we shall see Him face to face.

Rather than Rubies

"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 the favor of the Lord" (Proverbs 8:11,35).

How shall we measure what wisdom is worth
That bids us to trust in the Lord?
It's better than rubies and all that the earth
In her hidden treasure has stored.

Better than all that the heart may desire
Is wisdom that our God prepares
For those who will seek Him; no treasure is higher!
There's nothing that even compares!

Come and explore these riches untold
As wisdom unveils God's favor.
Rather than rubies or silver or gold,
Choose wisdom, and thus find the Savior!

Sharing amid Shouting

"And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians" (Acts 19:33,34).

The world chooses not to hear
The truth that leaves no doubt.
So if a voice would make it clear,
They simply drown it out.

Those who give a clear defense
That Jesus Christ is Lord,
No matter how much evidence,
Are often just ignored.

There may be those among that crowd
To whom our God is speaking;
So while the Gospel is allowed,
We preach for those yet seeking.

The world has its angry voices
That shout with consternation.
We do not make for them their choices,
But plead for their salvation.

Commended Commandment

"My son, keep thy Father's commandment.... When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee" (Proverbs 6:20,22).

Our Father in heaven has given command
To love Him with all that's within:
With heart, soul, and strength that He gives us to stand
With every new day we begin.

Our Father's commandment should surely be kept,
For daily it leads as we walk;
It also will keep us whenever we've slept,
And when we awake it will talk.

And so God commends His commandment to us,
For He surely knows what we need.
While sleeping, when waking, and going forth thus
He will keep, He will talk, and will lead.

Global Goodness

"The Word of the Lord is right... The the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.... He spake and it was (done); He commanded and it stood fast.... Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death.... He is our Help and our Shield" (Psalm 33:4,5,9,19-20).

The goodness of God is everywhere found
In all of the earth wherever we look.
Through all of creation His glories abound,
As well as in every word in His Book.

How great are the things in the earth our Lord does,
Upholding all things by the Word of His power!
By that Word of power, He spoke and it was:
Each marvelous creature, each beautiful flower.

Yet there is a goodness beyond His creation
(Though that is enough to exhaust heaven's praise).
Come, read in His Word of His wondrous salvation:
How great is the goodness His mercy displays!

Interrupted by Instruction

"Blessed is the man... in whose spirit there is no guile... Thou art my Hiding Place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. I will instruct thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye" (Psalm 32:2,7,8).

Sometimes God may interrupt
A thing or two we say,
And though at times it seems abrupt,
We're better off that way.

Yes, even in the midst of praise
That sings of His perfection,
The Lord, in unexpected ways,
May greet us with correction.

Yet I would rather have instructions
Preserving me from trouble,
Than vain and lofty introductions
That end in moral rubble.

Thank you, Lord, for your reproof
That interrupts our style
To rescue us when we're aloof
And blinded by our guile.

Courage to Continue

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord" (Psalm 31:9). "Then spake the Lord to Paul in a night vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace. For I am with thee" (Acts 18:10,11).

Take courage, all who trust the Lord!
Don't let your heart despair.
The strength you need will be restored;
Just cast on Him your care.

Take courage! Hear what God has said:
"Be not afraid, but speak!"
Trust not yourself, but Christ instead,
And you shall not be weak.

Take courage! Give your trembling heart
To Christ, your strong Defender.
The strength He gives He will impart
When we to Him surrender.

Senseless Silence

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent" (Psalm 30:11,12).

How can I be silent? Why shouldn't I sing?
God has replaced my sackcloth of sadness!
The grave has been conquered! Death lost its sting!
I'm dancing with joy and I'm girded with gladness!

It doesn't make sense to go on in sorrow:
The Lord is my Savior and very best Friend!
He's always been faithful, He will be tomorrow,
And shall be forever, for days without end.

The reason for silence has vanished away;
The reason for singing is clearly in view:
Once, like a sheep, I was going astray.
Now I am saved, and I'm heaven bound too!

Bible vs. Babble

"And Paul, as his manner was... reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead, and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.... Then certain philosophers... encountered him. And some said, what will this babbler say?" (Acts 17:2,18).

The clearest message through the ages,
With evidence for its conclusion,
Is found within the Bible's pages
In contrast to this world's confusion.

Philosophers may lightly dabble
Within the Scriptures now and then,
Yet hold to philosophic babble,
Preferring words from mortal men.

Let us therefore clearly see
This world's babble in disguise,
That mocks all those who disagree,
And praises all who deem it wise.

Let the Bible take its place
Above this world's noisy chatter,
And speak with confidence and grace
Of things that shall forever matter.

Recipe for Ruin

"O Lord, my Rock, be not silent to me: lest if Thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down to the pit.... Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them, and not build them up" (Psalm 28:1,5). "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy" (Ezekiel 16:49).

Their idleness, indifference,
Their pride, and stomachs full
Each had wrought their consequence
In Sodom's wretched soul.

These were the ingredients,
That awful recipe,
That raged against Omnipotence,
And wrought iniquity.

Lord, we need to hear Your voice,
And not this world's seduction,
Lest we likewise make their choice
And fall by their destruction.

Let idle hands be strengthened now!
Replace indifference with love!
Instead of pride, let's humbly bow,
And find our fullness from above!

Prisoner's Priority

"And the keeper of the prison.... said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved. And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:27-31).

Life was just a hopeless prison
Until the Savior made me free.
For me He died, for me He's risen,
And He is my Priority.

The Lord could see humanity
Was hopelessly depraved.
He made us His priority,
That we might thus be saved.

So now this is our highest call,
Our great priority:
To make the Savior known to all;
He holds our prison key.

His freedom we may all receive
If we will let Him in,
And all of those who will believe
Are pardoned from their sin.

Righteous Rulers

"When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.... Many seek the ruler's favor, but every man's judgment cometh from the Lord" (Proverbs 29:2,26).

Lord of heaven, hear our prayer,
Though we don't deserve Your grace:
Give us rulers that prepare
To serve You in this time and place.

Many seek the ruler's favor,
But all too few are seeking God.
Give us those who love the Savior,
Not the power men applaud.

Let the ruler's of Your choice,
Come into authority
That Your people may rejoice,
As you answer thus our plea.

We're waiting, Lord, for Your return
When the trumpet blast shall sound.
Until that day we'll pray and yearn
For righteous rulers to be found.

Searching His Secrets

"What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose... The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant" (Psalm 25:12,14).

Search the secrets God has hidden
That He whispers in the ear.
All who fear the Lord are bidden
In their meekness to draw near.

Search the secrets of the ages:
Hear the voice of God today
In the Holy Scriptures' pages;
Hear what God the Lord will say.

Search the secrets of God's heart:
Hear the cause for which He came.
Search the Savior's inward part,
The love that made Him bear our shame.

