“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” Psalm 145:3 ESV

God is the creator of everything, the everlasting Lord

Our Lord is a mighty God, above all gods, a great king

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world

Come into his courts with praise and joyful singing

There is no one like our God, he is holy, awesome in might

His love and mercies never end, great is his faithfulness

Christ Jesus is the light of the world and the light of life

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness

Everything you will ever need to live will be added unto you

Our Lord is all powerful, his understanding beyond measure

The love and mercy and peace of God are abundant and true

He does marvelous and unsearchable things without number

For great is the Lord Jesus Christ and greatly to be praised

His is the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty

Our Great Shepherd and Guardian saves us by amazing grace

Only God knows my thoughts and my heart, transforming me

Call to him and he will answer, telling you great things unknown

Come worship at the throne of our God whose love never ends

Majestic his name, his glory above the heavens, yet he calls me his own

And one day when he calls me home, hallelujah and amen! Amen!

“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” Psalm 125:1 ESV

Trust in the Lord God with your whole heart

Jesus died on the Cross so that we might live

We are saved by grace, our Savior will never part

He is love, whoever abides in love, abides in him

Repent of sin and believe, be saved forevermore

Do not lean on your own earthly understanding

Faith is the blessed assurance of things hoped for

Behold! Mount Zion, the joyful city of our risen King

Along with its desires this dark world is fading away

Whoever does the will of God abides in him forever

There is salvation in no one else, in no other name

His love is perfected in us when we love one another

If you abide in God and his words in you, ask what you wish

The truth we seek is only found in the King of Zion

Jesus gifts us eternal life and we will never perish

No one will snatch us out of his nail-pierced hands!

“Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.” Psalm 107:10-14 ESV

Hear the loud clanging sound of breaking iron

I am free at last, the bonds of my sin burst apart

Heavy scales fall from my eyes to see the Son

My Lord and Savior redeeming my stony heart

I stand firm, for freedom Christ has set me free

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom

He has delivered me by his great love and mercy

From the domain of darkness to his holy kingdom

I abide in the living word to know all that is true

By his abundant grace the truth has set me free

Free from the chains of corruption, I am made new

If the Son of God sets one free, you are free indeed!

I am a slave to the righteousness of the living water

My old self has been crucified with Jesus Christ

Raised on the third day by the glory of the Father

So that we might always walk in the newness of life!

Heavy scales fall from my eyes to see the Son

My Lord and Savior redeeming my stony heart

Hear the loud clanging sound of breaking iron

I am free at last, the bonds of my sin burst apart!

“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!”

Psalm 119:28

Who has sorrow? Who has woe? Who has strife?

O Lord, my soul thirsts for you like a parched land

My life is spent in sorrow and my years with a sigh

You are my only hope, to you I stretch out my hand

To you, I lift up my languishing and lost soul, Lord

My heart and strength fail because of my iniquity

Longing for salvation, my soul hopes in your word

Thank you for forgiveness and your abundant mercy

You have graciously delivered my soul from death

“My eyes from tears and my feet from stumbling”

I will praise you, Lord God, even with my last breath

To walk before you in the promised land of the living

I seek you and your strength, Jesus, my strong refuge

For I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb by grace

You restore my soul, lead me by all that is right and true

My truthful lips shout for joy, I will ever sing your praise

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul!”

(Psalm 116:8, Psalm 146:1)

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”

Psalm 119:50 ESV

There is only one who comforts us in all our afflictions

Let the steadfast love of Jesus Christ ever comfort me

When we are afflicted, it is for our comfort and salvation

If we share in his sufferings, he gifts us grace and mercy!

Because of my sin my outer self keeps wasting away

The days of affliction never cease to come to meet me

By the Holy Spirit my inner self is renewed day to day

Blessed is the God of all comfort, the Father of mercy!

My inward parts are never still but stay in constant turmoil

Afflicted in every way but not crushed or driven to despair

I seek forgiveness when I consider my affliction and trouble

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, constant in prayer!

Christ Jesus was betrayed, despised and rejected by men

He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with terrible grief

On that cruel tree our Redeemer bore in his body all our sins

And we esteemed him not, but by his wounds we are healed!

My present sufferings do not compare to the glory promised

I will rejoice in suffering knowing that it produces endurance

If persecuted I am not forsaken, if struck down not destroyed

Endurance produces character, hope and blessed assurance!

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV)

“And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls.”

Joel 2:30-32 ESV

Give thanks to the Lord of lords who alone does great wonders

Showing wonders in heaven and on earth, blood, fire and smoke

Praise Jesus, for his mercy rescues and his steadfast love endures

Learn from him for he is gentle, lowly in heart, and easy is his yoke

Behold the great and awesome day of the Lord our God is coming

After the moon is turned to blood and the sun turns to darkness

Blessed are all those who come unto salvation by Jesus our King

Everyone who calls on his name shall be saved by his righteousness

For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape

Sinners whom he predestined he also called, justified and glorified

All those who the Lord calls shall be saved by grace through faith

For this reason our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, suffered and died

Exalt our Lord and risen Redeemer forevermore!

“so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 ESV

“My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?””

Psalm 119:81-82 ESV

O God, my mighty rock, my refuge and my fortress!

I find perfect peace, grace and mercy in Christ Jesus!

My salvation comes from you, my soul waits in silence

Restore my soul and lead me in paths of righteousness

You are a lamp to my feet, lighting my way to your word

I no longer wander in darkness but follow the light of life

Waiting for you, O God, hear me, as I look to my risen Lord

May the manner of my life be worthy of the gospel of Christ

My hope is in your word, my eyes long for your promise

You, O Lord, are my strength, my song and my salvation!

I have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus!

At his name may every knee bow to the King on Zion!

Let every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

My soul clings to your righteous right hand that upholds me

I am born again of imperishable seed by your abiding word!

It is the power of salvation to everyone who believes

For your glory, O God our Father!

“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.”

Psalm 138:3 ESV

In my distress, I will ever call upon you, O Lord

I pray in the name above all, Jesus, deliver my soul

Whatever I ask you in faithful prayer, I will receive

You say ask, it will be given, I find you when I seek

For you know when I sit down and when I rise

Your righteous right hand leads me, hold me tight

May Christ Jesus dwell in my heart through faith

You alone discern my thoughts and know my ways

I can do all things through you who gives me strength

Being rooted and grounded in love, may I comprehend

The love of Christ, it’s breadth, length, height, and depth

Hallelujah, sin is defeated, the joy of the Lord is all that’s left!

Restore my soul and lead me in paths of righteousness

You are my shield, my deliverer, my rock and my fortress

I find refuge and the hope of salvation in your stronghold

Behold, peace, mercy and grace flow from your throne!

Forevermore!

“Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!”

Psalm 134:1-3 ESV

Come and serve the Lord God with fear

May all who love his word draw near

Praise his name, rejoice with trembling

Come into his presence with joyful singing

Serve our Redeemer with all sincerity

How awesome is his holy sanctuary

Be fervent in spirit, not slothful in zeal

Exalting him, before his throne we kneel

Let us serve the Creator of all with gladness

Steadfast is his love and great his faithfulness

May I dwell in his house all the days of my life

Lifting up my hands in praise for his sacrifice

Let my prayer to Jesus be counted as incense

By grace I am saved, gifted his righteousness

I lift my heart and hands to our God in heaven

Maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them

Our hope is in the Lord who keeps faith forever

Worthy is he to receive glory, honor and power

Love and mercy flow from Christ, our Savior

I repent of my sins and trust him forevermore

Great in our midst is the Holy One of Israel

Our Father, the Creator of all things by his will

Shout and sing for joy, O inhabitants of Zion

Salvation has come, behold, the Son of Man!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Psalm 139:23-24 ESV

I trust in you, Lord God, with my whole heart

May the love of Christ Jesus dwell in me by faith

In everything, I want to exalt you from the start

Daily you graciously make my path straight

I have turned from my sin to your everlasting light

Exchanging my burdens for your righteousness

May my meditation be acceptable in your eyes

How I long to be forever in your holy presence

Search my unworthy heart, Lord, and know me

Let praise well up within my soul and spill forth

My Redeemer, you gift me joy, hope and mercy

In you, Christ Jesus, I find grace and my true north

O Lord, see me through this new life you have given

I hold on to the promise you will never forsake me

May your will be done in my life for I am forgiven

Search me, O Lord, hold my heart for all of eternity!

Amen

“O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant. You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” Psalm 116:16-17 ESV

O Lord, please accept this sacrifice of thanksgiving

As I sing praises continually to your light as an offering

Make your face ever shine on your unworthy servant

Saved by grace in your love, steadfast and fervent

Please hear this hopeful prayer and my earnest plea

Grant me understanding that I may know your testimony

In your living word I find guidance, joyful truth and life

Ever thankful for the legacy of love that led me to the light

To know you is to know the truth that sets sinners free

When the Redeemer sets one free, one is free indeed

I am set free from the bonds of sin to be a slave of righteousness

The King of kings, the crucified and risen Lord, Christ Jesus

Accept this thanksgiving of praise for though I was a slave to sin

You have made me obedient from my heart to the Son of Man

May the exaltation of my heart and lips always bring glory to you

Only in your everlasting arms do I find perfect peace and refuge!

Amen

“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath.”

John 5:6-9 ESV

I sat on the edge of salvation believing I could live life in my strength

Not knowing the love of Christ, it’s depth, height, breadth or length

Why would the Creator of the world send His only Son to die for me

There is nothing in me or works good enough to make me worthy

So many times I had tried to do life, ignoring the free gift of divine love

But no one can walk the path of redemption without grace from above

The bonds of sin kept me from the hope and peace I longed to own

My heart of stone had to be changed by the mercy flowing from His throne

Not until the gracious Holy Spirit opened my blinded eyes to our Savior

And I truly repented of my sin was I healed by my Redeemer forevermore

Saved by grace there is no better time to take up my cross and walk

Singing His praises all the day long, the name above all, I will ever exalt

I proclaim the love of Christ Jesus, the living water and His righteousness!

For His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness!

Hallelujah!

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water.”

Psalm 114:7-8 ESV

Jesus cried out with a loud voice and took his last breath

Behold the Lamb, tremble before him all the earth!

With thanksgiving let us come into his presence

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness!

Make a joyful noise, blow the trumpet in Zion!

Sound the alarm on this his holy mountain

Tremble all unworthy inhabitants of the land

For the day of the Lord is coming, it is at hand!

He stands before us as the true rock that was split

“You shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it”

A spring wells up to eternal life gifted by the Son of man

Come drink of this living water and never thirst again!

Death is defeated, our sins forgiven by saving grace!

Behold on the third day there was a great earthquake

An angel descended from heaven to roll back the stone

Our Redeemer, the Christ, arose to make us his very own!

“Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness

Tremble before him, all the earth!”

(Exodus 17:6, Psalm 96:9)

“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.”

Psalm 112:4 ESV

Behold the true light has come into the world!

For our works were evil and we loved the darkness

The light of the world is the light of life, Christ the Lord!

Believe in the light and become sons of righteousness

In Christ Jesus is life and this life is the light of men

His grace all sufficient, his power perfected in weakness

By grace we have been saved by faith in the great I Am

Draw near his throne and receive mercy and forgiveness

Oh the mercy that led to our salvation at the Cross

Where the only righteous One died for steadfast love

The Redeemer of our souls loving us to the uttermost

Our hope and our refuge, our promise from above

Behold the empty tomb where his stricken body laid

Now there is abundant life awaiting at his right hand

Jesus has conquered death, our just penalty ever stayed

Take hold his nail-pierced hands leading us to Mount Zion

and praise him forevermore!

“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”

Malachi 4:2 ESV

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

How mighty are his wonders, how great his signs

The saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom

To Jesus, the name above every name, draw nigh

By faith we eagerly await the hope of righteousness

For us, God made his Son to be sin who knew no sin

Believe and be justified through faith in Christ Jesus

So that we might become the righteous of God in Him

A righteous person has great power through prayer

Behold, Jesus who bore our sins in his body on the tree

May we die to sin and live to righteousness forever

We are saved by grace and by his wounds we are healed!

Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits

He who forgives all our sins, arose with healing in his wings!

God crowns us with love and mercy, His eternal gifts!

The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting!

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”

Psalm 31:24 ESV

Be strong, I am with you

Fear not, I am making all things new

My love is steadfast, be very courageous

Seek after my righteousness

In the strength of my might

By faith, fight the good fight

Believe in me and receive grace upon grace

Be wise, direct your heart in my ways

Do not be afraid, I will be with you there

Where your heart is lies your treasure

With your whole heart trust in me

I have overcome the world with love and mercy

More than the morning watchmen, stay true

Wait for me, I will deliver you

May your soul wait and hope in my word

Quietly wait for the salvation of your Lord

Patiently wait for me, I hear your cries

Behold, every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights!

O Heavenly Father,

My soul thirsts for You ever

For You are my creator and living water

Sustaining me through each and every day

Wiping all my sins and tears away

How I long to see You face to face

And kneel before You with songs of praise

For You are my hope and my salvation

Hear now this my humble midnight confession

Though I am at my lowest ebb

By Your Word I am forever fed

For You are my rock and my life

Delivering me from the enemy’s lies

Healing my wounds by Your great grace

In You is all my hope and faith

So I am cast down no longer

You, O God, make me ever stronger!

As Your love pours into me like waves

A steadfast reminder that

my Jesus saves!

Amen

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”

Psalm 31:24 ESV

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

“After this manner therefore pray”

Before the Father on bended knee

Pray without ceasing

With thanksgiving

“Our Father which art in heaven”

Dear Abba, Father, and King on Zion

Adopted we praise you forever

Our hope in Jesus as fellow heirs

“Hallowed be thy name”

Name above every name

A strong tower always the same

We rejoice in your holy name

“Thy Kingdom come”

Behold your kingdom is at hand

With power and great glory comes the Son of Man

Lead us to the promised land

“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”

Lord, in everything please take the lead

Thank you for providing for our every need

By your blood we are set free

“Give us this day our daily bread”

Christ Jesus is the bread of life

There is no greater sacrifice

You are the way, the truth and the life

“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”

If we confess our sins, you are faithful to forgive us

Cleanse us from all unrighteousness

May we forgive one another as Christ forgave us

“Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”

Preserve us from trouble, surround us with shouts of deliverance

Through faith we are saved by grace

Equip us with your holy armor every day

“For thine is the Kingdom and the power, and the glory for ever”

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

O King of kings, your glory is set above the heavens!

Come now, Lord Jesus!

Amen!

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.”

