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.

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!"

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!!!

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!