...in song
GOD, IN THE GOSPEL OF HIS SON (Beddome, 1787) "The gospel of His Son" Romans 1:9
God, in the Gospel of His Son,
Makes His eternal counsels known;
Where love in all its glory shines,
And truth is drawn in fairest lines.
Here sinners of a humble frame
May taste His grace, and learn His name;
May read, in characters of blood,
The wisdom, power, and grace of God.
The prisoner here may break his chains;
The weary rest from all his pains;
The captive feel his bondage cease;
The mourner find the way of peace.
Here faith reveals to mortal eyes
A brighter world beyond the skies;
Here shines the light which guides our way
From earth to realms of endless day.
O grant us grace, almighty Lord,
To read and mark Thy holy Word;
Its truths with meekness to receive,
And by its holy precepts live.
in song
ANOTHER DAY BEGUN! John Ellerton, 1871
Another day begun!
Lord, grant us grace that we,
Before the setting of the sun,
Redeem the time for Thee.
...
Another day of hope!
For Thou are with us still,
And Thine almighty strength can cope
With all who seek our ill.
Another day of grace
To help us on our way!
One step towards the resting-place,
The eternal Sabbath-day.
in song
FOR THE DEEP LOVE THAT KEPT US (Burleigh, 1871)
For the deep love that kept us through the night,
And gave our senses to sleep's gentle sway;
For this new wonder of morning's dawning light,
Flushing the east with prophecies of day,
We thank Thee, O our God.
For the fresh life that through our being flows,
With its full tide to enrich and to bless;
For calm, sweet thoughts, upspringing from repose,
To bear to Thee our song of thankfulness,
We praise Thee, O our God.
Day utters speech to day, and night to night
Tells of Thy glory and power. So would we
Thy children, duly, with morning's golden light,
Or still at eve, upon bended knee,
Adore Thee, O our God.
Thou knowest our needs, Thy fullness will supply;
Our blindness, Thy hand will still lead us on;
Till we shall see the Dayspring from on high,
Our prayer, one only, "Let Thy will be done,"
We breathe to Thee, O God.
in song
HE'LL WALK WITH ME ALL THE WAY (Williams, 1913)
I know that my Savior will never forsake,
I know that my faith in Him never will shake;
My journey a pathway of gladness He'll make,
He'll walk with me all the way.
He'll lead me in paths that are pleasant and green,
And show me new glories, so long since unseen;
His hand will I hold all secure and serene,
He'll walk with me all the way.
My eyes will new beauty and glory perceive,
As daily His blessing life's tangles unweave;
I'll hold to His hand and no more let Him leave;
He'll walk with me all the way.
also read Psalm 23
in song
FREEDOM (Fretz, 1908)
Christ, our glorious leader, calls to us today --
"Gird the armor on and to the field away!"
Slumber then no longer, His command obey,
And forevermore be free.
Refrain
Freedom! freedom! free in Christ, the Lord!
Freedom! freedom! trusting in His word!
By His grace and in His strength we win,
For His truth and love hath conquered sin!
Freedom! freedom! free in Christ the Lord!
Freedom! freedom! trusting in His Word!
We His faithful followers will be,
And we shall forevermore be free.
Moving bravely onward with His truth unfurled,
See the hosts of sin before us backward hurled;
With our captain we may overcome the world,
And forevermore be free.
Tho' the battle rages, strife will soon be past;
Skies will soon be light, which now are overcast;
We the victor's song of joy may sing at last,
And forevermore be free.
in song
PUT THOU THY TRUST IN GOD (Gerhardt, 1656)
Put thou thy trust in God,
In duty's path go on;
Walk in His strength with faith and hope,
So shall thy work be done.
Commit thy ways to Him,
Thy works into His hands,
And rest on His unchanging Word,
Who heaven and earth commands.
Though years on years roll on,
His covenant shall endure;
Though clouds and darkness hide His path,
The promised grace is sure.
Give to the winds thy fears;
Hope, and be undismayed;
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears;
God shall lift up thy head.
Through waves, and clouds, and storms,
His power will clear thy way;
Wait thou His time, the darkest night
Shall end in brightest day.
Leave to His sovereign sway
To choose and to command;
So shalt thou, wondering, own His way,
How wise, how strong His hand.
in song
TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE Havergal, 1874 Based on Rom 12:1 ...by the mercies of God, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service)
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own; it shall be Thy royal throne.
Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee.
=================
Bits and pieces from Spurgeon's Morning devotional for Feb 15 based on 2 Pet 3:18
Heaven will be full of the ceaseless praises of Jesus. Eternity! Thin unnumbered years shall speed their everlasting course, forever and forever, "to Him be glory." ... Never shall His praises cease.
That which was bought with blood deserves to last while immortality endures. The glory of the cross must never be eclipsed; the luster of the grave and of the resurrection must never be dimmed.
O Jesus! Thou shalt be praised forever. Long as immortal spirits live--long as the Father's throne endures--forever, forever, unto Thee shall be glory.
...
Lord, help me to glorify Thee; I am poor, help me to glorify Thee by contentment; I am sick, help me to give Thee honor by patience; I have talents, help me to extol Thee by spending them for Thee; I have time, Lord, help me to redeem it, that I may serve Thee; I have a heart to feel, Lord, let that heart feel no love but Thine, and glow with no flame but affection for Thee; I have a head to think, Lord, help me to think of Thee and for Thee.
... I am all Thine, take me, and enable me to glorify Thee NOW, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have.
in song
FAITH BRINGS THE VICTORY (Hill, 1910 based on 1 John 5:4 This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith)
Do you see in the distance yonder,
That line drawn up in array?