Psalm 111:2-4 ESV

The Holy Spirit in you is greater than he who is in the world

God knows your works, your love, faith and your service

Whoever believes in Jesus will with him do great works

Proclaim him who gives peace, joy and patient endurance

Delight yourself in the Lord for from you he will never part

Ascribe to Christ Jesus the glory and praise due his name

Pray continually to him who grants the desires of your heart

Splendor and majesty are in his sanctuary of abundant grace

The Lord is merciful and his righteousness endures forever

Remember all his wondrous deeds and come worship him

Pursue holiness and kindness and find life and honor

Praise the Redeemer who has delivered you from death and sin

Seek him who holds righteousness and grace in his hand

Walk in the Spirit and in truth, keeping your eye on the prize

Wander no longer in the wilderness, enter the promised land

Claim joy, love, peace, kindness and faithfulness in Jesus Christ!

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:19 ESV

Come desperate hearts chasing after something true

Behold Christ Jesus is making all things new

O Lord God ever renew a right spirit within me

Flood my heart and soul with your abundant mercy

Wash away all doubt, my pride and every sin

You are the way and the truth, teach me how to live

Create in me a clean heart, one chasing only after you

Every day of my life I will proclaim your selfless rescue

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path

Lead me on the highway of righteousness, hold me fast

Make me lie down in green pastures of joy and grace

Deliver me through this wilderness and make rivers in this

desert flowing with your glorious praise!

Amen!

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”

Isaiah 9:2 ESV

Behold the Light has come

God sent His only Son

Simply believe in Him

Humbly confess every sin

Behold Emmanuel has come

In Jesus we are one

From the manger to the Cross

The only hope of the lost

Behold the Holy Spirit has come

Mercy and grace have won

The fruit of salvation grows

The glory of the Lord glows

Behold our Redeemer will come

When the Gospel work is done

Exalting our risen Savior and Lord

Come let us adore Him evermore!

Hallelujah and amen!

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

Isaiah 43:2 ESV

I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me

My sin and my pride I confess had made my life a shipwreck

Blot out my transgressions according to your abundant mercy

Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck

I will not be afraid or dismayed, for you, O Lord, are with me

You help me and uphold me by your righteous right hand

Your faithful word of truth calms even the most tumultuous sea

Behold the true Light that beckons me to the promised land

Jesus leads me beside still waters by rivers of unending grace

The lure of the lie and darkness of the deep will not overwhelm me

With the Lord by my side there is no fiery trial that I cannot face

The crucible is for silver, the furnace for gold, Jesus tests the heart lovingly

For there is only One who walks on water and brings us peace

By his blood Christ rescued us from drowning in sin and darkness

His glorious majesty and matchless power command the wind to cease

Find rest in the everlasting embrace of the One who died and arose to save us!

Come now, Lord Jesus!

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble”

Psalm 107:2 ESV

Christ Jesus has taken up my cause

He is my Lord, I delight in his law

God has redeemed my unworthy life

Praise him for sending the Light!

Blessed is he who gave himself for us

To rescue us from all lawlessness

And purify for himself his own people

Zealous for good works and ever joyful

Be glad in the Lord and forever rejoice

Shout for joy, all upright in heart and righteous

May the Lord answer us in days of trouble

Full of grace, our Lord is loving and merciful

God abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness!

Jesus is my rock, my refuge and my fortress!

In my distress I called and he answered me!

Our God is awesome in his deeds, come and see!

“And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.””

Mark 5:34 ESV

My dearest child,

I am the great Physician, and I hear your prayers

Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden

I have born the Cross, I will take away your cares

For you are the sheep of my pasture, my precious children

You may go through various trials and tribulations

But I am with you, no one will snatch you out of my hand

I am the way, the truth and the life, author of salvation

You are justified by faith, find hope in the great I am

In the loneliness of suffering, in the darkness of the night

You will find peace beyond understanding and perfect rest

For I have overcome sin and death, I am the risen Light

My right hand will uphold you when you are put to the test

O my daughters and my sons, I will never leave or forsake you

My transforming power, my mercy and love have just begun

To exchange your heart of stone for a heart of flesh so true

Now you have all the grace you will need, for we are one!

I am the great Physician, and I hear your prayers!

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

Colossians 4:2 ESV

Proclaim thanksgiving to our God aloud

Tell all the people of his marvelous deeds

With hands lifted high and heads bowed

May we steadfastly pray on bended knees

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving

Praise his glorious name with a new song

Magnify the Lord with righteous living

Established in faith to him we belong

Make a joyful noise with songs of praise

Come into his presence ever thankful

For the sacrifice of Jesus gifting us grace

His love and mercy exceedingly bountiful

Rejoice in the Lord God of our salvation

Let the hearts of those who seek him rejoice

Proclaim his wonderful Word to every nation

Sing to the Lord, all the earth, with one voice

For great is Christ Jesus and greatly to be praised!

Trust ever in his steadfast love with thanksgiving

Splendor, majesty, strength and joy are in his place

Blessed be our God from everlasting to everlasting!

Amen!

“I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments,”

Nehemiah 1:5 ESV

Our God is God of gods, the great, and the almighty

The awesome God, Lord of Lords, who judges rightly

Our Lord is the God of heaven and God of the earth

Whose steadfast love and mercy herald our holy rebirth

Behold the Deliverer from Zion who takes away our sins

From him and through him and to him are all things

Christ Jesus is the guarantor of the new covenant

By his blood we are gifted grace if we believe and repent!

Merciful toward us, God remembers our sins no more

The Lord keeps our going out and coming in forevermore

Love others as yourself for Jesus is righteous and kind

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind!

We who believe are called to obey his Living Word

Come worship on bended knee our Savior and Lord

The Redeemer who paid for us a heavenly king’s ransom!

Forever let us praise God for he is great and awesome!

“Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”

Isaiah 62:11-12 ESV

Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last

He is the beginning and the end, who holds us fast

Our Savior King is the root and descendant of David

The bright morning star, the Light by whom we are saved

The Living Word of our Lord God is trustworthy and true

Behold, Christ Jesus is returning for his holy people soon

With him his reward and before him his recompense come

To repay everyone according to what they have done

Come unworthy wanderer, let the one who is thirsty come

Drink the water of life without price from God’s only Son

Proclaim his righteous sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary

The redeemed of the Lord are rescued by his love and mercy

Jesus has sought you out and you will never be forsaken

Receive his saving grace, the gift of faith to be freely taken

To the end of the earth let all people exalt the glory of God anew!

Behold, Faithful and True, his salvation comes for me and you!

“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” Isaiah 49:16 ESV

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:28 ESV

Christ Jesus loves you as the holy Father has loved him

Forever the redeemed will abide in a peaceful habitation

With him in secure dwellings, and in a quiet resting place

Abide in his abundant love all who are saved by grace

My soul clings to Jesus, his righteous right hand upholds me

The mighty hand of our Lord and Savior King does valiantly

From our God and through him and to him are all things

He rejoices over us with gladness, our refuge under his wings

Christ Jesus has engraved you on the palms of his hands

Discover lasting peace and joy within the holy walls of Zion

Behold love and mercy fill the nail holes of the Son of Man!

His gift is eternal life, no one will snatch you out of his hand!

Hallelujah and amen!

“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

Psalm 91:9-11 ESV

In Christ Jesus we are being built up together

Into a dwelling place for God our Father

Trust in Him, pour out your heart before him

God is our refuge, on Him rests our salvation

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

In the shadow of God Almighty will ever abide

Fear not though the earth gives way or we stumble

God is our strength, a very present help in trouble

Christ Jesus is the only way, the truth and the life

Our God being rich in love and mercy makes us alive

With our risen Redeemer by his awesome grace

May our Savior dwell in our hearts through faith

Do not be overcome by evil, overcome evil with good

Jesus will always be with you just like he said he would

For the prize of His upward call, press on toward the goal!

Find peace in the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul!

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

Psalm 90:1-2 ESV

The Lord has chosen Zion as his desired dwelling place

Come into his courts with praise, worship at his footstool

We are being built together, all believers saved by grace

Everlasting to everlasting, God is our hope and our refuge

Proclaim his glorious name to all peoples from every nation

Christ Jesus will draw near to you when you to him draw nigh

His mercy is for all who fear him from generation to generation

How lovely the dwelling place of the Lord, our God, Most High

The steadfast love of the Lord faithfully rescues his lost flock

Blessed be our Savior and our Lord, Jesus, the Living Word

Trust in God forever, our heavenly Father is the everlasting rock!

Let all redeemed people say “Amen and amen!” Praise the Lord!

“I will love them freely.”

Hosea 14:4

(Let this be my testimony and my song

I will sing this anthem all the day long

To my Redeemer my heart belongs!)

All praise to my Savior King

Of his glorious name I sing

To the Cross on Calvary I cling

By the blood of Jesus I am forgiven

Thankful for his life freely given

My undeserved prize in heaven

Behold the joy of the empty tomb

Christ ascended prepares us room

How I long for his returning soon

All praise to my Savior King

Of his glorious name I sing

To the mercy of Christ I cling

This my morning and evening prayer

To give him every burden and care

The hope of the Gospel I declare

By my sins I am no longer bound

In Jesus grace upon grace is found

Listen for the last trumpet sound

All praise to my Savior King!

Of his glorious name I sing!

To the love of Christ I cling!

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”

Hebrews 12:14 ESV

O Lord, our God, who is like you, majestic in holiness

Keep our hearts and minds always stayed upon you

You have blessed us with love and deeds so glorious

We hope in your perfect peace that is holy and true

Christ Jesus grants us peace not as the world gives

He died for our sins and gifts us his righteousness

Behold our Savior King crucified on the Cross lives!

Grace and peace through Jesus are multiplied to us

In the world we will always have trials and tribulation

We find peace in you for you have overcome the world

Exalting you, we worship you on your holy mountain

All praise to you, our awesome God and to your Word

Only you Lord are holy and the earth is full of your glory

Thank you for your mercy and for your grace saving us!

We put on love that binds everything in perfect harmony

All praise to our Savior and our Redeemer, Christ Jesus

O Lord, come fill us with all joy and peace in believing

We strive for your holiness and for peace with everyone

By the power of the Holy Spirit our hope is abounding

Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is and is to come!

Amen!

“Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.”

Psalm 106:47 ESV

This is trustworthy and deserving of universal acceptance

Christ Jesus came into this dark world to save the lost

We are saved by the matchless grace of the Lord Jesus

Whom God sent as a ransom for sinners, I among the foremost

Having made an eternal covenant with Christ by his sacrifice

Everyone who confesses Jesus is Lord will be saved

For with the heart one believes and is forever justified

God gathers to himself his faithful ones saved by grace

The word of truth is our hope and guarantor of our inheritance

Until we attain possession of heaven to the praise of his glory

All the redeemed hearts of those seeking Christ Jesus rejoice

Trusting in his glorious name, exalted, majestic and holy

We enter his gates with thanksgiving for his love endures forever

May our worship, prayers and testimony be a pleasing fragrance

And our praise and service to our God be a steadfast endeavor

We, only by the blood of Jesus, shall dwell always in his presence!

“The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.”

Psalm 93:1 ESV

How beautiful Jesus is, who brings us peace and salvation!

Praise the steadfast love of our God the Almighty of Zion!

Let heaven and earth rejoice and all peoples worship gladly

The Lord God and Creator clothed with awesome majesty!

Behold the Savior of the world who died for us on the Cross!

He is risen, conquering death, redeeming even this one lost

His name is written on his blood-dipped robe and on his thigh

The Word of God, the King of kings and Lord of lords calls us nigh

Praise the name of our Lord and Savior our sins are forgiven!

Let the name, Jesus, alone be exalted above earth and heaven

Find his strength and beauty in the everlasting holy sanctuary

Listen to the voice of the Lord all powerful and full of majesty

I love you, Lord Jesus, you are my strength and my forever song

Praising your matchless mercy and great grace my whole life long

See the great multitude gathering where only righteousness remains

My voice joins the mighty roar, crying out “Hallelujah! Our God reigns!”

“Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!”

Psalm 97:11-12 ESV

Whoever follows Jesus will not walk in darkness

Shout for joy everyone who is upright in heart

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O you righteous

The Savior who redeemed you will never part

In Christ is life and the life is the light of men

The true light gives light to everyone who believes

Always give all the glory to our Father in heaven

Let your light shine before others so they may see

Christ Jesus makes the path of life known to me

In Him there is peace and fullness of joy evermore

Though I do not see Him, I love Him and I believe

He is the hope of the righteous, the light I adore

Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge

Everyone who is upright in heart exalt His holy name

Rejoice with joy inexpressible for His timely rescue

Thank the God of all glory for His mercy and grace!

“My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.”

Psalm 84:2 ESV

My heart and my soul pant for You, O Lord

Longing for rescue, my hope is the Living Word

My spirit faints when I meditate on Your mercy

Ever I seek You, thirsting for You earnestly

I give thanks to You, calling upon Your holy name

Entering Your courts with thanksgiving and praise

I make a joyful noise to the rock of my salvation

Singing praises to my Redeemer enthroned in Zion

Let all the earth worship You, praising Your name

My lips shout for joy when I sing Your sweet praise

Righteousness, peace and grace overwhelm my soul

The joy of Christ Jesus is in me and I am utterly full

“But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

Psalm 81:16 ESV

O Lord,

Feed me with Your knowledge and understanding

Bless those who hunger now and we shall be satisfied

By Your hand You provide the needs of every living thing

We are made righteous by the blood of Christ crucified

All eyes look to Your provision for sustenance in due season

May we always seek You Lord, and walk in Your ways

Every good and perfect gift comes from You, Father in Zion

We rejoice in Your faithfulness and steadfast love all our days

Your encouraging Word is ever so sweet to my taste

Sweeter than honey from the rock is Your abiding love for me

Daily renew my strength through Your abundant grace

You redeem every sinner like me who repents and believes

O Lord, be my faithful guide on this chosen path to eternity

Let me be like a garden watered from Your holy wellspring

Only You can satisfy my thirst for righteousness continually

Shower me with living water from my Savior and risen King!

Amen

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,”

Hebrews 12:28 ESV

The Kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom

His abundant mercy and love will never part

Rejoice that your name is written in heaven

Give thanks to the Lord with your whole heart

Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand

Our Lord and Savior is our strength and shield

Take up your cross daily and see the promised land

Sow the seeds of salvation, to God belongs the yield

Enter the kingdom all born of water and the Spirit

God is a very present help, our hope and refuge

Come before the throne of grace all without merit

Worship Christ Jesus forever in spirit and in truth

Bow down, kneel before the Lord God, our maker

O Lord, open our mouths to declare Your praise

Jesus is at our right hand, we will not be shaken

Forever we will praise Your great and awesome name!

