November 20, 2024

Lord, I Need You

February 11, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv
~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Lord, I come, I confess…bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart; You’re the One that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You; every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more; where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free… holiness is Christ in me

Teach my song to rise to You when temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I’ll fall on You; Jesus, You’re my Hope and Stay

You’re my one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness, Oh God, how I need You

Artist: Matt Maher

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

“Bowing here I find my rest…without You I fall apart; You’re the one that guides my heart….”  Oh, how this is my Truth that I live by!

He IS my Everything.  My ALL in ALL!  As long as I have God that is ALL that I need no matter what storms I may face in my lifetime.  As long as I have Him that is all that I need…even if the worst of the worst happens, or things don’t turn out the way I hope.  This is my Truth!!!

My Truth is not determined by my circumstances; I believe that somehow, someway He would get me through whatever it is.  He is the key.  I wouldn’t want to do life apart from Him.

In John 15:5 Jesus says,

I am the Vine, you are the branches.
Those who abide in Me and I in them
Bear much fruit, because apart from Me you can do nothing.

So the question I ask myself (and I want to ask yourself, too) is this:
Are you a Prisoner of Hope when storms in life come your way?? Or are you tossed to and fro depending on your circumstances??

God has shown me so much about trees.  Let me share some of this with you.  I love this excerpt from “Lessons From The Oak Tree’ blog:
“The mighty oak tree, no matter how severe the storm and how strong the wind, the oak tree will continue to stand tall – branches may break and the tree may be stripped of it’s leaves, but through it all it will continue to stand tall.” He also pointed out an interesting fact, of which I was unaware, that the roots of an oak tree can extend down into the ground up to two and one-half times their height. Now THAT, my friends, is a deeply rooted tree.

So the question for each of us is—how deeply rooted are your values? Do you let yourself be blown to-and-fro with what is currently popular? Or do you stand for what you believe in? I think that what we stand for defines who we truly are. What we do in private when no one is looking…that defines the type of person we are.

I truly believe that one way we can influence this world for good is through our example. By defining ourselves by our values and beliefs, and then sharing those values and beliefs with others through our example, we can influence others for good. Do not waiver, do not lower your standards to fit in or to be popular. Rather, raise your standards so that you can raise those around you.

Here is what Scripture says about trees:

Jeremiah 17:8 ESV
He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.

Psalm 1:3 ESV
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Isaiah 61:3b
They will be called mighty oaks, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor….

I love the strength in these trees; their roots are deep and they are grounded. No matter what storms they endure, they continue to stand firm. Oh, let this be my Truth and your Truth as well…

So no matter what you are enduring today (and believe me, I know life is hard). But I also know my God is Faithful in ALL things and He is my peace. And with Him I can get through anything that comes my way. He truly is ALL that I need….

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Heavenly Father, I ask You now for the peace that surpasses ALL understanding for each and everyone of the ladies reading this blog.  No matter what they are currently walking through, may our Truth be that no matter what storms come our way that as long as we have You then that is Truly ALL we need!!!  In Jesus name,  AMEN!!

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Tell Me The Story of Jesus

February 10, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart ev’ry word; Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels, in chorus, sang as they welcomed His birth, “Glory to God in the highest!  Peace and good tidings to earth”

Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart ev’ry word;
Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.

Fasting alone in the desert, tell of the days that are past; How for our sins he was tempted, yet was triumphant at last. Tell of the years of His labor, tell of the sorrow He bore, He was despised and afflicted, homeless, rejected, and poor.

Tell of the Cross where they nailed Him, writhing in anguish and pain; Tell of the grave where they laid Him, tell how He liveth again. Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see: Stay, let me weep while you whisper, Love paid the ransom for me.

~ By Fanny J. Crosby ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Growing up in a Southern Baptist Church, this was a popular song we would sing. Praying and thinking about the hymn to write about, this song kept playing over in my mind.  There are sweet memories associated here.  Ones of  simpler and happier times.  I remember singing this at tent revivals and camp meetings.

How I loved the week-long camp meetings!  It was always a chance to get away and get closer to God.  We would have three square meals, go to the sanctuary for services and then go to the girl’s dorms for the evening.  We would be able to meet girls from all across the south, share our lives and addresses, and learn more about God.  There were some really good speakers.  Usually on Wednesdays there was an altar call…there was always  an expectation of hearts turning to God and those re-dedicating their lives to Him.

We would sing the song, and it would take on a new meaning.  The freshness of those who gave themselves for Jesus is priceless…I wonder where they are now.  I pray that they are as strong in their faith as they were the day they were saved.

