Hallelujahs, Chris Rice

When did you last go out into the night to gaze at the stars? When was the last time you (using a blanket or lawn chair) looked into the night sky - your eyes taking in the ocean of twinkling stars too numerous to count ? It costs nothing and builds a bond with your children as you discuss the wonders displayed, seen over all the earth.

Like many children, I used to love to go outside at night and lie under the stars. I remember vividly, while on our farm, going out to watch the curtain-like aurora borealis in the north sky, green, red and orange or the band of Milky Way. The experience is unforgettable.

If I close my eyes, I can still see the constellations and stories scattered across the heavens. How many generations before us have also pondered this vast display? Did our Lord sleep beneath the sky He created with a Word? Did the shepherds in the field at the time of Jesus' birth watch the angels sing under these stars?

Psalms 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world."

This song is so visual. The creator of this video said, "The point was to use pictures in frames as a metaphor. Here Chris Rice is quantifying his praise to God in very large terms... he is framing his image of God in ways that won't fit a frame." That gives me goosebumps as I praise along with this!

Lyrics:

         F                G
A purple sky to close the day
F                    G
I wade the surf where dolphins play
F               Am
The taste of salt, the dance of waves
F          G        C
And my soul wells up with hallelujahs

F                        G
A lightning flash, my pounding heart
F                    G
A breaching whale, a shooting star
F                 Am
Give testimony that you are
F            G         C
And my soul wells up with hallelujahs

F                  G           C
Oh praise Him all His mighty works
F               C            F            G
There is no language where you can't be heard
Am        C          F
Your song goes out to all the Earth
C     Am     F      G       C
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

O cratered moon and sparrow's wings
O thunder's boom and Saturn's rings
Unveil our Father as you sing
And my soul wells up with hallelujahs

F               G           C
Oh praise Him all His mighty works
F                   C            F            G
There is no language where you can't be heard
Am        C          F
Your song goes out to all the Earth
C     Am     F      G       C
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!


The pulse of life within my wrist
A fallen snow, a rising mist
There is no higher praise than this
And my soul wells up
O my soul wells up
Yes my soul wells up with hallelujahs

F G C

Oh praise Him all His mighty works
F              C            F            G
There is no language where you can't be heard
Am        C          F

Your song goes out to all the Earth

     C     Am     F      G       C
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

Am F G C

Oh, Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!

Supporting Scriptures:

"Praise the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty." Psalm 104:1

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens...When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8: 1, 3-9

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1: 18-20

By Grace Alone, Scott Wesley Brown/Marantha

"Past grace is glorified by intense and joyful gratitude. Future grace is glorified by intense and joyful confidence. This faith is what frees us and empowers us for venturesome obedience n the cause of Christ." - John Piper

"Sometimes a sinner parlays with his Savior, wishing he could have a little of the honor of his salvation, wanting to keep some favorite sin and amend the humbling terms of grace. But Jesus will be all in all, and the sinner must be nothing at all." - Charles Spurgeon

"Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected." - Jonathan Edwards

This old Scott Wesley Brown favorite is from the Promise Keepers recordings; with themes of submission and mission, it is almost hymn-like in character.

Lyrics:

C      Am7    C      G
Every promise we can make
C      Am7        F       G
Every prayer and step of faith
C      G    F     C
Every difference we can make
G        F      G
Is only by His grace.
C     Am7     C        G
Every mountain we will climb
C     Am7     F       G
Every ray of hope we shine
C      G    F   C
Every blessing left behind
F    G      C
Is only by His grace
C     F                  C
Grace alone Which God supplies
C          F        G        C
Strength unknown He will provide
C         F        Em7    Am7
Christ in us, our cornerstone
C       Am7           C     G C
We will go  forth in grace alone.

C     Am7     C       G
Every soul we long to reach
C      Am7      F       G
Every heart we hope to teach
C      G   F   C
Everywhere we share His peace
G        F      G
Is only by His grace.
C      Am7    C       G
Every loving word we say
C      Am7     F     G
Every tear we wipe away
C      G   F   C
Every sorrow turned to praise
F    G      C
Is only by His grace.

Supporting Scriptures:

"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2: 4-9

"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3: 22-24

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Ephesians 1: 7

"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:6

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty, sung by the Purdue Varsity Glee Club

Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary definition:

PRAISE, v.t. [L. tollo, extollo; pretium.]