'Tis the host of the Loyal Leaguers,
Come forth to the conquest day.
They follow the bloodstained banner,
And the path that their Master trod,
For their sign is the cross of Calv'ry,
And their sword is the Word of God.
Refrain
Victory, we'll sing of victory,
For Christ hath promised us the victory;
Victory, we'll sing of victory,
Faith brings the victory.
They are marching away to conquest
That shall never know a defeat,
For the Christ hath assured all vict'ry
Who are faithful and scorn retreat.
Then join this advancing army,
And look to the throne above,
LIFT THE FORM OF THY FALLEN BROTHER,
AND POINT TO THE GOD OF LOVE.
======
from Daily Overcoming for February 20 by Ray Prinzing
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out. Rev 3:12
A pillar is one who supports, bears the load without wavering, always stedfast, faithful. There is a place in God where we are "stedfast, unmoveable", (1 Cor 15:58) "being rooted and grounded in love", (Eph 3:17)
God is establishing His pillars, and upon them He shall build His kingdom in the days ahead. The process of producing OVERCOMERS results in receiving those who do gain the victory, and thus qualify for becoming His "pillar and ground of the truth". (1 Tim 3:15), from whence the kingdom shall arise. Settled in Christ they are not blown about by every wind of doctrine. Founded upon the Rock they need not run to and fro, to seek Christ in the desert or in the far city. He dwells within them, and they dwell in Him.
God's ensign, His pillar and ground of the truth, shall not be pointing in first one direction, and then with a change of mind point in another direction. These shall KNOW THEIR GOD, and they shall consistently point all men to HIM. Their lives shall be a solid, living declaration of truth. Their state of being shall challenge men and women to rightness.
...
The pillars whom the Lord is preparing, "know in Whom they have believed", thus changing circumstances do not alter their standing. Trials and testing do not dim their vision. HE IS, and they are IN HIM.
A Johny Cash song:
Six foot six he stood on the ground
He weighed two hundred and thirty-five pounds
But I saw that giant of a man brought down
To his knees by love
He was the kind of man that would gamble on luck
Look you in the eye and never back up
But I saw him crying like a little whipped pup
Because of love
You can't see it with your eyes, hold it in your hands
But like the wind it covers our land
Strong enough to rule the heart of any man
This thing called love
It can lift you up never let you down
Take your world and turn it around
Ever since time nothing's ever been found
That's stronger than love
Most men are like me, they struggle and doubt
They trouble their minds day in and day out
Too busy with livin' to worry about
A little word like love
But when I see a mother's tenderness
As she holds her young close to her breast
Then I think god that the world's been blessed
With a thing called love
You can't see it with your eyes, hold it in your hands
But like the wind it covers our land
Strong enough to rule the heart of any man
This thing called love
It can lift you up never let you down
Take your world and turn it around
Ever since time nothing's ever been found
That's stronger than love
in song
JESUS, WE LOOK TO THEE (Wesley, 1749) based on Matt 18:20
Jesus, we look to Thee,
Thy promised presence claim;
Thou in the midst of us shall be,
Assembled in Thy name.
Thy name salvation is,
Which here we come to show;
Thy name is life, and health, and peace,
And everlasting love.
Not in the name of pride
Or selfishness we meet;
From nature's paths we turn aside,
And worldly thoughts forget.
We meet, the grace to take
Which Thou hast freely giv'n;
We meet on earth for Thy dear sake
That we may meet in heaven.
Present we know Thou art;
But, O,Thyself reveal!
Now, Lord, let ev'ry waiting heart :HeartThrob:
The mighty comfort feel.
O may Thy quickening voice
The death of sin remove;
And bid our immost souls rejoice,
In hope of perfect love.
================
excerpts from Daily Open Windows by TASparks for Feb 20
The Lord has not called upon us to form churches. That is not our business. Would to God men had recognized the fact! A very different situation would obtin today from what exists, if that had been recognized. It is the Lord Who expands His church, Who governs its growth. What we have to do is to live in the place of His appointment in the power of His resurrection. If, in the midst of others, the Lord gets but two of His children, in whom His Life is full and free, to live on the basis of that Life, and not to seek to gather others to themselves or to get them to congregate together on the basis of their acceptance of certain truths or teaching, but simply to witness to what Christ means and is to them, then He has an open way ...
Growth is by Life, and this, to begin with, may be by the entering into Life of but one, and then after a long waiting time of another; or it may be more rapid. But the point is that it is increase of Life. That is the growth of His church. ...
For the growth of His church, the Lord must have Life channels...
in song
FATHER, WHOSE EVERLASTING LOVE Wesley, 1741
Father, whose everlasting love
Thy only Son for sinners gave,
Whose grace to all did freely move,
And sent Him down the world to save;
Help us Thy mercy to extol,
Immense, unfathomed, unconfined;
To praise the Lamb who died for all,
The general Savior of mankind.
Thy undistinguishing regard
Was cast on Adam's entire race;
For ALL Thou hast IN CHRIST prepared
Sufficient, sovereign, saving grace.
The world He suffered to redeem;
For ALL He hath the atonement made;
For those that will not come to Him
The ransom of his life was paid.
Why then, Thou UNIVERSAL LOVE,
Should any of Thy grace despair?
TO ALL, TO ALL, THY BOWELS MOVE,
Arise, O God, maintain Thy cause!
The fullness of the Gentiles call;
Lift up the standard of Thy cross,
AND ALL SHALL OWN THOU DIEST FOR ALL.
===========
from Daily Overcoming, Ray Prinzing
HE EVER WORKS HIS PLEASURE
Isaiah 55:11
So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please.
