November 18, 2024

You Reign Alone

September 13, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

There is no one greater than You
All our praise belongs to You
Holy in power
Faithful and true
There is none like You

There is no one stronger than You
Sin forever conquered by You
Fearless in life
Faithful in death
There is none like You

Lord, You reign
You reign alone
Exalted over all the earth enthroned
The majesty and greatness of Your name
Let all creation say ‘Lord, You reign’

There is none more loving than You
Near to all who call out to You
Your mercies anew
You’re faithful and true
There is none like You

No One is higher than
The King above all nations
No one is like You God
The name of Jesus is
Higher than any other
No one is like You God

Written by Wade Joye and London Gatch / Elevation Worship

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I love singing Scripture and this song is full of Scripture!   The writers used Psalm 96 as their inspiration, and here are just a few other verses that declare the character and greatness of God.

There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and great is Your name in might.
Jeremiah 10:6

Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God?
Psalm 77:3

The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

For the LORD Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth.
Psalm 47:2

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Jesus came and told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:18

They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them
because He is Lord of lords and King of kings—
and with Him will be His called, chosen and faithful followers.
Revelation 17:14

As I sang this song and meditated on it, I kept coming back to the words “You reign alone.” As a verb, ‘reign’ refers to holding a royal office, to be sovereign, to rule.  As a noun, ‘reign’ refers to the period of time during which a sovereign rules.

The Lord reigns; He is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed; He has put on strength as His belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting.
Psalms 93:1-2

In this Scripture (one of many), it is confirmed both that our Lord is reigning now, He is sovereign, AND His reign is forever.  For me (and I hope for you) that establishes an assurance in my heart that I am safe, cared for, and secure.  In a home where neither parent assumes responsibility to be head of the household, the children feel insecure and even unloved.  For us, as children of God, we never have to feel that way.  God reigns, He has always reigned, and He has taken responsibility to make sure that we are secure and loved through the sacrifice of His one and only Son, Jesus, for our salvation. Ladies, we don’t need to look to anyone else or anything else for this security and love.

For You are great and do wondrous things; You alone are God.
Psalm 86:10

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this:
‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD.
Mark 12:29

God alone (Who needs no help from anyone or anything else) rules and reigns.  He is quite capable of and wanting very much to take care of us.  Our God is faithful and true, loving and merciful, holy and just, strong and majestic!  This great God, Who reigns alone in all the universe, loves you and me.  There is definitely no one like our God.  Please join me today in singing to and worshiping our Sovereign Lord and King!

And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea.
They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong
to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
Revelation 5:13

AMEN!

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Indescribable

September 12, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjvFrom the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation’s revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God

All powerful, untameable
Awestruck we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing, God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet, conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God

Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart
And You love me the same
You are amazing, God
You are amazing, God

Singer / Songwriter LAURA STORY

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God named each and every star and planet in our universe.  From creation, which He spoke into existence in Genesis 1:1, “And God said…“ God has had a plan and a purpose for us.  God wants a relationship with us.  He has never wanted to be a dictator; He has believed in choices—in free will.  From the Garden of Eden to present day, God has given us many awe-inspiring wonders and blessings.

When Laura Story was writing her first album, she needed one last song.  She was driving along the road, singing and praising God, and she sang, “Indescribable, uncontainable, You are amazing God!”  Never did she imagine that God would use Chris Tomlin to record this song on his album and then for it to be used for worship in our churches.

“What brought “Indescribable” into churches all across the U.S. and the world was when Chris Tomlin recorded it for his 2004 release, Arriving, produced by Ed Cash (Caedmon’s Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). When Cash, a longtime friend of Story’s from YoungLife circles, suggested that Tomlin use “Indescribable” as his first single, Story was shocked. “I remember saying, ‘That song will never work for corporate worship. There’s no way congregations are going to sing that!’ But it’s humbling and amazing to see what the Lord has done. When I was looking for it, I couldn’t find it. When I just started worshipping, He blew me out of the water.”  (Read more here.)

