“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:12-15 ESV
Put on the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ
Who called us into His marvelous light
For our sinful flesh, let us make no provision
Proclaim the excellences of God’s only Son!
Put on the new self, created after His likeness
Praise God for His great love and holiness
We who believe are the sheep of His pasture
Blessed are we for Christ is the good Shepherd!
Put on His true righteousness and tenderness
Outdo one another in showing honor and kindness
To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness!
As He forgave us, forgive others their trespasses
Put on love binding all things in perfect harmony!
We are chosen, a royal priesthood, called in one body
May the peace of Christ Jesus rule in our hearts anew!
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV
Jesus said “I am the way, and the truth and the life”
Walk in the same way all who in the Lord abide
No one comes to the Father except through Him
The Spirit bears witness that we are His children!
His sheep know Him and follow His glorious voice
Joyful hearts of all believers in Christ Jesus rejoice!
The Lord God is our stronghold and our rock of refuge!
Behold His glory as we are changed into His image!
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost!
To follow Jesus deny yourself and daily take up His cross!
Be the aroma of Christ to God for the saved and the perishing
Put on love which in perfect harmony binds everything
We ought to love one another for God so loved us!
By His mercy present your bodies as a living sacrifice
The Redeemer crowns us with steadfast love and mercy!
No longer is it I who live, but Christ crucified lives in me!
“And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord.”
Hosea 2:19-20 ESV
“Love bears all things”
A man shall leave his father and his mother
Steadfast love and faithfulness meet
Righteousness and peace kiss each other
In Christ Jesus our joy is made complete!
“Love believes all things”
Know and believe the love God has for you
As the bridegroom rejoices over his bride
God rejoices over you, His mercies ever new
Always hold fast to the love of your life!
“Love hopes all things”
Love one another for love is from God above
Whoever loves has been born of God and knows Him
Behold, His salvation comes with hope and love!
All who abide in love, abide in God and God in them!
“Love endures all things”
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains God’s favor
The marriage of the Lamb will come, His bride makes ready
Pursue righteousness and find grace, abundant life and honor
Forever let us rejoice and exalt and give God the glory!
“In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me! Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.”
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV
Let us give thanks to God in all circumstances
This is the will of our Lord in Christ Jesus
Give thanks to Him always and for everything
Of His steadfast love our hearts will ever sing
God leads us in righteous paths for His name’s sake
The way is hard leading to life, narrow is the gate
But when the righteous triumph, there is great glory
Bless Him who crowns us with steadfast love and mercy
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us
May we ever be to God a fragrant offering and sacrifice
We are the aroma of Christ to God among those being saved
For by matchless grace we have been saved through faith
Let the little children come to Jesus, never hinder them
For to such belongs the promised kingdom of heaven
So we ambassadors of Christ implore the lost to reconciliation
Going into all the world to proclaim the gospel to the whole creation!
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.”
Psalm 130:5-6 ESV
Wait for the Lord, let your heart take courage
Our hope is in His steadfast love age to age
O’ my soul wait for His unmerited salvation
Justified by grace we are gifted redemption!
The Lord is good to the soul who seeks Him!
Look for His soon return as morning watchmen
Eagerly wait for the hope of His righteousness
The hope we do not see, wait for it with patience
Christ Jesus is our sure and steadfast anchor!
Our hope to enter the inner place behind the curtain
His sacrifice on the Cross our souls redeeming
Blessed is the New Jerusalem that is coming!
Repentant hearts will escape the desolation of Babylon
God shines forth, the perfection of beauty, out of Zion!
Christ Jesus is the Living Word to whom we cling!
O’ my soul wait for Him more than watchmen for the morning!
“He shall judge between many peoples, and shall decide disputes for strong nations far away; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore;”.
Micah 4:3 ESV
God will judge the world in righteousness
And the many peoples in His faithfulness
His spoken word will judge us on that day
Hear what the righteous judge has to say
Whoever rejects Him and His word has a judge
Repent of sin and receive the Redeemer’s touch
Heaven declares His might and righteousness
May the power of our Advocate give you rest
The great grace of Jesus is sufficient for us
For His power is made perfect in weakness
Know that in everything there is a season
A time given for every matter under heaven
A time to love, to hate, a time for war and for peace
Let us come before His throne on bended knees
Humbly pray, then let the weak say “I am a warrior”
Our blessed hope the soon appearing of our Savior!
When we are weak, Christ Jesus makes us strong!
Praise His mercy and forgiveness in endless song!
Hold fast to the Cross of the Prince of Peace!
Jesus has secured our hearts and He never retreats!
“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:3-4 ESV
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
My refuge, my fortress, my God, in whom I trust
With love God sent His only Son into the world
And while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!
The heavens declare His love and righteousness!
In Him was life and the life was the light of men
The perfect love of God made manifest among us
So that we who believe might live through Him
Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life
Lift up your hearts and hands to God in heaven
Believe in the light and become sons of light
For His holy name’s sake our sins are forgiven
Bless the Lord, lift up your hands to the holy place
Let every mouth be filled with His glory all the day
With confidence draw near the throne of grace
Praising Jesus, the name that is above every name!
“Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 ESV
“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:7-9
Christ Jesus is the good Shepherd
Who laid down His life for the sheep
The Son of God and the Living Word
In Him alone, the hope and peace we seek
The Father knows Him and He knows the Father
Jesus knows His own and His own know Him
By grace we are His adopted sons and daughters
This Shepherd died for the forgiveness of our sins
By His blood He poured out the new covenant
Now the Savior leads His sheep beside still waters
He is the great shepherd, what more could one want
The Lamb of God makes us lie down in green pastures
“You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, In the Lord, whose word I praise,” Psalms 56:8-10 NASB
“I Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”” John 11:25-26 ESV
God’s love never ends!
Before time and on this lonely night
Behold, an angel like lightning descends
The guards tremble with fright
Christ redeems with his first breath
The whole earth quakes
Love has vanquished death!
A new dawn breaks
The Light of the world reigns evermore!
From Zion the LORD roars!
Salvation is yours!
Let the Good News soar!
“He is risen!”
“He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.”” Luke 24:6-7 ESV
“Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.”
Psalm 48:12-14 ESV
All praise is due to the Lord, our Holy God, in Zion!
Church, shout and sing for joy, O unworthy inhabitants
For great in our midst is The Lamb, God’s only Son!
Our Redeemer, great High Priest and humble servant
The righteous fear of the Lord is Zion’s eternal treasure!
Find security in the citadel of salvation and towers of wisdom
Rest in God’s pledge of safety and mercy without measure
Evil will never breach the ramparts of this holy kingdom
The great bulwark of Zion is our Savior, the King of kings!
Keeping watchful providence and promises innumerable
Christ is the head of the church, full of grace, to whom we cling
Proclaim His loving sacrificial covenant poured out for all people!
“you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10 ESV
O Lord, thank You for saving us to the uttermost!
Your Son bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrows
Draw us near to You by the intercession of the Cross
Let Your Peace overwhelm our fears about tomorrow
You chose us to be Your servants, sons and daughters
From the farthest corners of the earth You called us
The Holy Spirit guiding us to springs of living water
May we seek first Your kingdom and righteousness
Thank You for the promise of our Savior’s empty grave
Death is defeated forever, our sins are forgiven!
We praise You for Your steadfast love that saves!
Our eternal treasure is at Your right hand in heaven
Lord, You are our God, there is no other besides You!
Christ Jesus is our refuge and strength all our days!
Your righteous right hand is strong, valiant and true!
All glory to our Redeemer, full of love and grace!
“Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.”
Psalm 42:7-8 ESV
O Lord, deliver me from sinking into the darkness
The flood of sin covers me and I sink like a stone
Deliver me from deep waters by your righteousness
Put a new song of praise in my heart at your throne
When the waters close in over me to take my life
Stretch out your hand from on high and rescue me
When darkness surrounds me, save me by your Light
Jesus, who calms the storm, draw me out of the deep
Though I pass through the depths, you are ever with me
When the deep waters see you they tremble and are afraid
Day and night I trust you and know my soul you will keep
O Lord, in your steadfast love, I find perfect peace and grace!