The Psalmist often gave expression to his thoughts on the omnipotence and sovereignty of God, as when he said, "But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatswoever He hath pleased." (Ps 115:3). Or again, "For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in Heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. (Ps 135:5-6) To this Paul readily gives his assent, by teaching that God "worketh all things after the counsel of His own will," (Eph 1:11)
HE IS ABOVE ALL. He does rule over all. He raises up kings and abases them according to His own plan and purpose. We believe this, and rejoice in it, for this OUR God. But, there is also a fact to be reckoned with, for in all the exercise of His will and purpose there is not one particle of perverseness or selfishness involved. He performs His will because He know it is in the best interest of ALL His cretion, for He alone has the knowledge and wisdom necessary to make the right judgment. His nature is LOVE, and love motivates all his actions towards us, as an elect firstfruit to become a new creation, and towards ALL the world, which shall be delivered from the bondage of sin and shame in due time.
"GOD IS LOVE," :HeartThrob: (1 John 4:16). We quote it, write mottoes of it to hang upon our walls, yet find it difficult to believe, "God so loved the world that He gave..." and continues give out of His boundless supply until He shall have brought every man into Himself, and lifted every creature into the highest realms of glory, to fulfill in each one that purpose for which we are created. It is working out of a purpose in which He is well pleased. A victory that is totally secure in Himself, and joyously and freely shared with us through His grace.
in song
I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED (Miles, 1912)
Praises be to God, for I am glory bound,
For I AM A MIRACLE OF GRACE.
Ask of God a sign, it surely can be found
In a joy-filled Christian's face.
Refrain
'I know whom I have believed
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day.'
O praise the Lord!
I am under grace, no longer under law,
In the blessed light of love I'm free;
To the Word of God I go when sore distressed,
This is what it says to me:
Refrain
When the days are dreary, spent in pain or woe,
When the watches of the night are long,
I'll be trusting Jesus, so that in every place
I can always sing this song.
========================
excerpts from Daily Overcoming by Ray Prinzing (godfire.org)
Eccl 3:1,4 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. --A time to weep, and a time to laugh....
Ps. 126:2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, What amazing things the LORD has done for them.
This speaks of that deep sense of joy and well being which springs from the heart. ...
It seems too good to be true, the natural mind cannot accept it. Abraham fell upon his face and laughed. Sarah also laughed within herself, as the promises was given again that in their old age they should have a son. How can that be? The natural cannot grasp the glory of the supernatural... but when the promise is fullfilled, Sarah said GOD HATH MADE ME TO LAUGH, so that all that hear will laugh with me (Gen 21:6) Not a ha, ha funny joke, nor a laugh of scorn, BUT THAT DELIGHTFUL BURST OF JOY AND HAPPINESS THAT GOD CAN WORK A MIRACLE WHEN ALL NATURAL HOPE IS GONE.
... there is a time appointed when individually our deliverance comes, and we are made to laugh, and ultimately when all creation shall be brought into liberty... all creation shall be filled with pure joy and laughter. The melody and praise that arises from the person set free is a sweet incense unto the LORD.
O the great, great joy of being a forgiven sinner.
One more hymn---
IT TOOK A MIRACLE (hymnlyrics.org)
My Father is omnipotent,
And that you can't deny;
A God of might and miracles-
'Tis written in the sky.
CHORUS;
It too a miracle to put the stars in place,
It took a miracle to hang the world in space;
But when He saved me,
Cleansed, made me whole, free,
IT TOOK A MIRACLE OF LOVE AND GRACE!
Though here His glory has been shown,
We still can't fully see
The wonders of His might, His throne--
'Twill take eternity
in song
HE THAT BELIEVETH (Bliss, 1874)
Hear ye the glad good news from heav'n?
Life to a death-doomed race is giv'n!
Christ on the cross for you and me
Purchased a pardon full and free.
Refrain
He that believeth, he that believeth,
He that believeth hath everlasting life;
He that believeth, he that believeth,
He that believeth hath everlasting life.
When we were lost, the Son of God
Made an atonement by His blood:
When we the glad good news believe,
Then the atonement we receive.
Why not believe the glad good news?
Why still the voice of God refuse?
Why not believe, when God hath said,
ALL, ALL our guilt 'on Him' was laid.
He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. John 6:47
=========================================================
John 6:28, 29
v 28 ...What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
v 29 Jesus answered: This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him Whom He sent.
John 17
v 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.**
v 21 That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE THAT THOU HAST SENT ME.
**John 17
v 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
v 18 As Thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
v 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
in song
MY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE (Hewitt, 1891)
My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device or creed;
I trust the ever living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
Refrain
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He'll never cast me out.
Refrain
My heart is leaning on the Word,
The living Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior's name,
Salvation through His blood.
Refrain
My great physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed.
For me His life He gave.
Refrain
We who have believed enter that rest. Hebrews 4:3
in song
based on the words of Jesus John 20:29... blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
BLESSED ARE THEY THAT BELIEVE Fanny Crosby, 1868
Come to the fountain of mercy and live,
Come, and a pardon receive;
Drink of the water that Jesus will give,
Freely to those that believe;
Weary and burdened with sorrow,
Sweet is the message to thee,
Learn of the meek and the lowly,
Come, heavy laden to Me.
Refrain
Come to the clear flowing river,
Drink of its waters forever,
Hungry and thirsty, O! never,
Blessed are they that believe!
Happy the nation whose God is the Lord;
Hearing in meekness and love
Counsels of wisdom and truth in His Word,
Looking for comfort above;
He is their rock and salvation,
He is their strength and their song,
Onward from glory to glory,
Leading them gently along.
LOOK UNTO JESUS, ALL nations of earth,
Victor of death and the grave,
Though He was humble, and lowly His birth
He is mighty to save.