“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!

Remembering the great grace gifted to me and you!

Thank You, O Lord!

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.”

Psalm 84:5 ESV

O Lord,

Lead me to Your heavenly throne

For this world is not my home

Bless the Word that You have sown

He who wears the golden crown

You sent us Jesus to redeem us

Lead me in His paths of righteousness

I am saved by Your matchless grace

Give me strength to finish this race

My heart is no longer one of stone

Changed forever by mercies untold

In Your love I have abundant life

By the precious blood of Your sacrifice

Hope leads me on the highway to Zion

Safe forever in the hand of Your Son

Who on the Cross Your love displayed

The debt that can never be repaid

Let this truth be my living testimony

May my service for You be my legacy

Save my loved ones for Your glory

Bless my soul on this joyful journey!

Amen

“Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!”

Psalm 80:7 ESV

O Lord,

Of all my sins and willful pride, I repent

Restore to me the full joy of your salvation

Let your face shine upon your servant

May hope lead me through every tribulation

Behold your great love for a sinner like me

Once I was dead in my many trespasses

This I know, though I was blind, now I see

Lead me in your paths of righteousness

Teach me your ways by your wisdom and mercy

Restore my soul by your steadfast love so great

God of all grace, confirm, strengthen, establish me

I am alive in Christ Jesus for you saved me by grace!

Hallelujah and amen!

“and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Psalm 50:15 ESV

Draw near to God and He will draw even nearer

Call upon Him, come and pray, and He will hear

Give thanks to the Father through the Son of Man

Whenever you cry out, He will say “Here I am”

Trust in the Lord Jesus with your whole heart

His right hand upholds you, He will never part

Our Savior rescues all who in their heart believe

The seeker will find, everyone who asks receives

To the one who knocks, the door will be opened

Hallelujah! His mercy and His grace will never end

Give thanks and glorify the name of Jesus forever

Offer thanksgiving as your sacrifice to glorify the Father

For God so loved the world He sent us His very best

Come to Him all laborers, heavy laden, and receive rest

Give glory to God for His steadfast love and faithfulness

In word and deed, do everything in the name of Jesus

The Love of God never gives up His righteous pursuit

Christ Jesus is glorified when we bear much fruit

By this we prove to be His redeemed disciples

“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol Him, all peoples!”

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV

Where does my help come from, to the hills I lift up my eyes

To fulfill His purpose for me, I cry out to God Most High

My help comes from the Lord, creator of heaven and earth

I count everything as loss, knowing Jesus’ surpassing worth

With all my heart I trust in the Lord, not my own understanding

Giving thanks and praying, no longer anxious about anything

Jesus strengthens me, helps me, upholds me with His hand

The peace of God guards my heart and mind in the Son of Man

Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you too

The fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true

God came near when I called on Him, He said “Do not fear”

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call while He is near

Your God is with you, you need not fear, rejoice and believe

He will be with you, He will not forsake you, He will not leave

Be strong and courageous in Christ, never be dismayed

Jesus said “Behold I am with you always to the end of the age”

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Ephesians 2:13 ESV

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you

Jesus came that we may know Him who is true

Our Redeemer lives to make intercession for us

Forgiving us, cleansing us from all unrighteousness

His precious blood ransomed us from futile ways

Draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith

The blood of Christ Jesus cleanses us from all sin

Saving to the uttermost all who draw near to God through Him

With confidence let us draw near the throne of grace

Knowing that the Lord rewards those who seek His face

Whoever would draw near to God must believe

To receive mercy and grace to help in the time of need

The blood of Christ poured out for us is the new covenant

Justified by His blood our sins are forgiven when we repent

The precious Lamb of God who was slain is forever worthy!

To receive power and might, honor and blessing, and glory!

“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!

“For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness.”

2 Samuel 22:29 ESV

O Lord, Your Word is a lighted lamp to my path

Let Your light search also my innermost parts

Remove my pride, anger, bitterness and wrath

Renew within me a right spirit, create a new heart

Jesus, You are the shining lamp, so I rejoice

Fill my whole body with Your righteous light

I plead for Your mercy with an unworthy voice

Remove every dark part, make me wholly bright

You are the light of the world, Your praises I sing

All who follow You will no longer walk in darkness

You, O Lord, are my hope and the light everlasting

I claim the light of life and Your gift of righteousness

How I long for Your city that needs no sun or moon

Night will be no more, behold the lamp of the great I Am

For only Your glory shines the light steadfast and true

Christ Jesus, risen Redeemer, the lamp is the Lamb!

Hallelujah and amen!

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”

Psalm 75:1 ESV

This is the will of God, give thanks in all circumstances

All praise and honor to the source of our righteousness

Thanks be to God for his steadfast love endures forever

And to his Son, the bonds of our sin only he can sever

Rejoice in the Lord Jesus, give thanks to his holy name

Oh redeemed, saved by grace, we will never be the same

Give thanks always, in God we shall boast continually

With unity of mind, brotherly love, kindness and sympathy

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise

Sing praises to the Lord, ever call upon his holy name

Give thanks to God, Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord

Search and claim the many promises in his Living Word

Wait for our blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the Savior

For we are his people, the rescued sheep of his pasture

Give thanks always in his holy name for it is true and good

Behold, Christ Jesus is returning just like he said he would!

So let us stir up one another to love and righteous deeds

Oh to be in his presence praising him on bended knees

The beloved highly exalted One of God who came to save

Praise the Lord, Jesus, the name that is above every name!

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Proverbs 19:21 ESV

God wants us to know He has amazing plans for us

Plans for our welfare with love, true and steadfast

Jesus is our blessed hope and guarantor of the future

Granting great promises to partakers of the devine nature

Praise God for His faithfulness and the peace He brings

Let everyone who believes plan good and noble things

By the mercies of God, on noble things we will stand

May the Lord always guide our steps and our plans

The Son glorified the Father in all that He accomplished

Commit your work to Him and your plans will be established

Christ Jesus is our redeeming light and our salvation

His counsel stands forever, His plans to all generations

We have been born again by the abiding Living Word

All things work together for good for those who love the Lord

Every believer is called according to God’s holy purpose

May we, the unworthy, be filled with His righteousness

We know that many are the plans in the mind of a man

But it is the devine purpose of the Lord that will stand

Praise God! His mercy and grace are always enough!

May all that we plan and do be done for His glory in love!

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.”

Jeremiah 17:7 ESV

Blessed is the believer whose God is the Lord

Behold, precious are the promises in His Word

Trust in the Lord Jesus with your whole heart

In His love and mercy, righteousness He imparts

Blessed are all who hunger now, they shall be satisfied

In the holy God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

Who blesses us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places

The crucified and risen Redeemer saves us by His grace

Blessed are those who weep now, for they shall laugh

Commit your way to the Lord, trust Him and He will act

Do not rely own your own strength and understanding

Trust the Lord our God, our hope and rock everlasting

Blessed is everyone who makes the Lord his only trust

Place your faith in Jesus, our refuge and mighty fortress

When we trust in His holy name, our hearts are glad in Him

Blessed be our Savior and Lord forevermore! Amen and amen!

“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!

“Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”

Psalm 85:10

O Lord, Your steadfast love for us endures forever

Your mercies never end, great is Your faithfulness

May Your glory be our ransomed hearts’ only endeavor

Always guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus

Peace and trust meet only in Your righteous Son

His faithfulness forever springs up from the ground

Great are Your mercy and grace, gifting us salvation

At the Cross Your righteousness and peace flow down

We declare Your steadfast love for us every morning

By night we proclaim Your faithfulness will never cease

Your perfect peace surpasses all our understanding

May the result of Your righteousness be endless peace

Thank You for showing us Your steadfast love, O Lord

For You bestow steadfast love on all who love You

We praise You for every promise in Your Living Word

Blessed are all who in Christ Jesus find hope and refuge!

Amen!

“Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace.”

Psalm 86:6 ESV

Everyone who has ears to hear, let him hear

To the Cross of the risen Redeemer draw near

May every eye be open to the truth that sets us free

God hears each voice and every plea for mercy

At all times His grace is abundantly sufficient

Ask for the power of God through the Spirit

On bowed knees, humbly pray without ceasing

Pray for forgiveness, the bonds of sin releasing

Rejoice in hope, be patient in trials, ever in prayer

For the salvation of all, the grace of God appears

Behold, the Son of the Father, full of truth and grace

Ask in prayer and you will receive if you have faith

Hear my prayers, O God, hear my eternal praise

Through faith I have been saved by matchless grace

By the marvelous grace of Jesus I am what I am

Made righteous only by the blood of the Lamb!

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

Pursue righteousness and kindness and find life

Be sanctified in the Truth and seek the true Light

See the goodness of God and His loving kindness

For when Jesus Christ appeared, He saved us!

Show kindness, love and mercy to one another

Seek unity of mind with a heart joyful and tender

God shows us the immeasurable riches of grace

Behold His only Son, Jesus, who died in our place

Let God replace your stony heart with a heart of flesh

A compassionate heart, full of humility and patience

Jesus considers our afflictions and forgives our sins

When we faithfully put all our hope and trust in Him

Christ Jesus is faithful to forgive our sins if we confess

He is the way, cleansing us from all unrighteousness

May we forgive our debtors as we have been forgiven

And give all praise to the glory of our Father in heaven!

“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.”

Psalm 143:8 ESV

O Lord, in the early morning You hear my voice

In Your love I am glad all my days and rejoice!

I trust in You forever, O God, the rock everlasting!

Your mercies never end, they are new each morning!

I believe in You, Christ Jesus, with my whole heart

Lord, go with me, You promise You will never part

I sing of Your grace, I proclaim Your love steadfast

You restore my soul, You lead me in righteous paths

Because of You, I have chosen the way of faithfulness

Lord Jesus, make me know the way of the righteous

My soul longs for Your salvation, my hope in Your Word

I exalt You, O God, may my soul ever magnify You, Lord!

Amen

“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.”

Psalm 71:1-3 ESV

Dear Lord, make haste to deliver us

We rejoice in Your promises ever true

Your righteousness is forever righteous!

Behold, You will make all things new!

Deliver us from all our transgressions

In Your righteousness, give us new life

Cleanse us from all unrighteousness

You, O Lord, are the everlasting Light!

We cry aloud and You hear us, Jesus

Rescue us from darkness and evil deeds

We take refuge in Your mercy and grace

At Your name we praise You on our knees

Let everyone who loves You draw near

Redeemer and Author of our sanctification

When we pray, You promise that you hear

We wait for You, O God of our salvation

Save us Lord Jesus with love steadfast!

We call to You, for only You can save

Be exalted, our rock and our fortress!

Save us and we shall be saved,

for You are our praise!

Amen

“May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!””

Psalm 70:4 ESV

Find Jesus when you seek Him with all your heart

Seek the Lord and His strength, His presence continually

Believe in Him, repent of sin and He will never depart!

Great and amazing are His deeds, the Lord God Almighty!

To the Rock of our salvation we make a joyful noice

Be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things!

Rejoice in Christ Jesus always, again we will say rejoice!

Though we have not seen our Redeemer, we love Him

Rejoice in hope, be patient in trials, be constant in prayer

We who believe obtain salvation through Christ, our Lord

Draw near the throne of grace with each burden and care

Our souls long for His salvation and we hope in His Word!

Great is the Lord, our God, and greatly to be praised!

We believe in Christ Jesus and rejoice, forever joyful

Praise the King of kings, just and true are His ways!

“The outcome of your faith, the salvation of your soul!”

“Rejoice and be glad!” Hallelujah!

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:26 ESV

My flesh is weak, my heart of stone

My only hope, grace at His throne

My sins forgiven, my soul set free

But why would Jesus die for me

The Holy God of all creation truly cares

My salvation, the joyful answer to a prayer

The worst of sinners, I was bound for hell

Convicted of my sin, before the Cross I fell

My flesh is weak, my heart of stone

My only hope, grace at His throne

My sins forgiven, my soul set free

But why would Jesus die for me

God raises me up by His righteous right hand

He called me to His holy embrace just as I am

The precious blood of Jesus washing me clean

His loving provision for my life is all I need

My flesh is weak, my heart of stone

My only hope, grace at His throne

My sins forgiven, my soul set free

But why would Jesus die for me

Mercy saved me from the curse of death

Now I praise my Savior with each breath

I lift up my eyes, awaiting His soon return

Rejoicing in the salvation I did not earn

My flesh is weak, my heart no longer my own!

My only hope, grace flowing from His throne!

My sins forgiven, my soul forever set free!

For the glory of God with steadfast love

Jesus died for me!

“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!

“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.”

Psalm 66:16 ESV

Great is the Father’s love toward those who fear Him

The true word you hear is from your Heavenly Father

He who has ears, let him hear and repent of his sin

Come, everyone who thirsts, drink of this Living Water

Whoever is of God, hears and obeys His Word

Accept His free gift of love and be saved by grace

May our souls ever magnify our risen Savior and Lord!

Hear the trumpet sound, God fights for us in this place

Trust in the promises of the life that is in Christ Jesus

No longer orphans for we have been given the Holy Spirit!

God restores the soul, leading us in paths of righteousness

What will it profit us if we gain the world and our soul is forfeit

Jesus satisfies the weary soul, the languishing He will replenish

May our souls magnify the Lord, exalting in His salvation!

God so loved the world He sent His Son, believe and never perish!

We who believe go therefore to make disciples of all nations!

“In that day, “A pleasant vineyard, sing of it! I, the Lord, am its keeper; every moment I water it. Lest anyone punish it, I keep it night and day;”

Isaiah 27:2-3 ESV

Jesus is the true vine, our Father is the vinedresser

The Lord is good, His steadfast love endures forever!

The marriage of the Lamb comes, His Bride makes ready

Let us rejoice and exalt and give God all the glory!

Rejoice in the precious Provision given by the Great I Am!

Blessed are those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb!

Whoever drinks of this Living Water will never thirst again!

Our Redeemer ever guards us with His righteous right hand!

We are His pleasant vineyard, God supplies our every need

Come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ on bended knee!

Our Father who keeps us will neither slumber nor sleep

Sing of it! Every promise God makes He always keeps!

Every moment of every day Jesus waters us with His grace!

God delivered us from darkness and keeps us night and day

Jesus is the true vine, the Lord, our Father is the vinedresser

Believe and repent then feast at the heavenly marriage supper!

“He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.”

Psalm 107:35 ESV

Do you not perceive it, now it springs forth

Behold the Lord of all is doing a new thing!

Those who are sanctified have one source

All praise to Christ Jesus, the King of kings!