Search the secrets God makes known
To everyone who fears the Lord.
Thus He bids us to His throne,
And those who seek Him He'll reward.

Charge and Challenge

"Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle... The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory" (Psalm 24:7-10).

Lift up your heads at last, O you gates;
And lift up your everlasting doors.
Creation is groaning and anticipates
The King shall come in and its glory restore.

Who is this King of glory proclaimed?
Why should He rule and thus enter in?
He's Jesus, above every name that is named,
Mighty in battle against death and sin.

One day He's coming to reign on this earth.
He's coming again to take sovereign control.
Yet we who now know Him acknowledge His worth,
And even now own Him as Lord of our soul.

Comforting Correction

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.... Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" (Psalm 23:1,4).

I know that I shall never lack
Whatever I shall truly need.
My Lord was faithful, looking back,
And faithfully He yet will lead.

Sometimes He will give direction,
By His staff and gentle hand;
Sometimes by His rod, correction,
That thereby I might understand.

There's more than human eye can see;
I know I have not seen the half
Of all the comfort given me
By my Shepherd's rod and staff.

Declare it Done!

"The meek shall eat and be satisfied; they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live forever.... A seed shall serve Him.... They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done this" (Psalm 22:26,30,31).

The work is done that saves forever.
Come, declare our Savior's deed!
Mankind's very best endeavor
Never could have met our need.

Done! How sweet this one word is
That now declares the work complete,
By which the Lord declares us His,
And thereby truth and mercy meet.

There's nothing left for us to do
But live out our appreciation,
And thus declare that it is true
That Christ accomplished our salvation.

Declare His righteousness today;
Sing the praise of God the Son!
Let His seed arise and say:
Come and see what He has done!

Rejoicing in the Right

"The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Psalm 19:8). "The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge.... That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge that I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth?" (Proverbs 22:12,19-21).

Rejoice in the knowledge that God's word is right;
We have the certainty that His words are true!
Come, let your soul in His counsels delight
In excellent things that are written to you!

Rejoice in assurance: these prophecies written
Provide all the proof that we ever could hold!
The Lord took His place as the Lamb of God smitten;
Come, read the pages of history foretold!

Rejoice in the logic, "connecting the dots,"
For God has established His impeccable Word,
Inspiring His words and preserving His thoughts,
That we may believe in the Gospel we've heard!

Haughty Herod

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will" (Proverbs 21:1). "Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration... And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost" (Acts 12:21-23).

Herod loved to hear the praise
Of those who said he was a god.
But God would terminate his days
By worms which were His judgment rod.

Herod sat upon his throne
As if, as god, he called each shot.
But God thereafter made it known
That God was God, and he was not.

Herod never had a clue
That he would speak to his demise.
Apparently he never knew
The fear of God that makes one wise.

Herod in his haughtiness
Is not an odd, uncommon story.
How many like him won't confess
Or give to God His rightful glory!

Kept by Kindness

"Show Thy marvelous lovingkindness.... Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.... As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness" (Psalm 17:7,8).

Kept as the apple of God's watchful eye,
Hid in the shadow of His healing wings:
How sweetly these images thus testify
Of kindness that keeps us and mercy that clings.

In all of life's journey we rest in His love.
He faithfully leads us and calms every fear,
And when we are called to be with Him above,
We shall in His marvelous likeness appear.

We're saved by His grace, kept by His kindness,
And called to be witnesses in all the earth.
The world we live in is smitten with blindness,
With no source of healing without a new birth.

So let us be faithful to clearly make known:
The grace of our God has appeared to mankind.
In view of the marvelous love God has shown,
Let's pray for the healing of those who are blind.

Perfected with Purpose

"Therefore my heart is glad.... Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:9,11). "Barnabas... when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord" (Acts 11:22,23).

Let us exhort one another today
To cleave to the Lord with a purpose of heart.
Let us encourage each other to pray,
When we are together or when we're apart.

Let us draw near to our Lord's throne of grace
That we may come boldly for help in our need.
Let us together now seek our Lord's face,
As children of God whom His Spirit will lead.

This is the purpose we have from our Lord
That binds us together, perfecting our love;
This is the prize that we're pressing toward:
Our fullness of joy in His presence above.

Contradicting Contrast

"But I [Peter] said, Not so, Lord.... What was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:7,17).

Do you hear the contradiction
In what Peter's heart outpoured?
"Not so, Lord" denied conviction,
Thus confusing who was Lord.

Yet, though Peter's words were flawed,
He later changed his backward thought:
"What was I to withstand God?"
These were words the Spirit taught.

It's good to meditate awhile
On what the Word of God conveys.
"Not so, Lord" is out of style
With giving God His rightful praise.

So cause us, Lord, to be inclined
To be consistent and obey.
Revive us, Lord, renew our mind,
And teach us what we ought to say.

Heart to Hear

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm 14:1). "Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?" (Proverbs 17:16). "We are all here present before God, to hear all the things that are commanded thee of God" (Acts 10:33).

The fool has no delight to hear
The truth God would impart,
And so he simply stops his ear
And hardens thus his heart.

The fool may sound like he's sincere
And come with price in hand,
But what's the point if he won't hear
And follow God's command?

How great the contrast that we see
In those who have prepared
To listen with humility
To what God has declared.

Let us therefore likewise be
Prepared to hear and heed
And follow Christ obediently
Wherever He will lead.

Go beyond Gold

"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold, and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!" (Proverbs 16:16).

We go for the medals, the silver and gold,
And those who achieve them we rightly applaud.
Yet there is a prize with a value untold
For those who obtain the approval of God.

Better is wisdom with all its rewards,
As we set our hearts on achieving its goal,
Than all of the gain that this world affords,
For what shall it profit the perishing soul?

Let’s go beyond gold in every endeavor,
Running with patience our heavenward race,
Giving the glory to God who forever
Will save us and keep us with wisdom and grace.

Source for all Seasons

"The words of the Lord are pure words" (Psalm 12:6). A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! .... The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (Proverbs 15:23,28).

Questions often come to mind
That make us search for reason.
It's in the Word of God we find
An answer in due season.

In times of joy or times of strife
We may be called to speak.
The answers that we need in life,
God gives to those who seek.

Therefore we are called upon
To study from God's source.
For seasons come and soon are gone
As life has run its course.

Oh what a source is ours today
Where answers thus abound!
If we will study and obey,
God's wisdom shall be found.

Godliness isn't Gullible

"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going" (Proverbs 14:15).

Beware of gullibility
That masquerades as godliness:
We dare not think naivety
Is like the faith that God will bless.

The simpleton believes each word
And will not search with diligence,
While prudence weighs what she has heard
Against God's massive evidence.

Yes, evidence of things not seen
Is based on what our God has shown.
The Word of God on which we lean
Is by that evidence made known.