Why should we wander in darkness?
Why to the world should we cling?
Hope, like a bird, is before us,
Pluming her beautiful wing.
in song
JESUS COMES Palmer, 1869
WATCH, ye saints, with eyelids waking,
Lo, the pow'rs of heaven are shaking,
Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning,
Ready for your Lord's returning.
Refrain
Lo! He comes! Jesus comes;
Lo! He comes, He comes all glorious!
Lo! He comes! Jesus comes!
Lo! the promise of your Savior;
Pardoned sin and purchsed favor,
Blood washed robes and crowns of glory;
Haste to tell redemption's story.
Kingdoms at their base are crumbling,
Hark, His chariot wheels are rumbling;
Tell, O tell of grace abounding,
Whilst the seventh trump is sounding.
Nations wane, tho' proud and stately,
Christ His kingdom hasteneth greatly;
Earth her latest pangs is summing,
Shout, ye saints, your Lord is coming.
Lamb of God! Thou meek and lowly,
Judah's lion! high and holy;
Lo! Thy bride comes forth to meet Thee,
All in blood washed robes to greet Thee.
in song
MY HEART IS RESTING, O MY GOD Waring, 1854
My heart is resting, O my God
I will give thanks and sing;
My heart is at the secret source
Of every precious thing,
Now the frail vessel Thou hast made
No hand but Thine shall fill--
for the waters of the earth have failed,
And I am thirsty still.
I thirst for springs of heavenly life,
And here all day they rise--
I seek the treasure of Thy love,
And close at hand it lies,
And a new song is in my mouth
To long loved music set--
Glory to Thee for all the grace
I have not tasted yet.
Glory to Thee for strength withheld,
For want and weakness known--
And the fear that sends me to Thy breast
For what is most my own.
I have a heritage of joy
That yet I must not see;
But the hand that bled to make it mine
Is keeping it for me.
There is a certainty of love
That sets my heart at rest--
A calm assurance for today
That to be poor is best --
A prayer reposing on His truth
Who hath made all things mine,
That draws my captive will to Him,
And makes it one with Thine.
to be continued...
in song
LORD, THOU HAST PROMISED GRACE FOR GRACE Cox, 1839
Lord, Thou hast promised grace for grace
To all who daily SEEK THY FACE;
To them who have, Thou givest more
Out of Thy vast, exhaustless store.
Each step we take but gathers strength
For further progress, till at length,
With ease the highest steeps we gain,
And count mountain but a plan.
Who WATCH, and PRAY, and work each hour
Receive new life and added power,
A power fresh victories to win
Over the world, and self, and sin.
Help us, O lord, that we may grow
In grace as Thou dost grace bestow;
And still Thy richer gifts repeat
Till grace in glory is complete.
in song
FATHER, WHOSE EVERLASTING LOVE Wesley, 1741
Father, whose everlasting love
Thy only Son for sinners gave,
Whose grace to all did freely move,
And sent Him down the world to save;
Help us Thy mercy to extol,
Immense, unfathomed, unconfined;
To praise the Lamb who died for ALL,
The general Savior of mankind.
The undistinguishing regard
Was cast on Adam's fallen race;
For all Thou hast in Christ prepared
Sufficient, sovereign, saving grace.
The world He suffered to redeem;
For all He hath the atonement made;
For those that will not come to Him
The ransom of His life was paid.
Why then, Thou universal Love,
Should any of Thy grace despair?
To all, to all, Thy bowels move,
but straitened in our own we are.
Arise, O God, maintain Thy cause!
The fullness of the Gentiles call;
Lift up the standard of Thy cross,
And all shall knowThou diedst for all.
in song
OH, SING WITH EXULTATION Arrebo, 1623
Oh, sing with exultation,
Sing to the Lord, rejoice,
And in His congregation
Shout with triumphant voice.
For, lo, at God's right hand
Is Christ in glory seated;
With death and hell defeated,
As Victor doth command.
Since Christ, our Lord, is living,
We nevermore shall die;
To God the glory giving,
We rise to Him on high.
Though chastened we may be
And to our graves be taken,
We unto life shall waken
And live eternally.
Christ is the sure Foundation
The builder did reject,
But He for our salvation
Is precious and elect
And made the Corner-stone
On which the church is founded;
This marvel now is sounded,
THE WORK OF GOD ALONE.
To Thee,O Christ, be glory,
Who camest in His name!
Thy people sing the story
Thy praises to proclaim.
We thank Thee and adore,
O Christ, our Lord and Savior;
Thy grace and boundless favor
Stand fast forevermore.
in song
GO TO THE DEEPS OF GOD'S PROMISE Breck, 1907
Go to the deeps of God's promise
Ask freely of Him and receive;
All good may be had for the asking,
If, seeking, you truly believe.
Refrain
God to the deeps of God's promise;
There's wideness of meaning untold
In the promises given His people
And the treasures they ever unfold.
Go to the deeps of God's promise;
And know of His wonderful might;
Whatever would be a true blessing,
For Jesus' sake, comes as thy right.
God to the deeps of God's promise;
The blessing is never denied;
He loves, and remembers His children,
And every good thing is supplied.
Go to the deeps of God's promise;
And claim whatsoever ye will;
The blessing of God will not fail thee,
His Word He will surely fulfill.
John 14:13
Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
in song
GOD IS WORKING HIS PURPOSE OUT Ainger, 1894
God is working His purpose out
As year succeeds to year;
God is working His purpose out,
And the time is drawing near;
Nearer and nearer draws the time,
The time that shall surely be,
When the earth shall be filled
With the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.