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Father, may there be other artists that will listen to Your prompting.  Give the songwriters the courage to know that You are in control.  All we need to do is write, to move out of the way, and let the Holy Spirit help us know that the words will line up with Scripture.  I thank You for the blessing we have to sing our humble praises and thanks to You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)

September 11, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Today I felt led to share this poignant song by Alan Jackson. It is so hard to believe that it has been 13 years since the horrific attack on the Twin Towers and the almost 3,000 who died on 9/11/01. Mr. Jackson’s song brings us back to what will always be the greatest thing we can do—love.

(Please be aware that the video includes many photos of the tragedy that happened at the Twin Towers.)

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Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in L.A.
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don’t know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red, white, and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to Heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you’re a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you’re watching
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

I’m just a singer of simple songs
I’m not a real political man
I watch CNN but I’m not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Singer / Songwriter: Alan Jackson
 *  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *  
Such a beautiful song which ends with the Truth of God’s Word—‘and the greatest is love.’

But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

There is no doubt that we have been given the standard to love throughout the entire New Testament.  From Jesus’ words to His disciples, to Paul and Timothy’s encouragement to the believers of the 1st Century Church, to the standard that John, the beloved Apostle, laid out in the epistles he wrote…all point directly to the greatest thing we have to do.  LOVE.

Jesus said quite a bit to His disciples about love. Listen…

“Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?”
He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and most important command.
The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 22:36-39

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:
just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34 and 35

“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good,
and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
Matthew 5:43-45

Shortly before Jesus’ trial and persecution and His death, the disciples were asking Him about His return. Amongst other warnings, He admonished them about the great importance of love.

“But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.
Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.
Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.
But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”
Matthew 24:8-14

All of Jesus’ disciples died before He was sent by His Father to return to the earth and gather the faithful.  So these words must be taken seriously by those of us who still remain. We don’t know WHEN He is coming…but we DO know that He IS coming! And so these warnings should be heeded to.

The attacks of those who hate God against the Christians in the world have definitely increased.  Our military continues to fight heated battles in Afghanistan (and also in other regions of the world).  Christians in many countries are arrested, tortured, and some killed for their faith in God and Jesus Christ.  Even here within the borders of our own country, hatred increases it seems every day.  We must not be counted among those whose ‘love will grow cold.’  There is great hope, too!  Remember, Jesus said, ‘…MOST people’s love will grow cold.’ (Not ALL people’s.)  Love will survive and can even thrive where we (you and me!) choose to love and not hate. It will be hard…it IS hard! It will seem to be an up-hill battle, and it IS.  But we have the Holy Spirit within us to lead and guide and help us!  May God give us grace every day to choose love.

Even in the days of the 1st Century Church, Paul and Timothy and John encouraged the believers to choose love.

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these.
2 Timothy 3:1-5

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4:7-12

But our living love, practicing love, showing love is now of utmost importance, more important than having any of the other virtues or gifts, because love is the greatest (hey, I didn’t say it!).  Oh, yes, we must have faith and hope…and live our lives with those virtues.  But, since ‘the greatest is love’ we must remember…

LOVE is
patient and kind
does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited
does not act improperly
is not selfish, is not provoked
keeps no record of wrongs
finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth
bears all things
believes all things
hopes all things
endures all things
never ends

There are so very many ways for us to show love to those around us.  To some, it is easy and natural…but to others it takes effort and work (sometimes it seems we need supernatural help!).  But we can.  And we can grow in our ability to love others.  Paul wrote,

I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.
Philippians 1:9

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But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

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Rain Down

September 10, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Looks like tonight, the sky is heavy
Feels like the winds are gonna change
Beneath my feet, the earth is ready
I know its time for Heaven’s rain
It’s gonna rain

‘Cause it’s Living Water we desire
To flood our hearts with holy fire

Rain down all around the world we’re singing
Rain down, can you here the earth is singing
Rain down, my heart is dry but still I’m singing
Rain down, rain it down on me

Back to the start, my heart is heavy
Feels like it’s time, to dream again
I see the clouds, and yes I’m ready
To dance upon this barren land
Hope in my hands

Do not shut, do not shut, do not shut the heavens
But open up, open up, open up our hearts

Give me strength to cross this water
Keep my heart upon Your altar
Give me strength to cross this water
Keep my feet don’t let me falter

 

Written by Martin Smith, Stuart Garrard / Delirious

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Living Water is the only water that satisfies… Father, “flood our hearts with holy fire!!!”