1. To commend; to applaud; to express approbation of personal worth or actions.

"We praise not Hector, though his name we know

Is great in arms; 'tis hard to praise a foe."

2. To extol in words or song; to magnify; to glorify on account of perfections or excellent works.

"Praise him, all his angels, praise ye him, all his hosts." Ps.148

3. To express gratitude for personal favors. Ps.138

4. To do honor to; to display the excellence of.

"All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord." Ps.145

As the Purdue Varsity Glee Club performs, I hope you enjoy the rousing blending of all male voices. I am particularly fond of hearing men sing alone. I went for years to piano lessons where the seminarians would gather for worship in song in the vaulted chapel adjoining us. It brings back sweet memories.

The original hymn was written by Joachim Neander in 1680, and it was translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth in 1863. The video I have presented here has different words than I learned as a girl. Even though praiseworthy, I prefer the ones printed below.

Lyrics:
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
The King of creation
O my soul, praise Him
For He is thy health and salvation
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near
Praise Him in glad adoration

Praise to the Lord
Who o'er all things so wonderfully reigneth
Shelters thee under His wings
Yea, so gladly sustaineth
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e'er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth

Praise to the Lord
Who doth prosper they work and defend thee
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
If with His love He befriend thee

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him
All that hath life and breath
Come now with praises before Him
Let the 'amen' sound from His people again
Gladly for aye we adore Him

Supporting Scriptures:

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." Ephesians 5:18-20

"Praise the Lord.

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,

praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,

praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord." Psalms 150:1-6

I Will Worship You, Matthew Ward

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him."

John 4: 23

What follows is not original to me, but I agree. Words of Andy Wood:

"For centuries Christians have broken fellowship and broken God’s heart in the name of worship. We have argued over form, anguished over the opinions of others, and attacked those who looked or acted differently. Meanwhile in Heaven, the search goes on…

"When you can give yourself permission to do everything else imperfectly, so long as you love Him completely… that is worship...

"When you can come to Him boldly, even at the risk of the disapproval of others… that is worship...

"When you can pursue His presence, even when your heart is broken… that is worship.

"When you can love Jesus with ridiculous generosity, offering to Him the finest of your time, your talent, and your treasure… that is worship."

The quote above makes me think about the refrain in the old hymn Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

Matthew Ward words and music, 2000.
Lyrics:

           Bb                  Eb
My God is faithful, My God is truthful,
 Bb/F               Fsus4   F  F/Eb
My God is boundless in all He is.
 Bb                  Eb
My God is wisdom, My God is righteous,
 Bb/F               Fsus4  F  F/Eb
My God is vision for all who seek.


 Bb/D   Eb          Bb/F      F
So I will worship You in the beauty of holiness,
 Bb/D   Eb          Bb/F      F
And I will worship You for the things You've done in me
 Bb/D         Eb             Bb/F            F    Eb/G
And when my life's complete I place my crown at Your feet
Bb/F            F             Bb
And I will worship You on bended knee!


 Bb                  Eb
My God is power, My God is glory,
 Bb/F               Fsus4   F  F/Eb
My God is ruler over all that is,
 Bb                  Eb
My God is timeless, My God is justice,
 Bb/F               Fsus4  F  F/Eb
My God is mercy to the Oppressed.


 Bb/D   Eb          Bb/F      F
So I will worship You in the beauty of holiness,
 Bb/D   Eb          Bb/F      F
And I will worship You for the things You've done in me
 Bb/D         Eb             Bb/F            F    Eb/G
And when my life's complete I place my crown at Your feet
Bb/F            F             Bb
And I will worship You on bended knee!


   F/A   F
His Name is Love
   Cm      Cm/Eb
His force is thunder
   Gm
His heart is tender
   F     F/Eb
His hand is strong.

Bb/D Eb Bb/F F

So I will worship You in the beauty of holiness,

     Bb/D   Eb          Bb/F      F
And I will worship You for the things You've done in me
 Bb/D         Eb             Bb/F            F    Eb/G
And when my life's complete I place my crown at Your feet

Bb/F F Bb

And I will worship You on bended knee!

Supporting Scriptures:
"Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds." Psalm 36:5

"Therefore God has highly exalted him [Jesus] 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," Philippians 2: 9-10

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30

"O, Worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness; fear before him, all the earth."

