Hear the Bells Ring

Ring the bells, ring the bells,

Let the whole world know

Christ was born in Bethlehem

Born to die that man might live,

Come to earth new life to give,

Born of Mary, born so low.

Many years ago,

God the Father gave His Son,

Gave His own beloved One

To this wicked, sinful earth,

To bring mankind His love,

And His new birth:

Ring the bells, ring the bells,

Let the whole world know

Christ the Savior lives today

As He did so long ago!

- from "Ring the Bells" by Harry Bollback

When I heard this song on a secular radio station, I was filled with joy. I thought about the clarity of the message "For God so loved the world..." I know that many people are walking about with dark scales on their eyes, but the "Word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword..." I pray that the Lord will use the secular radio waves to spread the Good News of the gospel and the redeeming work of His Son Jesus Christ!

The Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

-- "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" by Charles Wesley

I am so excited to be posting Christmas music. I love this time of year, even with all the hustle and bustle, and I thoroughly enjoy turning on the Christmas music! I knew I would have a hard time choosing a song, but a line in this song solidified my decision. When I read Wesley's text "God and sinners reconciled...," I had to spend more time contemplating this glorious yet unbelievable thought. God -- the Creator of the Universe, the I AM, Jehovah, the Three-in-One, the Almighty -- and sinners -- dirty, filthy, conniving, condemned, guilty humans -- reconciled -- brought into agreement or harmony, restored... What a thought! What an unfathomable thought!!! I know why Wesley contiued with "...all ye nations, rise. Join the triumph of the skies..." How can I keep from singing about this spectacular truth?!

I love the adoration and praise that Wesley gives to the Lord Jesus Christ in this song. "Hail the incarnate Deity! Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!" I want keep singing..."All glory, laud, and honor, to Thee Redeemer King!"

Thank You, Lord Jesus for coming to earth to redeem us. Thank You for dwelling with us, our Emmanuel. Thank You for laying your glory by to be born of a virgin and live a lowly, earthly life. Thank You for dying and rising from the dead! Thank You for offering us healing. "Born to give them second birth..." Lord, thank You for my second birth. Thank You for opening my eyes to my great need of You. This Christmas I want to honor You, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Thank You, Lord!!!

I trust in Him from day to day,
I prove His saving grace;
I'll sing this song of praise to Him
Until I see His face.


Chorus
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.

--from "Thank You, Lord" by Mr. and Mrs. Seth Sykes

This post is much delayed. I wanted to post it closer to Thanksgiving, but I will settle for today. It's too early for Christmas anyway, right? :-) After enjoying this wonderful time with family and reflecting on how good our wonderful God is, I want to stay in the Thanksgiving mood.

I don't know about you, but though I am very familiar with this chorus, the verses are foreign to me. The one that I have included here is actually the third verse. The writer states, "I trust in Him from day to day..." I do wish that I could say that too. I could say, "I want to trust Him from day to day, but I often question 'why?'" I was just telling my spouse last night that this is a moment by moment battle for me sometimes. So many thoughts swirl around in my head; I understand the little cartoon of the devil and angel on the shoulder. "Oh for grace to trust Him more..." I think that Mr. and Mrs. Sykes found the key to being able to trust: thanking God. Until I see the beautiful face of my Savior, I must thank Him. If I focus on what God has done for me, I mean really meditate upon it, how can I do anything but trust Him. I deserve eternity separated by God in eternal punishment, yet I have been adopted by the Eternal King. "Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul!" I have been made whole and been given "so great a salvation" free of charge. Thank You!!!! "Lord above, to Thee I raise ... this hymn of grateful praise."

Great is God's Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, They fail not;
As thou hast been Thou forever will be.

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

-- "Great is Thy Faithfulness" by Thomas O. Chisholm

"Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow..." These word have been on my mind the last couple of days. I have taken comfort in the fact that God will give me strength for today. I feel so feeble, so weak. My faith wavers; my trust fails. Like Peter, I take my eyes off of my beautiful Lord and look at storm around me; I sink in the tumultuous waves. I need a Power that is not my own. I need Guidance and direction from Above. I need the mercy of the Lord. Praise God for the comfort found in His Word! Lamentations 3:22-23, "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

"Summer AND winter..." Lord, I thank You, that You are not only faithful in the summer when life is abundant and lush. You are also faithful in the desolate winter. When the harsh winds blow and the trees are barren, You are near. You shelter and protect. In my winters, Lord, help me to trust You. Remind me of Your faithfulness. Help me to see the "blessings all mine with ten thousand beside." Your faithfulness is great! Thank you for providing all that I need during each season of my life. "Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!"

