God has placed creativity in the human heart. J.S. Bach penned, "The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." As in days of old, He is still using His Word to inspire His servants to compose and write Biblically-sound music.
"Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord..." Ephesians 5:19
Hugo McCord writes: "An extraordinary person, a vessel of honor, one whom we expect to meet in heaven, is Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus.He was “the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, the one called Christ,” with Jesus “being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph” (Matthew 1:16; Luke 3:23).
"When Mary’s fiance Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant, he was shocked.He, being honorable, and not wanting to disgrace her, decided to break the engagement quietly.However, while he was thinking about the problem, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to marry Mary, your fiance, because her conception is by the Holy Spirit.She will bear a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:19-21).
Joseph was a righteous man of strong conviction who lived out his beliefs in his actions. Even when personally wronged, he had the quality of being self-controlled and sensitive to someone else's shame. He responded to God's directions in obedience. It is not easy to entrust your children to someone else. Imagine God looking down to choose a man to raise his own son? Joseph had God's trust.
Lyrics:
Chorus 1 How could it be this baby in my arms Sleeping now, so peacefully The Son of God, the angel said How could it be Lord I know He's not my own Not of my flesh, not of my bone Still Father let this baby be The son of my love
Chorus 2 Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours How can a man be father to the Son of God Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king He looks so small, His face and hands so fair And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear But when He laughs it shines again How could it be Chorus 2
Since I am a 'boomer' and have a perspective of the then (50s) and the now, I have been mourning the widespread loss of the Christian heritage of our country. Around the world we are known as a 'Christian' nation, even though the polls here show otherwise. One product of our culture exported around the world is our entertainment-driven media. It encourages a lifestyle of sports-consuming couch-potatoes, internet and video game addicts, as well as, overfed and undernourished children who disdain a real education in favor of personal fun. In many cases this is becoming reality, as parents pursue their own interests and abdicate headship of the home, leaving children to do "whatever'! We are increasingly asleep at the wheel, unaware of the chaos this is heaping upon the vital infra-structure of our land - the family. There are still a few who uphold the true values of Jesus Christ which include modesty, morality and decency, honest business practices and a strong work ethic, enduring family ties, and compassion. There will always be a remnant as in Genesis 18: 32 when Abraham asked God if He would spare Sodom and Gomorrah if there were as few as 10 righteous people who had not bowed the knee to idols. May it be that we are like the five virgins in the parable (Matthew 25:1-10 below) who were found awake and ready!
" This is what I see in our culture. We have strong convictions in one area, but we totally contradict them in another place. And to me, someone who is passionate about saving dolphins and saving trees and then applauds someone who is killing their child--and to do it with a straight face--it just shows you how far away we are.
"To look back at Bethlehem and to look back at Jerusalem and say, "How can they have had Jesus with them face-to-face and still miss it?" I think we have even more than that. We have Jesus’ people all around us and we've got the signs. We’ve got all the scripture that they never had back then. And here we’re going to miss it again as a country.
"Paul said to Timothy, the time is going to come when people are going to surround themselves with teachers that are going to tell them what their itching ears want to hear, and what our philosophies tell you today is, “I’m OK, you’re OK, don’t believe anything that has any sort of accountability to it. Just take some from here and take some from there and just be/do whatever feels good to you."--Mark Hall of Casting Crowns
Lyrics: Oh little town of Bethlehem Looks like another silent night Above your deep and dreamless sleep A giant star lights up the sky And while you're lying in the dark There shines an everlasting light For the King has left His throne And is sleeping in a manger tonight
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping For God became a man And stepped into your world today Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
Oh little town of Jerusalem Looks like another silent night The Father gave His only Son The Way, the Truth, the Life had come But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save
Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today Jerusalem, you will go down in history As a city with no room for its King While you were sleeping While you were sleeping
United States of America Looks like another silent night As we're sung to sleep by philosophies That save the trees and kill the children And while we're lying in the dark There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky For the Bridegroom has returned And has carried His bride away in the night
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping Will Jesus come again And leave us slumbering where we lay America, will we go down in history As a nation with no room for its King Will we be sleeping Will we be sleeping
United States of America Looks like another silent night
Supporting Scriptures:
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. "Matthew 25:1-13
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9
The church is the bride of Christ (America is NOT the church, however):
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:25, 31-32
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” Colossians 2:8
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron... Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers. " 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 16
"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." Luke 2:7
Do you feel loved? Dr.Gary Chapman, a respected Christian marriage counselor and author of The Five Love Languages says, "Many couples find that their "love tanks" are empty. They may have been trying to express love for their spouse, but in reality they may have been speaking a different love language. The best way to fill your spouse's 'love tank' is to express love in their love language." However, the love language that Christ spoke while on the cross of crucifixion is an eternal word of love. Our spouse or children will never be able to give us this kind of love even though they learn to speak our love language! We can never find true satisfaction in anything the world has to offer, but there is one thing that will last forever...and ever...the deep, vast love of God!