The evidence in prophecy,
The resurrection from the grave,
Establishes for you and me,
The faith by which our God will save.

Beware: there is no true salvation
Within a faith that's dead and blind.
Faith invites investigation,
And satisfies the heart and mind.

Scales of Scorn

"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized" (Acts 9:17,18).

God has removed the scales of scorn
That kept me from seeing the glory of Christ.
The dark night is over; oh, glorious morn!
I see now the love of the Lamb sacrificed.

Once I had scorned, in my arrogant youth,
The idea that absolute truth could be known.
But God intervened, and He showed me the truth
Which He had so clearly in Jesus Christ shown.

How could I have missed it? How plain now it is!
The scales of blindness have now been removed.
I know He is mine, and I know I am His.
The evidence stands and the verdict is proved.

The witnesses speak and present their conclusion:
The prophecies written are clearly fulfilled.
The grave is still empty; there is no confusion,
Except in the minds of the stubborn, self-willed.

Right Reply

"And Saul.... fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:1-6).

The Lord will ask each sinner why,
As He once did to Saul.
He'll listen for a right reply,
As to each one He'll call.

We do not need to hear a voice
Or see a brilliant light
For us to make a prudent choice,
Responding to Him right.

The questions we should ask are two:
The first: Who are You, Lord?
And then: What will You have me do?
In honesty outpoured.

How merciful is God to those
Who rightly have replied
To Jesus Christ who died and rose
For those He justified!

Mockery of Money

"Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money" (Acts 8:20).

You may have heard that old cliché
Which says that "money talks."
But what indeed does money say?
Beware! It sometimes mocks!

Blessings money cannot buy
Are mocked by implication,
If one would even think to try
To purchase God's salvation!

If you could purchase all the earth
And all the things you cherish,
Without Christ, what are they worth?
They'll mock you when they perish.

Come to Christ by grace alone,
And thank Him for His love,
That prompted Him to leave His throne,
With blessings from above.

For God is far too rich to sell,
And we're too poor to buy
Our ransom from the depths of hell;
It's mockery to try.

Welome Words

"Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon Thee: Thou saidst, Fear not. O Lord, Thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; Thou hast redeemed my life" (Lamentations 3:57,58).

God has said "Fear not" to me,
And that is quite enough
To calm my fears, to make me free,
And smooth the pathway rough.

A billion reasons wait in line
Persuading me to fear.
What are these, since Christ is mine,
And He has drawn so near?

Oh what welcome words of grace:
"Fear not!" our God has spoken.
He pleads our cause, He makes His case,
And heals the heart that's broken.

These are welcome words indeed:
Our Lord has said, "Fear not!"
The blood of Christ shall for us plead,
For by His blood we're bought.

Morning Mercies

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my Portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him" (Lamentations 3:22-25).

The mercies of our Lord prevail;
Every one of them are true.
For His compassions do not fail;
Every morning they are new.

The treasures of the Lord are full;
They fill my cup beyond the brim.
He is my Portion, says my soul,
And therefore will I hope in Him.

The faithfulness of God is great;
We rest on His unchanging love.
The Lord is good to those who wait
And set their hearts on things above.

Ushered Upward

"My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up" (Psalm 5:3).

In the morning when I rise
And ponder what the day may bring,
I will early lift my eyes
To Jesus Christ, my Lord and King.

I will offer up my prayer
And dedicate to Him the day.
I will cast on Him my care
And hear what God the Lord will say.

In the morning as I read
My thoughts are ushered to the throne
Of Him who promises to lead
Each one who trusts in Him alone.

I will open then His Word,
And all His counsel I will hear.
Oh what wisdom I have heard
As to my Lord I have drawn near!

In the early morning hour
I will pray and will look up
To God for wisdom, love and power;
He will fill my empty cup.

It will overflow the brim
With blessings that my Lord has planned,
For every blessing flows from Him,
Who leads and keeps me with His hand.

Trust or Thrust

"And Moses... they understood not... but he that did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a Ruler and a Judge over us?" (Acts 5:22-27).

Joseph, son of Israel,
Was sold to the Egyptians.
(Jesus Christ was sold as well,
Through similar conditions.)

Moses was not understood
The first time that he came.
His reward for doing good
Was thanklessness and shame.

These are portraits on the pages
Of our world's history,
Of Christ rejected through the ages,
By force or apathy.

It all comes down this one thing:
To trust the Lord today.
If you don't worship Christ the King,
You thrust the Lord away.

Astonishing Apathy

"Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of His fierce anger" (Lamentations 1:12).

Is it nothing to you,
All you who pass by?
With such sorrow in view,
Will you not wonder why?

It is here we discern
By this great devastation
That indifference will earn
In the end condemnation.

Is it nothing to you
Who pass by the cross?
Will you not think it through,
Why our Lord suffered loss?

Our Lord left His throne
To die in our place,
To ransom His own,
And to save us by grace.

Is it nothing to you
That He rose from the dead
As He promised to do,
And the prophets had said?"

Then what will it take
That your heart may be stirred?
Oh sleeper, awake
To the truth of God's Word!

Fight of Fools

"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 (i.e., Christ)... Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron" (Psalm 2:1,2). "If it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:39).

Why indeed would nations fight
Against our awesome God?
He shall put them all to flight,
And break them with His rod.

Why would nations entertain
A war that can't be won?
They rage and plan, but all in vain;
Their counsel is undone.

Why are nations so unwise
In sizing up this war,
Deceiving and deceived by lies
That never worked before?

Why are sinners not inclined
To joyfully surrender,
While God is calling them to find
In Christ a sure Defender?

Why? The question is profound
That probes the rebel's thought.
Yet Christ shall nonetheless be crowned,
And bring their war to nought.

Guided by God

"We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

We ought to live in such a way
That brings God's blessing to our land,
But God alone we must obey
When there's a conflict of command.

It may not make the world applaud
When you hold fast this rule.
The world may label you as odd
And brand you as a fool.

Yet God esteems integrity,
Commending those as wise
Who live before His scrutiny,
Forsaking compromise.

How sweet is this simplicity
That clarifies our choice,
When guided by the clarity
Of heeding our God's voice.

Savior's Symphony

"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness.... Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord" (Psalm 150:1,2,6).

Our God conducts the orchestration
Of His symphony of praise.
We're waiting with anticipation:
He directs each one who plays.

Thus we lift attentive eyes
To see the nod of His direction:
Praise Him in the spacious skies,
For His power and perfection.

Praise Him for His mighty acts:
In all the earth they are not hid.
Creation and the cross are facts:
Now praise the Lord for all He did!

Praise Him for His excellence,
Ascribing greatness to His name.
Our Lord deserves preeminence
For who He is and why He came.

Let each of us devote our breath
In this our Savior's symphony,
Who took away the sting of death
And robbed the grave of victory.