From utmost east to utmost west,
Where'er man's foot hath trod,
By the mouth of many messengers
Goes forth the voice of God;
"Give ear to Me, ye continents,
Ye isles, give ear to Me,"
That the earth may be filled
With the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.
What can we do to work God's work,
To prosper and increase
The brotherhood of all mankind,
The reign of the Prince of Peace?
What can we do to hasten the time,
The time that shall surely be,
When the earth shall be filled
With the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.
March we forth in the strength of God,
With the banner of Christ unfurled,
That the light of the glorious Gospel of truth
May shine throughout the world;
For we fight with sorrow and sin
To set their captives free,
That the earth may be filled
With the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.
All we can do is nothing worth
Unless God blesses the deed;
Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide
Till God gives life to the seed;
Yet near and nearer draws the time,
The time that shall surely be,
When the earth shall be filled
With the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.
in song
ONLY TO KNOW Young, 1901
Only to know that the path I tread
Is the path marked out for me;
That the way, though thorny, rough and steep,
Will lead me nearer to Thee!
Nearer to Thee! nearer to Thee!
Blessed Redeemer, to Thee!
Only to know that the path I tread
Is bringing me nearer to Thee!
Only to know when the day is passed,
As the evening shadows come,
That its trials and cares have proved, indeed,
A "day's march nearer home!"
Nearer my home! nearer my home!
Nearer my beautiful home!
Only to kinow that each fast fleeting day
Is bringing me nearer home!
Only to know that the cross I see,
Is the cross of Calvary,
On which the world's Redeemer died,
To purchase life for all!
Only to know that Thy death on the cross
Brings light and life to all!
Only to know His peace within--
My will to His resigned;
Oh, fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
And make me wholly Thine!
Wholly Thine! wholly Thine!
Now and forever Thine!
Fill me with love and peace divine,
And make me wholly Thine!
in song
DAY AFTER DAY I SOUGHT THE LORD Hare, 1839
Day after day I sought the Lord,
And waited patiently;
Until He bent down from His throne,
And hearkened to my cry.
He drew me from the fearful pit,
And from the miry clay;
He placed my feet upon a rock,
And led me in His way.
He taught my soul a new-made song,
A song of holy praise,
All they who see these things, with fear
Their hopes to God shall raise.
Most blessed is the man whose hope
Upon the Lord relies;
Who follows not the proud, nor those
That turn aside to lies.
O Lord, what wonders hast Thou wrought,
All number far above!
THY THOUGHTS TO US-WARD OVERFLOW
WITH MERCY, GRACE, AND LOVE.
Show forth Thy mercy, gracious Lord;
O take it not away!
Thy loving kindness and Thy truth,
Let them be still my stay.
For countless sorrows hem me round;
And my iniquities
So hold me fast, and drag me down,
I cannot raise my eyes.
My hairs in number they surpass;
Hence is my heart dismayed;
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to rescue me!
O hasten to my aid.
Let those who seek Thee faithfully
In peace and joy abide;
Let those who love Thy grace still say,
"The Lord be magnified."
Poor am I, and in need; yet God
Care of my soul doth take.
Thou art my help; my Savior Thou;
Lord, no long tarrying make.
in song
GOD IS THE REFUGE OF HIS SAINTS Watts, 1719
God is the refuge of His saints,
When storms of sharp distress invade;
Ere we can offer our complaints,
Behold Him present with His aid.
...
There is a stream, whose gentle flow
Supplies the city of our God,
Life, love, and joy, still guiding through,
And watering our divine abode.
That sacred stream - THY HOLY WORD --
That all our raging fear controls;
Sweet peace Thy promises afford,
And give new strength to fainting souls.
Zion enjoys her Monarch's love,
Secure against a threatening hour;
Nor can her firm foundations move,
Built on His truth, and armed with power.
in song
GO TO THE DEEPS OF GOD'S PROMISE Breck, 1907
Go to the deeps of God's promise
Ask freely of Him, and receive;
All good may be had for the asking,
If, seeking, you truly believe. (James 1:6 ...ask in faith)
Refrain
God to the deeps of God;s promise;
There's wideness of meaning untold
In the promise given His people,
And the treasures they ever unfold.
Go to the deeps of God's promise;
And know of His wonderful might;
Whatever would be a true blessing,
For Jesus' sake, comes as thy right.
Go to the deeps of God's promise;
The blessing is never denied;
He loves, and remembers His children,
And every good thing is supplied.
Go to the deeps of God's promise;
And claim whatsoever ye will;
The blessing of God will not fail thee,
His Word He will surely fulfill.
John 14:13
Whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
in song
FROM BETHLEHEM TO CALVARY Nicholson, 1918
From Bethlehem to Calvary,
The Savior's journey lay;
Doubt, unbelief, scorn, far and hate
Beset Him day by day,
But in His heart He bore God's love :HeartThrob:
That brightened all the way.
O'er the Judean hills He walked,
Serene and brave of soul,
He sought the beaten paths of men,
He touched and made them whole;
He died at last for love :HeartThrob: of man,
On Calvary's darkened knoll.
He went with patient steps and slow,
As one who scatters seed;
Like a fierce hunger in His heart :HeartThrob:
He felt the world's great need,
And the negations Moses gave
He changed to loving deed.
From Bethlehem to Calvary
The world still follows on,
E'en as the halt and blind of old
Along His path were drawn;
Through Calvary's clouds they seek the light
That led Him to the dawn.
I have glorified Thee on earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. John 17:4
in song
HOW LOVELY ARE THY TENTS, O LORD Wesley, 1798
How lovely are Thy tents, O Lord!