In order for the offspring of water to exist, everything starts in the rain..and Who gives the rain?  Where does it comes from?  It comes from God.

Then I will give you rain in its season, (…)
Leviticus 26:4

If I want to have the Living Water and become a fountain, I need to seek those waters from above, through my seeking of the Holy Spirit, through my surrender, my sincerity and daily sacrifice in order to obey God’s Word.  The Living Water will accumulate in us, forming our character and shaping us into God’s children, until the moment that God’s Presence also overflows and we become a fountain.  We will have for us and to give others.
excerpt from Elijah Blogfire

My prayer is to be filled with the Living Water that I may not be a reservoir that keeps it stored up for myself, rather, a river so as I am filled to overflowing it may flow freely to those around me…

Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness;
let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;
let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the LORD have created it.
Isaiah 45:8 ESV

On the ‘Got Questions?’ website, we read this about the Holy Spirit:
“Fire is a wonderful picture of the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is like a fire in at least three ways: He brings God’s presence, God’s passion, and God’s purity. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God as He indwells the heart of the believer …” (Click here to read the entire article!)

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Heavenly Father, “give me strength to cross this water…keep my heart upon Your altar…keep my feet, don’t let me falter” and “flood my heart with your Holy Fire” in Jesus name AMEN!!!

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Big House

September 8, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I don’t know where you lay your head
Or where you call your home
I don’t know where you eat your meals
Or where you talk on the phone
I don’t know if you got a cook
A butler or a maid
I don’t know if you got a yard
With a hammock in the shade

I don’t know if you got some shelter
Say a place to hide
I don’t know if you live with friends
In whom you can confide
I don’t know if you got a family
Say a mom or dad
I don’t know if you feel love at all
But I bet you wish you had

Come and go with me to my Father’s house
Come and go with me to my Father’s house

It’s a big, big house
With lots and lots a room
A big, big table
With lots and lots of food
A big, big yard
Where we can play football
A big, big house
It’s my Father’s house

All I know is it’s a big ole house
With rooms for everyone
All I know is lots of land
Where we can play and run
All I know is you need love
And I’ve got a family
All I know is you’re all alone
So why not come with me

 

Singer/Songwriters: Mark Stuart, Barry Blair, Will McGinniss, Bill Herdmann
Audio Adrenaline

 *  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

We were up in the mountains camping this weekend when the chorus for this song came to mind.  I had first heard it at a teen camp with one of my girls.  It has been quite a while since I thought about it.  I kept thinking, “This is my Father’s house!”  And it was.  The new growth on the top of the pine trees looked like crosses.  The family in the next campsite had a worship service on Sunday night. It was in Spanish so I didn’t understand a lot of it but His Presence was there, I could feel it.  Too often I make the mistake of thinking “church” is my Father’s only house.  I forget He makes His home with us.  I forget about His heavenly home.

2 Timothy 1:14 (AMP) reminds me that Holy Spirit makes His home in us.

Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us.

As I was researching Scriptures for this blog, I found something that astounded me!  Look at the following Scriptures:

…the heavens torn open and the [Holy] Spirit like a dove coming down [to enter] into Him.
Mark 1:10 AMP

But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.
Luke 24:49 NLT

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon Him.
John 1:32 NLT

…the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.
1 Peter 1:12 HCSB

So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One;
1 John 5:7 AMP

Do you see it?  The Holy Spirit came from Heaven to reside in us!  We carry a piece of Heaven inside of us!  (GASP!)  I had never thought about it that way.