Singing Saints

"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints.... For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds" (Psalm 149:1,4,5).

I have heard the invitation
From my Lord to gladly sing
His praise within the congregation
Where His saints are worshiping.

Sing, O saints! For you know well
The noblest saint is stained with sin,
And thus has earned eternal hell,
But for the grace that entered in.

Sing, for God has beautified
The sinners whom He now calls saints.
Sing! Since Christ for us has died,
Should not our joy eclipse complaints?

Sing, O saints, in joyful glory;
Sing aloud upon your bed!
Awake to find the Gospel story
Is everything our God has said!

Only One

"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).

One name rises, Only One,
That has the power to save:
It is the name of God the Son,
Who God the Father gave.

There is no other qualified
To save the sinful soul
Than Jesus Christ, who for us died,
To pay our debt in full.

Search the world in the past;
Search the nations now,
He is the Only One, at last,
To whom each knee shall bow.

Every tongue shall then confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord,
The Only One whose righteousness
Salvation can afford.

Discerning His Delight

"He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: He taketh no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy" (Psalm 147:10,11). "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised" (Proverbs 31:30).

What could we give to the Lord of creation
That He could not have by just wishing it true?
Come to His cross where He wrought your salvation
Because He delighted so greatly in you.

The Lord is not thrilled over temporal gain;
The strength of a horse or a man He won't treasure.
Such favor deceives; its beauty is vain,
Yet all those who fear Him, in them He takes pleasure.

Refreshing and Restitution

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom heaven must receive unto the times of restitution of all things" (Acts 3:19-21).

The times of refreshing in Christ are now here.
The times of restoring all things is ahead.
Refreshing salvation right now is brought near;
Then Christ shall return and shall reign as He said.

Now is the time when refreshing is sent.
Now is the day to receive Christ the Lord.
His Spirit is pleading with souls to repent
Before judgment comes and His reign is restored.

Come to the Savior; now cast aside doubt.
Come while He bids you, before it's too late.
Come that your sins may be thus blotted out.
Why should the times of refreshing now wait?

Parted for Pardon

"The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). "I will pardon them whom I reserve" (Jeremiah 50:20). "Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:40).

Who indeed has God reserved
For pardon by His grace?
Grace, we know, is not deserved
In all the human race.

What then is the basis for
God setting us apart?
It's not that one deserves it more,
But a true, repentant heart.

The Lord is near to all that call,
That call on Him in truth.
Rich and poor, come, one and all,
The elder and the youth.

Save yourself, then, from this age,
A wicked generation
That yet against the Lord will rage
And spurn His great salvation.

Be parted from the dreadful path
Of those whose hearts are hardened,
Who willfully are choosing wrath,
Instead of being pardoned.

Hints on Happiness

"That there be no complaining in our streets. Happy is that people that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 144:14,15).

Here's a couple hints for achieving happiness:
First of all, be grateful, though others may complain.
Secondly, be mindful that our God would choose to bless
The very ones whose sinfulness has caused our Savior pain.

Happy is that people that is found in such a case!
Yes, happy is that people who belong to Jesus Christ.
He is that Fountainhead of our happiness and grace.
He is the Lamb of God who for us was sacrificed.

Beware of the Boast

"Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Proverbs 27:1).

Boast not yourself in the things of tomorrow.
Seize every moment God gives you today.
Procrastination will surely breed sorrow
And rob you of riches for those who obey.

Beware of the boast that assumes you can wait
To bank on a future that's not guaranteed.
Act in the present, before it's too late,
To say today's word, and to do today's deed.

Calling and Caring

"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path.... I looked on my right hand, and beheld, and but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul" (Psalm 142:3,4).

Lord, as I think of my troubling youth,
When so overwhelmed by the prospect of wrath,
Searching in vain for the knowledge of truth,
You cared for my soul and You then knew my path.

I looked on my right hand for someone to care;
No one would know me; none cared for my soul.
I called out to You, Lord, in desperate prayer:
You heard me, You answered, and You made me whole.

You were the One, Lord, who prompted my heart
To search for a refuge, and find it in You.
You warned me and wooed me that You might impart
A hunger within me to know what is true.

The truth of Your holiness taught me Your fear.
The truth of Your kindness then taught me Your love.
I called, and You cared, and You brought me so near,
That You'll not be closer (though clearer) above.

Triumphant Trust

"Mine eyes are unto Thee, O God the Lord: in Thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute" (Psalm 141:8).

My eyes are fixed upon You, Lord,
My God in whom I safely trust,
My Strength, my Shield, and my Sword,
Who justifies me and is Just.

Where else can I put my trust?
Not in mortal man who dies!
I shall not put my faith in dust,
But on the Lord I'll fix my eyes.

My soul shall not be destitute;
I trust the One who cannot fail.
For by His grace I shall bear fruit,
And by His power shall prevail.

Wise in the War

"O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle" (Psalm 140:7). By wise counsel thou shalt make thy war" (Proverbs 24:6). "Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood" (Jeremiah 48:10).

God will never sound retreat
Nor call for compromise.
It is the counsel of deceit
That counsels otherwise.

The battle rages on today;
We have the Spirit's sword.
Cursed is he who turns away
From following the Lord.

Christ will lead in victory
In the battlefield of souls.
There is a calm security
In knowing He controls.

We follow on where Christ has led,
Where the battle has been stirred.
The helmet that protects our head
Is the promise of His Word.

Leading of the Lord

"If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand lead me, and Thy right hand shall hold me" (Psalm 139:9,10). "Ye shall be witnesses unto Me... unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). "And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:20).

It matters not where I may be,
As I am sent to do God's will,
If I should go beyond the sea,
Lord, even there You'll lead me still.

In every place You send me, Lord,
Your presence there shall make me stand.
What confidence You thus afford,
As I am held by Your right hand.

So whether I am here at home
Or whether I am sent abroad,
I need not fear, nor would I roam,
As I am following my God.

Which Words?

"Behold, I have sworn by My great name, saith the Lord... and all the remnant... shall know whose words shall stand: Mine or theirs" (Jeremiah 44:26,28). "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).

God has sworn by His great name
And staked His spotless reputation
On each fulfillment of His claim
Of judgment and His great salvation.

Yet His words have met the foe
Who mocks the truth that God declares.
Very soon, though, all shall know
Which will stand: His words or theirs.

And thereby God will validate
His words of truth with certainty.
And thus His name He'll vindicate
For time and all eternity.

Larger Love

"Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?" He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto Him, Feed My lambs.... Feed my sheep" (John 21:15,16).

More than friends you want to please,
More than things that men applaud,
More than temporary ease,
Do you love these more than God?

More than things this world treasures,
More than all its vain reward,
More than all its passing pleasures,
Do you love your precious Lord?