Our Shepherd makes a way in the wilderness

Living water flowing out of His merciful heart!

Up from the ground springs His faithfulness

Rivers of righteousness in a desolate desert!

The Lord, our God, will guide us continually

Repent and He is faithful to forgive us our sins

Multiplying to us His love, peace and mercy!

In a parched land we shall be a watered garden

Jesus rescues us even in this scorched place

Drink His redeeming water and never thirst again!

For we have been saved through faith by grace!

Springs of living water well up to eternity in Him!

“Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.”

Psalm 66:5 ESV

God is awesome in His deeds toward His children

Come to Him all who labor and are heavy laden

Sing and make melody for His heart is steadfast

Come to Christ Jesus and He will give you rest

He rescues us from the deep before we sink

If anyone thirsts, come to Jesus and fully drink

We love because our Redeemer loved us first

Come to the living water everyone who thirsts

Whoever comes to Him will never be cast out

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth shouts

Sing His praises for He has done gloriously

All our days we know His goodness and mercy

Give thanks to the Lord with your whole heart

He has ransomed your soul and will never part

At the name of Jesus worship on bended knees

Recounting His sacrifice and wondrous deeds

Remember the awesome deeds of Christ the Lord

He will sustain you by His love and the Living Word

Remember always His marvelous wonders of old

Until we walk with Him on heavenly streets of gold!

“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!

“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”

Psalm 68:5

The Heavenly Father shows compassion to His children

He makes His dwelling among them and walks with them

God will ever be our father and we His sons and daughters!

He is a father to the fatherless and the widows’ protector

God preserves us from trouble, He is a hiding place for us

He surrounds His children with shouts of deliverance!

All who believe dwell in the shelter of the Most High

In the shadow of the Almighty we will securely abide!

While still a long way off, our compassionate Father saw us

He ran to redeem us with His merciful embrace and holy kiss

On the Cross His beloved Son bore the penalty for our sin

The Lord our God will ever keep our going out and coming in

The Father has given believers to His Son whom He adores

Christ Jesus desires that we might be with Him forevermore

Arise children and come to the loving Father of the fatherless

Find in His holy habitation, grace and peace and perfect rest!

“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

Stand firm by this road, and see

A repentant heart and saving faith

Exalting the God of grace and peace

Seek always this sure ancient path

He is the way, and the truth, and the life!

Lift up your eyes to His holy hill

From where unmerited help comes

God has mercy on whomever He wills

He so loved the world He gave His only Son

He is the way, and the truth, and the life!

In all your ways make Him known

Jesus came not to call the righteous

He makes straight our path to His throne

For the Lord calls sinners to repentance

He is the way, and the truth, and the life!

Christ Jesus is gentle and lowly in heart

His burden is light and His yoke is easy

For the gospel of God we are set apart

In Him find rest for your soul with surety

For He is the way, and the truth, and the life!

Stand firm by this road, and see

A repentant heart and saving faith

Exalting the God of grace and peace!

Seek always this sure ancient path!

“from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,” Psalm 61:2 ESV

O Lord,

I groan because of the tumult of my heart

Break the yoke of sin, burst its bonds apart

Though my flesh and my heart may fail

By Your endless grace I am saved by faith!

You are my strength and my forever portion

O Lord, I wait for Your unmerited salvation

My new heart will trust in Your love forever

You are my rock, my fortress, my deliverer!

My heart pours out like water before You, O Lord

Trusting always in the power of Your mighty Sword!

Be my shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold

One Shepherd, one found flock, one redeemed fold

Your Salvation stands at the door and knocks

I find peace in the cleft of the everlasting rock

My God, my high rock, in whom I take refuge

Your mercy flows over me in a saving deluge!

To the hills of faith again I lift up my longing eyes

I drink from the spiritual rock that is Jesus Christ!

Out of His heart flow rivers of sating living water!

Rescuing forever Your unworthy sons and daughters!

Hallelujah and Amen!

“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” Micah 7:8 ESV

O Lord God,

Please make us strong and courageous

Your Light has overcome the darkness

We flee to Christ Jesus our saving refuge

All praise for Your grace and Your truth!

Your only Son is the Light of the world

Our unwavering hope is Your Living Word

The promise of salvation is forever true

You hear our pleas and make all things new

We who believe no longer live in darkness

Illuminated by Your love and righteousness

Christ Jesus died for the forgiveness of sins

Please rescue us from lying lips and evil men

Jesus will raise up His own on the last day!

All those saved by grace through faith!

We praise You for undeserved love and mercy!

In You, O Lord, is new life for all eternity!

Amen

“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

Our Redeemer rejoices over even one rescued sheep

By the wounds of the Chief Shepherd we are healed

Great is His mercy and His love unfathomably deep

Blessed assurance our salvation is forever sealed

by the Guardian of our souls!

Hallelujah!

“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

O Lord, teach me your way

May I always walk in Your truth

Unite my heart to fear Your name

My whole heart gives thanks to You!

You love me with an everlasting love

With You at my side, I will not fear

Keep my mind set on things above

The Lamb who wipes away every tear

Your only Son sacrificed on Calvary

Amazing love I cannot comprehend

Paying the penalty meant for me

That glorious third day He rose again!

Christ dwells in my heart through faith

You conquered death, sin and darkness

Keep me grounded in Your love and grace

O God, if You are for us, who can be against us!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

“Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” Psalm 50:5 ESV

He who calls you is forever faithful!

Acknowledge Christ Jesus before men

He will confess your name before angels

And before His Holy Father in heaven!

You are His most treasured possession

Your name inscribed in the book of life

This is the joy and hope of salvation

He called you out of darkness into the Light!

The steadfast love of the Lord will never cease

His mercies new each morning never end

Believe in Him who will keep you in perfect peace

No one will snatch you out of His hand!

Rejoice! You are His says the Lord of hosts!

Behold the merciful sacrifice of God’s only Son

Grace flows from the One who loves you the most!

Jesus, the guarantor of the new covenant in His blood!

Hallelujah! Praise Him forevermore!

“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

He is risen indeed!

“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!

“This is God, our God forever and ever!”

“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!

Amen

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 ESV

Be ever humble under His mighty hand

The Lord will exalt you at the proper time

Those who trust in God are like Mount Zion

Which cannot be moved but always abides

God rich in mercy upholds the righteous

He is the horn and shield of our salvation

May we always keep Christ Jesus before us

Sharing the love of God with all nations

Cast your anxieties on Him who cares for you

You have heard and hold the gospel of hope

Continue in faith and love, steadfast and true

Blessed be the Lord who daily bears us up

Find rest in Him all who labor and are heavy laden

Those who are falling God rescues by His grace

He is at our right hand, we shall not be shaken

The Lord has made, He will bear, He will carry

and will save!

“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.”

Matthew 14:30-32 ESV

“As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!”

Psalm 40:11 ESV

Believe in the Light and become children of light

Goodness and mercy shall follow you all your life

Jesus prepares a place for you, look for His returning

In the house of the Lord find your eternal dwelling

To Him who sits on the throne be glory and blessing

His steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting

All the deeds and wonders of Christ Jesus remember

Our Savior’s mercy and faithfulness endure forever

The Lord has loved you with an everlasting love

Set your heart and mind on the things from above

Keep Him before you and you shall not be shaken

All those who seek Jesus will not be forsaken

Preserve us, O Lord our God, in You we take refuge

For You only are the way and the life and the truth

Being rich in mercy You make us alive in Christ Jesus!

Rescuing us from darkness with shouts of deliverance!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

“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!!

“But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”” Psalm 40:16

Seek the kingdom of God and righteous truth

Hope and peace will be added to you

Rejoice and be glad in heaven’s treasure

The steadfast love of Jesus beyond measure

Salvation comes according to His promise

In Him find endless grace and faithfulness

When you seek Him with all your heart

For the Father has loved you from the start

It is the face of our Savior King we seek

Falling before His throne on bended knee

Our hearts rejoice forever in His salvation

Constant in prayer, patient in tribulation

Our salvation is only through Christ Jesus

His matchless love and mercy rescue us

By His fullness we receive grace upon grace!

“Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!”*

*Psalm 145:3

“But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.” Psalm 38:15 ESV

Wait for the Lord, be strong and courageous

Through the Spirit, by faith, our hope of righteousness

Ask anything according to His will, He will hear you

Every promise He made by the Living Word is true

Abide in Him and let His Word always abide in you

Wait for the Lord for your strength to be made new

Ask for it in prayer and you will receive if you believe

My soul waits for the Lord, my sure help and shield

Seek Him and He will deliver you from every fear

Find solace in His arms, He will wipe away every tear

Ask in His name and God will answer for His glory

Wait in the Lord’s steadfast love and endless mercy

Our hope is in Christ Jesus, wait in faithful silence

Hoping for what you do not yet see, wait with patience

Then come and exalt His glory at the heavenly throne!

Abundant grace comes from You, O Lord our God, alone!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 ESV

The God of Jacob is our fortress

A stronghold for the oppressed

Our refuge in times of trouble

Raising us up when we stumble

The Lord is our rock and our shield

Before Him all darkness must yield

Trust Him in every circumstance

Cling to His steadfast love and grace

Pour out your heart before him

Confess He is Lord and be forgiven

The righteous run to Him for safety

In Christ Jesus find unmerited mercy

The name of the Lord is a strong tower

His abundant love freely given forever

The eternal God is our dwelling place!

Our hope for that great and magnificent day!

“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!”

Hallelujah!

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 ESV

We look to You Lord our God
For Your mercy ever falls on us
Our souls hope in Your Word
Waiting for Your righteousness

You are the way, the truth and life
Hear our cries for help, deliver us
Our strength renews by Your Light
Who has overcome the darkness

Lead us by Your right hand Father
Author of our unmerited salvation
In all the world there is none other
Worthy of our praise and adoration

When we call on Your holy name
Grace flows from the Son of Man
Your promises always the same
We cry and You say “Here I am!”

Hallelujah and amen!

“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

When you are in great distress

Fall into the hand of the Lord

By His great mercy we are blessed

Saved by His mighty Sword

For the Lord is good to all

His mercy is over His creation

Our redeemed hearts are ever full

Christ Jesus our hope and portion

He satisfies us with steadfast love

We will rejoice in Him all our days

Trusting every promise from above

Through faith we are saved by grace

Transformed by the renewal of our minds

Ever tested to discern the will of God

We hold fast to His merciful love that binds

As God opens hearts to the Hope of His Word!

All for His glory!

“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

The Lord our God is gracious and merciful

Slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love

In His promises we remain forever hopeful

Awaiting the return of the Light from above!

God has shown His awesome love for us

In that while we in darkness kept on sinning

Christ died for us because of righteousness

The merciful plan of God from the beginning!

For our sake He made His only Son to be sin

But when Christ arose from a borrowed grave

We who believe were made alive with him

And by his marvelous grace we are saved!

So He has raised us, the unworthy, up with him

And in him has seated us in heavenly places

Rejoicing forever for His mercies never end

Hallelujah for the day we meet him face to face!

“I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior.” Isaiah 43:11 ESV

My spirit rejoices in God our Savior!*

The risen Son of man is our hope forever

When his love appeared, he saved us

By his mercy, grace and righteousness

To all believers he shows steadfast love

Promising citizenship in heaven above

So we await the soon return of Christ Jesus

God’s only Son, our Redeemer who rescued us

He is exalted at the right hand of God the Father

Giving repentance and forgiving our sins forever

We see and testify to God’s gift of the Living Word

Our Lord, Christ Jesus, to be the Savior of the world!

My spirit rejoices!

*Luke 1:47

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 ESV

Dear Heavenly Father,

Creator of the heavens and the earth

Your matchless love heralds the Truth

We who seek You are glad and rejoice

Coming into Your courts making a joyful noise

We rejoice in hope, give us patience in tribulation

Thank You for unmerited mercy and Your salvation

Continually we exalt You, singing “Great is the Lord!”

May we abide forever in Your awesome Living Word!

O Lord, all glory to You and Your holy name

Our hearts full of praise will never be the same

We rejoice with all who worship You on high

Weeping with those who have reason to cry

We pray without ceasing, rejoicing always

Giving thanks in all circumstances for Your grace

We remain ever grateful for Your steadfast love

And the hopeful Promise returning from above!

Amen.

“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)

O’ Lord God, my heart rejoices and is steadfast

In You alone I find peace, strength and harmony

You are my portion and in Your faithfulness I rest

Forever Your praises I will sing and make melody

Trusting in You O’ God and Your only begotten Son

Once more I repent of my sins and You are faithful

And just to forgive and cleanse me by Jesus’ blood

Breaking the chains of sin to secure a chosen people

Justified by Your awesome grace alone this free gift

Unworthy am I, but I confess the risen Christ as Lord

The Son of man who died on the Cross that I might live

I believe in the all of the promises of Your Living Word

By the Holy Spirit You have taken my heart of stone

Forgiven my sins and given me a hopeful heart of flesh

On bended knee I worship at the foot of Your throne

By Your mercy and righteous love I am forever blessed!

Hallelujah and Amen!

“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:10 ESV

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 ESV

“The Holy God shows Himself holy in righteousness”*

Believe in the steadfast love that He has shown us

The good and perfect gift that comes from above

Through His only Son He shows us matchless love

The Heavenly Father of lights never shows partiality

Great is His love for us being rich in grace and mercy

Whoever abides in love abides in God and God in him

But all have fallen short of His glory, for all have sinned

O Lord, be gracious, heal us, for we have sinned against You

All are consigned to disobedience, but Your mercy is ever new

To this end Christ Jesus died on the Cross and lives again

That he might be Lord of everyone who believes in him

For the death he died he died to sin once for everyone of us

But the life he lives he lives to the holy God of righteousness

So let us now live not for ourselves but only to the risen King

Who was born to die and was raised and is coming again!

*Isaiah 5:16

How did this perfectly choreographed dance become an unhappy brawl

God’s original design, woman and man, created in His glorious image

But deceived by darkness, desiring to be God-like, ever wanting it all

We are condemned to toil and pain because of this sin-filled heritage

But not only their transgressions, what of our own unrighteousness

Fullness of pride, lust, and deceit, dragging us into the deepest abyss

Always wanting more than what we have to mend our heart’s brokenness

Needing acceptance and love, languishing all alone in our emptiness

What if there is more to our lives, what if there is a second chance

Do we have to accept this world’s false pretenses that cannot satisfy

There is one, God’s only Son, who came to restore the promised dance

Unfailing Love that gave up heaven for a cruel cross to suffer and die

How can it be, such holiness and mercy, are meant for you and me?

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“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.”