Hallelujah and Amen!
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.”
“And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!””
Revelation 4:8 ESV
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!
Behold the whole earth displays His glory
In the Cross of our Savior only do we boast
Jesus is the author and hero of our story
His salvation rescues sinners without merit
Draw near the throne of grace and receive mercy
Let us build up our faith, praying in the Holy Spirit
Every believer shall be holy for our God is holy
Exalt the Lord and worship at His holy mountain
Great and wonderful are the works of our God!
All His promises fulfilled by the King on Zion!
His commandment is holy, righteous and good
He who called us is holy, be holy in all your ways
Praise His great and awesome name, Holy is He!
God’s only Son, Jesus, the fullness of truth and grace
Only the holy Lamb of God that was slain is worthy!!
“Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!”” Psalm 35:1-3 ESV
Believe in Him, confess Jesus Christ is Lord!
He suffered and died on the Cross in our stead
Saving us by grace through faith in His Word
Defeating death, God raised him from the dead
While we were still sinners Christ died for us
Crucified with him it is no longer we who live
Christ lives in us imparting his righteousness
If we confess our sins he is faithful to forgive
The gospel is the power of God for salvation
There is no greater love than that which He gave
No one comes to the Father except by the Son
There is no other name by which we are saved
Exalt the living Word and believe in Christ Jesus!
He will lead you through every trial and tribulation
The Lord Jesus is forever ours and we are his!
Daily he says to our souls, “I am your salvation!”
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV
He who commands the morning since the beginning of time
His glorious majesty and righteousness are supremely divine
The Lord of all commands His precepts to be kept diligently
Proclaim the Living Word of our Heavenly Father faithfully
Be strong in the Lord with the strength of His great Light
Reassure the anxious heart, “fear not the darkness of night”
Say to your brother and sister, “be strong, steadfast and true”
Christ Jesus has promised to never leave you or forsake you
Blessed are those who suffer for the sake of righteousness
Sing praises to the only Son of God, our Redeemer, Jesus
Come to Him, find peace and rest when you are discouraged
By His marvelous mercy and great grace we are encouraged
God will help you, upholding you with his righteous right hand
He prepares a place for his rescued remnant in the promised land
Wait patiently for the Lord, let your redeemed heart take courage
Behold Jesus, our Savior, is with us always to the end of the age!
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:4-6 ESV
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.” Micah 5:2-5a ESV
O Bethlehem Ephrathah
Come Son of Judah!
The Ruler in Israel
His name Immanuel!
Of the virgin birth
Peace on earth
Good will toward men
Bright morning Star of Zion!
From Ancient of Days
The free Gift of Grace
God’s abiding Word
Our Great Shepherd!
Strength and security
Messenger of Mercy
Magnify His Majesty
The Prince of Peace!
Lord of all, King of kings!
Our Risen Redeemer returning!
The Ruler in Israel
Hallelujah! Come O Immanuel!
Come!
(Bethlehem meaning= House of Bread; Ephrathah meaning= fruitful; Immanuel meaning= God with us)
“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 ESV
Wise wanderers still seek the Christ from afar
The root of David and the bright morning star
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!”*
Come into His presence singing, make a joyful noise
Jesus is the good news of great joy for every nation
Emmanuel, the risen King, God’s gift for salvation!
Lord, I believe, and worship You on bended knee
Thank You for Your steadfast love, peace and mercy!
Christ Jesus, our treasure and hope from the start!
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart”**
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Darkness surrounds Grace abounds Evil normalized Righteousness glorified Despondency dismays Hope sustains Fear assaulting Joy exalting Hate increasing Love unceasing
Lies appealing Truth revealing Judgment deserving Mercy saving Christ risen Sins forgiven Death concedes Faith redeems Darkness abates Heaven awaits! Hallelujah! Amen!
“The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21 NASB1995
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us
Walk humbly with your God, seeking to do justice
Whatever is pure
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God
Create in me a clean heart and right spirit, O Lord
Whatever is lovely
How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news
O Lord of hosts, how lovely the dwelling place with You
Whatever is commendable
Being mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly
Let your light shine before others and give Him all the glory
Whatever is excellent
Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, excellent in wisdom
The Father is well pleased with His beloved Son
Whatever is worthy of praise
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!
To Him be glory and dominion today and always!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Be of one mind and one love, joyful in full accord
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit”
Humbly exalt others and proclaim the Living Word
Serve as Jesus did when he washed his disciples’ feet
Let your mind continually be set on Christ Jesus
Though God and man he did not seek his own glory
He emptied himself becoming as a servant to us
Born in the likeness of man but with all humility
Jesus was obedient even to death on Calvary
Therefore he is highly exalted by God the Father
Who bestowed the name above all on his Majesty
Let every knee bow down before him forever!
For “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!”
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:4-5 ESV
When darkness is all around And nothing seems the same Hope can always be found Grace will show the way
Don’t let fear win the day God sent His only Son Christ Jesus came to save Come see what He has done
The Cross has all the power Defeating sin and prideful things Redeeming the faithful forever His mercies new each morning!
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
“But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.” Psalm 55:16-18 ESV
O’ God,
Thank You for hearing my earnest prayer
I plead for needed rest and undeserved mercy
For I know your steadfast love endures forever
Once more please forgive me and rescue me
The enemy continually seeks to destroy me
Darkness battles for my heart and my mind
But your Light ever beckons me to Calvary
Where the Holy Spirit opens blinded eyes
In my own strength I cannot do anything
But the Power that opened the tomb I proclaim
I see the risen Redeemer and to his promises cling
Only by your Grace am I saved, never to be the same
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5 ESV
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!”
Celebrate our risen Messiah and his virgin birth
“Serve the Lord with gladness!”
May our faithfulness be counted to us as righteousness
“Come into his presence with singing!”
God himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything
“Know that the Lord, he is God!”
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God
“It is he who made us, and we are his”
God sent his only Son to free us by his blood from our sins
“We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
Jesus is the good shepherd and he is our door
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!”
Praise the King of kings for his mercy, peace and grace
“Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
Yesterday and today and forever the Name above every name is the same
“For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?” Ecclesiastes 6:12 ESV
Who knows what is good for me?
My life is spent with sorrow
God sent His only Son to redeem
Jesus is our hope today and tomorrow
My life is like a single breath
The years fly by too soon
God revealed His love for us by Jesus’ death
Christ arose leaving an empty tomb
Shall I take nothing for all my toil?
My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle
The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy
Christ gifts us new life through the gospel
Is there still time for me to change my ways?
My strength fails because of my iniquity
Jesus is the door, enter and be saved
He came that we might have life abundantly
My weary bones ache and waste away
Life passes like a shadow, my years with a sigh
Rejoice! By grace we are saved by faith!
God rich in mercy makes us alive in Jesus Christ!
Hallelujah! and Amen!
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24 ESV
“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” Psalms 105:1–4 (ESV)
All praise to the glory of God, our loving Father
Author of all things and source of the Living Water
Praise His name and holiness forevermore
Exalting the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
This is the humble service for which we were born
Proclaiming the Good News of Him crowned with thorns
Hallelujah to God’s only Son who bore our sins on the Cross
Christ Jesus, our Savior, conquering death to save the lost
My faith in Him leads to repentance of my sinfulness
Transforming me into the image of His righteousness
That I might live a life honoring His precious name
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16-17 (ESV)
We are created in His likeness But born into this world of darkness So the Father gave up His only Son His life sacrificed to save everyone From sin’s awful damnable penalty To redeem us to His glorious Majesty
For there is no other way to sanctification But through Christ Jesus’s crucifixion We are forever justified by His Blood To be one with the Father and His Son A Gift too unfathomable to conceive All we need do is believe
Fullness of joy, love and mercy at the foot of his throne
Relinquish every burden, selfish ambition and pride
God sent him for us and for us he suffered and died
Rejoice ever in the Cross for the gift of saving grace
Exalt the humble servant of God with endless praise
Delight in the righteousness our risen Savior imparts
As the Holy Spirit transforms our stony sinful hearts
Let every knee bow before our victorious Lord and King
“Worthy is the Lamb” let tongues of every nation sing
To the name above every name on earth and in heaven!