If these things distract your heart
Diminishing for Christ your love
It's time to set yourself apart
To focus on the things above.

Then mindful of what Jesus did,
And mindful too of Who He is,
Turn with love that can't hid,
To feed the sheep that He calls His.

Reason for the Record

"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, ye might have life through His name" (John 20:30,31).

The reason for the Book of John
Is that you truly might believe
That Jesus Christ is God the Son,
Whom humble sinners may receive.

The reason for this Gospel written
In this record that John gave,
Is to know that Christ was smitten
As the Lamb of God to save.

The reason that we have this Book
That tells why Christ our Savior came,
Is that believing, you might look,
And thus have life through Jesus' name.

Naming Names

"The sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.... Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto Him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master" (John 20:15-16).

Put yourself in Mary's place
When to the empty tomb she came;
As well you should, for it is grace
That calls you also by your name.

Is this hard for you to do,
Assuming that it's not the same,
Seeming too good to be true
That Jesus calls you by your name?

Then hear again your Shepherd's voice
Who calls and leads His sheep by name;
Then let your heart in Him rejoice
Whose blood has washed away your shame.

Mary, David, Cindy, Frank;
Yes, the names go on and on.
Hear your name, return, and thank
The Lord of Richard, Lisa, John.

Have you heard your name today
When you spoke to God in prayer?
If you listen when you pray,
You will hear it then and there.

Resurrection Run

"The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulcher and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulcher. Then she runneth and cometh to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved.... Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher" (John 20:1-4).

Follow Mary Magdalene
On that resurrection day
When the sepulcher was seen
Where the stone was rolled away.

Follow closely, if you can,
And pick your pace up to a run,
For Mary, with excitement, ran
And thus the thrill had just begun.

Peter and another heard,
And by that news they ran their race,
Investigating Mary's word,
Examining that vacant place.

He is risen! Praise the Lord!
How this thrilled the brokenhearted
As they raced with joy toward
The tomb from which our Lord departed!

Oh may that joy our hearts revive
That we may run with joy and fear,
Proclaiming that He is alive
And His return is drawing near!

Fearless Fellowship

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). "Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.... And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night" (John 19:38,39).

Oh, how good the common ground
Where fearless fellowship is found,
Where love for Christ fills heart and mind,
And fear of man is left behind!

Oh, how pleasant is the tie
Of brethren who can testify
That Jesus Christ has drawn them near
And by His love has cast out fear.

Oh, how gracious is our Lord
Who unifies us with the cord,
Of love, of light, and life in Christ
Secured when He was sacrificed.

Oh, how thrilling, most of all,
That our Lord Jesus Christ would call
Each one of His to come and dine,
And each can say that He is mine.

Keep your King

"The Jews cried out saying, If thou let this Man go, thou art not Caesar's friend... Pilate, saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar" (John 19:14,15).

Let this world have their king,
And to that master keep their vow.
I would surrender everything
To Christ my Lord and Savior now.

Keep your king; I'll have no part
Of compromise as Caesar's friend.
I do not owe to him my heart,
Nor would I on his help depend.

What is Caesar's I will render,
But loyalty belongs to Christ.
All to Jesus I'd surrender,
Who for my soul was sacrificed.

Keep your king, then, if you must,
And thus decide your destiny.
As for me I'll put my trust
In Christ Who gave Himself for me.

Ignorance of Impudence

"Then saith Pilate unto Him, Speakest Thou not unto me? Knowest Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above" (John 19:10,11).

The Mighty God, the great I Am,
Omniscient and omnipotent,
Was willing as the silent Lamb
To stand before the ignorant.

For such was Pilate's impudence
And ignorance in that dark hour,
That questioned Jesus' competence
To know the limits of his power.

But impudence and ignorance
Were tolerated by our Lord,
For nothing then was left to chance
When God unsheathed His judgment's sword.

That awful sword that heaven gave
Into the sinner's wicked hand,
Would be God's instrument to save,
As only He could understand.

What wisdom, what omnipotence,
And love brought forth our precious Savior,
Who suffered there in our defense,
For us enduring such behavior!

Try Truth

"Pilate saith unto Him, What is truth?" (John 18:38).

The urgent question of the ages,
Indeed, of all eternity,
Posed by philosophic sages
Is worth our scrutiny.

Pilate asked it on that day
When facing Jesus eye to eye:
What is truth? Then turned away,
Without hearing God's reply.

And thus it is the same today.
Each of us must make a choice
To hear the truth that God will say,
Then also to obey His voice.

Strange Strategy

"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain" (Psalm 127:1).

There is a building strategy
That often is employed
That always ends in tragedy
With workmanship destroyed.

There is a battle strategy
That is a great mistake
That wastes the watchman's energy,
Who vainly stays awake.

It is the strange philosophy
That we do not need God.
It is the godless vanity
The world will applaud.

There is a better strategy
That God Himself endorses:
Build on faith obediently
And battle by God's forces.

Let this be our building code
And this our battle plan:
To work by wisdom God bestowed,
And put no trust in man.

Harvesting Happiness

"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). "Your sorrow shall be turned into joy" (John 16:20).

They that sow in heartfelt tears
Shall surely reap in joy.
God is calling each who hears
To come to His employ.

Tears of sorrow for the lost
Are qualities desired.
Those who weep will count the cost
And spend what is required.

And joy will come with harvest sheaves
For what their hearts have craved:
To see a sinner that believes
Whom God has thereby saved.

Reasons for Reproof

"And when He [the Comforter, God's Spirit] is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8).

The ministry of God the Spirit
Is very much alive and well,
Reproving those with ears to hear it
Of their need to flee from hell.

Among the reasons for reproof
Is this matter of our sin
To which this age is so aloof,
To what defiles us within.

Another reason we're reproved
Is for our need of righteousness,
Without which we must be removed
From every way that God would bless.

The final reason that we hear
Reproof with God's correction
Is judgment that is drawing near,
For which we need perfection.

For sin, for righteousness, and wrath,
God's Spirit is reproving still
To lead us in the saving path
Within the center of His will.

Heedless Hatred

"Whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the Lord. But he that sinneth against Me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate Me love death" (Proverbs 8:35,36). "But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated Me without a cause" (John 15:25).

Why should people hate the One
Who gave Himself to save their life?
What has Christ the Savior done
To warrant all their hateful strife?

What could possibly inflame
Such hatred that would never pause
To question in their senseless shame
Why they hate Him without cause?

Heedless hatred rushes on
Into their judgment's fiery lake.
What a strange phenomenon,
And what a horrible mistake!

Let this world be forewarned,
The time is surely drawing near,
When the Lord whom they have scorned
Shall in His majesty appear.

Let us who are truly His
Thus show how evil and how odd,
Indeed, how dangerous it is,
To hate our loving God.