Complete in Christ

Complete in Thee! No work of mine may take, dear Lord, the place of Thine; Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, and I am now complete in Thee.

Yea, justified! O blessed thought! And sanctified, salvation wrought! Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, and glorified, I too, shall be!

Complete in Thee, no more shall sin – Thy grace hath conquered – reign within; Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee, and I shall stand complete in Thee.

Complete in Thee—each want supplied, and no good thing to me denied; since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be, I ask no more, complete in Thee.

Dear Savior, when before Thy bar all tribes and tongues assembled are, among Thy chosen will I be, at Thy right hand—complete in Thee!
-- "Complete in Thee" by Aaron R. Wolfe, Refrain by James M. Gray

We search for so many completers... wealth, fame, friends, a spouse, a baby, success... the list goes on and on. Why do we search for temporal satisfaction? Why do I yearn for more when Christ is all I need? "Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, and I am now complete in Thee."

Complete in Christ -- my Savior, my All in All, my Shepherd, my King -- how can I ask for more? Why do I chase after the cares of this world? Lord, let me rest -- complete in Thee.

Lord, I lift my voice and thank You. "Dear Savior, when before Thy bar all tribes and tongues assembled are, among Thy chosen will I be, at Thy right hand - complete in Thee!" Thank You for saving me! Thank You for rescuing me from my sin, my deceitful heart, my eternal punishment. "Thy blood hath pardon bought for me, and glorified I too shall be."

Jesus, my Master

Jesus, Master, Whose I am,
Purchased Thine alone to be
By thy blood, O spotless Lamb,
Shed so willingly for me,
Let my heart be all Thine own,
Let me live to Thee alone.

Jesus, Master, I am Thine:
Keep me faithful, keep me near;
Let Thy presence in me shine
All my homeward way to cheer.
Jesus, at thy feet I fall,
O be Thou my all in all.

-- from "Whose I Am" by Frances Havergal

Acknowledging Jesus as my Master -- I know that in a heartbeat I would say, "Of course Jesus is my Master; He purchased me with His blood." Yet I must survey my daily life. Do I live as though Jesus is my Master? You see, that is the defining reality isn't it. "Talk is cheap."

I desire to live with Christ as my Head, my Master. I was once a slave to sin, yet He rescued me! My life is His. "Purchased Thine alone to be..." Lord Jesus, with Your life's blood You redeemed me. I was drowning in my guilt and sin, but You reached out and rescued me. You willingly gave Your body, blood, and life for me; I humbly thank You. Lord, "let my heart be all Thine own; let me live for Thee alone." I do not want to be distracted by the glitter of the world. I do not want my heart to be divided. I want to be wholly Thine. "Keep me faithful" to You. "Keep me near" to Your heart. I want others to see You in me. Help me to "shine" with Your presence and bless those around me. I fall before You in gratitude and humility. Teach me, mold me, use me. Master, be my "all in all."

Resting in Jesus

Jesus, I am resting, resting, in the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, and Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power, thou hast made me whole.

O, how great Thy loving kindness, vaster, broader than the sea!
O, how marvelous Thy goodness, lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise, and have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings: thine is love indeed!

Ever lift Thy face upon me as I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus, earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory, sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting, fill me with Thy grace.

-- from "Jesus, I am Resting" by Jean Sophia Pigott

Rest -- who does not yearn for this sometimes seemingly unattainable luxury? Jesus said, "Come unto Me all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest." Sometimes my anxious soul refuses to be still. I worry and worry. I fear and fret. Lord, help me to rest in the joy of You. Nothing else can satisfy the longings of my heart, no matter how good those desires seem to be. You alone can "satisfy my deepest longing, meet, supply my every need."

I am blessed beyond measure. I cannot ever adequately voice my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for His love! Help me, Lord, to understand that Your love can sustain me. I need not fret about the future; I can rest in Your loving care. "Keep me ever trusting, resting, fill me with Thy grace!"

Meditating on God's Love

O wondrous love, that will not let me go,
I cling to You with all my strength and soul.
Yet if my hold should ever fail,
This wondrous love, will never let me go.

O wondrous love that's come to dwell in me!
Lord, who am I that I should come to know
Your tender voice, assuring me,
Your wondrous love will never let me go?

I'm resting in the everlasting arms,
In the ever-faithful heart,
The Shepherd of my life.
You carry me on Your mighty wings of grace,
Keeping me until the day I look into Your eyes.

O wondrous love, that sings of Calvary,
The sweetest sound this sinner's ever known;
The song of Your redeeming Son,
Whose wondrous love will never let me go.