For God’s glory, Jesus, the Author of our salvation!
Hallelujah! and Amen!
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 ESV
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,” Psalm 92:1-2 ESV
For after you have suffered now for a little while
The God of all grace will lovingly restore you
Faithfully seeing you through each fiery trial
Our present sufferings do not compare to his sacrifice
Who bore our sins on the Cross, suffered and died
Now we are heirs of God and heirs with Christ!
Provided we suffer with him and so may be glorified
Count it all joy when your faith is put to the test
We are being transformed into a people for his glory
Do not lose heart but in him find peace and rest
Blessed be God the Father of all comfort and mercy!
The grace of Christ is all-sufficient in our weakness!
As our outer self wastes away our inner self is new
By his blood we are made strong and righteous
Steadfast in his love the Savior cares for you!
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV
“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” Job 1:20-22
In Uz there was a blameless and upright man Who feared God and turned away from evil He was the greatest of all dwelling in the land Blessed with ten children, sheep and camels
Rising early in the morning to give burnt offerings Atoning for the suspected sins of his children Faithful to God and continually sacrificing On earth there was no one like him among men
God commended Job when Satan inquired If there was a hedge around him on every side For God had blessed Job in all he had acquired Telling Satan “he is in your hand, only spare his life”
When Job lost his livestock, servants and children He tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell worshipping “Blessed be the name of the Lord” who has given and taken “Naked I came from my mother’s womb” and so returning
Are you enduring hardship or the loss of someone Rising early in the morning without hope or peace Are your burdens so heavy you are utterly undone Only One is steadfast in love, abounding in grace
For God so loved us he gave his sinless Son to save us Bearing our sins, he suffered and died on Calvary Christ arose the third day gifting us his righteousness Redeeming for himself his beloved bride for all eternity!
“Rejoice and be glad!”
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:35-37 ESV
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” Hebrews 9:14–15 (ESV)
“This is the new covenant written in My blood,” His cup poured out
Praying in such agony, sweat like blood droplets falling to the ground
Judas laments his betrayal of innocent blood, but what of all our sins?
Temple guards spit in His face while hate-clenched fists pummel Him
Pilate claims he is innocent of this man’s blood, washing his hands again
But condemns Him to be crucified after brutally scourging the Son of Man
A twisted ring of thorns is placed ungently upon His head as a crown
The Roman soldiers strike Him repeatedly with a reed, blood running down
Large spikes hammered through His hands and feet on Calvary’s mount
Finally with a spear they pierce His side, blood and water flowing out
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. (Romans 5:8–9)
“Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.” Joshua 2:18 ESV
God leads His own to the promised land
Two spies sent by Joshua cross the Jordan
Hidden from harm by the harlot Rahab
Ancestress of King David and the Son of Man
On the rooftop the messengers safely stay
Rahab looked to God’s mercy and grace
The men said “Our life for yours even to death!”
Then to Joshua they returned with stealth
In the window Rahab tied the scarlet cord
Placing all her hope and trust in the Lord
When the walls of Jericho fell on day seven
Her house was the only promised haven
Rahab and her family were saved by her faith
The last trumpet will sound one glorious day!
Tie the scarlet cord of Christ Jesus in your heart
Abide in His amazing love that will never part!
“The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt”
…so that the tested genuiness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7 (ESV)
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Esther 4:14-16 ESV
God has set His King on Zion’s holy mount
If we remain silent the very stones will cry out
Behold the Messiah’s sacrifice for you and me
Mercy, peace and love lifted high on Calvary
Forgiving the unworthy with each agonal breath
To deliver us from sin and the curse of death
God’s promises fulfilled through His only Son
Christ arose the third day, our salvation won!
Saved by faith alone, only repent and believe
Jesus is preparing a place for His redeemed
He will meet us in the clouds, O glorious day!
Let us ever draw near to the throne of grace!
Hallelujah! and Amen!
“For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 ESV
See the Cross on Mount Calvary
Where the Savior died for me
Born for such a time as this
Betrayed with an unholy kiss
The promise from the beginning
Our heavenly Father’s best offering
Despised, rejected, this cornerstone
Desires to make each heart His throne
Jesus crucified on that terrible tree
Suffered the wrath meant for me
The chief of all sinners that I am
Mercy yet flows from the Son of Man
Love opens the borrowed grave
Grace upon grace ever saves
Now I await my Lord’s soon return
The hopeful prize I did not earn
See the Cross on Mount Calvary
Where the Savior died for you and me
Christ lifted high for all who see
By His wounds we are forever set free!
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:18-21 ESV
“Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” Revelation 19:6 ESV
“And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!” 1 Samuel 17:37 ESV
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34 ESV
Overflowing from the Beloved whom God sent
Jesus gave this new commandment
Love one another
Behold His crucifixion and resurrection
With brotherly affection
Love one another
His love steadfast and His promises true
Just as He has loved you
Love one another
The Holy God loved you from the start
From a pure heart
Love one another
Our blessed hope is the Living Word
From the beginning this message heard
Love one another
Trust in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior
Outdo one another in showing honor
Love one another
The Father’s love abides in you
Making all things new
Love one another
The Light dawns in the darkness
By this all people will know you are His
Love one another
Praise God for grace, peace and mercy!
For His awesome glory!
Love one another earnestly!
“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,” 1 Peter 1:22 ESV
For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands. Nehemiah 6:9 ESV
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” Psalms 71:23 (ESV)
I will sing Your praises as the sun declares the morning I will sing praises exalting Your holiness and Your glory I will sing praises for the promise of the Gospel story
I will sing Your praises as the hour approaches midday I will sing praises of Your mercy and Your grace I will sing praises that my sins are completely wiped away
I will sing Your praises in the stillness of the evening I will sing praises to my Savior and my risen King I will sing praises to the Lord and Author of every good thing
I will sing Your praises now and forevermore I will sing Your praises until You call me to heaven’s door I will sing praises to You then like never before!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV
”But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
Galatians 4:4-5 ESV
Rejoice in God’s love for us pouring out endlessly
Magnify the Redeemer, the Rock of our salvation!
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree
All the world was to be registered for taxation
Everyone returned to their family’s town
Joseph and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem
In the city of David no room could be found
But ever great was God’s faithfulness to them
Mary gave birth to the promised Messiah, the firstborn, a baby boy
An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds and said to them
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy”
God’s glorious mercy is for all who fear Him
The Lamb of God in swaddling clothes sleeps in a manger
“Holy is His name”, the name above every name, Jesus
Christ the Lord, Mighty God, our King, our Savior!
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”*
“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” Luke 2: *14,19-20 ESV
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,”. Psalm 103:1-4 ESV
Receive mercy…
drawing near to the throne of grace
from the One deserving all our praise!
Receive mercy…
finding grace in time of need
asking in faith on bended knee
Receive mercy…
every morning made new
by God’s great love so true
Receive mercy…
born again to a living hope through Christ’s resurrection
blotting out all our transgressions
Receive mercy…
not because of anything done by us
by the washing of the Holy Spirit and His righteousness
Receive mercy…
that Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience
and wisdom from our God so gracious
Receive mercy…
from the Father rich in mercy
His steadfast love bestowed on the unworthy
Receive mercy…
that will never come to an end!
all who have placed their trust in Him!
Receive mercy…
drawing near to the throne of grace
from the One deserving all our praise!
Hallelujah and Amen!