Calling for Counsel

"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Call upon the Lord to know
The hidden counsel of His thought.
He has said that He will show
The mighty things that we know not.

Sometimes God may have us wait.
Sometimes God will not tell all.
Yet many things, both small and great,
He reveals to those who call.

What a blessing in salvation:
God will answer those who pray!
Let us seize His invitation,
Calling on the Lord today.

Peculiar Peace

"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 14:27).

The world cannot give the peace
That Jesus Christ imparts.
Its fragile calm will surely cease
Whenever trouble starts.

Peace from God does not depend
On vain prosperity.
It rests on Christ, our dearest Friend,
For all eternity.

Let not your heart be troubled then;
You do not need to fear.
Return now to your rest again;
That's all I need to hear.

Higher Helper

"My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth" (Psalm 121:2). "And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13).

Maker of the skies above,
Architect of earth below,
Helper of the ones You love,
Keeper of the sheep You know,
We have found our heart's desire
In Your matchless, precious worth.
We have found a help that's higher,
In the Lord of heaven and earth.

Savior of Your wayward sheep
Watching over us each hour,
Never closing eyes to sleep,
Keeping us by Your great power,
May Your love be magnified
As we call upon Your name
That You may be glorified
By the help from You we claim.

Trading Trouble

"Now is My soul troubled.... He [Jesus] was troubled in spirit.... Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me" (John 12:27, 13:21, 14:1).

How troubled was our Savior's soul
In those times He contemplated
The price He'd pay to make us whole,
The trouble for our peace He traded.

This is truth that makes us free,
Not just any truth will do:
It's knowing Jesus died for me
And that His promises are true.

It's knowing that He was forsaken,
So that I might never be.
It's knowing love that can't be shaken;
This is truth that makes us free.

It's knowing that He freely took
Our burden of iniquity.
Upon His hands and feet we look,
And see the price of liberty.

So let not your heart be troubled;
What gracious words we hear Christ say!
Grandest kingdoms turn to rubble,
But His words won't pass away.

Come to Jesus, troubled friends!
Lay your trouble at His feet.
This is where your trouble ends
And your freedom is complete.

Wondrous Washing

"Then cometh He to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto Him, Lord, dost Thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him.... If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me" (John 13:6-8).

Lord of all eternity
Enthroned on heaven's seat,
How is it, Lord, You say to me,
That You must wash my feet?

Master of the universe,
Should You stoop down to us?
Should it not be the reverse
That we should serve You thus?

Wondrous washing! Humbling thought,
Arresting, Lord, our heart:
That if indeed You wash us not,
With You we have no part.

Wash us, Lord, that we may be
A vessel You will use.
Cleanse our hearts, Lord, thoroughly,
To serve as You will choose.

Limitless Love

"The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkiness have I drawn thee" (Jeremiah 31:3). "When Jesus knew that His hour was come that He should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end" (John 13:1).

The Lord of ancient days appeared
To tell of unseen things above,
Unveiling thus His heart endeared
To us with everlasting love.

Such love then made Him leave His throne;
His pity caused Him to descend.
Having loved us as His own,
He loved us to the very end.

Who can search the endless span
Of love unlimited by time?
Why, O Lord, is mortal man
The object of Your love sublime?

Lord, we stand in awe of You,
Yet only slightly comprehend
The love unlimited and true
Displayed in Christ, our dearest Friend.

Cause of Christ

"Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to Thy word" (Psalm 119:154). "There is none to plead your cause" (Jeremiah 30:13). "For this cause came I unto this hour" (John 12:27).

Plead my cause, Lord, You have heard
And seen the trouble I am in.
According to Your faithful Word,
Rescue me from all my sin.

Plead my cause, Lord, lest I die
And perish in my sinful state.
Only You can testify
And save my soul from judgment's fate.

Lord, I've heard You plead my cause
In that troubling hour You came.
Thus astonished, now I pause
To contemplate my sin and shame.

Can there be no other path
To plead my cause and rescue me?
Must my Lord endure such wrath
To thus provide the sinner's plea?

I did not know what I had prayed!
I did not understand the cost
That for my soul, Lord, You had paid,
To plead for me among the lost.

Sin condemned me: rightly so!
Death had opened wide her jaws!
It was love that made You go
And strive in death to plead my cause.

Thank you, Lord, for all you did;
My cause was hopeless otherwise!
My tears before You were not hid,
Nor was my cause before Your eyes.

Nullifying Nearness

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

Can you see them drawing near,
Who after mischief go?
Yes they come, but God is here
To conquer every foe.

Who can stand against my God,
Or nullify His Word?
That prospect is not merely odd,
It's patently absurd!

Every Word of God is pure
And He will be a Shield
To those who trust Him for their cure,
For by His stripes we're healed.

And so the nearness of the Lord
Will surely nullify
Every mischief that is stored,
Exposing every lie.

Foretelling our Finding

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you" (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

In everything that God has planned,
He has done so for our good.
Things we did not understand,
God has surely understood.

Let this be our confidence:
God shall not be overruled.
He who is our sure Defense
Is not surprised or is He fooled.

How clearly we may comprehend
These thoughts of peace toward His own
Planned by God, our closest Friend,
Who in mercy makes them known.

Start with the Stone

"Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto Him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid" (John 11:39-41).

Hear again what Jesus said:
Simply "Take away stone."
He did not say to raise the dead;
He would do that all alone.

As objections then were raised,
We might also have our say.
Thus when Jesus should be praised,
We might talk but not obey.

When did faith begin to fail?
Where did power slip away?
Why can we no more prevail?
What should we now do today?

Let the stone no longer stand
That Jesus said to take away.
Obedience to His command
Will bring revival in our day.

Time for Tending

"I am Thy servant, give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies. It is time for Thee, Lord to work: for they have made void Thy law" (Psalm 119:125,126). "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.... Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not forever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?" (Proverbs 27:1,23).

The time has surely come to stand
Against the rising evil tide
Of those who foolishly demand
That we must set God's Word aside.

More than ever now, it seems,
It is time to raise our voice.
While the mocker thus blasphemes,
Our silence is a sinful choice.

This is not a time to boast,
Of all the plans tomorrow holds.
Today be faithful at your post!
Today be true to tend His folds!

Be diligent to tend the flocks
That God has given you today.
As opportunity now knocks,
Do not let it drift away.

Sureness of His Sheep

"Ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you. 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 10:26-28).

Are you a sheep that Christ calls His?
There is a way that you can know.
If you want to know who is,
The following will clearly show:

His sheep always hear His voice.
His sheep all by Him are known.
His sheep follow Him by choice,
His sheep life eternal own.

What assurance Jesus gives!
None can pluck us from His hand,
Since our Savior ever lives
To fulfill all He has planned.