I'm resting in the everlasting arms,
In the ever-faithful heart,
The Shepherd of my life.
You carry me on Your mighty wings of grace,
Keeping me until the day I look into Your eyes.

O wondrous love that rushes over me,
I can't escape this river's glorious flow.
You overwhelm my days with good.
Your wondrous love will never let me go.

O wondrous love, O wondrous love.
Will never let me go.
-- from "O Wondrous Love" by Steve and Vikki Cook

Some days, I feel like I am just "clinging" to my Wondrous Love. My knuckles turn white with the strain; my broken heart bends under the weight of my burdens. Will I be able to hold on? Will this fragile form crumple under the pressure? "Yet if my hold should ever fail, this Wondrous Love will NEVER let me go."

I find comfort in that thought. This song is rich with comforting thoughts. God's everlasting arms will hold me. When I cannot go on, He will carry me. He will Shepherd me and guide me until the day I look into His eyes. What a beautiful thought -- looking into my Savior's eyes. What love will I see there! What comfort! What forgiveness! Who am I that I should know His "tender voice assuring me"? I am nothing, yet His love rushes over me. "I can't explain this river's glorious flow." I am overwhelmed!

Lord, never let me go! I need you!

God's Grace

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all my sin.

Sin and despair like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today.

-- from "Grace That Is Greater Than All Our Sin" by Julia Johnson

"Look!!! There is flowing a crimson tide; whiter than snow you may be today!" Thank You, thank You, thank You! My Refuge, thank You for the promise that "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Thank You for covering me with Your righteousness. Your grace points me to Your redeeming work on the cross, and "I stand, I stand in awe of You. Holy God to Whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You!"

I love the line from this wonderful hymn about God's grace that says "Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace -- freely bestowed on all who believe..." I want to meditate on each word.

Marvelous -- can we ever cease to marvel at the wonder of God's grace?
Infinite-- my finite mind can never comprehend the depth of His grace.
Matchless-- nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to the promise I have in His grace. It is by grace that I am saved! Praise the Lord for His grace that is greater than all my sin!!!

Oh the deep, deep love!!!!

How deep the Father's love for us ,
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To 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 a 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 pow'r, 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.
-- from "How Deep the Father's Love" by Stuart Townend

I cannot begin to fathom the Father's love for me. When I meditate upon His goodness, His mercy, His sacrifice, I flounder for adequate words of gratitude. So often I find myself wanting things and demanding them of God. How ungrateful of me! How depraved!! I deserve nothing, yet He gave His only Son to make this wretch His treasure. His treasure! What a thought!

"Why should I gain?" I am nothing. Yet here is the greatest paradox of all time: the God of all gods loves me and knows the number of hairs on my head. I am precious to Him! "Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer." His love for me is beyond my comprehension, beyond human explanation. Praise be to God!

Thank You, Father God, for Your depth of love. Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for Your compassion. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice. Thank Tou for paying my sin's debt. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for working in my heart. Thank you for opening my eyes to my need and desperation. Thank you, Three-in-One, for creating me in Your image! What rich treasures do I have in You!!!

In CHRIST alone!!!

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt of life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand
-- from "In Christ Alone" by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty

So, I have returned. Why is it that when we should most be meditating on God's love and His power, we don't? Why do we allow the mundane things of this world to deprive us of the glorious riches of God? The noise of this world clammors for my attention. Why do I stop to listen? Why do I put my wonderful heavenly Father "on hold" while I answer the calls a busy life dials? Oh, how I yearn to commune with my Abba above the din of daily life. Lord, help me to listen to Your still small voice. Help me to be still and know that You are God.

This song resonates with the glory of our God. He is our COMFORTER, our SAVIOUR and REDEEMER; He has CONQUERED death! I rest in the hand of the Almighty. Though each verse tells a wondrous truth, I want to focus on the first verse of this song.

Lately, I have done much "hoping." I want to check my heart; is my hope in Christ alone? I know that it should be. I want it to be. I have been quoting "some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in name of the Lord our God." I don't want to put my trust in man or his abilities, and I don't want to hope in circumstances. My hope is Christ! He is my Light; He is my Strength (and oh, do I need His strength... mine is frail and fleeting). Oh, Lord, be my Song. I want to sing; I want joy, but I want that joy to come from You, not circumstances! Still my fears, my Comforter; bring me peace. Your love transcends human comprehension; help me to stand on the Solid Rock, the Cornerstone.

Redeemed!

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Refrain

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.

-- from "Redeemed" by Fanny Crosby


Today I am praising the Lord for my redemption! I am thrilled to be able to tell the world that because of God's great mercy, I am forever His child.