Wherever Thou choosest to record
Thy name, or place Thy house of prayer;
My life outflies the angel choir,
And faints, overpowered with strong desire,
To meet Thy special presence there.
My heart and my mind cry out for God;
There would I fix my life's abode.
As birds that in the altars nest;
There would I all my young ones bring,
And offering to my God and king,
And in Thy courts for ever rest.
Happy the men to whom 'tis given,
To dwell within that gate of heaven,
And in Thy presence record Thy praise;
Whose strength and confidence Thou art,
Who feel Thee, Savior, in their heart.
The Way, the Truth, the Life of grace:
Who, passing through the mournful vale,
Drink, comfort from the living well,
That flows replenished from above;
From strength to strength advancing here,
Till ALL before our God appear,
And each receives the crown of love.
Better a day Thy courts within
Than thousands in the tents of sin;
How base the noblest pleasure there!
How great the weakest child of Thine!
His meanest task is all divine,
And kings and priest Thy servants are.
...
O Lord of hosts, how blest is he
Who steadfastly believes in Thee!
He all Thy promises shall gain;
The life that on Thy love :HeartThrob: is cast
Thy perfect love :HeartThrob: on earth shall taste,
And soon with Thee in glory reign,
in song
REDEEMED, RESTORED, FORGIVEN Baker, 1876
Redeemed, restored, forgiven,
Through Jesus' precious blood,
Heirs of His home in heaven,
Oh, praise our pardoning God!
Praise Him in tuneful measures
Who gave His Son to die;
Praise Him whose sevenfold treasures
Enrich and sanctify.
Once on the dreary mountain
We wandered far and wide,
Far from the cleansing fountain,
Far from the pierced side;
But Jesus sought and found us
And washed our guilt away;
With cords of love He bound us
To be His own for aye.
Dear Master, Thine the glory
Of each recovered soul,
Ah! who can tell the story
Of love that made us whole?
Not ours, not ours, the merit;
Be Thine alone the praise
And ours a thankful spirit
To serve Thee all our days.
Now keep us, holy SAVIOR,
In Thy true love
Grant us of Thy favor
The grace to persevere
Till, in Thy new creation,
Earth's time-long travail o'er,
We find our full salvation
And praise Thee evermore.
in song
ABIDE WITH ME Perkins, 1901
I am the vine, ye are the branches,
The Master's voice fell low
Upon the ears of His disciples,
That night so long ago.
Refrain
Forever, forever...
My Savior, abide with me!
Forever, forever...
My Savior, abide with me!
He that in Me abideth ever,
So ran the Master's word;
Shall bring forth fruit unto the harvest,
And great is his reward.
He that abideth not is withered,
Cast out that branch shall be;
For without Me ye can do nothing,
O child, abide in Me.
So shall ye be My own disciples,
My life shall dwell in you;
And whatsoever ye shall ask Me,
That will I surely do.
in song
I AM THE VINE Peterson, 1998 (Music: Londonderry, traditional Irish melody)
I am the vine; My Father is the gardener.
Each branch that bears no fruit, He cuts away;
While every branch that yields good fruit, He trims and cleans,
So that it will still more produce each day.
Now you are clean because My Word works in you.
Remain in Me, and I'll remain in you.
Just as a branch without the vine can bear no fruit,
So you must stay in Me if you would bear fruit too.
I am the vine; if you, like branches, stay in Me
And I in you, you'll bear much fruit in turn.
Apart from Me, you can accomplish naught for God;
You're like a branch that withers and is burned.
But if you stay in Me and I in you each day,
Ask what you wish; it will be given you.
God will be glorified because you bear much fruit,
For thus you show yourselves to be disciples true.
Just as the Father loves Me, so I love you, too.
Obey My Word, and you'll stay in My care,
Just as I too obey My Father God above,
And in His love remain forever and ever.
I've told you this so that My joy may be in you,
And that your own joy may now overflow.
Here's My command: Love others just as I've loved you;
To die for friends--this is the greatest love you'll know.
You are My friends if you do what I now command;
You're not mere servants, knowing not My will.
I've called you friends, for everything I've learned from God,
I have made known, and now I tell you still.
You chose Me not, but I have chosen each of you,
To go and bear much fruit that will remain.
Then God will give you all you ask in My own name.
Love one another; hear now My command again.
in song
AT CALVARY Newell, 1895
Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died on Calvary.
Refrain
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty at Calvary
By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary
Now I've given to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary!
OH, THE LOVE :HeartThrob: THAT DREW SALVATION'S PLAN!
OH, THE GRACE THAT BROUGHT IT DOWN TO MAN!
OH, THE MIGHTY GULF THAT GOD DID SPAN AT CALVARY!
in song
HAVE YOU HEARD THOSE WORDS James/jabcat 2008
He's more than just a story, so much more than just a man
He's more than just a picture painted by the artist's hand
He's as relevant today as when He spoke and life began
When He cried 'come forth' the dead man heard, have you heard those words.
Chorus:
Have you heard those words, He said 'come unto Me'
Have you heard those words 'I have set you free'
There's no sweeter sound in this world you've ever heard
than 'I love you :HeartThrob: you're forgiven' have you heard those words.
He says 'come ALL you that labor, 'I will give you rest
Take my yoke upon you, put Me to the test
I will give you Living Water so that you'll never thirst
then we will go be with My Father' have you heard those words.
in song
THE GRACIOUS REDEEMER Cranston, 1902
Glory, glory, God is our heavenly Father;
Thro' His love :HeartThrob: He gave us His only Son,
To redeem us, heirs of His glory forever,
Heaven and earth adore Him, the Holy One.
Refrain
Sing, O sing! Sing of the gracious Redeemer;
Sing, O sing! His marvelous power make known.