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 ESV
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18
In the God of our salvation
In every tribulation
In suffering for Christ Jesus
In the gift of righteousness
In the resurrection of the Son
In the glory to come
In the Holy Spirit
In favor without merit
In the Good News
In walking in the truth
In the day the Lord has made
In saving faith
In hope always
In melodious noise
In plans for peace
In knowing He will never leave
In believing though not seeing
In the asking and receiving
In a heart surrendered
In mercies remembered
In the morning
In renewed strength soaring
In chains broken
In blessings unspoken
In the forgiveness of sins
In love that never ends
Inexpressible
Indelible
In Christ Jesus alone!
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,” 1 Peter 1:8 ESV
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of Lords, for his steadfast love endures forever”. Psalm 136:1-3 ESV
Dear Heavenly Father,
All praise to You Maker of heaven and earth!
Thank You for…
sending Jesus our Redeemer and Lord
the virgin birth
the truth of Your Living Word
Your steadfast love endures forever!
All praise to You for the gift of righteousness!
Thank You for…
dear friends and family
the table set before us
You are all we need
Your steadfast love endures forever!
All praise to You for Your marvelous mercy!
Thank You for…
living bread and water
loving the most unworthy
the provision of everything that matters
Your steadfast love endures forever!
All praise to You for The Cross on which our Savior died!
Thank You for…
the empty tomb on that glorious third day
opening our blinded eyes
faith that saves
Your steadfast love endures forever!
All praise to You for Your sovereign all sufficient grace!
Thank You for…
the forgiveness of sins
strength to finish life’s race
the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Your steadfast love endures forever!
All praise to You for bearing all our burdens and cares!
Thank You for…
Your loving embrace in times of sorrow
answered prayers
the blessed hope of tomorrow
Your steadfast love endures forever!
All praise to You for the way, the truth and the life!
Thank You for…
healing us by Your Son’s wounds
being our salvation and our light
Christ Jesus coming soon!
Your steadfast love endures forever!
Dear Lord God, please accept this thanksgiving to the praise of Your glory!
Hallelujah and Amen!
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out of my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. Isaiah 55:10-13 (ESV)
By My mercy and My grace By My holiness and righteousness By My healing of the blind and the lame By My faithfulness and forgiveness By My service and My teachings By My example and promise keeping By My Word and prayers without ceasing By My weeping
By My glory and My majesty By My raising of the dead By My many miracles and fulfilling of prophesy By My breaking of the bread By My suffering, My blood and crucifixion By My new covenant celebrated in the upper room By My death and resurrection By My birth, My life, The Cross and the empty tomb
By the work of The Holy Spirit This is how you will know That I Am And how I love you so
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” 1 Timothy 1:15 ESV
Christ Jesus came into the world to save the lost!
All sufficient grace overflows to me, of sinners the foremost
My Redeemer’s great mercy displays his perfect patience
Rejoice in the faithfulness and love that are in Christ Jesus!
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.” 1 Timothy 4:7-9 ESV
Godliness is treasured in every way holding the promise of life
Our hope is set on the living God for whom we toil and strive
Grow your faith with virtue, knowledge, restraint and steadfastness
Enhance brotherly affection with genuine love leading to godliness
“The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESV
In suffering with Christ Jesus we will also reign with him
Our sufferings cannot compare to the Lamb who bore our sins
Rejoice! Suffering produces endurance, character and hope unending
All glory to Christ whose love for us was manifested in suffering!
“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” Titus 3:8 ESV
Good works were prepared beforehand for us who are in Christ Jesus
Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all unrighteousness
A people zealous for good works for the glory of the Living Word
Let us stir up one another to love and devotion to good works!
Praise the Creator of heaven and earth All things are made new through him Displaying his grace by the virgin birth The life that is the true light of men
But we rejected the light for darkness Crucifying The Lamb who bore our sin Yet he freely gifts us his righteousness Made alive in the spirit of Christ risen!
The angel like lightning descended to the tomb How the earth quaked as he rolled the stone away Revealing to the faithful Marys an empty room Our Savior’s resurrection on that glorious day!
Proclaim the Good News to every nation Repent of your sins and only believe Jesus is our blessed hope for sanctification Come worship him on bended knee
He is the only way, the truth and the life! Redeeming an unworthy bride for his own Saving the straying sheep by his sacrifice Come sing his praises at the foot of the throne
Victoriously ascended to glory with exaltation Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior reigns on high! The King of kings, the hero of our salvation! His mercy and love flow to all who draw nigh!
“Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 ESV
One year ago today God brought me through an ordeal with my heart. In answer to many prayers and by His great mercy God showed me so much love and taught me to give all my cares to Him. Two months later my heart was completely healed! I wrote this poem a couple days after my heart attack and added the last stanza a few days ago.
Oh my heart How it ached From the start My world quaked
Beneath my feet The everlasting rock Rescuing me My hope unlocked
By the sin-bearer On Calvary’s tree Answering prayer Redeeming me
Grace and mercy Love unmeasured For the unworthy The eternal treasure
Risen to claim His very own Never the same My heart of stone
Now my cares Are His alone The burden-bearer On heaven’s throne!
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 ESV
The Gospel is revealed in Scripture alone, accomplished by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone. (from “The Beauty of Divine Grace” by Gabriel Fluhrer)
O’ God,
Thank You for breathing out Your Word
Christ Jesus our Savior and risen Lord!
Your promises are trustworthy and true
Behold, You will make all things new!
Salvation is by Your awesome grace alone
Drawing the unworthy to Your holy throne
All sinners who truly repent and believe
Turn from darkness to bend the knee
The lost now found are saved by faith alone
Not by any good thing we have ever done
Let us take up the shield that You will use
To end evil’s darts and share the Good News
Thank You for sending us Your only Son
Through Him the victory is already won
For he is our blessed hope of salvation
The righteous judge of every nation
The sacrifice of love that brings You glory
The humble lamb author of mercy’s story
Inspires us to offer You thankful praise
Then forever when we meet Jesus face to face!
Amen.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11–13 (ESV)
By faith in Christ Jesus we are completely and eternally justified
Adopted heirs by His marvelous grace making the unworthy worthy
Realizing peace with our heavenly Father because of His living sacrifice
We look ever forward in hope to the praise of His unspeakable glory
For it is in this hope that we persevere through every conceivable conflict
Saved from God’s terrible wrath, the penalty for our sin, by this reconciliation
His righteousness pouring endlessly into every believer by the Holy Spirit
God’s boundless love for us, yet sinners, made known by the death of His Son
This is the free gift given to all who place their assurance in Christ Jesus
God’s beloved Son by whom the Holy Spirit forever seals our salvation
When we repent and accept His shed blood in atonement for each of us
Exalt in the Holy God through our Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection!
This is the love that inspired such grace and it is this grace that brings hope
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3 (ESV)
Because of your sinfulness, I am rejected Because of your ignorance, I am rejected Because of your indifference, I am rejected Because of your idolatry, I am rejected Because of your timidness, I am rejected Because of your hypocrisy, I am rejected Because of your neglect of the poor and destitute, I am rejected Because you have set other loves before Me, I am rejected Because of your selfishness, I am rejected Because of your pride, I am rejected Because of your silence, I am despised and rejected
Dear Christian, “I tell you, if these become silent, the very stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40) “Behold now is the acceptable time, behold today is the day of salvation!” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
“And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.'”
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7 ESV
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”” Matthew 3:16-17 ESV
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”
Abba Father loves us more than mere words can say
So Jesus died and rose again, sin’s awful reign to defeat
For only He can rescue us come the judgement day
He is the blessed bearer of the Good News
The Light of the world, the rejected cornerstone
The promised Messiah, the righteous bridegroom
Our redemption realized through Him alone
So I bow my heart to God’s holiness and majesty
Repenting of my sinfulness and every prideful thing
For His grace saves me by faith in God’s gift of mercy
Christ Jesus, the One of whom the angels sing!