When Audio Adrenaline wrote this song, they wanted to create a song that made Heaven sound fun…not scary or ominous.  “Big House” paints a picture of a large and loving family, spending time together having lots of fun in the Presence of a loving Father.  Since I have a piece of Heaven, I wanted to see how Scripture describes Heaven.  Here is what I found:

  • The sound of weeping and crying will no longer be heard – Isaiah 65:19
  • Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer – Revelation 21:4
  • No hunger or thirst – Revelations 7:16-17
  • Springs of living waters – Revelations 7:16-17
  • There will be rest and relief – 1 Thessalonians 1:7
  • A world filled with God’s righteousness – 2 Peter 3:13
  • A house with many rooms – 2 Chronicles 31:18

There are so many wonderful Scriptures regarding what Heaven will be like…too many to include.  But I love the physical description found in this passage:

The River of the water of Life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the Tree of Life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb
will be in it, and His servants will worship Him.

Revelations 22:1-5

I like the image of the river flowing from the throne.  Reminds me of the streams and waterfalls I saw this weekend.  Sounds like a happy place to me.  And there is a piece of that paradise living inside of me in the form of the Holy Spirit.  So, please, come and go with me to my Father’s house.  We may not be able to visit it physically but we always have part of it with us.

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Father God, thank You for the beautiful Scriptures that show us what Heaven will be like. I stand amazed, knowing that a piece of Heaven dwells within me. Thank You for reminding me through the beauty of nature that I am always in Your House. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen – it is so!

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Before The Morning

September 7, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you
If there’s a God who loves you
Where is He now

Maybe there are things you can’t see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending
Some day, some how, you’ll see, you’ll see

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
‘Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
Can’t compare to the joy that’s coming

So hold on, you got to wait for the light
Press on, just fight the good fight
Because the pain you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
And you know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you get there
So say a prayer

And hold on, ’cause there’s good for those who love God
Life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time
But you’ll see the bigger picture

Once you feel the way of glory
All your pain will fade to memory
Once you feel the way of glory
All your pain will fade to memory
Memory, memory, yeah

 Singer / Songwriter: Josh Wilson with Ben Glover

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There are times when I question God. In my sinful nature, I say, “If He is good, why is this happening and why does it feel so bad?”  (Are you with me?)  And “If He loves me so much, why would He allow me to hurt?”

The answer is that there is sin in the world.

The Lord saw how great man’s sin on the earth had become,
and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.
Genesis 6:5

But He didn’t leave it this way, He sent a Savior so that joy could replace sorrow.

See, in our minds, we can only see the picture up close.  Our problems seem so big, and at the time they are.  It feels sometimes that the mountain that is in front of us will be there forever.  But God is still writing our stories.  He knows the ending and He sees our lives with a different view.  He is trustworthy and good. He loves you so much that He can’t get enough of you.

The hope in this song is this: You can dare to believe that you still have a reason to sing — to sing His praises!  ‘Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that He has for you.  You’ve got to wait for the light…press on and keep fighting the good fight because the pain you’ve been dealing with is just the hurt before the healing and the dark before the morning.

As God promises in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your Presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  He will fill us with joy and He will give us flickers of light when we are in a season of darkness and He will bring us out victoriously.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 40:5

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Let us pray: Dear God, You are so good.  You wrote each one of our stories with a beautiful ending.  Thank You for Your grace and mercy and patience when we doubt Your perfect plan.  We only see what is in front of us, so we ask that You increase our faith and endurance.  Give us the strength to keep on fighting the fight and give us the willingness to stay on the right path.  And most of all, we thank You for the Joy that comes in the morning all because of Your precious Son saving us from ourselves.  We love you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Gold

September 6, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

You were walking on the moon, now you’re feeling low
What they said wasn’t true, you’re beautiful
Sticks and stones break your bones, I know what you’re feeling
 Words like those won’t steal your glow, you’re one in a million

This, this is for all the girls, boys all over the world
Whatever you’ve been told, you’re worth more than gold
 So hold your head up high, it’s your time to shine
From the inside out it shows, you’re worth more than gold
You’re worth more than gold

When everybody keeps score, afraid you’re gonna lose
Just ignore they don’t know the real you
All the rain in the sky can’t put out your fire
Of all the stars out tonight, you shine brighter