Praise Him, praise Him, He is our Shepherd eternal,
High in power, He reigneth upon the throne.
Pardon, pardon, Jesus has purchased our pardon;
Thro' His death He gave to us hope and love. :HeartThrob:
Shepherd, lead us close by the waters eternal,
Coming down from fountains of grace above.
Praises, praises, sing to the Savior our praises!
Hallelujah, grace reaches even me;
Worthy, ever, He who hath brought us salvation,
Throned above, our King and our Lord for eternity.
in song
THE NAME WHICH I WHISPER Bjerkrheim, 1980 (translated from Norwegian)
The Name which I whisper as morning time breaks,
And is on my tongue as my body awakes,
Is Jesus, is Jesus, is Jesus, Jesus.
The Name which I whisper as hours will fly,
And lives in my mind until the evening will die,
Is Jesus, is Jesus, is Jesus, Jesus.
The Name which I mention when night's coming near,
The Name of the Man that my heart loves so dear,
Is Jesus, is Jesus, is Jesus, Jesus.
That Name is the only last word I will say,
The first I will whisper in eternity one day,
Is Jesus, is Jesus, is Jesus, Jesus.
in song
I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY Bonar, 1846
...
stanza 2
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
The living water; thirsty one,
Stoop down and drink and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
Of that life-giving stream;
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
And not I live in Him.
stanza 3
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light;
Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise.
And all thy day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
In Him my star, my sun;
And in that light of life I'll walk
Till traveling days are done.
Isaiah 55:1
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is thirsty, come. And whosoever will, let him take the WATER OF LIFE freely.
in song
I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED Whittle, 1883
I know not why God's wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love :HeartThrob:
Redeemed me for His own.
Refrain
But I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able,
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day.
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing us of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
in song
TRUSTING AND HOPING Crosby 1889
I am rejoicing, trusting and hoping;
Looking to Jesus, Savior divine;
He is my refuge; softly He whispers,
"I have redeemed thee, child, thou art Mine."
Refrain
I am rejoicing, ever rejoicing,
Trusting and hoping all the day long;
Looking to Jesus, only to Jesus;
He is my refuge, comfort and song.
I am rejoicing, trusting and hoping;
He is my Savior; what shall I fear?
He like a shepherd leadeth me gently,
Close by the waters flowing so clear.
I am rejoicing, trusting and hoping;
Into the mansions waiting above,
Clothed in His brightness, He will receive me,
Heir to His kingdom, child of HIS LOVE. :HeartThrob:
in song
I HAVE GIVEN MY CARES TO JESUS Josiah Carley, 2011
I have given my cares to Jesus
And He took them from my hand;
On the altar of surrender --
There I left them, where He stands.
Refrain
What assurance! what a priv'lege!
What salvation, full and grand!
He has lifted every burden,
Soothed and helped me with His hand.
I have given my cares to Jesus;
Greatest joy and peace is mine;
Now I know the blessed promise,
Of His saving grace divine.
I have given my cares to Jesus,
When the storms upon me pressed,
And He gave me His salvation,
Steadfast refuge, perfect rest.
I have given my cares to Jesus;
Childlike trust He did impart;
Never did a song so joyful
Ring as now within my heart. :HeartThrob:
I have given my cares to Jesus;
Now I know that all is well;
On I go to be His witness,
Of His love to ever tell.
Josiah was born in April, 1996!!!! He lives in the mountains in Idaho... started playing piano when he was seven years old and wrote his first song when he was around 14 years old!! I'm in awe with the wisdom, love, understanding, humility that God has given this very, very young man. I'll post some of his other songs later.
in song
I WILL SING MY GREAT REDEEMER'S PRAISE Fred Bock
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy praise.
Streams of mercy never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love. :HeartThrob:
O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise,
The glories of my God and King
The triumphs of His grace!
To God all praise and glory be
As He we now adore,
The God of power, the God of love, :HeartThrob:
Sing His praises evermore
I will sing my great Redeemer's praise
in song
ROCK IN THE DESERT Crosby, 1885
Rock in the desert, my shield from the blast
Under Thy shadow I'm hiding at last;
Dear is Thy refuge, and welcome to me;
Rock in the desert, I fly to Thee.
Rock in the desert, how lovely the star,
Guiding my footsteps from wandering afar;
Now I am happy, Thy shelter I see;
Rock in the desert, my faith clings to Thee.
Rock in the desert, how peaceful my rest,
Kindly protected, no longer oppressed;
Long have I thirsted for streams cool and free.
Rock in the desert, I find them in Thee.
Rock in the desert, O Savior divine,
Thou are my refuge, no love is like Thine;
Thou my Redeemer art gracious to me;
Rock in the desert, I live but in Thee.
from Daily Overcoming Devotional by Ray Prinzing for December 24
BEHOLDING HIS BEAUTY
Ps 27:4
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will seek after; that I may dwell in the house (presence) of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.
Well spoken are the words of the Psalmist, "Turn my eyes away from looking upon unreality," Moffat adds another facet, turn mine eyes from vain cravings. Vanity, unreality, vain cravings -- surely this describes the things of this world, and satisfaction is not to be found in their realm.
The writer to the Hebrews speaking of God's purposed position for man, how that everything is to be put in subjection under Him, stated, "But now we see not yet all things put under Him, BUT WE SEE JESUS..." Heb 2:8-9. IN HIM we behold all the triumph that is ultimately to be ours, when we are complete IN HIM. Note these words, "we see," they do not signify natural (physical) sight, viewing visible things, but rather that INNER VISION, as we perceive that He is indeed Lord of all.