“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!””
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 ESV
Rejoice forever in God’s steadfast love! For grace sent from heaven above Rejoice in suffering for his holy name This is the day the Lord has made!
Rejoice in the God of our salvation! Carrying us through each tribulation Rejoice in the truth of the Living Word Christ Jesus our Savior and our Lord
Rejoice in his sacrifice upon the Cross! Redeeming the beloved unworthy lost Rejoice in the promise of the empty tomb Hallelujah! Jesus is returning soon!
Rejoice with those who rejoice Sing his praises making a joyful noise Rejoice in his gifted righteousness He rejoices over us with gladness!
Rejoice in hope of God’s glory! The Author of unmerited mercy! Rejoice in the Lord always! Be glad and praise him all your days!
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
The Son has risen to destroy the darkness To exchange our sins for his righteousness Do you know the one with the power to save Why not accept his free gift of joyous grace
Come to the holy Father on bended knee Seek forgiveness and forever be set free Christ Jesus is the way, the truth and the life Relinquish your idols while there is yet time
A life set free by his sacrifice is free indeed Call on his name to meet all your needs Tell each stranger, your family and friends His unmerited mercy and love never end
Worship him alone who is worthy of praise Rest in his steadfast arms and warm embrace He will never leave you or forsake you Hallelujah! For his promises are ever true!
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” Psalm 63:1-3 ESV
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4 ESV
There is a bridge to a heavenly cathedral Where the Son of Man reigns forevermore He prepared this holy place apart for us to dwell Leading the way from each repentant heart’s door
This God’s merciful plan from the very beginning To redeem us for eternity to the praise of his glory Crushing the dire consequence of our sinning By his Son’s requisite death on Calvary’s cruel tree
Then Christ arose by an awesomely powerful love Our thirsty souls satisfied only by this Living Water So take up your cross daily until he calls you from above For serving our Lord and Savior is all that will truly matter!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
I wish you could walk in my heart when you feel all alone and you’ve used up all the emotions that you own when you have doubts about tomorrow and happiness succumbs to sorrow when emptiness is the best that you’ve felt and you curse the hand you’ve been dealt when no end is in sight in the silence of night when you doubt how much I care and wonder if I’ll always be there come walk in my heart
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV)
Leaving selfishness and pride behind Justified by Christ Jesus’ grace alone Healed hearts that were once blind Rest in faith upon the Cornerstone
The road ahead predictably narrows The enemy closing in at each turning Using disappointment and sorrows To blindside those unwary without warning
Undeserved mercy and forgiveness intertwined Pave the way from The Cross to the promised land Though one may stumble and fall at times We’re raised up by His righteous right hand
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:10(ESV)
I whispered your name so many times wondering if you would ever hear me I didn’t know I didn’t know that you heard every word and you loved me so Until the day you whispered back my name and my life was forever changed Now we can never be apart for you are the owner of my heart
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Psalms 100:1-2 (ESV)
Towering pines line a winding road To a welcoming rock for the young and old A serene sanctuary beside living waters Providing needed respite from earthly matters
As rays of sunlight filter through the leaves Songs of praise rise up through the trees God’s amazing creation at its very best A glorious place apart He’s so richly blessed
Calls on us to seek only after His righteousness. For solely in His Word we find peace and rest That nurtures those unworthy He has chosen To grow in grace through this glimpse of heaven
“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” —2 Timothy 1:12 (ESV)
I know what I believe, give me boldness to say it
I used to worry what others might think of me
Lord, help me share Your Word by the Holy Spirit
Exalting Your sacrifice, Your glory and majesty
This is the Good News redeeming my stony heart
You suffered and died for me, atoning for my sins
Defeating death, You claimed me, no longer apart
I live in awestruck wonder of love so great as this
Saturate my thirsty spirit with all Your righteousness
Grant me the joy and peace that come from You alone
To know You is to know the Father of Light and Holiness
I proclaim Your mercy and grace until He calls me home!
I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22
There is one debt I can never repay My sins are forever washed away By my Lord Jesus Christ’s loving sacrifice For by His blood I am completely justified
No longer can I be judged unworthy But joyfully redeemed for all eternity God’s marvelous grace so freely given Mercifully rescuing my soul to heaven!
“And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.”*
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:13-18 (ESV)
Before salvation there was no need for war
The enemy had no reason to fight
But then The Gospel breached my heart’s door
My utter hopelessness exposed by The Light
Christ Jesus bore my sin and pride to The Cross
And by His blood He fit my armor
My sword and my shield, His righteousness
And His Word at the ready evermore
The enemy now realizing what’s at stake
From the darkness the arrows are relentless
Come the battle with each breath I take
But from my heart’s rampart The Holy Spirit secures the fortress
King Xerxes hosted a great feast displaying his empire’s splendor and majesty
But his command was ignored by Queen Vashti attending her own festivity
The young and beautiful Esther was chosen when a new queen was sought
Her cousin Mordecai saved the king’s life when he overheard a murderous plot
The wicked Haman was promoted to power and demanded all bend the knee
His wounded pride demanded the murder of Mordecai and all Jews by decree
But Esther and Mordecai desperately hoped to reverse this evil scheme of his
Mordecai advised Esther she may have been born for just such a time as this
Esther invited the king to the first of two banquets as part of their plan
While high gallows for Mordecai’s execution were ordered by Haman
The king endured a sleepless night and read the book of memorable deeds
Haman was humiliated and Mordecai was exalted as God’s plan succeeds
Haman was hung from the gallows he made while all the Jews were saved
Mordecai grew in power, the Jews slew their enemies and celebrate Purim today
By God’s Providence, Esther, Mordecai and God’s chosen people were not lost
By God’s great mercy and love we are redeemed by Christ’s work on the Cross!
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
“As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.” 1 Samuel 18:1 ESV
Jonathan, first born son of King Saul
A humble soul lovingly knit to another
Jesus, God’s only Son, given for us all
My soul’s Guardian and great Shepherd
The prince made a covenant before the Lord
He pleaded with his father David’s life to keep
Ours is the new covenant in the Savior’s blood
He intercedes for us with groanings so deep
A brother forever, loyal, brave and true
Gifting his robe, armor, bow, belt and sword
Jesus promises whatever we ask, he will do
When we pray according to His Word
Swifter than an eagle, stronger than a lion
The Philistines were given into his hand
God’s Provision for salvation comes out of Zion
Against His Righteousness no evil can stand
Jonathan fought well and in battle he died
His life’s legacy is one of love and loyalty
Christ Jesus saves us by his supreme sacrifice
His resurrection our sure hope for all eternity!
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” John 1:12 ESV
“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” Acts 1:21-22 ESV
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
In a world barren except for sin and darkness
A man toils in this desert to plant a seed
Of hope, love, mercy and forgiveness
Ever faithful to follow God wherever He leads
To bring the message of the gospel story
Through lonely valleys and dark shadows
So that the lost tribes might see His glory
And be redeemed to The Christ Jesus he follows
Without regard to his safety or welfare
To gain the crown of life no matter the cost
Such is the narrow path only the few will dare
Sharing the promise of salvation by taking up the cross
It would be easy to lament that one’s life may be of no lasting consequence
When contemplating the incomprehensible vastness of the universe expanse
But know this God gave up His only Son to suffer and to die just for you
On that cruel Cross He proved His incredible mercy and His love so true
Christ Jesus taking upon Himself the horrible penalty for our sin
Only asking that we humbly repent and place all our trust in Him
The source of immeasurable grace and matchless righteousness
By His resurrection He conquered death for our timely deliverance
Now we have the glorious guarantee of His priceless inheritance
Hallelujah! Come feast at the table of this blessed assurance
Our hope and joy forever established by His precious blood for our salvation!
Proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ with shouts of acclamation!
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”
Enjoy the immeasurable riches of grace of the Lamb
For the grace of God has appeared for our salvation
Christ Jesus’ grace the source of our redemption
From the Cross and the empty tomb all grace abounds
And by God’s grace this lowly sinner once lost now found!