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." ~ from 1 Corinthians 13
Below is a reworking of the wonderful old Welsh hymn.
Words: William Rees, (1802-1883). Music: Robert Lowry, (1876). You can hear a rendition of the original four verse hymn at
Here is love, vast as the ocean, Lovingkindness as the flood, When the Prince of Life, our Ransom, Shed for us His precious blood. Who His love will not remember? Who can cease to sing His praise? He can never be forgotten, Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion, Fountains opened deep and wide; Through the floodgates of God’s mercy Flowed a vast and gracious tide. Grace and love, like mighty rivers, Poured incessant from above, And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice Kissed a guilty world in love.
Supporting Scriptures: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3: 16-17
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1: 18-19
“I will ransom them (mankind) from the power of the grave;
I will redeem them from death." Hosea 13:14
“When the lovingkindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us.” Titus 3:4-5
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
These are some great quotes by and about Ruth Graham which give insight into her and her life as a mighty woman of God. I desire to be like her:
“A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” --R.G.
“No, I’ve never thought of divorce in all these 35 years of marriage, but I did think of murder a few times.”--R.G.
“As a mother, my job is to take care of what is possible and trust God with the impossible.”--R.G.
“My mother was in love with Jesus…and that love was contagious. She wasn’t caught up in religion or tradition or rituals-she was caught up in a personal relationship with Jesus.” – daughter Ann Graham Lotz
“I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we’ve had in the mountains together. We rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day,” Graham recollected. “I will miss her terribly and look forward even more to the day I can join her in heaven."---Billy Graham
. Lyrics: In the morning, when I rise In the morning, when I rise In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world, But give me Jesus
When I am alone When I am alone When I am alone, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world, But give me Jesus
When I come to die When I come to die When I come to die, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world, You can have all this world, You can have all this world, But give me Jesus
Supporting Scriptures: "But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 59:16
"When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56: 3-4
"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." Matthew 16: 26-27
"I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3
“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
The Ten Boom home was a refuge for Jews and the Dutch underground in Holland during WWII. Corrie credited her family's strong Christian faith as the motivation for their rescue efforts. Their lives were torn apart when her family was arrested and taken to a concentration camp. Her father died, her sister Betsie died, and she had to look to the Lord for her source of strength.
There are 3 reasons to hide: 1. It is the right thing to run and hide from rough elements of this world. I brought my red geranium in from the weather so it wouldn't freeze this winter. I placed it in a south-facing window, and it is blooming! Too often, though, we hide in the wrong places - sleep, busyness, shopping, eating...God wants us to hide in Him.
2. As we read the writings of Christians gone before us, we see that they took their greatest fears, circumstances, and thoughts and hid them in Christ. They developed an 'inner life' in Him. So you are really not living in "the financial meltdown" or a "lonely life of singleness", but you are in Christ Jesus. Acts 17: 28 says: "For in him we live, and move, and have our being..."
3. Taking refuge in Him, we take on an aura of peace and contentment that makes the world wonder why. Corrie ten Boom, after living through the horrors of Ravensbruck, a concentration camp built for women in 1939, said, "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest." God is our only source of hope!