The second verse says, "I sing for I cannot be silent." I have felt that way lately. The God of the universe is interested in me. How can I keep from singing?

Lord, help me not to be discouraged by the clamor of life that cries out for my attention. Help me to focus on Your precious gift of redemption! Thank you, Jesus.

What a morning!!!

See, what a morning, gloriously bright,
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem;
Folded the grave-clothes, tomb filled with light,
As the angels announce, "Christ is risen!"
See God's salvation plan,
Wrought in love, borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,
Fulfilled in Christ, the Man,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

See Mary weeping, "Where is He laid?"
As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb;
Hears a voice speaking, calling her name;
It's the Master, the Lord raised to life again!
The voice that spans the years,
Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us,
Will sound till He appears,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

One with the Father, Ancient of Days,
Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty.
Honor and blessing, glory and praise
To the King crowned with pow'r and authority!
And we are raised with Him,
Death is dead, life has won, Christ has conquered;
And we shall reign with Him,
For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead!

- From "See What a Morning" by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

I encourage you to read these lyrics and meditate upon the glorious truths therein.

"Death is Dead, LIFE has won, CHIRST has conquered!" Amen and amen! These victorious lyrics lift my spirit and point my eyes to Christ! Praise the Lord; He is the victor. "For He lives; Christ is risen from the dead!" I serve a RISEN Savior.

God's Wondrous Love

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell.
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell.
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song.

When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call;
God's love, so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam's race—
The saints' and angels' song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
-from "The Love of God" by Frederick Lehman

At the wedding I attended tonight, this song was sung. As I meditated upon the words, I was moved. I had to include the entire song tonight; I could not cut out any of it. I retrieved the text from www.hymnal.net when I got home. Many people have visited this sight and commented on how this song has touched them. One writer from Australia said this: This hymn, whilst broad in its literary span, does not treat God's love in a general sense. Its sentiment speaks of the burden and depths of God's love in verse 1, the unchanging nature of His love in verse 2, and what unbounded appreciation is required from us of His love. It is here that we realize that we must as "scribes" be learning His boundless love in His economy all the time, with hearts saturated with such good matter concerning Him (Psa. 45). The "ink" with which we write is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3) as the Spirit sheds abroad in our hearts His love. O how much do we need to write concerning the God of love, even to the extent, that we the ministers of the new covenant would be His living letters!

What wonderful thoughts! To think that God is using me as a "letter" full of His love inspires me. I want to share that love with the world around me. Verse three challenges and convicts me! As I read it, I stand in humble amazement. Everyone who has stood on the shore and gazed out at the vast expanse we call ocean can appreciate the beautiful metaphor present in this verse. Can you imagine the ocean completely drained or the skies completely filled? Despite the magnitude of an ink of ocean or the vast expanse of a tablet of sky, the scribe would find that he has fallen far short of what he needs to "write the love of God." How precious! How glorious! How humbling! How completely wonderful!!! God loves me!!!

This I Pray

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing,
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
- from "Make Me a Blessing" by Ira Wilson

This song is my prayer tonight.

The world is full of needy people: family, friends, strangers, children, adults, neighbors, mailmen, cashiers, waiters, pastors, salesmen, moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas... the list goes on and on. My life can be used to bless others if I allow the Lord to work through me. I want to show the pure love of Christ to those around me.

Heavenly Father, I need You to purge me of self. Help me see the needs of others. Use me to show people Christ's love. May Christ be seen in me. "Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray!"

Finding Strength for Trials

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find, to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day, the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He Whose Name is Counselor and Power;
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
Ever to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
-from "Day by Day" by Karolina W. Sandell-Berg

What a rich text! I had to include the entire hymn because I found comfort in so much of it. "With each passing moment (all the time)...trusting in MY FATHER'S (the God of gods is MY Abba) wise bestowment (He gives to us wisely)...no cause for worry or fear (NO REASON TO WORRY)." WOW!!!

I am so thankful that "He whose heart is kind beyond all measure" is the one caring for me each day! When I contemplate that "every day the Lord HIMSELF is near me," I stand in awe. Why me? He cares for me? I sin and fail Him; I get caught up in the cares of this world. Yet He is there "with a special mercy for each hour." What a comfort!

Oh, loving Father, "help me then, in EVERY tribulation, to trust thy promises." Keep me from doubting during the difficult times; may "I lose NOT faith's sweet consolation offered within Thy holy Word. You give comfort; You give rest. Help me rely on YOU."