Favored Feet

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.... The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from Thy precepts" (Psalm 119:105,110).

There is a snare laid for my feet
That's hidden in the way,
And yet I do not need retreat,
But only to obey.

I only need God's precious Word
To be my lamp and light.
Obeying then what I have heard
Will guide my feet aright.

How many snares were hid for me
I never knew were there!
But God, of course, could surely see
Each underlying snare.

Thus my favored feet are led,
By heeding God's command.
For if I do as God has said,
I shall not fall, but stand.

Marvelous Mentality

"I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation" (Psalm 119:99). "The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not from whence He is, and yet He hath opened mine eyes.... They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out" (John 9:30,34).

What marvelous mentality!
What is plain they cannot find!
Having eyes, they cannot see;
The lost are marvelously blind.

Has not the Lord bestowed on man
A logical mentality?
Indeed He has, for he can plan,
Articulating sensibly.

How strange this inconsistency:
The mind of man demands
A cause/effect reality,
And thereby understands.

But talk about eternity,
And blindness settles in.
The evidence that's plain to see,
Is veiled by their sin.

Yet God would take away the veil
And teach them what is right.
All who seek Him shall prevail,
For God will give them sight.

Observing His Ordinances

"Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to Thine ordinances: for all are Thy servants.... I have seen an end of all perfection: but Thy commandment is exceeding broad" (Psalm 119:90,91,96).

Look into our galaxy:
Now what do you observe?
The planets orbit perfectly,
For God the Lord they serve.

Look upon the earth around,
And tell me what you see.
The glories of our Lord abound,
In nature's harmony.

Look beneath the ocean sea,
And you will see yet more
Of God's ingenious majesty
Displayed from shore to shore.

Man's inventions, though esteemed,
All fail upon inspection.
How primitive they all have seemed,
Compared to God's perfection.

Dreams of Dross

"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). "The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. Is not My word like as fire? saith the Lord, and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:28,29).

Let the dreamers dream his dream:
Let him say what he'll desire:
Things are not as they may seem:
Dreams are purged as dross in fire.

The Word of God as fire burns
And melts away these dreams of dross.
Every Word of God returns
Triumphant as our Savior's cross.

The Word of God is as the wheat,
The dreamer's dream is driven chaff.
The Word of God shall be complete
And drive away the mocker's laugh.

As a hammer breaks the rock,
The Word of God shall break the lies
Of every mocker's empty talk,
And tear away his thin disguise.

As for you who have God's Word,
Speak it faithfully today!
Let the truth of God be heard;
God will purge the rest away.

The Answer of His Anger

"They say still to them that despise Me, the Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto everyone that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.... The anger of the Lord shall not return, until He have executed, and till He have performed the thoughts of His heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly" (Jeremiah 23:17,20).

The message that we'd like to hear
May not be what we heed.
Reproof may find no willing ear,
Though this is what we need.

We'd rather hear: You shall have peace;
No evil comes to you.
Yet one day hollow words shall cease,
When judgment is found true.

Surely there is promised blessing
For those who seek the Lord.
Those are not who we're addressing,
When judgment is outpoured.

For God by many is despised:
What peace have they in store?
Why should judgment be disguised,
Deceiving them yet more?

A sinner's own imagination
May think that he's okay
Without receiving God's salvation,
But what does Scripture say?

The anger of the Lord will come
With judgment like a flood.
He would save all, but shall save some:
Those washed in Jesus' blood.

So let the Word of God come through
When speaking to the lost.
It's better that they know what's true,
That they might count the cost.

Fruit of Freedom

"Then said Jesus... 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 8:31,32).

There is a wondrous consequence,
When Gospel truth is found:
Freedom comes to the defense
Of captives who were bound.

Behold the fruit of freedom spring
As from a fruitful tree,
And listen to the captives sing
Of truth that set them free.

As rivers feed the thirsty root
Of trees that are thus fed,
The Word of Christ will bring forth fruit
Of freedom as He said.

Come, taste the fruit of freedom now
With those continuing
To trust, obey, and thus allow
The Lord to be their King.

Leading Light

"I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).

There's a light in our life
When our Lord enters in;
There's a triumph in strife
When He frees us from sin.

There's a light through the length
Of our heaven bound road.
There's provision of strength
Till we lay down our load.

There's a light that is leading
The sojourner home.
There's a promise he's reading
To nevermore roam.

That Light is our Lord
Who will lead all the way
On the pathway toward
Our sweet homecoming day.

Decision amid Derision

"The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from Thy law.... This I had because I kept Thy precepts" (Psalm 119:51,56).

I hear derision from the proud
Who think that they are clever,
Who gain approval from the crowd,
Applauding their endeavor.

I am not moved by their vain talk,
For all of their derision
Does not change the truth they mock,
Nor weaken my decision.

If mockers think the earth is flat,
It nonetheless is round.
God is God, and that is that;
His precepts are all sound.

And so I have not changed my mind,
For God has not changed His;
Nor from His law have I declined,
Which tells it like it is.

Forced by the Fire

"Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more in His name. But His Word was in mine heart, as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forebearing, and I could not stay". (Jeremiah 20:9).

Sometimes I think it might be best
To just withhold what I would say,
To give my rhetoric a rest,
And let the world have its way.

But then the fire in me burned
As I began to count the cost.
So many things that had learned
Were not for me, but for the lost.

How shall I keep this fire contained
That burns within my soul?
I'll simply do as I've been trained,
And give the Lord control.

Quicken me Quickly

"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken me in Thy way" (Psalm 119:37).

Quickly, Lord, now turn my eyes
From beholding what is vain!
Quicken me; I would be wise;
Make Your values plain.

Another day has come and gone;
Was it wasted or redeemed?
Lord, let me meet the coming dawn,
And prize what You've esteemed.

Thus fixed upon eternity,
And things that ever last,
Lord, turn my eyes from vanity;
Consign it to the past.

Stuck on Studying

"My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken me according to Thy Word.... I have stuck unto Thy testimonies" (Psalm 119: 25,31). "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (Proverbs 15:28).

My soul cleaves to the things, I know,
That surely turn to dust.
And yet my heart will not let go
Of truth I've learned to trust.

Your Word, oh Lord, is where I find
The truth that makes me free.
So I would give my heart and mind
To study carefully.

And thus would I be free at last
From dust to which I cleave.
And thus when seekers come to ask,
I'll say why I believe.

Hopeless Heart

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, to give every man according to his ways, and according to he fruit of his doings... Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise" (Jeremiah 17:9,10,14).

Lord, You've seen this heart of mine;
You've searched it through and through.
There's nothing there that would incline
My heart to follow You.

Oh hopeless heart! Where shall I turn
To heal your wretchedness?
What physician can discern
And treat you with success?

Lord, You know I have no hope
Unless You intervene.
Your eyes search like a microscope;
You know that I'm unclean.