Lyrics: You are my hiding place You always fill my heart With songs of deliverance Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You I will trust in You
Let the weak sayI am strong In the strength of the Lord
You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You I will trust in You Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in You Supporting Scriptures:
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalm 62: 6-8
"For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10
In Reflection on Luke 14:25-33 Alyce MacKenzie speaks of this: "The grace of God is not cheap grace. It requires a response. One can only receive the grace of God with open hands, and to open those hands one must let go of all that would frustrate the reception of that grace. Jesus refers to this letting go as repentance…It is foolish and damning to answer the invitation if one is not willing to repent. Half-hearted disciples RSVP to the messianic banquet and then find excuses not to attend (14:18-10). They come to the shore but won’t get in the boat with Jesus because rough waters might await them (Matthew 8:18-22). They put their hand to the plough and look back (Luke 9:62).They “taste the heavenly gift, and share in the Holy Spirit …and then they fall away” (Hebrews 6:5,6).
This reminds me of a monkey who had gotten his hand trapped inside a bottle. He had seen candy in it and upon grasping it in his fist, would not let it go for anything! No one can reason with a monkey. If he would let go of the tempting candy and open his fist... he would get free of this trap. So it is with us!
"Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
Lyrics: To obey is better than sacrifice- and to hearken than the fat of rams For what will a man give for his own life... houses or money... land There's a way that seems right to you - but in the end it leads only to death Come unto Him all ye weary - come and find your rest
CHORUS: Consider the cost of building a tower - it's a narrow way that you must come - For to do the will of the Father - is to follow the Son - to love Him more than father or mother - to love Him more than even your own flesh - to give all that you are, for all that He is - this is the Gospel according to Jesus Many will say, "Lord, Lord" on that day - look what we've done in Your name "We've prophesied and performed many miracles - and Lord, even demons obeyed" But He will declare unto them - the most terrifying words of truth. He'll say, "Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity for I, I have never known you!"
REPEAT CHORUS
BRIDGE: "Oh foolish man, how you build on the sand - trusting in your goodness to save! For when the rain falls, and the flood breaks the walls you will be swept away! But blessed is he who builds on the Rock - who takes Jesus as Lord to save! For when the rain falls, he will endure it all - standing firm in His grace!
REPEAT CHORUS
To give all that you are for all that He is - this is the Gospel according to Jesus
Supporting Scriptures: "On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you;depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7: 22-23
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did notfall, because it had been founded on the rock.And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7: 24-27
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Proverbs 14:12
"Then Samuel said, "Is the LORD as delighted with burnt offerings and sacrifices as he would be with your obedience? To follow instructions is better than to sacrifice. To obey is better than sacrificing the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, nota result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8
This is a gentle song of surrender. It is making peace with God as the struggle is left behind--the focus is on Jesus!
By the way, while dissimilar in style, the original hymn Jesus, Lover Of My Soul was written by Charles Wesley in 1740. It is perhaps one of the finest and most inspiring hymns ever written, full of the Word of God. Here is a link to the wonderful website Cyberhymnal and this old hymn. http://nethymnal.org/htm/j/l/jlmysoul.htm You can hear it (synthesized) and see lyrics.
Lyrics by Paul Oakley: It's all about You, Jesus And all this is for You For Your glory and your fame It's not about me As if You should do things my way You alone are God And I surrender to your ways
Jesus, lover of my soul All consuming fire is in Your gaze Jesus, I want you to know I will follow you all my days For no one else in history is like you And history itself belongs to you Alpha and Omega, You have loved me And I will share eternity with You
Supporting Scriptures: "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen" Galatians 1:3-5
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of allcomfort,who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God..." 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" Revelations 22:12-13 " "...so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,for our “God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28
In Psalm 23, the Lord is called Jehovah Raah- The Lord my Shepherd. Good parenting is but a reflection of how God watches over us. If your small child is getting ready to stick two bobby pins into a electrical outlet, as our son did when a toddler, we would rush to stop him. We may be paralyzed in our tracks or faster than we ever thought we could be! As for God, He is never alarmed or surprised by anything, and His response is always right and GOOD. After all, He is LORD! Would you rather trust your life and eternal outcome to your own fickle whims or to a gentle Shepherd?
"He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11
Our family has loved music from Don Moen for many years. You would be surprised how many of the simple praise choruses he has written. My plan is to share more of his songs in the months to come. This is memorable for children and adults alike.
Lyrics: When you've prayed every prayer that you know how to pray. Just remember the Lord will hear and the answer is on it's way.
Our God is able. He is mighty. He is faithful.
And He never sleeps, He never slumbers. He never tires of hearing our prayer. When we are weak He becomes stronger. So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him.