So don’t let anybody tell you that you’re not loved
And don’t let anybody tell you that you’re not enough
Yeah there are days that we all feel like we’re messed up
But the truth is that we’re all diamonds in the rough

So don’t be ashamed to wear your crown
You’re a king, you’re a queen inside and out
You glow like the moon, you shine like the stars
This is for you, wherever you are

So don’t be ashamed to wear your crown
You’re a king, you’re a queen—inside and out

Singer/ Songwriter Britt Nicole along with Jess Cates and Dan Muckala

 *  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

We may not always fit in.  We may not have ‘the look.’  We may not say the right words all the time.  God knows our hearts and that is all that matters.  As long as we put our best out there, He will love us.  We must remember we are sons and daughters of the Most High God!!!!

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perish,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise
and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:7

When we are going through trials and suffering, how we endure it is a great testimony of our love for God.  We are not to dwell on the discomfort but on the reward that awaits us in eternity!  The salvation of others may depend on how we move through and persevere.  We are to have a boldness to share the good news as David stated in Psalm 40:10.

I have not hidden Thy righteousness within my heart;
I have declared Thy faithfulness and Thy salvation.
I have not concealed Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth from the congregation.

*  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

Father, give us the courage to stand up for You in all situations.  Let us seek You when we are made fun of for being different, or for standing out in a crowd, or for not doing what everyone else is doing.  Help us be a light for the younger generation and even for our own.  We need You in our life so we can be strong advocates for You and Your son, Jesus.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Can He, Could He, Would He, Did He….

September 4, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Can He (can He save me), could He (could He love me)
Would He (would He take me), did He (did He really)
Can He, could He, would He, yes, He can, He could, He would, and He did
Can He (can He save me), could He (could He love me)
Would He (would He take me), did He (did He really)
Can He, could He, would He, yes, He can, He could, He would, and He did

From the moment I heard about the Lord and His Word
Well, it seemed to be too good to be true
Major questions and doubts I tried to figure it out
But the best that I could do
Was to wander around in the love that I found
Until my questions started answering themselves, singing
Can He, could He, would He, yes, He can, He could, He would, and He did.

You can say you don’t know it’s necessarily so
Like somebody said it once in a song
You can think what you choose, but, let me tell you the news
The Lord has loved you all along
So if you’re asking again will the doubts never end,
Simply trust Him and you’ll see for yourself, singing
Can He, could He, would He, yes, He can, He could, He would, and He did
Can He, could He, would He, yes, He can, He could, He would, and He did

Songwriters: Dwight Liles, John Chisum / Performed by The Vocal Union
*  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  * 
Cute song, yes?  But really these {Can He save me?  Could He love me? Would He take me?  Did He really?} are deep, vital questions!  And we each need to know—that we know—that we know the answers!  Oh, we might be able to say we do…but…are we convinced in our hearts?  The Scriptures give us the Truth to hold onto and treasure in our hearts for those times we may falter.

Can He save me?  Yes, He can…and He did!

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:3

For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8 and 9

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven
that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12

Could He love me?  Yes, He could…and He does!

For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world
that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son,
so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.
John 3:16 AMP

But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!
Romans 5:8

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us
and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:10

Would He take me?  Yes, He would…and He’ll never leave you!

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust.
Psalms 103:8-14

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height,
nor depth, nor any other created thing,
will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 and 39

Then Peter opened his mouth and said: Most certainly and thoroughly I now perceive
and understand that God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons,
But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God,
treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly,
is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed by Him.
Acts 10:34 and 35

Did He really (do ALL that)?  Yes, He did…and much, much more…and none of that will ever change!

 *  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

Can He?   Could He?   Would He?  YES, He can!  He could…He would…and He did!