Psalm 96: 9

"Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created

and have their being.” Revelations 4:9-11

"Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him." 1 John 4: 8-9

Out Of the Mouths Of Children, Judy Rogers

When our children were little I wanted great children's music for car journeys. It just had to be wholesome, encouraging, scripturally-based, melodic (not raucous or clamorous) and memorable. Judy Roger's songs (most) fit the bill wonderfully! I just played this for them after many years of not hearing it, and they all crowded around and started to sing along. It brought back such joyous memories of those rides for groceries and music lessons. Judy Roger's music engages the hearts of young and older alike.

Christ Jesus is exalted in this engaging music. From the lips of the little ones, God has ordained His praise!

Oh, Mothers of young children, I bow before you in reverence. Your work is most

holy. You are fashioning the destinies of immortal souls. The powers folded up in the little ones that you hushed to sleep in your bosoms last night, are powers that shall exist forever. You are preparing them for their immortal destiny and

influence. Be faithful. Take up your sacred burden reverently. Be sure that your
life is sweet and clean. - JR Miller

Lyrics:

Out of the mouths of children and tiny nursing babes
From the lips of the little ones, God has ordained His praise!
He has ordained His praise because of His enemies
Lord, give our children a heart to know You
Let their song silence the foe!

Oh, Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
When I consider your heavens…the work of Your hands, what is man that you care for him?
You made man a little lower than the angels
Put all things under his feet
Made him ruler over all of Your creation
His children Your foes to defeat

Out of the mouths of children and tiny nursing babes
From the lips of the little ones, God has ordained His praise!
He has ordained His praise because of His enemies
Lord, give our children a heart to know You
Let their song silence the foe!

When children came to Jesus, shouting "Hosanna!" and bringing their praise…Hosanna!…
The priests indignantly tried to send them away, but Jesus said, "Have you not read?"

Out of the mouths of children and tiny nursing babes

From the lips of the little ones, God has ordained His praise!
He has ordained His praise because of His enemies
Lord, give our children a heart to know You
Let their song silence the foe!
Lord, give our children a heart to know You
Let their song silence the foe!

"Hosanna, Hosanna, our praises we bring to Jesus, our Prophet, our priest and our King!"

Supporting Scriptures:

"But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,“‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’?”

Matthew 21:15-16

----------
"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:2-5
----------
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:9
----------

"My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:20-27

This Is My Father's World, 2nd Chapter Of Acts

In 1611, the German astronomer Johannes Kepler, made the first ever reference to snow crystals in his work On the Six-Cornered Snowflake. The photograph above, of a considerably more recent vintage, was made with electron microscopy in 2003.

This world, down to its tiniest detail, is truly a masterpiece of design, and we are the blessed recipients! In taking dominion of the earth, we work to understand our Creator and His lovely workmanship as 'Snowflake' Bentley did.

"Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated. When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind." ~ Wilson Bentley

Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley, 1925

The words of This Is My Father's World were written to an old English melody. To read about the story behind the original hymn by Maltbie Babcock in 1901, visit http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/i/tismyfw.htm

Lyrics:
This is my Father's world

And to my listening ears
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres

This is my Father's world
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks, of trees, of skies and seas
His hand the wonders wrought

This is my Father's world
Oh, and let me never forget
That though the wrong seems often so strong
God is the ruler yet

This is my Father's world
Oh, the battle is not done
Jesus who died will be satisfied
And the earth, heaven will be one

Jesus who died will be satisfied
And the earth and heaven
Oh, earth and heaven
Oh, earth and heaven will be one

Supporting Scriptures:
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. Genesis 2:2-3

“The world is Mine, and all that is in it.” Psalm 50:12

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." Ephesians 1:9-10

You Belong To Me, Grey Holiday

FIREPROOF touched the lives and hearts of more than 4 million moviegoers when it played in theaters across America. This film about a firefighter, his wife ... and a marriage worth rescuing ended up being the No. 1 independent film in 2008!

This is the movie in "60 seconds" - a comedy sketch. Go below for the actual music by Grey Holiday. Their name Grey Holiday is symbolic in light of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The ‘grey’ reflects the death and pain that Christ endured, while ‘holiday’ represents the joyous and everlasting goodness that also came because of His resurrection.”

Sherwood Pictures is a Christian film company located in Albany, Georgia. This is a ministry of a local church, Sherwood Baptist Church. Their productions are comprised of mostly volunteers. Heading this unusual venture is Alex Kendrick, the associate pastor of media. Marie Keefe of Sherwood Baptist says,

"Sherwood Pictures follows the mission statement of Sherwood Baptist Church and that is reaching the whole world with the whole Word. And one of the ways to do that is through the gospel presentation. We have received thousands of e-mails from people who have said our movies were a tool in helping them come to a saving relationship with Jesus. And that is why we exist as a ministry."