“The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:11-12 (ESV)
Predestined from before time and creation
To be grafted into the family tree of believers
But given the option to choose salvation
Or succumb to the lies of the great deceiver
How does one reconcile this apparent contradiction
How does one choose when the decision is already made
There must be an answer beyond my comprehension
A glorious mystery to be revealed at the end of days
So by faith in Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior
Who gave His everything, even His life up for me
I choose this narrowing path, knowing He has gone before
Never questioning the love and mercy displayed upon that Tree
I am but a wild olive shoot grafted into the tree of Life by His grace alone
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:4-6 ESV
Grabbing everything and anything this world has offered
Instant gratification without consequences preferred
Demanding an inheritance without having earned it
But nothing fills the vast void meant for the Holy Spirit
This free gift of love from the Father is for all who believe
His mercy and grace overwhelmingly defeat darkness’ deceit
No longer without hope for Jesus came to redeem His own
He awaits at the end of the long narrow road leading home
Readying His righteous robe, ring and shoes for each wayward son
Celebrating every repentant heart transformed from a heart of stone
For there is no one worthy of the Savior King of Calvary’s mount
But by His blood, though once dead in sin, now I live, lost now found!
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”
“But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.”
Oh Lord, there is a song ever in my heart and on my lips
Of Christ Jesus whom You sent to wash away my sins
So I praise You for saving me from my idolatry and pride
Repenting of the utter darkness inside me for which He died
He is the Light who rescued me from sin and death
So I proclaim Your mercy with each and every breath
For I am being changed from one degree of glory to another
By the righteous power of the Word of my Lord and Savior
But I, so unworthy, can never repay a debt that cannot be measured
Except by grace through faith in Christ Jesus, eternity’s treasure
For He is the promise and the hope to which I forever cling
God’s love filling each believer’s heart with joy everlasting
He is the Light who rescued me from sin and death
So I proclaim Your mercy with each and every breath
For I am being changed from one degree of glory to another
By the righteous power of the Word of my Lord and Savior
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)
To Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the promise was given
A great nation, a great name and God’s singular blessing
Through their lives’ triumphs and failures, ever battling sin
With enduring faithfulness and by grace never ending
The Word from the beginning leads us to the only One
Who became a man, the righteous requirement to provide
Through God’s love and mercy, His very own Son
The Promise of The Cross, for our sins He suffered and died
The enemy is now vanquished, my sins are forgiven
My heart’s eyes unblinded to His glory and majesty
Ransomed by The King, Christ Jesus, crucified and risen
“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.”
Your goodness and holiness are unfathomable Eternally faithful and abundantly merciful are You Your love is everlasting for You are unchangeable Every promise found in Your Word is securely true
Your majesty is wonderfully displayed in Your creation There is no greater wisdom but that which flows from You Before time was, You were and are the Great I AM Perfect justice and marvelous grace are manifestly You
Forgive my sinfulness for which Your only Son died His precious blood shed to redeem my callous heart Come change me and fill me with Your glorious Light At the foot of that dread and lovely Cross is where I must start!
Make it so every day!
In Christ Jesus’ precious name,
Amen
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 ESV
“the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”
“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11 ESV
“And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!””
My sins I confess and turn to worship at your feet
Ever thankful for your sacrifice of love and grace!
“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks…”
We passed each other by, as strangers along the way
“I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’” Matthew 25:43-45 ESV
“Go out from Babylon, flee from Chaldea, declare this with a shout of joy, proclaim it, send it out to the end of the earth; say, “The Lord has redeemed his servant Jacob!””
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 ESV
Dear Heavenly Father,
Let this be my heart’s only desire To love your precious Word above all For you saved me from sin’s awful mire Defeating the deadly curse of the fall
Please fill me with your righteousness I come before you on bended knee Claiming your promises with all reverence Help me be all that you want me to be
Grant me wisdom to know your Word Let my sanctification be complete For I live in awe of you, O’ Lord! Longing for the day to worship at your feet
I beg your forgiveness for every sinful thing Convicted by the truth of your living Word Nothing but faith alone I bring Hewed by the grace of your two-edged sword
I will praise you always for endless mercies For your imminent return I constantly look Your Word ever accomplishes your purposes Until that glorious day, I exclaim “bring The Book!”
Amen, Amen!
“And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” Nehemiah 8:5-6 ESV
“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 ESV
“But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.”
“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
Who has ever heard the wind along a forest’s leafy pathway and not known you, or waves slapping a rocky shore and the tender melody of a small bird above so much noise
Who has ever seen the brilliant splendor of a distant sunset and not known you or stony towers in all their white glory and the lights of heaven ever sparkling even through so much darkness
Who has ever felt the warmth of the morning sun upon their sweaty brow and not known you or a cool breeze on a summer’s eve and the thrill of one more day to live in spite of so much indifference
Claim the promise from which the Father’s mercies flow
Rejoice in hope that wipes away every lingering tear
His risen Son has utterly defeated life’s cursed foe!
Redeemed loved ones who have gone before us will rise
Returning with our Lord on that glorious day of days
God’s righteous trumpet resounding in grace-filled skies
Listen for the archangel’s voice with a constant upward gaze
Christ Jesus who died on the Cross for our sins is coming again!
We who are saved by faith alone will be summoned airborne
For a spontaneous worship service in the clouds with Him
A forever reunion with our beloved Savor King leading us home!
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
“By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas”. Psalms 65:5 ESV
When things are not going your way And you are feeling blue Turn to the Author of the day And claim His love so true
For no one else ever cared so much To sacrifice everything for you Find comfort in the Savior’s touch He will guide you through
Life’s constant turmoil Darkness at every turn He is the Light of the world Give Him every burden and concern
For He has carried more than we know To atone for all our sins Repent and let your pride go Give everything to Him
Christ Jesus wants to heal your heart This no one else can do For He knew you from the very start Let His peace and grace flow over you
And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise. Galations 3:29 (ESV)
Abraham took his only son, Isaac, and headed to a mountain in Moriah With unwavering obedience he followed God’s command For the burnt offering, Isaac carried the wood, Abraham the fire But what could be sacrificed to possibly justify the sins of man?
At the right time the angel of the Lord stayed Abraham’s hand For the Lamb of God upon The Cross is His required provision God’s undeserved mercy and love embodied in the Son of Man For salvation can only be through His Son’s death and resurrection
The promise to Abraham was realized through his unquestioning faithfulness And we too can be numbered among his descendants if only we believe Receiving “the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness” We have new life because God’s ultimate provision for sin was upon a tree
The Cross, the Resurrection, the One who gave all!
Let us lovingly share the Good News without fear!
“But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.” Acts 9:27 ESV
“But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not put to death.”
By this Light of truth even the fiercest enemy yields
I will rise and go wherever you lead or command
Every gospel mission begins on bended knee
Our sure hope the sacrifice of the Son of Man
Holy Spirit remove my scales first that I may see
Abide in me and fill me with your righteousness
Shape me for useful service with this ready reply
Even if I must seek out a blinded man from Tarsus
“Lord, here am I!”
“Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,” Acts 9:10-11 ESV
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:7-11 ESV
So life did not turn out like you planned
You keep holding out for a better hand
What about those stories you have read
Or that movie playing over again in your head
There must be something more to this life
More than disappointments and endless strife
There is one who overwhelms every expectation
Fulfills every hope, the only way to our salvation
One who loves us more than we can imagine
He came to rescue us, the propitiation for our sin
For it is darkness that ensnares, blocking out the light
Keeping us from realizing peace and joy in this life
It is time to relinquish your preconceived notions
There is more than just going through the motions
Give it all to the one who gave everything for you
He will take away every worry by his love so true
There is nothing he would not do to redeem his own
The source of all joy is found in Christ Jesus alone
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. John 15:9 (ESV)
My love is greater than the darkness My love is greater than sin My love is greater than heaven and earth My love is greater than sorrow My love is greater than death My love is greater than any treasure My love is greater than worry My love is greater than weakness My love is greater than despair My love is greater than knowledge My love is greater than poverty My love is greater than sickness My love is greater than anything you can imagine
My love is hope My love is faithful My love is joyful My love is all powerful
My love is forgiving
My love is wisdom My love is selfless My love is boundless My love is sacrificial My love is full of grace My love is righteousness My love is Holy My love is unconditional My love is everlasting My love is the free gift for the taking My love is all for you!