Matthew 2:10-11

*Philippians 4:4

**Luke 2:19

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Genesis 1:31 (ESV)

I find you in the promise of a rainbow

interrupting a cool morning shower

and winter’s quiet stillness chasing fallen snow

in the gentle fragrance of a wildflower

wading through a field green beneath the late afternoon sun

winding memories that lead one home
through mid-summer shadows growing as daylight is done

then even the sunset recites a poem

to the soft shimmer of the stars above in the clear evening sky

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 ESV

In the beginning was His holy Word

The bearer of His grace, mercy and love

God sent His only Son, our Savior and Lord

Every good and perfect gift is from above

The words of the Lord are pure, like silver

Abide in him and let his words abide in you

To all peoples and nations the good news deliver

Jesus is faithful and his promises ever true

His love and steadfastness show the way

The risen King of kings reigns in righteousness

Find peace at the foot of his throne every day

“Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

Who is like You O Lord?

Name that is above every name

The exalted merciful Living Word

Heaven and earth Your majesty proclaim

O Lord of hosts, King of glory

Awesome are Your glorious deeds

Your voice full of love and majesty

We worship You on bended knee

Who is like You, majestic in holiness

Jesus, the name of our Redeemer and Lord

The Sacrifice that gifts us righteousness

Your Word a sharp two-edged sword

From the rising of the sun to its setting we see

Great is Your name among all the nations

Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory

O Lord immortal, invisible, King of the ages!

We praise You forevermore!

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1 ESV

“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.” Psalm 16:5 ESV

O servants of the Lord, praise His holy name!

“For many are called but few are chosen”

The Lord’s portion is His people forever changed

By Christ’s death on the Cross mercy has spoken

Hallelujah! Exalt the Lord our God, the Lord is one!

Enter by the narrow gate, choose the faithful way

For the Lord is our portion and our hope His only Son

The bread and cup proclaim Jesus’s death until His day!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Gift us compassionate hearts, humility and kindness

The Lord is our portion, His promises true to His Word

God anoints us with oil, our cup overflows with righteousness

The Lord is the King of kings, surely He will save us!

Even now He rescues a remnant chosen by grace

For Christ Jesus is our portion and beautiful inheritance

Surely the lines have fallen for us in pleasant places!

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

Whatever is true

Jesus is the truth, and the life, and the way

Know the Truth who breaks sin’s cruel chains

Whatever is honorable

Honor the Father and the Son, Christ Jesus

Pursue His righteousness and loving kindness

Whatever is just

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.”

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Humble tears flow down my woeful face

Kneeling before the blood-stained tree

My sins are washed away without a trace

Behold the risen King of unmerited mercy!

Sing praises of God’s deliverance forevermore!

In heaven and earth no greater love than this

Exalt the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior!

No selfless sacrifice could ever compare to his

Oh, for the day when I stand before his majesty!

Will he cradle my face in his nail-scarred hands?

Will I fall before his holy throne on bended knee?

Joyful tears flow through the nail-holes without end!

“The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.” John 3:35 ESV

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

Job 42:2 ESV

Our God is before all things

Rejoice! His endless praises sing!

In Him all things hold together

His steadfast love endures forever!

God makes all grace abound to us

Exchanging our sins for His righteousness

Our risen Lord Jesus is the Living Word

Granting us all sufficiency for every good work

Let all things be done for building up

Christ’s mercy ever overflows his cup

Rejoice! His endless praises sing!

Our Redeemer can do all things!

“he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.” Daniel 2:22 ESV

Great are the works of the Lord

His thoughts are oceans deep

How precious is the Living Word

All treasures of wisdom he keeps

Hidden in Christ Jesus our Redeemer

The Light shining in the darkness

Gifting eternal life to every believer

Our sin overcome by his righteousness

Behold the Cross on which he died

Joyfully celebrate the empty tomb

Our risen Savior is the Light of life!

The King of kings is returning soon!

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

Psalm 27:14 ESV

Beloved, wait for him a while longer

Trust in his power and be courageous

Hold fast and he will make you stronger

Wait for the Lord for his righteousness

Find rest and peace at the foot of the Cross

Jesus is the King of kings who was made low

Grace still flows from his wounds for the lost

The Holy Spirit shows which way to go

Enter his heavenly courts his praises singing

Christ will ever guard your mind and heart

Believe in him and mount up with eagle’s wings

Wait for Jesus who loved you from the start!

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 ESV

Be ever encouraged in Christ Jesus

Find lasting comfort in his unrelenting love

Let the Holy Spirit lead you in righteousness

Receive grace and mercy from above

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.”

Philippians 2:9-11 ESV

“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
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!

If we just repent and believe The greatest love of all! Christ Jesus has won the victory! In him be ever joyful, joyful!

“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

So once more I cast all my burdens on You

The Savior King who always sustains his own

Never permitting the righteous to be moved

I find peace and joy kneeling before your throne

O’ Lord, how I trust you and wait for you!

Longing to walk with You in the garden!

Thank You for your great faithfulness and truth!

I exalt You! for your glory and love never end!

Amen

“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 the Lord is good”

Christ Jesus is the Living Word

“His steadfast love endures forever”

The kingdom of heaven is like hidden treasure

“And his faithfulness to all generations.”

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations!

In a room filled with Light prepared for us

A New Covenant glorifies His righteousness

Remembering His blood shed just for you

His body lovingly broken for our rescue

Sin, doubt, and betrayal cannot abide in this place

All is forgiven by the Cross and His Grace

God’s merciful gift too great to conceive

To partake of this feast, you must believe

“and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” Romans 11:27 ESV

“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

In Adam all will surely die

In Christ we are made alive

The Cross mercifully gifts us justification

The empty tomb leads to sanctification

God gave His only Son this cup

The Temple destroyed to be raised up

Jesus died and rose from the dead

Exactly as he had said

By a man came the curse of death

On the third day came Jesus’s first breath

Whoever believes in Him

Though he die yet he shall live

Our Redeemer grants us abundant life

Out of darkness into the Light

If Christ is not raised our faith is in vain

If he is not raised, in our sins we remain

The crucified Christ is risen indeed!!

Come worship him on bended knee

Touch the wounds in his feet and hands

Grace and peace flow from the Son of Man!

Believe Jesus is the truth, the life, the way!

And be raised up on the last day!

By God’s power He raised the Lord!

Exalt forever our Savior, the Living Word!

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Romans 6:5 ESV

Life unfolds in mostly unpredictable ways

No one is guaranteed length of days

The only surety is God’s saving grace

He sent His only Son to die in our place

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life

Behold the transformative tree of His sacrifice

Search the empty tomb where he was laid

Christ is risen, the penalty for sin is paid!

Mercy flows from the wounds he endured

Gifting us life through his Living Word

Soon Christ will return to claim his own!

Then we will worship him forever…

at the foot of his throne!

“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

“And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.”

Luke 23:26 ESV

Just a sinner trying to find my way through streets of chaos

I never thought I would be drawn to His righteousness

His face so marred He did not even appear to be human

How could I so unworthy ever hope to know the Son of Man

Compelled to walk the same painful blood-stained path Jesus trod

Tears and jeers pave the road of doubting disciples and the angry mob

Oh blessed assurance that The Cross was the one only He could bear

All our sins lovingly and mercifully carried by our Savior most dear

How can I not be changed by His marvelous gift of grace

Granting me sufficient strength to finish life’s arduous race

No longer a complacent bystander along the path He trod

Unworthy still but daily I take up my cross for the Son of God

…and follow Him!

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him wdeny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23 ESV

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“You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

James 5:8 ESV

When everything is going wrong

Wait patiently for the Lord, be strong

Let your redeemed heart take courage

Rest in Christ, do not be discouraged

In the Lord our strength is made new

His merciful promises are always true

Rejoice in hope, pray, be patient in tribulation

Wait quietly for the God of our salvation

The testing of our faith produces steadfastness

With a compassionate heart put on patience

Humbly bearing with one another in love

Seek wise guidance and grace from above

Be still before the Lord patiently waiting for him

Christ Jesus already paid the penalty for our sin

In his strength mount up with eagle’s wings

Ever ready to meet the returning King of kings!

Let’s celebrate

Freedom won

Sacrifices made

Tyranny overcome

Stars and Stripes

Honor deserved

Bravery recognized

Liberty served

Consequential lives

Grace given

But despised

Sins forgiven

Truth spoken

Hope sent

Chains broken

Curtain rent

Death overcome

Sacrifice made

Freedom won

Let’s celebrate!

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 ESV

The waters have come up to our necks, save us O God!

Rescue us once more in your steadfast love

For you alone are the mighty one in our midst

Blot out the sea of our transgressions like mist

You sent your only son to die for the unworthy

Remove the scales on our blinded eyes to see

Lead us to the one who saves to the uttermost

We hope in your promises, counting all else loss

You raise up the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit

We confess Jesus as Lord receiving your free gift

Faithful is the enduring Word that saves the soul

Let us be ready to give all for the sake of the gospel

Humbly we bend the knee before the light of truth

Redeem us with the living water making all things new!

We await our good shepherd to gather us to his throne!

For by grace we are saved through faith in you alone!

Save, O Lord, we pray!

“Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.” Psalm 12:1 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

Sharing with this world how I am being changed

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

Seek and find encouragement in Christ Jesus alone

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

Dear Heavenly Father,

Your mercy and grace pour over us

Fathomless is your faithfulness

There is no affection greater

Your steadfast love endures forever

The object of our endless praise

Your wondrous love that saves

By Jesus’s death and resurrection

You grant us hope of salvation

Love that is ever before our eyes

Your majesty extends beyond the skies

When we stumble your care abounds

In your righteous arms peace is found

Your amazing love fills all the earth

Christ’s sacrifice redeems our worth

Our faith abides in you alone

Our hearts rejoice at your throne

Your steadfast love goes before you

Your promises are always true!

We await the soon return of your only Son!

When the last trumpet sounds the battle is won!

In His Name,

Amen

…for the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory. Deuteronomy 20:4

Our lives are no longer our own

We seek Your righteousness

Through The Cross alone

Let Your Truth and Love reign in us

For our sins have been washed away

By Your sacrifice for our eternal life

Please work in us Your Grace

That others may see Your Light

Grant us Your timely deliverance

As we face life’s many adversities

In the confidence of Your presence

We can already claim victory

Accept our works and our worship

As we exalt and praise Your Holiness

Let this be our lasting stewardship

And our witness for You be blessed

Let no earthly realm or idols divide us

But give us wisdom to discern Your Truth

With love and abiding faithfulness

We place all our trust in You

For You alone are Worthy

The Lamb that was slain

Risen to Heaven’s glory

We pray in The Name above all Names

Amen

Rejoice! knowing God’s promises are ever true!

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)

His cup pours out.

“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”

Exodus 12:13 ESV

…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)

Saved only by His amazing grace

He allows the testing of our faith

Sinking into the depths of despair

Rescued by His loving care

The one true Victor over death and sin

Ever nurturing our faith in Him

“Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.” Luke 8:40 ESV

You left an empty tomb to fill my empty heart

Love and mercy flowing from each wound

How I wish I had known You from the start

Lord Jesus, please return one day soon

You bore all my sins on the Cross to redeem

Imparting your righteousness to the unworthy

Suffering the stripes and nails meant for me

The lame now walk and the blind can see

You left an empty tomb to fill my empty heart

Love and mercy flowing from each wound

How I wish I had known You from the start

Lord Jesus, please return one day soon

The Holy Spirit fills me with love beyond measure

Your joy cannot be contained in this earthly jar

My eternal hope is in my heavenly treasure!

God’s grace embodied in His only Son forever!

You left an empty tomb to fill my empty heart

Love and mercy flowing from each wound

How I wish I had known You from the start

Lord Jesus, please return one day soon!

“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”Revelation 22:20 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

O Lord,

How can it be you came for me

The foremost sinner to pursue

By the incarnation of grace and mercy

“Kiss the Son”, my hope and refuge

How can it be you prayed for me

If only the Cross could be stayed

Blood droplets of love in agony

“Kiss the Son”, now betrayed

How can it be you died for me

Your body laid in another’s grave

Crushing the one who bruised your heel

“Kiss the Son”, risen the third day!

How can it be you are returning for me

King of kings, Lord of all, Son of Man

Praying for your bride in Gethsemane

“Kiss the Son”, God’s holy One on Zion!

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Amen

“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.”

Psalm 2:11-12 ESV

Before the beginning of time

The Heavenly Father knew my name

Drawing me to His holy Light

I would never be the same

Knowing the heavy burden of my sin

God sent His only Son from above

Redeeming my stony heart to Him

There can be no greater love

Jesus came to suffer and die

The Messiah sacrificed on a cruel tree

Oh how the angels must have cried

The King of kings crucified on Calvary

Endless grace flowing from each wound

Mercy magnified with His last breath

His body placed in a borrowed tomb

Christ arose mightily conquering death!

Now I am covered in His righteousness!

Rescued for eternity by the Great I Am!

For every new believer all heaven rejoices!

And the angels cry “Worthy is the Lamb!”

“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!”

Revelation 5:11-13 ESV

The Messiah’s message of matchless mercy

Exalted excellencies evermore exclaimed!

Granted God’s greatest gift of grace

Faithful followers forbearing fear

Publicly proclaim Providence’s provision

Christ crucified on Calvary’s cruel Cross!

Singularly suffering severe scourging for our sins

Definitively defeating dire darkness and death

Resurrection reveals Risen Righteous Royalty reigns!

He is risen indeed!

“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

Dear God, Rock of my salvation,

Deliver me…

out of my many afflictions

from ruthless hands

from violent men

from the furnace fire

from the deep mire

from the present evil age

by Your sufficient grace

from the many deep waters

from the snare of the fowler

in Your righteousness

by Your great faithfulness

from deadly peril

from all evil

from a deceitful tongue and lying lips

by Your sacrifice for my sins

according to Your Word

from the enemy’s sword

until my last breath

from this body of death

from the adversary

by Your abundant mercy

my life

by Your steadfast love and light

until I finish the race!

all for the glory of Your name!

Amen!

“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

O’ Lord God,

Your right hand

spreads out the heavens

exalting Your glorious omnipotence

gives salvation

filled with righteousness

mercifully drawing me nigh

valiantly

strong and high

shatters the enemy

leads me

holds me in loving embrace

delivers me

by Your wondrous grace!

Hallelujah and Amen!

“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

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

Trusting in the truth, the life, the way
Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior
We are saved by grace through faith
The assurance of things hoped for

Plans for our welfare and a future
The Creator knew us before the start
Our sure hope and steadfast anchor
He pours His love into our hearts!