Do you feel that the Lord has forgotten your need. Just remember that God is always working in ways you cannot see.
Our God is able. He is mighty. He is faithful. Supporting Scriptures: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them." Psalm 34:4-7
"He will not let your foot slip—
He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep" Psalm 121:3-4
"O great and powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are Your purposes and mighty are Your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; You reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve." Jeremiah 32:19
In the Bible, there are many examples of the Lord raising up his people: Job, Naomi, Joseph, Gideon, David, Daniel, Esther, Mary, Elizabeth, Moses, the disciples, and the prophets. That was long ago, but God is still at work with His people.
male rufous-sided towhee
Today, Almighty God is still lifting us up as a parent picks up a fallen child. I can think of specific instances when He has spoken through circumstances to bolster up my broken heart. A week after my husband and I had lost one of our twins before birth, to console myself, I was carefully spending time out in the yard weeding in the mulch. I spied a little bird,a rufous-sided towhee, very close to my side, working the mulch with this back and forth shuffle they have when hunting bugs. It seemed oblivious to my presence. It stayed close; it was keeping me company. My moving did not scare it away. I had been praying and giving a sacrifice of praise in tears as I worked, and for two days there, off and on, this little bird came to work the mulch by my side when I came out. Just at the time I felt the presence of the Lord sustaining me, encouraging me, I could find the industrious bird no more. I marveled at the kindness of the Creator to send something that meant so much to me as that little bird.
"As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust." Psalm 103: 13-14
Lyrics: When I am down and oh, my soul so weary When troubles come and my heart burdened be Then I am still and wait here in the silence Until You come and sit awhile with me
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains You raise me up to walk on stormy seas I am strong when I am on Your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains You raise me up to walk on stormy seas I am strong when I am on Your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be
There is no life, no life without its hunger Each restless heart beats so imperfectly But when You come and I am filled with wonder Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains (You raise me up, I can stand on mountains) You raise me up to walk on stormy seas (Walk on stormy seas)
And I am strong when I am on Your shoulders Oh, you raise me up to more than I can be You raise me up to more than I can be
Supporting Scripture: “But if I go to the east, he is not there;
if I go to the west, I do not find him.
When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;
when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.
I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." Job 23:8-12
"And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom " for the sake of his people Israel." 2 Samuel 5:12
"So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. Then he went to her, and the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.”Ruth 4:14-15
For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." Psalm 103:14 "Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s" Psalm 103: 2-5
There are so many times I don't want to be a servant; I just want to crawl into bed, read a good book on the couch, or go into the garden to do something for me. As a wife and mother, it is a frequent feeling, but giving in to that would mean chaos in the home and setting an example of selfishness. Life can be confusing and when overwhelmed we can easily give in to running away rather than serving.
When I was a little girl of six, I did just that! The neighbors owned a huge (what seemed to me then) swing set with a metal swinging contraption about 5 feet off the ground. We called it "the trapeze" and felt powerful and big when allowed to play on it. Seldom was I a willing child when I was called home. Other (older) children could stay, so why not I? It was getting late in the day, but I didn't think about that--I had a plan! I asked my mother to pack me a bag because I was leaving home. She obliged, handing me a big brown bag with my bear, Roy Rogers,
a jacket, my blanket, and some nuts for dinner. I ran back to the swing set, but I was all alone. Actually, my Dad had trailed me, but I was too little to notice. Once the excitement had fled, I wandered home, rang the doorbell, and waited. My mother (slowly) came to the door, opened it, and seemed not to recognize me. I told her I was ready to come home now. I was totally amazed when she told me they had had a little girl, but she ran away! She quietly closed the door leaving me to stand there in the darkening yard. Wow! What a wake up call! I ran around to the other doors. They were having dinner without me! There were others (my younger brothers and sister) who had to be cared for as well. They soon welcomed me back home and teaching was administered, but I had learned that life did not revolve around me and that there were the responsibilities of life and other's needs. My parents had sacrificed a quiet evening at home to train up a wayward, willful daughter with wisdom and patience. I grew up a lot that day! I witnessed their service to our family and in time called to Jesus asking for power to be a servant like Him. I haven't arrived, but am so thankful for the exhortation in this song.