Oh. Yes. He. Did. (Don’t ever forget that!)   ♥

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

I Bless Your Name

September 3, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

In prisoners chains, with bleeding stripes
Paul and Silas prayed that night
And in their pain, began to sing
Their chains were loosed and they were free

I bless Your name, I bless Your name
I give You honor, give You praise
You are the Life, the Truth, the Way
I bless Your name, I bless Your name

Some midnight hour, if you should find
You’re in a prison, in your mind
Sing out in praise—defy the chains
And they will fall in Jesus’ name

You are the Life, the Truth, the Way
You are the Life, the Truth, the Way
You are the Life, the Truth, the Way
I bless Your name, I bless Your name

Songwriter – Elizabeth Goodine / Performed by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

*  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

This song tells of the Apostle Paul and his brother in Christ, Silas, imprisoned in the city of Philippi.  They had been wrongly accused, held without a proper hearing, beaten and flogged, and then tossed into the innermost prison cell where they were held in stocks and chains.

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Acts 16:25 and 26

Is that not one of the most incredible accounts of deliverance in the Bible?!!?  But wait…that’s not really quite true…the Scriptures are filled with record after record after record telling of God’s provision in miraculous, awesome, ‘but for the grace of God’ ways! Such as,

  • Moses and the children of Israel being delivered out of the hand of their Egyptian oppressors
  • Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego stepping out with not even the scent of smoke on their garments after being in the fiery furnace
  • Daniel climbing out of the lion’s den with not a scratch on him
  • Joshua and the Israelites circling Jericho for six days and then on the seventh day, repeating their journey 7 times in a row…and then shouting…and the walls of Jericho came tumbling down
  • Jonah surviving three days of being in the great fish’s belly
  • Mary finding herself, a yet-to-be-married virgin, pregnant
  • the Resurrection from the dead, after three days, of our Lord Jesus Christ
  • And, of course, there are many, many, many more!

Which are some of the wondrous works of God that cause your heart to sing out in praise as you remember God’s great hand of blessing?  (Please share them with us in the comment section below!)  May I encourage you to read through these records and remind yourself how amazing, awesome, and wonderful our God is—and bless His Name!

He is ELOHIM —the God of power and might.

He is JEHOVAH-JIREH — the Lord Who will provide.

He is EL-ROI — the Strong One Who sees.

He is EL-SHADDAI — God Almighty.

*  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

I will extol You, my God, O King,
And I will bless Your Name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.
Psalms 145:1-3, 21

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You Never Let Go

September 1, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You 

Singer/Songwriter Matt Redman with Mrs. Beth Redman

*  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

This song held me together during a very dark time in my life.  It offered hope where I could see none.  It reminded me God was holding me close as my world was falling apart.  The song is based on Psalm 23:4 (AMP).

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

I truly felt like I was walking through the deepest, darkest valley known to man – the valley of death.  My only strength, my only comfort was in Him.  He was my light at the end of the tunnel if only my heart could hold on.  Proverbs 4:4 (HCSB) reminds us “Your heart must hold on to My words” and that is what I did…I sought solace in His Word.

As I was thinking back on that time and writing this, I began to wonder where the phrase “Oh no, You never let go” came from.  As I searched, I did not find the exact phrase but I found so many wonderful promises filled with hope I had to share them!

He guards the steps of His faithful ones
1 Samuel 2:9a HCSB

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
2 Samuel 22:33, Psalm 18:32 NIV

No weapon that is formed against you will prosper
Isaiah 54:17a NASB

My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all.
No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
John 10:29 HCSB

What then shall we say to [all] this?
If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]
Romans 8:31 AMP

…for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.
1 John 5:18b NLT

I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father,
Who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:1 NLT

These verses have one thing in common – they prove He never lets go!   We have nothing to fear.   And because of that I will continue to praise Him.

   *  ~  ♥  ~  ✞  ~  ♥  ~  *

Lord, thank You for never letting go.  No matter what we are going through, You are right there with us, holding us tightly in Your mighty right hand.  Remind us we have nothing to fear as long as we cling to You.  Even if we let go of Your hand, You are never too far away to reach us.  You are our Comfort and our Hope.  We are grateful that we can stand on Your promises and know You are faithful.  In Jesus’ name, Amen – it is so!

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