Love and mercy in perfect harmony
Sending His beloved Son to save
God’s love reveals to the unworthy
No greater love than the love He gave!

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 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

Dear Lord, God of my salvation

Through every trial and tribulation

My hope is in the great I Am

O God, strengthen my hands!

Wandering through the darkness

I seek after your righteousness

Trusting in your sovereign plan

O God, strengthen my hands!

Your love and mercy overwhelm me

Humbly I exalt you on bended knee

Forever praising the Son of Man

O God, strengthen my hands!

Feasting at the table of divine grace

How I long to see you face to face

Joyfully I await the promised land

“But now, O God, strengthen my hands!”

Amen

“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

O’ Mighty God, Creator of all things

How we long to be in Your presence

Let the whole world Your praises sing

You freely gift us Your righteousness!

Your love sent Your only Son to save

The unworthy decaying in dire darkness

You redeem us by Your Light and faith

Ever rejoicing over us with gladness!

We find needed rest in Your calm embrace

Mercifully all our cares and burdens bearing

We abound in Your surpassing grace

You exalt over us with loud singing!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Amen!

(For Kent)

“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.”

Philippians 4:10-13 ESV

O Lord where are you in my need

How can I know your Word is true

The Holy Spirit compels me to believe

By your Grace all things are made new

What of endless wars and rumors of more

Why is there so much evil, illness and death

Sin and pride are the root of all we abhor

For this Christ suffered until his last breath

Can my sinful heart ever be made clean

Is there any hope beyond this earthly life

Christ rose again for his own to redeem

By faith alone He secures us for all time

O Lord being content in You is all I need

How your steadfast love proves ever true!

The Holy Spirit compels me to believe

By your Grace all things are made new!

“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

“Wonderful Counselor”

The Great Shepherd keeps watch over you!

Abundantly merciful and awesomely wise

Faithfully leading in all that is right and true

All glory to the Creator, the Almighty on high!

“Mighty God”

Holy is His name, the Lord of hosts

Mighty One of Jacob, the Stone of Israel

The Rock on whom our salvation rests

The Sword of the Spirit proclaiming the Gospel!

“Everlasting Father”

Our Father, our radiant Redeemer from of old

Hallelujah! His steadfast love endures forever!

His favor more precious than silver and gold

By His all sufficient grace we are delivered!

“Prince of Peace”

The Shepherd and Guardian of our souls

By His shed blood His righteousness He imparts

Peace and rest are the promises He extols

May the King of kings ever reign in our hearts!

”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.”

Luke 2:13-14 KJV

Peace…

exceeding our comprehension

guards our minds and our hearts

the grand gift of our salvation

the blood-stained Cross imparts

perfect for those who believe in Him

manifested in the fruit of the Spirit

praising Him who bore all our sins

ever sowing a righteous harvest

all who labor and are heavy laden

showing the way we should live

knowing God’s mercies never end

the blessing His loving arms give

leading us beside still waters

flowing from a changeless river

providing all things that matter

washing us by God’s grace forever

the Gospel of our Lord Christ Jesus

the hope of the Living Word to restore

by the Holy Spirit with joy and righteousness

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor

The Prince of Peace!

who could ever want for more

As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”

Luke 24:36 ESV

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.”

Psalm 119:114 ESV

In God’s free gift of righteousness

Proclaiming the truth with love and gentleness

That will not be cut off

Coming from the Father above

Our sure and steadfast anchor

God’s plan for our welfare and future

Praising Christ Jesus, the author of our salvation

Born again through our Savior’s resurrection

Entering into the inner curtain

God’s love for us is certain

Unseen, anticipating glory with patience

In God, come with singing into His presence

In the Living Word

Our faithful shield and sword

That does not put us to shame

Rejoicing in the Name above every name

In favor without merit

In the power of the Holy Spirit

Filling us with joy and peace in believing

Awaiting Christ Jesus’s glorious appearing!

“Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”

Psalm 33:22 ESV

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.”

Psalm 103:17-18 ESV

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.'”

Judges 7:16-18 ESV

From many only a few are chosen

So the heirs of the Great I Am

Faithful trumpeters smash their jars

The Light reveals the battle is ours

“A sword for the Lord and for Gideon”

Chaos reigned in the camp of Midian

The enemy vanquished, the army ran

So the darkness before the Son of Man

God uses broken jars of clay

To share the truth and light the way

His only Son sacrificed on a tree

Arose from the grave in victory

Sin and death defeated forevermore

Our blessed hope has won the war

In Jesus grace and peace are ever found

As we await the last trumpet sound!

“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

Let everyone draw near

For the goodness of God has appeared

Saving us by his loving kindness

Granting us his righteousness

By faith in God our Savior alone

Not in any works we have done

But according to his own matchless mercy

The Holy Spirit is poured out richly

Through the sacrifice of Jesus his only Son

By his grace his heirs we have become

For by his precious blood we are justified!

Christ Jesus our only hope of eternal life!

Hallelujah!

“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.”

Titus 2:11-15

Grasp God’s grace!

For he has appeared

By faith he saves

All who draw near

Repent of sin and pride

Reject the darkness

Seek his marvelous Light

His gift of righteousness

Redeeming us for his own

Oh such love and mercy!

Calling us to his holy throne

Worship him on bended knee

He is our hope and rest

To God be all glory!

Christ Jesus put to the test

Gives us the victory!

Praise him forevermore!

“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!””

Revelation 5:11-12 ESV

“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

“But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.” Psalm 88:13 ESV

Dear God,

I look ever to You
In hopeful prayer
To discern what is true
Make my heart aware

That I may always know
Love’s ultimate offering
Joy that overflows
The peace You bring

Your grace and mercy
Your only Son
Who rescued me
From sin’s dark prison

Chained to evil’s lies
I wandered in ignorance
Til You opened my eyes
By Your righteousness

Forever I am changed
Forgiveness ever my plea
To the praise of my Savior’s name
Christ Jesus, who saved even me!

Thank You, Heavenly Father.

Amen

“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

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)

Let Your joy fill every corner of my heart so that Your love might proclaim how great You are

Banish my sinfulness and my pride to The Cross on which my Savior died

Grant me hope and perseverance to overcome life’s hardships and strife relying only on the power of The Holy Spirit to defeat the enemy’s lies

Thank You for the promises fulfilled through Your Living Word forevermore I will sing praises to Christ Jesus my Risen Lord

Help me to grow in Your righteousness and grace only complete when we finally meet face to face

Amen!

“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!

He had fished all day

So many debts to repay

But the catch was lean

He had nets to clean

The Rabbi on the beach

Climbs aboard to teach

Then He tells Simon Peter

Time to go deeper

Let the nets down again

Simon answered him

We toiled all night

Not a fish in sight

But Simon took his word

Humbly submitting to the Lord

So many fish were caught

Another boat was sought

The bulging nets nearly broke

The catch filling both boats

Simon fell down at Jesus’ knees

O Lord, I am sinful, so unworthy

Amazed at what they had seen

So also the sons of Zebedee

Jesus said do not be afraid Simon

From now on you will be catching men!

“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.”

John 10:27-28 ESV

*Luke 5:11

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?”

Esther 4:14 ESV

TO CARE FOR HIM WHO SHALL HAVE BORNE THE BATTLE AND FOR HIS WIDOW, AND HIS ORPHAN. -Abraham Lincoln

Dear Heavenly Father,

Creator of the heavens and the earth, Author of mercy and wisdom

Bless the women and men who serve to protect our fragile freedoms

Thank you for those who have borne the battle at such a precious cost

We praise you for sending Christ Jesus to die for our sins on the Cross

Let us never forget the brave who have sacrificed everything for us

A debt that cannot be adequately repaid by this grateful remembrance

Alleviate the pain and suffering of those with depression and addictions

The deep and hidden wounds of service and war causing dire afflictions

Help us to never neglect their weeping widows and orphans left at home

We are all sinners without any hope except for saving faith in Christ alone

O Lord, lead us, for then we know each step of the way will be secure

Until in your loving arms we find the enduring peace your grace assures!

For You are our refuge, strength and salvation!

In your Son’s name we pray,

Amen

“…for the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4 ESV

“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

Devoted follower of the Son of Man

Faithful since Jesus’ ministry began

Humbly serving others day after day

Never pursuing the world’s accolades

A changed heart molded by God’s grace

Seeking after the truth to finish life’s race

Witness our crucified Savior on Calvary

Rejoice in His resurrection on bended knee

Chosen to replace Judas after Christ’s ascension

Prayerfully numbered with the apostles eleven

Called to ministry to share the Gospel story

Mercifully redeemed for God’s ultimate glory!

“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.”

—Psalms 16:5–9 (ESV)

Praise God for his glorious grace!

The amazing grace that saves by faith

For God’s boundless grace is all you need

From his throne grace and mercy intercede

Under God’s grace sin has no power over you

His only Son the author of grace and truth

Grace upon grace the Father ever provides

And by this gift of grace his heirs he justifies

In the knowledge and grace of Jesus we grow

Through his shed blood this grace overflows

Transformed by God’s grace I am what I am

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.”

Romans 5:20-21 NASB1995

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

See God’s wise servant

Now lifted up on high

Exalt Him and repent

O’ children of mankind

His appearance astonishes

Beaten and bloodstained

God’s lowly Lamb admonishes

His majesty preordained

Open your eyes and see

To the Living Word ever cling

Bow down on bended knee

Worship our Savior and King

Our sorrows and sins He bore

By His wounds we are healed

Redeeming us forevermore

Righteousness and love revealed

See Calvary’s terrifying tree

Grace and mercy paved the way

The borrowed tomb ever empty

Look for His soon return, O’ glorious day!

“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

Spiritual warfare all around

The enemy ever closer

Time to stand our ground

Christ Jesus is our closer!

Put on your armor daily

Withstand the fiery darts

Time for Christians to rally

Our Savior guards our hearts

Show the world God’s loving spirit

Do not compromise His values

The Good News is our armament

By faith we unworthy He rescues

Forgiveness is our watchword

Prayer ever our secret weapon

Stand firm on the Living Word!

Christ Jesus, God’s only Son!

“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.”

Ephesians 6:13 ESV

“Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”

Philippians 4:1 ESV

Unworthy and blinded am I no longer

My sinfulness and pride He has forgiven

By His grace my faith grows ever stronger

For I know that my Redeemer lives!

See the Cross and the empty grave

Jesus died and arose, new life He gives

Once chained in darkness, now I am saved!

For I know that my Redeemer lives!

The Lord and Savior sits on heaven’s throne

My ransom paid by the King of Kings

Christ Jesus is coming again to claim His own!

Hallelujah! For I know that my Redeemer lives!

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth.”

Job 19:25 ESV

God sent His only Son to save

Our sin overcome by His grace

So let forgiveness rule the day

True repentance the only way

Turning sin like scarlet to snowy white

Our penalty paid by His great sacrifice

Reconciling us to our heavenly Father

The only restoration that truly matters

Precious blood shed for just this reason

Love flowing down from His only Son

Changing forever each heart of stone

Redeeming His bride for His very own!

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

Isaiah 1:18 ESV

Looking back I can see how far I have come

Winding is the rutty road that led me to the Son

So many twists and turns to arrive at this place apart

Great the sacrifice of Him in Whom grace had its start

How is it that He knew each faltering step I would take

Some forward, some backwards, so many mistakes

Ever narrow and straight the path that leads me now to the Cross

Great the toll paid by His atoning blood for the lost

This free gift of His amazing love pointing the one true way

Rejoicing in His peace and joy, I am renewed with each step I take

Every obstacle by Christ Jesus’ righteous right hand is overcome

Paving the next stage of my life’s journey with God’s only Son

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Psalms 16:11 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.”

Luke 15:20 ESV

This day

God given

His grace

Mercy driven

From darkness

Into light

His righteousness

Unblinded sight

Faith alone

Love wins

He atones

Our sins

On Calvary

Empty tomb

Rescues me

Coming soon

Christ Jesus

Savior King

Redeems us

Praises sing!

Hallelujah! Amen!

“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.”

Romans 5:15 NASB1995

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.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB

Continue reading “NEVER GIVE UP”

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

By faith alone- let this be my life’s soul legacy

Will you hear the trumpet call

The curse demands a sacrifice for the fall

Jesus died on the Cross for our sins

The empty tomb is where love wins

Are you awaiting the trumpet call

Have you given Christ Jesus your all

There is only one way to be saved

God’s free gift of mercy and grace

Listen now for the trumpet call

By His blood the Savior paid it all

Sin no longer has power over us

We are clothed in His righteousness

Do you long for the last trumpet call

The glorious day when He returns for us all

All who trust in Christ Jesus are His own

He is coming again to take us home!

Hallelujah!

When you hear it…

Look up!

“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.”

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 ESV

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 I feel that something is wrong

My world is shaken and into the cold I am thrust

My last thought is “will I ever know to whom I belong?”

But instantly 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!

Creator of heaven and earth who made me

Showering me with grace, mercy and love so true

I await the joyous day when I will see my family

For I know that I am loved!

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV

Dear Father in heaven,

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

I will rise on that glorious day

To meet my Lord and Savior

Rescued by His mercy and grace

I want for nothing ever more

Oh, to behold His majesty and glory

Seeing Him finally face to face

I will bow on bended knee

Worshipping with joyful praise

Let this be our heart’s only mission

Proclaiming to all the Good News

Christ died for our salvation

Rising again to redeem us

How we long for our heavenly home

Prepared by His loving hand

No longer destined to roam

Rest assured in the Son of Man

Saved only by His marvelous grace

I want for nothing ever more

But come that glorious day!

When we shall be with the Savior

“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.’”

Acts 2:20-21 ESV

Before one realizes it another year has gone by

Did I present my body as a living sacrifice

Holy and acceptable to God, so merciful

Was my worship even remotely spiritual

Have I inadvertently conformed to this world

Was I unwilling to be transformed by the living Word

Is it too late to ask for renewal of my mind

How can I discern God’s will, perfect and fine

Did I not often think of myself so highly

Have I enough faith to live righteously

Did I neglect to use the gifts God gave me

Was my service only for my own glory

Is my love genuine, do I abhor all that is sin

Do I honor others with brotherly affection

Have I been slothful in zeal, weak in spirit

Do I rejoice in hope, in trials remain patient

Was I ever driven to my knees in ceaseless prayer

Did I contribute to anyone’s needs or even care

How often did I curse those who persecuted me

Did I ever weep with the sorrowful who weep

Do I rejoice in celebration with those who rejoice

Would I live in harmony given the choice

Am I proud and so wise in my own sight

Do I repay evil for evil instead of what is right

If it depends on me would I live peaceably with all

How often have I sought vengeance, I cannot recall

Would I feed my enemy if I knew he was hungry

Would I offer him living water to drink if thirsty

Good news! A new day is dawning! Rejoice! Hope is ever alive!