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
By the same mercy and grace gifted to a faithful Ruth
“But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.” Ruth 1:16-18 ESV
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 ESV
Torrential tears flow in Bethany today
A loved one has died before their time
Can sin’s awful curse ever be assuaged
When will peace and comfort be mine
Jesus meets us wherever we are
“Believe in me and never die!”
Through the tears behold His costly scars
“I am the resurrection and the life!”
Claim this promise with all your heart
Forgiveness is for all who turn from sin
The foot of the Cross is where we start
Peace flows into all who believe in Him!
Jesus meets us wherever we are
“Believe in me and never die!”
Through the tears behold His costly scars
“I am the resurrection and the life!”
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” John 11:40-43 ESV
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13 ESV
Dear Lord, thank you for the brave warriors who fought for us
We are blessed because of their great sacrifice for our country
Never let us take for granted our freedoms because of their service
Every day let us remember those who died for our precious liberty
Let us never forget the reason for the lives spent so we might live
To enjoy the many blessings afforded us by Your love and grace
Draw us ever closer to the One You sent for our sins to forgive
Christ Jesus is the one who suffered and died in our deserved place
Every day valiant women and men stand guard against our enemies
We pray for their defense and that you will bring them safely home to us
Longing for the day when war will be no more and all death will cease
Thank You Lord for Your amazing sacrifice on this day of remembrance
“Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
“And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25(ESV)
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings the good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)
In various trials, in strife and in sorrow In love, in life and the promise of tomorrow In need, in poverty and tribulation In hope, faith and in salvation In darkness, in death and in despair In light, rebirth and in our prayers
In tears, illness and in our weakness In happiness, in health and perseverance In loneliness, mistakes and facing temptation In grace, forgiveness and in justification In disappointment, in waiting and in loss In all the earth, in heaven above and The Cross
Consider it all joy!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 (ESV)
“When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? —John 13:12 (ESV)
Such joy knowing from where you came More faith knowing you’re returning to the same But what suffering you must soon endure On a humble cross our salvation to ensure
Gird yourself now with righteous power For it is not yet death’s required hour Living water needed, our sins to wipe away The promise we will be with you on that day
For the one who has bathed is completely clean But the Savior must first wash our feet The servant not greater than his master The messenger not greater than his sender
The example of what we all must do By His grace Through His love so true
“Blessed is the King, full of grace, glory in the highest!”
The very stones would cry out if the people were silent
Tears raining down His face for all Jerusalem
Hosanna! Hosanna! Here comes the Son of Man!
Driving out unrighteousness from the holy temple
The Living Word then returns to preach the gospel
Authority over all, the rejected cornerstone
This prophetic journey must be finished all alone
The humble servant, His body broken bread
Pharisees conspiring together, wishing He were dead
Judas at Satan’s bidding, betrayal in his heart
Sin is a chasm, growing deeper from the start
God’s only Son prays in earnest, disciples sleeping, in Gethsemane
“Remove this cup from me”, but “Your will be done”, His final plea
Armed temple guards arrest Him after the traitor’s kiss
His closest friends scatter, who could have foreseen this
Condemned before the high priest, then before Pilate He goes
Peter in the shadows denies Him times three, the rooster crows
Prince of peace, mocked and beaten, before Herod then Pilate again
But he can find in Him no wrong, he washes his hands of Him
His spotless life traded for Barabbas, a murderer and a thief
“Crucify Him”shouts the crowd at the urging of the priests
A purple robe and cruel crown of thorns He wore
A heavy wooden cross, laden with all our sins, He bore
Now hanging from that tree, nails piercing His hands and feet
God’s only Son, suffered and died for you and for me
His tortured body then placed in a borrowed tomb
His disciples still afraid, hiding in a darkened room
But on that third day, something exceedingly extraordinary!
An empty grave, the stone rolled away, discovered first by Mary
Death is finally defeated, repent and your sins are forever forgiven
The angel declaring “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.
HE IS RISEN!!”
“And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.”
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24(ESV)
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”
(Psalms 107:28-29 ESV)
When all is seemingly lost
And chaos appears to reign
Keep your eyes upon the Cross
The beacon of His mercy and grace
For the One who saved us then
Still offers His righteous right hand
To save us over and over again
Helping us to take a stand
Against life’s turmoil and our sin
If we repent and just believe
Placing all our trust in Him
Hallelujah! Christ Jesus, Lord and Savior, You are all we ever need!
“And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV
When we think about the story of our life Sin was the author of the turmoil and strife Our old nature worships everything it wants But what if there really is a second chance
Not that one could do it all over again But a life ever redeemed by the Son of Man If only we confess and repent of our sin Placing all our hope and our trust in Him
Grateful for the saints who walked in faith before us Serving others by our holy Savior’s righteousness Joyfully leading the way to the Light of Light Their names inscribed in the Lamb’s Book of Life
For Christ Jesus died and arose that we might live By this gift of grace our sin and pride He forgives Eternal life in heaven the theme of our new story Our unworthiness now “to the praise of His glory!”
Oh, to find refuge from despair in the cleft of the rock
But a great and mighty wind rends the mountainside
God commands His creation His holy plan to unlock
From His power and righteousness no one can hide
After the wind does not even the earth tremble and quake
From the pinnacle of glory to the deepest despondency
Not one child of His own will He leave or ever forsake
Feel His fervent fire and claim His matchless mercy
God’s truth comes in the sound of a low whisper
A humble servant He sent, His wayward people to save
Hallelujah! To be in His presence, praising Him forever!
I am a natural born sinner rescued by Christ Jesus’ grace!
And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”
Tell me of the one who loved us Before the beginning of time Tell me of this love so great, this Jesus That I should make Him mine
God’s only Son of virgin birth How are we worthy of this sacrifice That caused Him to come to earth The One who opens blinded eyes
Healing the lame to walk with Him Why He gave up everything for the Cross Taking upon Himself all our sin Unwilling that any should be lost
Tell me how we are healed by His stripes Show me the nail prints in His hands and feet And where the spear pierced His side Tell me how the repentant thief was redeemed
Tell me what I must do What can I bring Him for recompense How can I be made new And claim His holy righteousness
Tell me about that third day How He arose to conquer death How they found the stone rolled away Tell me about His first breath
Show me what it is to repent To turn from my sin and pride Trusting only in the One God sent That I might have the Holy Spirit inside
Tell me of Christ Jesus and His love so true Tell me again of His mercy and grace Hallelujah! By faith alone I believe, nothing else I need do Until the day I see Him face to face
I will praise His name and then forevermore
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” John 8:12 ESV
“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—”
“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
Grief and joy, tears filling the same empty space
This present suffering, the testing of one’s faith
Will this pain still be there, overwhelming tomorrow
Can well-intentioned words turn back this sorrow
Is there solace ever in death’s hollow cup
Ahh! Just now the prayers of the saints raise me up
Surrounding me with Love’s perfect embrace
Kneeling at The Cross, anew, I find His mercy and grace
For there is only One, who suffered and died
Defeating our sin and deserved doom, gifting us life
Everlasting, to be with Him, our hope and promise
Christ Jesus is The Living Word overcoming my distress
And in Whom I find needed strength, peace and rest
My world is warm, dark and void of time But my first thought is “I am loved” I feel a heart beating that is not mine A sense of belonging to someone above Providing everything I could possibly need As all my inward and outward parts are defined Intricately and exquisitely, I become “me” Longing to know the one in whom I’m confined The person in whom I have all my trust But suddenly without warning there is searing pain Torn limb from limb into the cold I am thrust My last thought is “will I ever know love again?” But immediately there is warmth and light Strong arms gently cradle me Yet hold me tight And I wonder “who can this be?” I feel a heart beating that is not mine Oh, my Lord and Savior, it is You! Who suffered and died that I might live Showering me with grace, mercy and love so true Forgiven, that I might also forgive I know that I am loved
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalms 139:13-14 (ESV)
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?””