In view of what You have revealed,
A hopeless heart depraved,
Lord, heal me, and I shall be healed;
Save, and I'll be saved.

For You, Lord, have foretold abroad
By prophecies and types
That You became the Lamb of God,
Who heals us by Your stripes.

What shall I render to You, Lord,
For blessings You impart?
I'll give You what I can afford:
My healed, once hopeless heart.

Prosperity vs. Poverty

"I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches" (Psalm 119:14). "There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.... Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction" (Proverbs 13:7,18).

The testimonies of the Lord can truly make us wealthy.
They also tell us we are poor if we won't pay them heed.
Obeying them will make us rich and spiritually healthy;
Trusting in the Lord will make us prosperous indeed.

Delicious Direction

"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16).

Your words were found which I did eat,
And oh how they rejoiced my heart!
The comfort that they bring is sweet
With each instruction they impart.

Your words have given me direction
And called me by Your name, my Lord,
Working in me Your perfection:
More like Jesus! Sweet reward!

Study the Stone

"The Stone which the builders refused is become the Head Stone of the corner" (Psalm 118:22). "Search the Scriptures... they are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39).

Search the Scriptures everyday.
Listen well to what they say.
See this One Whom they portray:
Our own beloved Savior.

Behold the Stone Who was refused,
Silent when He was accused,
By our world, so abused:
How wicked our behavior!

Stone of refuge, now our Head,
Thus You suffered in our stead,
Thus You rose up from the dead,
With love that would not waver.

Lord, we worship You alone,
For You were that smitten Stone.
Boldly we approach Your throne,
Now sheltered by Your favor.

Merciful Memory

"The memory of the just is blessed.... The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:7,22).

The memory of the just is blessed,
That manifests God's grace,
And promises eternal rest,
When we shall see His face.

The memory of the just is blessed,
For God commands it so.
It passes every stormy test,
Withstanding every foe.

The memory of the just is blessed,
And with it there's no sorrow.
The sweetness it will manifest
Will grow with each tomorrow.

The memory of the just is blessed,
Through time and to the end.
It enters like a welcome guest
And like a cherished friend.

The memory of the just is blessed:
Lord, thank you for this gift!
It's like a wondrous treasure chest
With thoughts that love and lift.

The memory of the just is blessed,
Though such a one departs.
Our mother's love that once caressed,
Still comforts thus our hearts.

Dedicated to our dear mother, Stella May Hall (May 5, 1916—June 6, 2008), now on heaven's beautiful shoreline. God commands the blessing, and we are indeed blessed by her memory. Thank you, Lord, for our mother.

Girded to God

"For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto Me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the Lord, that they might be unto Me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear" (Jeremiah 13:11).

Lord, keep us cleaving to You everyday,
To live as Your people for Your holy name,
To show forth Your praise as we humbly obey,
To give You the glory, declaring Your fame.

How quickly we find that our life becomes bland,
A meaningless effort, a tedious story,
Unless You will draw us by Your gracious hand,
To live for the purpose of giving You glory.

So may You find us, Lord, girded to God,
Cleaving steadfastly and giving You praise.
All other options are hopelessly flawed,
Lamentable choices, a waste of our days.

Pleading and Pleasure

"Blessed is the man that heareth Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting at the posts of My doors" (Proverbs 8:34). "Righteous art Thou, O Lord, when I plead with Thee: yet let me talk with Thee of Thy judgments" (12:1).

How righteous and kind You are toward me,
Oh Lord, as You hear me each time that I plead.
Yet let me talk with You intimately,
That I may discern in Your Word what I read.

Oh what a privilege it is to draw near,
And know that You hear us as we intercede!
Oh what a pleasure as we also hear
The voice of our Lord to comfort and lead!

Daily, Oh Lord, we would lift up our voice,
To plead at Your throne, and yet also to talk.
In two-way communion with You we rejoice,
As thereby You teach us the way we should walk.

Correction with Compassion

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in anger, lest Thou bring me to nothing" (Jeremiah 10:23,24).

Correct me, O Lord, as You watch from above.
You know how quickly my feet tend to stray.
I know You correct, not in anger, but love,
That You might direct us in Your perfect way.

For I know that the right way of man is found,
Not in himself, Lord, but only in You.
How did we get here, and where are we bound?
Only Your Word, Lord, declares what is true.

Comfort me, Lord, by Your staff and Your rod.
Your loving correction refreshes my soul.
How great are Your mercies, my Lord and my God,
Discovered by all who will give You control.

Bring on the Brighter

"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day" (Proverbs 4:18). "Thou shalt see greater things than these.... Hereafter, ye shall see heaven open" (John 1:50,51).

The path of the just (those by grace justified)
Grows brighter and brighter each day till the end.
For Christ is our Life, our Light and our Guide,
Our Savior, our Lord, and our very best Friend.

The path grows yet brighter, and this is the reason:
The heavenly Light we approach is our Lord!
He brightens each phase of our life in its season,
And He is the brightness of heaven's Reward.

Then bring on the brighter! The way may be steep,
Yet we are upheld by our Lord's gracious hand.
That bright day draws nearer: we shall not all sleep,
But we shall be changed by our Savior's command.

Mercy of Melchizedek

"The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). "Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God... first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of peace... abideth a Priest continually" (Hebrews 7:1-3).

Melchizedek, the King of peace
And also King of righteousness,
Portrays the One Who does not cease
To save, to keep, to love, and bless.

Melchizedek displays the name
Conveying Priest and King.
So grace and truth by Jesus came
That only Christ could bring.

Moses surely gave the law,
Which charged us with our sin.
In Christ our Priest and King we saw
God's mercy enter in.

Melchizedek, that name is sweet
Reflecting Jesus Christ!
We saw His truth and mercy meet
When He was sacrificed.

Undertaking Understanding

"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding... then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2:3,5). "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45).

Our natural and finite mind
Could never understand
Or from the Scriptures ever find
The things that God has planned.

Be sure, if you would make the choice
To understand God's Word,
To cry for knowledge, lift your voice,
And trust that God has heard.

For such an order so demanding,
There's little hope indeed
For undertaking understanding,
Unless Christ meets that need.

Sliding Back on Slow Belief

"Then 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? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself" (Luke 24:25-27).

How is it we can take so long
To trust what God has said?
His prophets never have been wrong,
So why are we misled?

Everyday we put our trust
In words from mortal men
Who soon must die, return to dust,
As all their words shall then.

Jesus promised He would rise,
His prophets spoke this too.
How can we be so unwise
And slow to deem it true?

Thus we hear our Savior chide
Our slowness to believe,
For thereby backward we shall slide,
And no good thing achieve.

So may we therefore heed reproof
That we may be thus spared
The slowness of a heart aloof
To what our Lord declared.