Christ Jesus died for our sins on the Cross and He did indeed arise!

He is the living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God the Father!

May the Savior King reign in our renewed hearts now and forever!

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Romans 12:12 ESV

“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

I have no gift to give the swaddled babe

Except an unworthy repentant heart

The very thing He was born to save

By His redeeming love before the start

Creator of the heavens and the earth

Becoming flesh to rescue even me

Humble beginnings by the virgin birth

I worship my King on bended knee

Lifting my eyes to His supreme sacrifice

Unmeasurable mercy flows from the Cross

Oh how can it be He was born to die

The great shepherd pursues even one lost

More than a love story on a starry silent night

Christ Jesus is the author of abundant grace

Hear the host of heaven exalting this holy Light

Sing “hallelujah” until we see our Savior’s face

and then forevermore!

“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!””

Luke 2: 9, 11-14 ESV

The brightest shining star

Magi traveling from afar

Lowly shepherds watching

Heavenly angels singing

No room in Bethlehem

A manger for the Son of Man

Barnyard animals grazing

New parents praising

The babe, our King, name “Jesus”

Emmanuel, God with us!

The promise of salvation

The Cross and Resurrection

Prophesies fulfilled of old

The Savior of the world!

Given to us that first Christmas morn!

Given for us that first Christmas morn!

This time of year is so busy
Not enough hours in the day
Too many distractions

Is this how it has to be
Visitors on the way
Meal preparations

Rooms to get ready
How many will come to stay
So much trepidation

What of Joseph and Mary
Whom I turned away
Here for the taxation

I heard she had her baby
What did those shepherds say
“A child is born for our salvation!”

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”
Luke 2:7, 20 ESV

Languishing between Samaria and Galilee

I lift my unworthy voice to the Son of Man

Oh Lord, grant me your unmerited mercy

Will you not heal me on your way to Zion

My appearance betrays the blemishes within

Your holiness convicts my unrighteousness

The Father sent you to atone for all our sins

Scourging and cruel piercings meant for us

Your precious blood cleanses if only we believe

By faith alone in this amazing gift we are saved!

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…”

Luke 17:15-16 ESV

We often passed by each other going opposite ways

Sometimes nodding “hello” or feigning a smile

But just now I heard that you had passed away

They said you had been ill for only a short while

I feel a sense of loss that I cannot explain

Because of the secret that I dared not share

I am guilty of remaining silent about my faith

And it’s too late now to show you that I care

How can I not give away the hope that I have

The free gift of salvation by way of The Cross

That Another, lovingly and unashamedly gave

Never hesitating to pay the ultimate cost

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

Dear Heavenly Father,

We are thankful and praise You

for the love of family

the fellowship of friends

heaven’s certainty

grace that never ends

Your provision for the lost

blessings new each day

for the blood-stained Cross

an empty grave

Christ Jesus our risen Lord!

Your right hand that holds us fast

the Living Word

for memories of loved ones passed

mercies unmeasurable

for prayers answered

Your promises indelible

hearts ransomed

lives forever changed

the table prepared before us

for broken chains

Your righteousness

forgiveness of our sins

we can never be the same

for The Holy Spirit within

our God reigns!

Hallelujah and amen!

“proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.”

Psalms 26:7 ESV

Oh joyless captives of Babylon

Remember God’s promise

The return of His only Son!

Light shining in total darkness

Abandon your idol worship

Only one deserves your praise

Let repentance rule your lips

Feast on fathomless grace

Claim redemption’s power and peace

Christ Jesus suffered and died for you!

Bow down to Him on bended knees

Rise up with steadfast faith anew

The Creator calls us to Mount Zion

Sanctification paves the only way

Through the blood of His beloved Son

Rejoice! for He is our hope every day!

“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!””

Isaiah 48:20 ESV

“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

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

“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.”

Romans 5:15 ESV

I praise God from whom flows every blessing!

No more doubts, no need to keep guessing

The meaning of this life, the reason for living

God’s only Son is the gift that keeps giving

Sacrificial love my mind cannot comprehend

But my heart rejoices knowing how this ends

Proclaiming the Good News to all who will hear

Salvation awaits each sinner who draws near

The risen Lord and King of whom angels sing

This is the promise and hope to which I cling

Christ Jesus died on the cross bearing our sins

Only asking that we repent and believe in Him

So by faith I know now what I need to do

Overwhelmed by grace and a love so true

Unspeakable joy knocking at my heart’s door

Praising my God and my Savior forevermore!

For God so loves you

He cares about everything you do

Every decision that you make

Each and every step you take

For God so loves you

His Son proclaiming the truth

Suffered and died on Calvary

To redeem you for all eternity

For God so loves you

Every promise He makes is true

His Son arose defeating death

Gifting you your next breath

For God so loves you

His joy makes all things new

Find hope in His forgiveness

His mercy, grace and righteousness

For God so loves you

His Spirit came to see you through

Every hardship, every loss you take

Lifting you up after each mistake

For God so loves you

There is nothing prayer cannot do

Seek His plan for you on bended knee

The Father will provide your every need

For God so loves you

Jesus is coming again very soon

To claim His bride for His own

Make your heart forever His throne!

“For God so loved the world…”

“O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”

Psalm 59:17 ESV

Oh Lord, wherever I go, You are there

From the mountaintop to the deepest sea

How I long to be in Your loving care

For nothing compares to Your majesty

All creation manifests Your power and glory

See the stars placed in the sky by Your hand

Yet You care for someone as lowly as me

A love so great to send the Son of Man

To bear my sins and suffer alone on Calvary

His timely death atoning for every evil thing

All my dark thoughts, words and deeds

Then He arose forever defeating death’s sting

Oh Lord, how I love to sing Your praise

Bowing before the Cross on bended knee

Thankful You saved my life by Your grace

Joyfully following You for all eternity

“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.”

Psalms 139:9-10 ESV

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

Behold nature’s marvelous majesty

Cursed by sin’s callous calamity

The thief desires only to destroy

Stealthily stealing all hope and joy

Tribulations producing only tears

Is there anyone who truly cares

Christ Jesus became man to rescue us

Redeemed by His love and righteousness

On Calvary He suffered and died for our sins

Resurrected that we may know Him

Forgiven we grow stronger in our faith

Rejoicing ever in His power and grace!

“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”

Philippians 3:10 ESV

There is something of a melody arising up within me

A song of praise exalting Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior

But there are not words sufficient that speak to His glory

The One who died to breech my stony heart’s door

How can I describe this love flowing from the Cross

Extolling the great grace that is the essence of His being

He redeemed this wandering lamb who was utterly lost

Blind to His righteousness but now with open eyes seeing

His majesty and holiness of which the angels continually sing

Draw me ever closer to the risen rescuer full of God’s mercy

What can I, so unworthy, possibly lay at the feet of the one true King

But this melody of repentance forever arising up within me

“My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being!”

Psalms 108:1 ESV

Let us pray boldly with one accord

For Christ Jesus is our Savior and Lord!

Of whom all the angels continually sing

Proclaim the Good News and the hope it brings!

For only One suffered and died for you and me

God’s grace hanging upon that terrible tree

All we need do is repent of our sin and pride

Believe in Him who came to redeem His bride

His marvelous mercy and love flowing down

Great the price paid for our undeserved crown

His righteousness now our ultimate reward

Our relationship with the Father fully restored

Christ Jesus arose from that lonely tomb

To conquer the curse and claim His own

This is the Good News and why we sing

Come into His presence ever rejoicing!!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

Philippians 4:4 ESV

Every day I need a savior

Someone to point the way

Isn’t there something more

To help me through each day

I have this other world feeling

A sense that I do not belong

This life keeps me reeling

How did it all go so very wrong

Who is this One who came to save

To suffer and die for my sins

So much mercy and endless grace

What kind of man would do this

Never has there been a love so true

This free gift I accept by faith alone

My hardened heart no match for You

Every day, Christ Jesus, make it Your throne

Every day I have a Savior!

“Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.”

Psalms 145:2 ESV

Anchor your faith to the solid Rock of Ages

Where the winding road turns straight and narrow

Follow the path beside living waters of grace

To a place apart that overcomes life’s sorrows

Where songs of praise rise up over so much noise

And the Good News redeems wandering hearts

Making the unworthy worthy of limitless joy

Peace being the great reward Christ’s love imparts

Claim the victory over sin’s dreadful curse

Seeking forgiveness through His merciful gift alone

Then share this hope to the ends of the earth

Until we find rest at the foot of our Savior’s throne!

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”

Psalm 95:1 ESV

“Rejoice in hope” for we are saved by God’s grace

Nothing we have done but faith alone in His only Son

Sacrificed on that terrible tree in our deserved place

Christ Jesus arose the third day, our redemption won

“Be patient in tribulation” for we are not in this alone

There is one who loves us more than words express

His atoning blood paves the way to our heavenly home

Suffering and death defeated, He gifts us peace and rest

“Be constant in prayer” more often on bended knee

Let His Word be ever on our lips and in our hearts

Seeking forgiveness and humble service all for His glory

For by His amazing act of love, hope He imparts!

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Romans 12:12 ESV

Oh sister, brother, are you missing someone dear

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.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 ESV

“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 he said to all, “If anyone would
come after me, let him deny himself and take
up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23 (ESV)

At one end of the cross is darkness and our sin

At the other end of the cross is an empty tomb, forgiveness, hope and salvation

One can choose to remain where they’ve been

Or accept His free sacrificial gift of justification

It only took one drop of His blood to save us

But so much more was given

Selfless Love’s only motive is to redeem us

To bridge the chasm between us and heaven

And worship the Only One who cared enough

To become sin for us that we might have Life

At one end of the cross is Sacrificial Love

At the other end of the cross one has to decide

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

Born Joseph, a Levite, a son of Cyprus

A child of God and minister of peace

Saved by faith alone in Christ Jesus

He sold his property to help those in need

Proclaiming the gospel wherever he went

To Tarsus, to Antioch and beyond Jerusalem

Sharing with all his gift of encouragement

Only by the wondrous grace of the Son of Man

Fellow sojourner and mentor of the apostle Paul

Teaching and preaching to whomever would give ear

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

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 150:6 ESV

So often the wrong path has been my predilection

The straight and narrow left behind without hesitation

Selfishness and pride determining my life’s direction

Fear, loneliness and emptiness, sin’s dark deception

But there is hope for one seriously seeking redemption

The Living Word of which this world has no comprehension

The glory of the Cross pointing to an eternal destination

The promised peace and unspeakable joy of salvation

The depth of His love confirmed by His cruel crucifixion

His righteousness flowing down, unmerited justification

Defeating death, sin’s ancient curse, by His resurrection

His precious blood shed for all, leading to sanctification

His matchless mercy and glorious grace, my liberation

God’s only Son, given for sinners, for His ultimate exaltation

Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, worthy of all adoration

Praise Him forevermore with unceasing acclamation!

A precious life faced imminent peril

In a fallen world inherently evil

Can the unrighteous be saved

From earthly designs so depraved

God’s faithful Son is ever true

In Him all things are made new

For there is only one holy King

Of whom all the angels sing

His Providence in Jehosheba’s story

Preserved David’s lineage for His glory!

Redeeming this lost child for all eternity

By His wondrous grace and mercy!

“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.”

2 Kings 11:2 ESV

Darkness all around and evil ever before me

Daily I claim your mighty sword and shield

The Living Word the wellspring of grace and mercy

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!

Always yours,

Jesus Christ, The Lord and Savior

There is a sacrifice made out of love

A hope that comes only from above

Let this joyous knowledge fill our lives

Drawing us ever closer to the one true light

God sent Christ Jesus His only Son

Offered that our hearts might be won

This ransom for sin paid on Calvary

Redeeming His bride for all eternity

We are called to share this very Good News

His awesome mercy and grace to our rescue

Overcoming the bleak darkness inside us

Replacing it with His holy righteousness

This is the hope I have for me and you

Saved to serve Him by a love so true

Let this be our goal and life’s story

United ever to the praise of His glory!

“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.”

Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV

Darkness and famine are everywhere

By God’s providence love finds a way

But stony hearts are easily laid bare

Life changing each moment of the day

So how does one move on from here

The only place we have ever known

Faith in God alone overcomes all fear

For the world is no longer our home

God provides and His love sustains us

The Bread of Life satisfying every need

Exchanging our sin for His righteousness

The hope and promise for all who believe

God has prepared for His own a holy city

In this heavenly realm we find peace in The Truth

Our Savior redeeming His bride for all eternity

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

When did I grow so old

Just yesterday I was young

Not always doing what I was told

Life’s race had just begun

But now I am in a later season

The pace not near as fast

Perhaps I have more reason

Each day closer than the last

Looking back with mixed emotions

Would I make the same mistakes again

Not just going through the motions

But making necessary amends

To really know what is true

And finally be set free

To see exactly what I need to do

I am driven ever to my knees

For so long a time I did not realize

The depth of my sinfulness and pride

Then The Holy Spirit opened up my eyes

Christ Jesus suffered and died!

To reconcile me to His glorious throne

Love greater than any ever known

His righteousness now my very own

Unending mercy and grace…

leading me to my eternal home!

“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.”

John 3:4-5 ESV

I have been wanting to share with you this hope that I have

For the longest time I lived only for myself and no one else

But then the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the One who saves

God sent us His only Son, Christ Jesus, to lead us to Himself

At first I could not comprehend a love that would sacrifice so much

Especially knowing the darkness inside me and my utter selfishness

But the hardness of my heart was overcome by the Savior’s gentle touch

The Light of His redeeming grace reaches even the depths of my sinfulness

He carried all our sins, past, present and future on Calvary’s cruel Cross

Giving up everything, He died for you and me because of this love so deep

How can I not share this hope with you that came at such tremendous cost

He arose from the grave, fulfilling every promise He said He would keep

Christ Jesus is the living Truth we seek!

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32 ESV

O’ Lord, my heart exalts in You

Holy Author of my salvation

Whose promises are ever true

The steadfast rock of my redemption

You rescue me from an evil enemy

By Your wisdom and by Your power

Guiding me through every calamity

You are my hope in my bleakest hour

You make the poor in spirit rich in joy

Lifting me up out of utter darkness

How could I ever want for more

My sins vanquished by Your righteousness

I am reconciled to the King of kings forevermore!

Amen

“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.”