"He got up from the supper and took off His outer garment and wrapped it around himself." John 13:4
"John records none of Jesus' parables because for him Jesus' life was a parable. The foot-washing was just such a moment of meaning."- M. Card
Lyrics:
In an upstairs room, a parable is just about to come alive. And while they bicker about who's best, with a painful glance, He'll silently rise. Their Savior Servant must show them how through the will of the water and the tenderness of the towel.
Chorus: And the call is to community, The impoverished power that sets the soul free. In humility, to take the vow, that day after day we must take up the basin and the towel. In any ordinary place, on any ordinary day, the parable can live again when one will kneel and one will yield. Our Saviour Servant must show us how through the will of the water and the tenderness of the towel.
Bridge: And the space between ourselves sometimes is more than the distance between the stars. By the fragile bridge of the Servant's bow we take up the basin and the towel. (chorus)
Supporting Scriptures: "And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, [the same] shall be last of all, and servant of all." Mark 9:35
"The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor theone who serves me." John 12: 25-26
"Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;live as servants of God." 1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)
“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
This is an achingly beautiful song of a child, grown to be a man, longing to have a relationship with his earthly father. He has children of his own now and, the best that he can, gives them the unconditional love of a Dad. Still he yearns for the true and eternal relationship with the Heavenly Father. No matter the losses or estranged relationships we have in this life, we have One who loves us and calls us to be an eternal heir when we come to Him through Jesus Christ. Hear David Meece's testimony at http://listen.family.org/daily/A000002819.cfm
This is just a video of words (some misspelled), but let Holy Spirit minister to our needy hearts through this music.
Lyrics: Sometimes at night I'd lie awake
Longing inside for my father's
Sometimes at night I'd wander downstairs And pray he'd returned, but no one was there.
Oh, how I'd cry, a child all alone
Waiting for him to come home.
Chorus: My father's chair, sat in an empty room My father's chair, covered with sheets of gloom My father's chair through all the years
And all the tears I cried in vain
No one was there in my father's chair.
Sometimes at night I sit all alone Drifting asleep in a chair of my own When sweet sleepy eyes peer down from the hall Frightened by dreams they cannot recall I hold them close, calming their fears Praying they always will say,
Chorus: My father's chair sits in a loving room My father's chair, no matter what I do My father's chair, through all the years And all the tears I need not fear Love's always there in my father's chair.
Sometimes at night I dream of a throne
Of my loving God, calling me home
And as I appear, He rises and smiles
And reaches with love to welcome His child
Never to cry, never to fear
In His arms, safe and secure.
Chorus: My Father's chair sits in a royal room My Father's chair holds glory beyond the tomb My Father's chair, my God is there And I am His eternal heir
Someday I'll share my Father's chair.
Supporting Scripture: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Revelations 3:21
"A glorious high throne from the beginning [is] the place of our sanctuary." Jeremiah 17:12
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
"Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." Galatians 4:3-7
When I first heard this work of Michael Card's on the Book of Job, I had to stop and digest the words; they made me weep. So many times I have tried to talk God into my way of thinking. How utterly foolish that is since He is the Creator, and we just the creature, He the Potter and we the clay!
"This song is almost an operetta. It is in four parts: 1. Job's story. 2. Job's lament. 3. God's response. 4. Job's response. It has been said that the book of Job is about the problem of innocent suffering. I found that not to be true. Job is about the awesomeness of God. The problem of suffering is never dealt with in the book. In Job we enter into another man's sufferings and discover with him that God is not only all we could ever want. He is also all we could ever need." Michael Card
This video portrays Satan as a woman (that's not biblical!), however, it will serve to capture the essence of Satan in the Book of Job. My goal is not to use the you tubes I present just for entertainment value, but to give depth and context for those not familiar with the Bible. I then urge you to study the Word for yourself!