Trusting Jesus

Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly does His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
- from "Trusting Jesus" by Edgar Stites

Over the past few months, this song seems to have been on "repeat" in my mind. I want to chew on the words and digest them. I want to trust the Lord with all that I am. Oh, how I long to trust Him "every day" and "whate'er befall." I know in my head that "while He leads I cannot fall," but I desire to really, truly, and entirely trust Him in my heart. In a way, that statement is quite a paradox. I either trust something/someone, or I don't. "Kind of" trusting cannot exist. I must be honest with myself; if I am questioning God, I am not trusting Him. What a sobering thought! I have trusted God with my soul; why do I not trust Him with my everyday life. What a rebuke these thoughts have been to me! Praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts!

Oh, Lord, "even when my faith is small" help me to trust You! You are the I AM; You are Jehovah-jireh! Help me to "simply trust."

Praising God

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

I just want to praise God today! He is so gracious to me. I just finished reading Matthew chapters 1-3 and was reminded of God's grace despite our sinfulness. God used Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba despite their sinful, pitiful states. He allowed them to be in the lineage of Jesus Christ. His grace covered their faults. Praise the Lord that He wants to use me too, despite my flaws.

This weekend I enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July and America's freedom. I thought "America, America, God shed His grace on thee!" Our Loving Lord has shed His grace on this country, and I pray that He will continue to do so.

Praise God for His wonderful works to the children of men!!!

Talking about Jesus

Let's talk about Jesus, the King of kings is He,
The Lord of lords, Supreme throughout eternity,
The great "I Am," the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Door.
Let's talk about Jesus more and more!
- by Herbert Buffum

We are learning this song in our girls' first grade Sunday school class, but we can apply it to our lives whether we're six or sixty! As I have been reflecting on these lyrics, I have been asking myself several questions. Do I love talking about Jesus? Do I share His wonderful grace with others? Do I tell others of His goodness and love? The joy of the Lord should flow from my spirit. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks..." Not speaking about Him should be impossible!

Lord, fill my thoughts. I desire to share You through my speech. I want to talk about You more and more!

A Stranger

Make me a stranger on earth, dear Savior,
Make me a stranger, more like Thee.
Help me keep my focus on heavenly treasures
And not on earthly, may it be.

Lord, I've found myself loving earthly treasure:
Simple pleasures, taking Your place.
Nothing can measure to heavenly treasures:
Hearing "Well done," and seeing Your face.
-from "Make Me a Stranger" by Mac Lynch

At church Sunday night, the missionary challenged us to keep our focus on the eternal, not the mundane. This concept seems so elementary, so basic. Of course we would focus on the spiritual and eternal. Yet time after time, I find myself failing in this "elementary" area.

I focus on my house: What color should I paint each room? How should I decorate? Do we need new furniture? Is it nice enough to have a "get-together"? Maybe I should get some flowers.

I focus on myself: I think I'd like to go shopping; so-and-so always looks en vogue while I look dumpy. I need new clothes. My nails would look so cute with a little bit of nail art. Am I too tall? Do I look like a giant next to this person?

I focus on my worries: What if my husband gets hurt on his motorcycle? What if our other car breaks down? What if God says "no" to my prayers? What if...

I know that thinking about the everyday things in this life is not wrong, but I also know that "this world is not my home." I do not want to obsess about things that do not have eternal value. If I spend all my time thinking about vanity and things, I will not leave time for reflection on His Word or for doing His work.

Well, this post is getting longer than I like posts to be. I like to share quick blessings, but I have so much going through my mind.

Lord, help me to focus on You, Your Word, and Your work. Open my eyes to the burdens of people around me so that I can show them Your love. Give me a passion for Your Holy Word. As I care for the things of this world that You have given to me, help me to keep them in their proper place. I do not want to love the stuff that will fade away. I desire to build my treasure in heaven. Loving Father, help me in this area!

The Ultimate Price

So high the price He paid,
The nails, the cross, the grave.
Such pardon He bestowed,
Such grace He showed.
No greater sacrifice,
He gave His very life,
So deep the love,
So high the price.
- from "So High the Price" by Deborah Cruise Bailey and Marty Funderburk

When I reflect on the depth of God's love for me, I stand amazed. Oh that He should love me?!! Who am I? Why me? The Creator of all stepped into frail flesh to redeem guilty man. I am included in that pardon. How can I keep from singing?

Grace in Despair

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
- from "Before the Throne of God Above" by Charitie Bancroft

How many times have I allowed Satan the victory twofold in my life? Not only do I sin, but I also despair when I recall the sin. This song reminds me of the victory that I have in Jesus Christ. Oh, how I need to lift my eyes!!! Look upward; see Christ's sacrifice! Because of Him, my soul is pardoned. What a blessed thought!