It is in harmony with this spiritual eyesight that we have at least part of the fulfillment of what Jesus said, "Yet a little while, and the world seeth Me no more; but ye see Me." john 14:19. We see Him, not after the flesh, but by the spirit, and the more we behold Him, the greater the change wrought within. For, "with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor 3:18.
There are changes being made even now, as we SEE HIM, with each revelation used to further the transformation process, but that process shall have a climax - for "now are we the children of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS." 1 John 3:2)
Behold the beauty of the Lord, to know Him as He is,
This is the challenge to my heart, :HeartThrob: till I am fully His.
in song
PRAISE OUR SAVIOR!
Praise our Savior, in our measure,
Sound aloud His wondrous name;
Gladly singing, praises bringing,
Heart and voice His love proclaim.
Send His story, spread His glory,
To the earth's remotest bound;
Tell the tidings -- gracious tidings --
Where a sinful soul is found.
Worship, honor, strength and blessing,
Be to Him forever paid;
Love increasing, thanks unceasing,
For the life His death hath made.
Psalm 117
v 1 O praise the Lord, ALL ye NATIONS: praise Him, ALL ye PEOPLE.
v 2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.
in song
WE WILL EXALT YOU, OUR GOD THE KING Cervinka, 1998
We will exalt You, our God the King;
For ever we will bless your name.
Your praises we will forever sing,
Each day we will extol your fame.
The Lord is great and most worthy of praise;
His greatness no one can fully know.
Each age will tell of His wondrous ways
And to their children His glories show.
The saints will speak of your majesty,
And I will ponder your awesome works.
They will rejoice in your charity,
And joyfully sing of your righteousness.
The Lord is gracious and slow to wrath,
So full of mercy and rich in grace.
The Lord is good to all He has made,
And shows compassion in every place.
All your creation will praise you, Lord;
Your saints will sing and declare your worth;
From joyful lips will your might be heard,
And kingdom glories throughout the earth.
All your creation depends on you,
You feed them at their appointed time,
You, Lord, are righteous in all you do,
LET EVERY CREATURE EXALT YOUR NAME.
You Are God Alone (Not a god) Phillips, Craig, and Dean
You are not a god
Created by human hands
You are not a god
dependent on any mortal man
You are not a god
In need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that's just the way it is
You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone
You're the only God
Whose power none can contend
You're the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You're the only God
Who's worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that's just the way it is
Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are
You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
You are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone
(sorry, you can quickly skip the ad if it pops up first) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMXpHhr_NkA&list=PL5VHQEKhJn6R0716QW4f1WBa-uEuszgXD&feature=share&index=3
in song
LOVE FOUND A WAY Christiansen, 1915
Wonderful love that rescued me, sunk deep in sin,
Guilty and vile as I could be -- no hope within;
When every ray of light had fled, O glorious day!
Raising my soul from out the dead, love found a way.
Refrain
Love found a way, to redeem my life,
Love found a way, that could make me whole.
Love sent my Lord to the cross of shame,
Love found a way, O praise His holy Name!
Love brought my Savior here to die on Calvary,
For such a sinful wretch as I, how can it be?
Love bridged the gulf 'twist me and heaven, taught me to pray,
I am redeemed, set free, forgiven, love found a way.
Love opened wide the gates of light to Heaven's domain,
Where in eternal power and might Jesus shall reign.
Love lifted me from depths of woe to endless day,
There was no help in earth below; love found a way.
in song
CONSTANTLY ABIDING Murphy, 1908
There's a peace in my heart :HeartThrob: that the world never gave,
A peace it cannot take away;
Though the trials of life may surround like a cloud,
I've peace that has come here to stay!
Refrain
Constantly abiding, Jesus is mine;
Constantly abiding, rapture divine;
He never leaves me lonely, whispers, O so kind:
"I will never leave thee," Jesus is mine.
All the world seemed to sing of a Savior and King,
When peace sweetly came to my heart; :HeartThrob:
Troubles all fled away and my night turned to day,
Blessed Jesus, how glorious Thou art!
This treasure I have in a TEMPLE of clay,
While here on His footstool I roam;
But He's coming to take me some glorious day,
Over there to my heavenly home!
from Law's commentary on the Psalms
PSALM 16
To the believer there is much joy in present state. There is, also, bright hope of rising to eternal life. May this joy and hope be our abiding portion!
Ps 16:1
Preserve me, O God; for I put my trust in You.
The Spirit draws aside the veil, and shows that JESUS is mainly present in this psalm. May we peruse it walking by His side, listening to His voice! He who was emphatically the Man of Sorrows was emphatically a man of faith. As such He was, also, a man of prayer. In all the trials of His low estate, the mind of JESUS rested on His God. When perils came as a devouring flood, He looked upward for preserving aid. Blessed are the members who trust and pray in the meek spirit of their Head!
see the entire commentary at
http://www.gracegems.org/LAW/psalm_16.htm
in song
JOY UNSPEAKABLE Warren, 1900
I have found His grace is all complete,
He supplieth every need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus' feet,
I am free, yes, free indeed.
Refrain
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory, full of glory;
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Oh, the half has never yet been told.
I have found the pleasure I once craved,
It is joy and peace within;
What a wondrous blessing! I am saved
From the awful gulf of sin.
I have found that hope so bright and clear,
Living in the realm of grace;
Oh, the Savior's presence is so near,
I can see His smiling face.
I have found the joy no tongue can tell,
How its waves of glory roll!
It is like a great overflowing well,
Springing up within my soul.
1Cr 2:9 That is what the Scriptures mean when they say,
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him." [fn]
1Cr 2:10 But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets.
1Cr 2:11 No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit.
1Cr 2:12 And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.
so what is the outer veil?