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder , and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 ESV
Love is here! Born this day Do not fear So much grace Glad tidings He brings Fullness of joy The angels sing Of this baby boy God’s only Son Born of a virgin The Righteous One To bear our sin On Calvary’s tree Ransom paid For the unworthy He took our place Suffered and died Defeating death He did arise His first breath The third day Mercy won! So much grace God’s Only Son Jesus knocks at the door Ask Him in To reign evermore! Love begins!
How some might feel left out because of their past
Others of us missing loved ones no longer here
Wondering if there isn’t more or if anyone cares
Then I had this thought about Joseph a carpenter by trade
A man of God traveling with the love of his life by his side
What if Mary with child became ill or delivered on the way
What if they reached Bethlehem and there was no place to stay
Was he thinking how his life would soon be forever changed
Knowing she was carrying a son, not his, but the Messiah
The promised Son of God for the salvation of the world
Did he wonder if he could love this child like his very own
Remembering what the angel of the Lord in a dream had spoken to him
“You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins”
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son… and laid him in a manger”
But perhaps the babe felt first the strong, loved-filled arms of a carpenter
Obedient to God’s Word from the very start, trusting in Him without any doubt
Joseph, son of David, an adopted father, reminds us what Christmas is truly about
Christ our Savior is born!
“And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”
Joy has come A child is born God’s only Son The Living Word
The Gift born to die That we might live Defeating the lie Our sins to forgive
From a lowly manger To a cruel cross The answer to prayer To save the lost
Risen the third day Joy has come The only way God’s only Son
Ascended to Heaven He sits on the throne He’s coming again To take us home!
Joy to the world!
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV
But I am secure in the knowledge of this one thing
God loves and cares for me, supplying all I need
We are not promised tomorrow but I trust His lead
I have tried it every other way relying only on myself
Foolishly thinking why should I depend on anyone else
But I cannot fill the void preserved for the One He sent
Christ Jesus, the answer to our quest for contentment
He came in so much love to take my sins far away
Even when He knew how far from Him I would stray
He suffered and died for me despite my indifference
Such mercy and grace the only way to my deliverance
I do not know what the next moment will bring
But I am secure in the knowledge of this one thing
God lovingly cares for me and has supplied all I need
I proclaim His only Son!
and I know I am redeemed!
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.”
“They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed…!” Luke 24:32-34 ESV
“and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.”
John 19:17-18 ESV
Calvary is the place
Apex of His grace
Scene of His suffering
Mercy’s best offering
Between two thieves
One of whom believes
Jesus Christ crucified!
On the Cross He died
Bearing every sin
Eternal life to win
Sealed in a borrowed grave
Rising again to save!
His first breath
Conquering death
For all who believe
Humbly bow the knee
Before the risen Lord
The Living Word
Ascended to heaven
Our sins forgiven
The Holy Spirit arrives
Changing lives
Redeeming hearts
Righteousness He imparts
Faith is the key
Love’s guarantee
He is coming again!
Son of God, Son of Man
Peace He brings
Christ Jesus, King of kings!
“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.””
Hanging on Golgotha’s terrible tree ne’er was a love so true
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
The repentant thief rewarded looking into the Messiah’s eyes
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
To Mary, his mother and the disciple beloved like a brother
“Woman, behold, your son!” and John, “Behold, your mother!”
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased
This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood
“I thirst” Jesus said, knowing our salvation He had already won
Scourged, nailed to the cross, bearing our sins for our eternal benefit
Our Lord and Savior cried “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”
“It is finished,” and he bowed his head, the last words He would say
Until He crushed the serpent’s head, defeating death that wondrous third day!
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:1-4, 6 ESV
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Walking over waves hand in hand with Christ Jesus!
“But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Matthew 14:26-27 ESV
“Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Acts 9:3-5 ESV
Could this really be the Messiah we are looking for
Full of righteousness, merciful and kind
I want to meet him but how can I get in the door
So many people long to see him, seeking the truth
I am a lowly sinner, unworthy to be in his presence
But if I could just talk to him, a chance at rebirth
For there has to be more than this earthly existence
My friends carry me by their strength and prayers
Opening the roof they gently lower me to the floor
He is all I hoped he would be, despite the naysayers
“Rise up and walk”
by faith your sins are forgiven forevermore!
To God be the glory! I was lowered so he could raise me up!
“And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus,” but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.”
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved”
But He has known my weaknesses from the very start
Yet He still wants to ascend to the throne of my heart
Forgiving every dark thing I have said, thought or done
He requires my repentance before this battle is won
So I surrender to the love that drove Him to the Cross
Ever mindful to share this Good News with the lost
Of the hope that I have and the joy that knows no bounds
Secure in this promise, I await the last trumpet sound
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 ESV
“And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way.”
“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.” Acts 16:14-15 ESV
A vast void so very large longing for anything real
I knew despite everything I had I was still all alone
Desperately desiring the one thing I did not own
A relationship with the Creator of heaven and earth
The One who truly loved me even before my birth
Who sacrificed His only Son on the Cross just for me
Forgiving my sins He conquered death for all eternity
By His love He has made my heart His home
By His righteousness He has made it His throne
By His blood He has made His mercy known
By His grace He has made me His very own
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Oh, what a sinner am I, no claim to anything even remotely righteous
My tongue seeks only to hurt, my mind wandering in utter darkness
Craving the world’s acceptance and accolades, the fullness of pride
No time to meet another’s needs, grabbing all that my heart desires
Everywhere I turn there is envy and greed, this the mirror’s reflection
Completely lost, fearing the dire consequences of the truth’s conviction
So I have run out of hope, there is no light for me where the tunnel ends
Oh, if I could only climb out of sin’s abyss and make necessary amends
But there is only One who was born for such a time as this and for me
How can it be that from the very beginning He knew what I would be
Against this merciful power, holy and righteous, evil cannot prevail
For by His love He knew my sinful heart before the cross, before the nails
Now I am set free!
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”Romans 5:6-8 NASB
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
That our sins are forgiven by His death on the Cross
His boundless grace shining down like rays of the sun
The bleak darkness by this holy Light is overcome
In the desolate desert that was my heart
Christ Jesus came His love to impart
No longer there does an arid wind blow
But the righteous blood of my Savior flows
Ahead of me the oasis my life has been longing for
From deep wells of Living Water my hope does pour
Worthy only by His sacrifice I am held in His hand
Rejoicing forever in His mercies like hills of sand
In the desolate desert that was my heart
Christ Jesus came His love to impart
No longer there does an arid wind blow
But the righteous blood of my Savior flows
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:37-38 ESV
This wilderness path traverses steep inclines and deep descents
With rambling roots and stumbling rocks hobbling our journey
Oh, but to overcome our sin and pride and willful disobedience
See the sacrifice of the supreme Sojourner on Mount Calvary
Faith alone in Christ Jesus is the Way, the Truth and abundant Life
Give Him your burdens for He has already born all that truly matters
He never leaves behind even one redeemed by His grace and Light
Guiding us through every dark valley and beside peaceful waters
Joy comes in the morn when these temporal tribulations we endure
The straight and narrow road ahead leads to our heavenly home
Hear the angels rejoicing as we finish this arduous adventure
Finding the rest we seek in the loving embrace of Christ alone!
“So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it,”
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
His Cup Pours Out 