1 Samuel 2:1-2 ESV

Dear Mom,

More than a few years have passed since we were all together last

Still I miss you so very much and nothing fills the hole left in my heart

And I do not even want to try, but one cannot live long in the past

Though my memories have grown dearer since we have been apart

Tempering the sorrow and loneliness that would consume my thoughts

And prevent me from experiencing the joy that still defines your life

I cherish your goodness and godliness, traits I have always sought

But when I think of the life you have now, I cannot help but smile

For your love for Christ Jesus gives blessed assurance of your destiny

And that is the legacy I hope to leave for my children and grandchildren

Thank you for all your prayers on my behalf and never giving up on me

I know your love for me is never-ending and I know I will see you again

Love,

Your child

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

Exodus 20:12 ESV

He left the ninety-nine for this wayward one

The Shepherd, The Guardian of my soul

Hallelujah! Look what God has done!

Grace and mercy, rescuing me to His fold

Relentless, ever pursuing His own

Never again to be counted among the lost

His sacrifice, love unlike any I have ever known!

Redeems by His righteous staff

The Cross

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)

Hear the Good News of Salvation

Receive His transformative Power

Proclaim His sacrifice to the nations:

“Redemption through Christ Jesus is ours!”

We have already wasted precious time

Without Him we are utterly and eternally lost

His justification is yours and mine

Though no one can fathom the cost

Of His suffering and brutal death

So that we might have eternal life

Our sins were forgiven as He took His last breath

Now Sanctification awaits but you must decide

Look to The Cross and believe

Accept His free sacrifice of Love

You no longer need be deceived

Satan’s stranglehold on you is overcome

The penalty for sin has been erased

This is the same old unchanging story

We are saved by Christ’s matchless Grace

Exalt in His Holiness and Glory!

This is what we were born for

To worship Him and declare His Love surpassing

To serve The Risen Savior

Our God and our King!

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)

I cannot do anything without You, O Lord

Though I have tried to make it on my own

My hope lies entirely in Your Living Word

Redeeming forever this heart of stone

Repenting of my sins on bended knee

I look to the beacon of Your abundant mercy

The Cross, that awesome and cruel tree

Always reminded You died there for me

Then You defeated death that I might live

Such amazing love I cannot fully comprehend

All sufficient grace ever ready to forgive

I rest in Your tender embrace that has no end!

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

Psalm 32:1 ESV

While one denied Him three times, fearing the possible cost

The two Marys watched Him suffer and die upon The Cross

While most fled doubting the decision He had made

The two Marys viewed the place His body was laid

While many hid in darkness in the upper room

The two Marys came and found the empty tomb

While all of His disciples would eventually realize God’s provision

The love displayed by these two witnesses was without condition

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.
He has risen…”
Mark 16:6 (ESV)

And I will make you a great nation

And I will bless you and make your name great

Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham

From the line of Judah he will come

I will establish his kingdom

And he shall be to me a son

Conceived by a virgin, they shall call him “Immanuel”

He will die for their sins, rescuing them from hell

Bethlehem is the throne room of this newborn king

The Ruler and long-awaited Savior of whom angels sing

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord

Make straight in the desert a highway for our God

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”

Proclaims John before baptizing the Son of Man

Behold the king riding on a beast of burden will lead you

And I will put my words in his mouth, all that is true

Woe to every soul that does not listen to this prophet

For he is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek

Praying “Let this cup pass from me but your will be done”

God’s love, mercy and grace displayed in his only son

But by the chief priests, the scribes and Pilate, he is condemned

All who see him mock him, saying “Let the Lord deliver him”

The star, the scepter rises out of Israel

And I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill

Encircled by evildoers, they pierced his hands and feet

Come near, touch these cruel nail marks and believe

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, he cries

From the Cross “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”

Since he had already died, the soldiers did not break his bones

But those who crucified him cast lots for his princely robe

“He was pierced for our transgressions and with his wounds we are healed”

“He is not here, for he has risen, as he said”, an empty tomb revealed

Conquering sin’s curse forever, bruising the head of the serpent

Redeeming to himself all who believe, obey and humbly repent

Ascended on high, carried up into heaven to prepare a place for his very own

Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior

The Messiah!

The Promise Keeper of God

“My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.”

Psalm 119:123 ESV

Oh dear ones, let me tell you of the Lord Jesus

Who exchanged my sin for His righteousness

My Savior who gave up everything even for me

He had to suffer and die on Calvary’s cruel tree

But that was not the end of His amazing story

His act of love on the Cross for His Father’s glory

To redeem me and you for all eternity to be with Him

If we will only believe and turn away from our sin

Ah, for even death could not stop His mercy and grace

On that wondrous third day He arose from the grave!

Crushing the serpent’s head, gifting us life beyond this one

That is where I will be waiting for you with God’s only Son!

This my hope, my prayer, my life’s testimony…

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Romans 1:16 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.”

Mark 16:6 ESV

Oh, how we are like the crucified thief

Tormented by our sin and unbelief

Locked in denial or hoping for more

Until we look to The Lord and Savior

Mocking the only One who can save you

Or rebuked by those who can’t see the Truth

Dying alone with no hope of forgiveness

Or pleading for redemption from our sinfulness

Bitterly denying, desolate, and forever lost

Or wonderfully saved by His Grace on The Cross

Which thief would you be, left or right?

What if this is your moment to decide?

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.”

(Matthew 8:24-26 ESV)

“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.”

1 Kings 19:11-12 ESV

Jesus loves me

Though I am unworthy

He is the Living Word

My crucified and risen Lord

Washing my sins away

Grace upon grace

A debt beyond measure

Mercy’s triumphant treasure

Jesus loves me

Though I am unworthy

Stumbling in total darkness

Transformed by righteousness

My hardened heart of stone

The Holy Spirit made His throne

I am redeemed by this love so great

God’s only Son died to save!

Jesus loves even me

Though I am unworthy

His promises are ever true

Nothing more I must do

Praising Him on bended knee

Faith is all I need

Joyfully awaiting His royal return

I claim the reward I did not earn

For Jesus loves me!

This I know

He is worthy, worthy, worthy!

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

John 1:16 ESV

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

Longing for a new start

Pursue God’s holy heart

He makes all things new

His promises ever true

The Beginning and the End

The Creator of everything

But a dark chasm lies unseen

A sin-filled void in between

Only One can bridge this gap

The sacrifice of the Son of Man

Jesus suffered the penalty for our sin

No love ever greater than this

His resurrection the proof of life

Forever with the redeeming Light

But words and works cannot save me

By faith in Christ alone I believe

This is my hope eternally

To give God all the glory

For His righteousness He imparts

And I have a brand new heart!

“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.”

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 ESV

Oh what a loathsome sinner am I

The reason Jesus was born to die

To rescue this lost lamb to His fold

Covering me with His righteous robe

Seeking to save at tremendous cost

God’s love paves the way to the Cross

Repenting, I put all my trust in Him

Washing away the darkness within

Grace abounds from an empty grave

The stone rolled away on the third day

Mercy unmerited knocks at my heart’s door

Redeemed, I could never want for more

But the Light of truth and fullness of joy

Overcome every trick Satan employs

This is my hope through trials and tribulation

Christ Jesus, the author of my salvation!

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

1 John 5:4 ESV

Oh believer have you gone astray
Come again to the foot of The Cross
Let redemption have its way

Rescued from sin’s tangled maze
Come again to the foot of The Cross
Drink fully My cup of unmerited grace

Claim the joy that you once knew
Come again to the foot of The Cross
I am the source of the only Truth

Touch My pierced hands, feet and side
Come again to the foot of The Cross
Where I suffered, bled and died

Claim My victory over your deserved death
Come again to the foot of The Cross
Let My righteousness be all that’s left

Pray unceasingly the remainder of days
Come again to the foot of The Cross
From your heart’s throne I forever reign

Oh unbeliever, it’s not too late
Come to the foot of The Cross
The risen Lord and Savior waits

“I believe, help my unbelief.”
Mark 9:24

Our years here so very few

And there is but one truth

Christ Jesus is the only way

Holy Deliverer of God’s grace

He bore our sins to Calvary

Where He died for you and me

Our repentance a necessity

One decision for all eternity

Death defeated when He arose

Sanctification through Him alone

Why not give Him everything

And forever His praises sing

For there is no greater love

Than that sent from God above

“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

Could this be the day

When I meet my King

You are ultimate grace

Of whom the angels sing

My crucified Lord

And risen Savior!

My shield and my sword

Now and forevermore

My sins washed away

I praise You on bended knee

Awaiting that glorious day

When I with You shall ever be!

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

I am a sinner natural-born

Once lost and forlorn

Jesus loves me still

Given to wander aimlessly

My tongue speaks carelessly

Jesus loves me still

Words can be hateful and so cruel

My selfishness and pride are wont to rule

Jesus loves me still

My sins nailed Him to the Cross

His death was the terrible cost

Yet Jesus loves me still

I cannot ignore Whom God sent

Again and again I must repent

Jesus loves me still

I am unworthy without virtue

But His grace proves my value

Jesus loves me still

This my hope and my prayer

The Good News I must share

For Jesus loves me still!

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

1 John 4:10 ESV

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)

How can this love so very great

Be meant for one so lowly

A holy offering of unending grace

To save the most unworthy

A sinner from my very first breath

Hastening down the darkest road

Ransomed by my Savior’s death

His resurrection redeemed my soul

God’s perfect love and my terrible sins

Nailed Him to that blood-stained throne

But His matchless mercy never ends

Hallelujah! In Christ Jesus I am home!

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21 ESV

In the busy and quiet moments of each day

Worry and anxiety bring their baggage to stay

But God’s Word, reliable in every circumstance

Whispers with unwavering voice:

” I’ve got this!”

“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?””

Hebrews 13:5-6 ESV

What of the humble traveler who comes to us from afar

Seeking God’s will like the wisemen following the star

Bringing their unique gifts of the spirit with us to share

So many the stories of God’s grace and answered prayer

We all are in search of something to fill the void in our heart

Doomed to be sinners and seekers from the curse’s very start

See now the Christ who came to suffer and die for you and me

Such mercy and love like none other displayed on Cavalry’s tree

For awhile we are privileged to worship Him together as family

Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus awaiting that better destiny

We are all sojourners for a short time on this earth by God’s grace

‘Til we meet again in heaven one glorious day exalting Him face to face!

“”Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.”

Psalm 39:12 ESV

Our Father above

Sent His only Son

To save you and me

Unworthy are we

The virgin-born babe

Jesus, no greater name

Angels declaring

Shepherds sharing

The first Noel

Our Immanuel

The living Word

Savior of the world

Born to be crucified

For our sins he died

Our debt repaid

He arose the third day

Death defeating

Righteousness revealing

God’s amazing love for us

Prince of peace, Christ Jesus

He’s coming again

The Son of Man

To claim his own

And take us home!

Come now Lord Jesus!

“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,”

Romans 3:23-24 ESV

“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!

I was thinking about the busyness of Christmas

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.”

Matthew 1:19-25 ESV

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

Often I wonder what the next moment will bring

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.”

Psalms 107:1-6 ESV

Come to me and hunger no longer

“I am the bread of life”

In our weakness, you make us stronger

Come to the Father by my sacrifice

“I am the way, the truth and the life”

Son of David, heal our blind eyes

Come to me and in you I will abide

“I am the true vine”

Everything we need you provide

Believe in me, live and never die

“I am the resurrection and the life”

You arose and are raised on high

Enter by me and find refuge at my side

“I am the door of the sheep”

You rescued us from our sin and pride

I know my own, know me

“I am the good shepherd “

We bow before you on bended knee

Follow me out of darkness

“I am the light of the world”

Fill us with your righteousness

Truly, truly, I am the living Word

“Before Abraham, I am”

Your love for us is ever true, O’ Lord!

Hallelujah and Amen!

“God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’””

Exodus 3:14 ESV

Dear Father in heaven,

How glorious is Your name!

Establish soon Your kingdom

Everything by Your will and grace

In heaven and the earth

All we need comes from You

Your Sacrifice sealed our worth

Let our repentance be ever true

Bestow in us a forgiving heart

For The Light shines in the darkness

Your righteousness to impart

All for Your glory in the highest!

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Romans 12:12 ESV

It is the third day

Our hearts still very heavy

So much yet to say

Neither of us ready

A seven mile trek

To just north of Jerusalem

No looking back

Emmaus our destination

Not my first trip with Cleopus

A brother and a friend

Followers of the prophet Jesus

Why did it have to end

But who is this fellow sojourner

Seemingly unaware of the tragic trial

Jesus crucified by the priests and rulers

We hoped He would redeem Israel

But now His tomb lies empty

Angels proclaim “He is risen!”

This stranger speaks with authority

Opening all scripture pointing to Him

How He had to suffer and die

For our sins to be forgiven

But not until He broke the bread

Were our eyes wide open

On the Cross His body broken for us

The new covenant signed in His blood

Our risen Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus!

God’s perfect offering of mercy and love!

“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.””

Luke 23:39-43 ESV

Our Father in heaven,

Creator of all things, how great Thou art

Giving blessed assurance in Christ alone

Your love above all changes stony hearts

Endless mercy guiding each prodigal home

So I come to You again on bended knee

For I know Your eye is on the sparrow

But, oh, how You have watched over me

Your amazing grace overcoming every sorrow

Christ Jesus, Your only Son, died on Calvary

On a cross hewn for murderers and thieves

Buried He arose on that glorious day three

To redeem each sinner who repents and believes

Filling hearts with hope and His righteousness

Hallelujah! All glory to God and the Son of Man!

Your promises are true and great is Your faithfulness

For I am saved at the foot of the Cross just as I am

Amen!

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”

Psalm 95:2 ESV

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!

O’ Lord,

Unworthy am I but You love me still

Heal me completely if it be Your will

This oft neglected broken vessel

By Your grace, the Holy Spirit’s temple

Wash away the scourge of this malady

I come to You again on bended knee

To touch the hem of Your righteous robe

The power of Your love my only hope

Yet if this be the refining I must endure

Let my testimony for You be ever sure

Your selfless sufferings I can only imagine

To rescue me from the penalty of sin

Thank You for Your great mercy to me

Whatever my lot, to You be the glory!

Please hear this my humble petition

My Savior, O’ Lord, O’ Great Physician!

Amen

“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.”

Romans 8:16-18 ESV

When thunder and lightning engulf you

The cloudburst so heavy you cannot see

The Savior is ever our hope and rescue

Walking the waves of each tumultuous sea

Asking only that we have faith to believe

The sacrifice He made on Golgotha’s tree

Love and mercy unfathomable to conceive

Great the grace forgiving sinners like me

Find refuge in the embrace of His righteous arms

His Light defeating the darkness as it assails us

Guiding us through every seen and unseen storm

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