Lyrics:
Blameless and upright, a fearer of God A man truly righteous, no pious facade One about whom God was accustomed to boast and so one whom Satan desired the most One day the accuser came breathing out lies "It's Your Holy handouts, his faithfulness buys!" In one desperate day his possessions were lost His children all killed in one raw holocaust His children all killed in one raw holocaust
and yet through it all Through the tears and pain He worshiped his God Found no reason to blame
Once more the Deceiver denounced and decried "It's skin for skin, & hide for hide Strike down his flesh & he'll surely deny and confess that his praying has all been a lie!" "Very well, take him," the Holy One said “But you must spare his life for my son shall not die.” So Job was afflicted with terrible sores Sat down in the ashes to wait for the Lord Sat down in the ashes to wait for the Lord
and yet through it all Through the tears & pain He worshiped his God Found no reason to blame
HIS LAMENT INTERLUDE: A throne of ashes A crown of pain A sovereign of sorrow A mournful reign
May the day of my birth be remembered no more May darkness and shadow come and claim it once more Why did I not perish on that dreadful day and sleep now where kings and counselors lay
What I dreaded most has now come upon me Why is light given those in misery I loathe my own life, so my tears fall like rain As I find that there is no peace in my pain
Lord, send a Comforter now to my door So that this terror will frighten no more A Counselor between us, to come hear my oath Someone who could lay a hand on us both
These friends of mine are no comfort to me So deafly they listen, so blindly they see Their words and their doctrine, they all sound so true The problem is Lord, they're all wrong about You!
I know my Advocate waits upon high My Witness in Heaven sees the tears that I cry A true intercessor who will condescend To plead with God as a man pleads for his friend
If I've been untrue, if I've robbed the poor If I'm without guilt, what am I suffering for God would not crush me for some secret sin and though He slay me still I'll trust in Him
I know now that my Redeemer's alive He'll stand on this earth on the day He arrives and though my own body by then is no more Yet in my flesh I know, I'll see the Lord I'll see the Lord, I'll see the Lord
HIS GOD: Who is it that darkens my counsel? Who speaks empty words without knowledge? Brace yourself up like a man and answer me now, if you can!
Can you put on glory and splendor? What's the way to the home of the light? Does your voice sound like the thunder? Are you afraid? Where were you when earth's foundations were laid?
Who gave the heart its wisdom? The mind its desire to know? Can you bind the stars? Raise your voice to the clouds? Did you make the eagle proud?
Will the ox spend the night by your manger? Did you let the wild donkey go free? Can you take leviathan home as a pet? If you merely touched him, you'd never forget
So who is it that darkens my counsel? Who speaks empty words without knowledge? Brace yourself up like a man and answer me now, if you can
HIS RESPONSE: I am unworthy, how can I reply? There's nothing that You cannot do You are the storm that calmed my soul I place my hand over my mouth I place my hand over my mouth
Supporting Scriptures: "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil." Job 1:1
"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Job 1: 6-7
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." Job 13:15
"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, " Job 19:25
"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4: 14
I've let my family know that this is one of the songs I wish to be played at my funeral someday when the Lord decides to take me home. Hope that isn't morbid to you; I hope to live my life in such a way as to live for truth and to live for Him. What a wake-up call to know we leave a legacy in life, a pathway of love and grace or one of destruction.
Lyrics: When it's all been said and done There is just one thing that matters Did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for you?
When it's all been said and done All my treasures will mean nothing Only what I have done For love's rewards Will stand the test of time
Lord, your mercy is so great That you look beyond our weakness That you found purest gold in miry clay Turning sinners into saints
I will always sing your praise Here on earth and in heaven after For you've joined me at my true home When it's all been said and done You're my life when life is gone.
Supporting Scriptures: "His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ " Matthew 25:23
"I will praise thee with my whole heart:before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.I will worship toward thy holy temple,and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth:for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.In the day when I cried thou answered me,and strengthened me with strength in my soul." Psalms 138: 1-3
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal " Matthew 6:19-20
Unstable economy, wars and rumors of wars, culture spiraling out of control, hurting relationships...
It is a pure wonder, this concept of rest. A rested heart is a contented heart, and "godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6
How we all need this Word today! Let us rest in the Lord now as we think of how He delivered us from death and stumbling. Before you lay down to sleep tonight, open the Word of God and read in Isaiah: " You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3 "
It is balm for the weary soul!
Lyrics: Be at rest, be at rest once more O my soul, for the Lord has been good Be at rest, be at rest once more O my soul, o my soul Be at rest once more For the Lord has been good to you
For You, O Lord Have delivered my soul from death My eyes from tears And You, O Lord Have delivered my feet from stumbling
Supporting Scriptures: "For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling, That I may walk before God In the light of the living?" Psalms 56:13
"I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me." Psalms 13:6
"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you." Psalms 116:7