In addition, people have been touched by the music in FIREPROOF. In this song, our Heavenly Father is calling us back to Himself, and He desires that husbands and wives fight for their marriages, as well.

The key line of the movie is 'Never leave your partner behind'.

Lyrics:
You run, you hide
As tears fall from your eyes
They fall like snow
From a wounded soul
You hold inside
The hurt of great divide
The hole is starting to get old

So come back to the light
To the love, you will find
Its been here all along
So come back to the start
And you'll find in your heart
That you always belonged
To Me

Just take the rope
I wont let it go
Give in
We can start again

I'm life, I'm hope
And I'm ready to explode
With how bad I want you back home
So come back to the light
To the love, you will find
Its been here all along
So come back to the start
And you'll find in your heart
That you always belonged
To Me

You're My daughter, you're My son
You're the one I long to love
And you've heard
I chose to die
Do you know you're the reason why?

Supporting Scriptures:
"So [Jesus] told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." Luke 15:3-7

"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." 1 Peter 2:25

"I(Jesus) am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
John 10:11

“For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out." Ezekiel 34:11

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." John 10:14-16

My Beloved, Kari Jobe

Valentine's Day Special

Used by permission. http://sitrelaxandread.blogspot.com/

Maranatha is an Aramaic phrase occurring once only in the New Testament. It means, "Our Lord cometh!" The phrase may have been used as a common greeting between early Christians under persecution looking for His early return; it was possibly used this way by the Apostle Paul in his letter to Corinth. We, too, continue to wait for the certain appearing of our Lord Jesus! In the meantime, we wait under his mercy until we see our Bridegroom face to face.

"I do not know when Christ will come. I am no prophet, though I love the subject of prophecy. I dislike date-fixing, and I think it has done great harm. I only assert positively that Christ will come again one day in person to set up His kingdom, and that whether the day be near—or whether it be far off, it will take the Church and world exceedingly by surprise." - J.C. Ryle

Kari Jobe sings of the Redeemer's faithful wooing of His church. It is a clear demonstration of Christ's acceptance of His Bride, our reunion, and our wedding supper...Maranatha!
Lyrics:
You're My Beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me My love

You're Beautiful to Me
So beautiful to Me

Under My mercy
Come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you
My child

You're Beautiful to Me

So Beautiful to Me

I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your care down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me

I'll breathe My life inside of you

I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength

I'll take you to My quiet waters

I'll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole

You're My beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love

Supporting Scriptures:
"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake..." Psalm 23: 2-3

"My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away..." Song of Solomon 2: 10

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11: 28

"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 31

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1: 29

"Cast all your care upon him; for he cares for you. " 1 Peter 5: 7

How Deep the Father's Love For Us, Fernando Ortega/ Stuart Townend

Ponder the very simple, but precious, things He allows us mortal beings to do:

- To hold a newborn baby (or a wiggly puppy !)
- To sing in a choir, hum a melody, or listen to the song of a warbler.

- Pick up a leaf or a feather and see the intricacies of its design.

- To truly love another person.
- To be a person awakened to knowing God through His Spirit and His Word!

There are also the times when we are just hanging on to the promises; we often wait, but don't see it play out the way we had expected or hoped:
- The child with disability or a relational struggle.
- A marriage not quite what you had longed for.
- Personal or family health issues.
- Loneliness despite others around you.
- Financial difficulties/debt.

Joni Tada, quadriplegic at age 17. http://www.joniandfriends.org

God can and often does use pain to bring us to a place of brokenness and humility. Otherwise, we may miss the blessing and intimacy He intends to give us through the struggle. He loves us so much that He uses any means possible to draw us to Himself.

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world". - C.S. Lewis

How Deep the Father's Love for Us, by Stuart Townend, is a modern-day hymn which well deserves a place in the canon of true anthems of the Church. Mr. Townend ministers in the UK and has recently penned these rich words. He tells us how he came to write the words: http://il.youtube.com/watch?v=BdVQNyQmdM4&feature=related

Lyrics:
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon his cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

Supporting Scriptures:
In Matt. 27:46, about the 9^th hour that Jesus was on the cross, He "cried with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?' That is to say, 'My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?'" Mark's account (Mk. 15:34) is almost identical.

"Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." John 19:28-30

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God,

stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53: 4-6

"For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isaiah 53:12b

"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14

Praise You In This Storm, Casting Crowns

My son sent me this National Weather Service aerial photo earlier this week. (Can you see the tip of Florida and Mexico?- barely?) Much of the nation prepared for the worst, ridding grocery shelves of much of the food and hunkering down to ride out this gigantic system bringing ice, heavy snow, and blizzard-like conditions with high winds. Pipes froze in Texas and Florida; electricity was out for tens of thousands elsewhere. Above average snow and ice covered almost 70% of the contiguous states, according to NOAA.

Here at home, we prepared cold foods a day in advance of the storm and drew up water reserves. We finally got our wood burning stove hooked up (well, partially)! We were spared the worst, but many were not so fortunate. I am not sure I was actively praising God for this!

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Casting Crowns has written a powerful song which captures what we are to do when faced with life's storms. Mark and Melanie Hall of Casting Crowns give testimony on adopting a little girl with special needs from China into their home schooled family. This music flows from their lives. Read how God is working in the storm this brought to them: http://www.castingcrowns.com/blogs/melanie/update-hope-0

This version is softer than the original sung on their CD. I present that video below this one.

Notice: may want to turn down the volume at first - heavier than some might care for. Original track. This communicates more of how I feel when I am really crying out to God!! You can decide which one you can worship better to.

Lyrics:
I was sure by now God You would have reached down And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls I barely hear Your whisper through the rain "I'm with you" And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away

[Chorus:]

And I'll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are No matter where I am And every tear I've cried You hold in Your hand You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to you And you raised me up again My strength is almost gone How can I carry on If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you" And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth

[Chorus x2]

Supporting Scriptures:
"Through him [Jesus], therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name." Hebrews 13: 15

"Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21

"I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
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: 1-4

"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord:

“O Lord, save me!” Psalm 116: 1-4

"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings." Psalm 40: 2

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12: 1-2

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”" Hebrews 13: 5

Morning Has Broken, Giovanni Marradi on piano

My husband and I chose this hymn for one of the pieces in our wedding. We felt it symbolized the beginning of our lives together, and each new day is just that - a new day! Let us take time to praise the Lord in the morning, seeking His will for each hour ahead.

"The entire day receives order and discipline when it acquires unity. This unity must be sought and found in morning prayer. The morning prayer determines the day." -

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Morning Has Broken is a well-known hymn first published in 1931. It has words by English author Eleanor Farjeon and is set to a traditional Gaelic tune. This beautiful piano solo is just delightful and sets a tranquil mood for worship of our Lord Jesus.


Lyrics:
Morning has broken, like the first morning.
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird.
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning,
Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlight from heaven.
Like the first dewfall, on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning.
Born of the one light Eden saw play.
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day

Supporting Scriptures:
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day." Genesis 1:1-5

"Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good" Genesis 1:11-12

"God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness." Genesis 1: 16-18

"Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the LORD God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground, but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground." Genesis 2:5-6

"And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”...God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth." Genesis 1:20, 22

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:27-28

Rescue, Don Moen

We are all beset by various fears and troubles at times. As a nurse years ago, some of the patients that would come into the surgical suite would be quite anxious. It provided me an opportune time to gird up their hearts with a gentle word and, occasionally, a prayer in the name of Jesus. No one ever took offense. It was evident in their eyes that it brought them comfort and peace for the scary procedure ahead. They knew there was One in charge greater than the surgeon that day. Just "cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5-7

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Lyrics:

You are the source, of life
I can`t be left behind
No one else, will do
I will take hold of you

Cause I need you, Jesus
To come to me rescue
Where else can I go
There`s no other name
By which I am saved
O, capture me with grace
I will follow you
I will follow you

My heart is yours for life
I need your hand in mine
No one else will do
I put my trust in you

Cause I need you, Jesus
To come to me rescue
Tell me Where else can I go
There`s no other name
By which I am saved
O' capture me with grace
I will follow you
I will follow you
I will follow you

This world has nothing for me
This world has nothing for me
This world has nothing for me
This world has nothing for me

Cause I need you, Jesus
To come to me rescue

Where else can I go

There`s no other name
By which I am saved
O, capture me with grace
I will follow you
I will trust in you

This world has nothing for me
I will trust in you

This world has nothing for me

I will follow you

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. "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:6-9

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

"Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 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 1:17-19