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Nothing Is Wasted

February 9, 2014 by

 

 

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

The hurt that broke your heart and left you trembling in the dark
Feeling lost and alone will tell you hope’s a lie
But what if every tear you cry will seed the ground where joy will grow

Nothing is wasted, nothing is wasted in the hands of our Redeemer nothing is wasted

It’s from the deepest wounds that beauty finds a place to bloom
And you will see before the end that every broken piece is
Gathered in the heart of Jesus and what’s lost will be found again

When hope is more than you can bear
And it’s too hard to believe it could be true
And your strength fails you halfway there
You can lean on me and I’ll believe for you
Give it time…you will believe it too

That nothing is wasted nothing is wasted
Sometimes we are waiting in sorrow we have tasted
But joy will replace it nothing is wasted
In the hands of our Redeemer nothing is wasted

From the ruins, from the ashes—beauty will rise
From the wreckage, from the darkness—glory will shine

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

As we hold onto our brokenness, that is all that can be seen—by ourselves or anyone else.  But as we intentionally choose day by day (ok, sometimes it is moment by moment) to let a tiny bit of joy shine in…or to reach out with Jesus’ love to someone who hurts more than we do…than His glory will shine through us.  And, as it does, our hearts will brighten just a teeny-tiny bit. And we will be encouraged ‘cause nothing is ever wasted when it is done with the love of God.

I so appreciate what Jason Gray shares in this videoclip before he begins to minister these beautiful words.  He says, “I believe…help my unbelief.”  Friend, ‘cause nothing ever is wasted as we seek and rely on and trust the One Who is always there to help us!  So when ‘hope is more than you can bear’ (at the moment) and when it does seem ‘too hard to believe it could be true’ and when ‘your strength fails you’ even though you are trying, call out to your Father…He is listening!

Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Guard my life, for I am faithful to You; save Your servant who trusts in You.
You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to You all day long.
Bring joy to Your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in You.
Psalms 86:1-4

You, my dear friend, are not the first to have gone through these hard, hard things.  Though at times it does feel that way, draw strength from the examples of others who chose, like you, to call upon God.  And believe these Truths—God’s Word is truth.

But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress.
O my strength, I will sing praises to You;
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.
Psalms 59:16, 17

And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,
For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
Psalms 63:5-8

Cling, my friend, to every shred of hope, every drop of  precious light, every tiny bit of joy you can find.

[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!  Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and  hope for and expect the Lord.

Psalms 27:13 and 14

And trust in the One-Who-loves-you-so that you will see before the end that every broken piece is gathered in the heart of Jesus and what’s lost will be found again.  He loves you and nothing at all ever could or will separate you from His love.

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I Come To The Garden Alone

February 7, 2014 by 
psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses

And He walks with me, and He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing
and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing

I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me be falling
but He bids me go…thru’ the voice of woe His voice to me is calling

~~  Penned by C. Austin Miles  ~~

This song is very precious to me.  It reminds me of sitting in church with my grandmother eating half of a stick of gum, hearing her sweet voice singing the hymns. Hymns are such a big part of my childhood and my relationship with my Savior. Music has always moved me to tears and He uses it to break me so He can put me back together as He wants to.

In April of 1912, a man by the name of C. Austin Miles, wrote this beautiful song of  tribute to Jesus. He opened his Bible to the Book of John, chapter 20. He related how he became a part of this story, a silent witness to this dramatic moment in Mary’s life.

He said,
he saw himself standing at the entrance of the garden, looking at the winding path, shaded by olive trees. Mary, dressed in white, walks slowly into the shadows and she comes to the Tomb. She looks in it and hurries away. John, in a flowing robe, appeared looking at the tomb, then Peter enters the tomb followed by John. As they depart, Mary reappears. She’s leaning on the tomb and weeping. And as she turns around, Jesus is standing there. She looks in His face and cries, Rabboni!

Can you even imagine? Walking through the garden, Jesus is there. He takes your hand and walks with you, even stopping and smelling the roses, still wet with dew. He talks with you about whatever is on your mind. All your worries fall off your shoulders at the sound of His sweet voice. His voice audibly heard, not just whispers to the heart. He tells you that you are His, and that He loves you with an everlasting love. He is not in a hurry and just spends time with you. Joy, sweet joy is all you feel. As you sit with Him, you can think of nothing else, and no moment even compares to this.

Friend, you can walk with Him everyday. He waits to spend time with you. The moment your feet hit the floor, He is listening. All you have to do is call His name. Jesus longs to fill you with joy, to take all your worries and cares from you. He died for you! And, yes, the tomb WAS empty and, yes, He went to prepare a place for you in Heaven. In the waiting, before we actually meet Him face to face, we seek Him and we find Him, waiting to walk with us in our own garden.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Let us pray: Dear Precious Lord, You are our Portion, our Strong Tower, a shelter from this hard world. We thank You for Your faithfulness, for being trustworthy, and for interceding on our behalf. Thank You for knowing us, for desiring to spend time with us. Equip us, Lord, for all that You have for us to do. You long to dwell with us in the garden, to stop and smell the roses with us. You long to listen to our every word and You actually care about every detail. And the closer we walk with You, the more we hear Your sweet voice. We love You and we praise You! In Your Son’s name we pray. Amen.

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The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock

February 6, 2014 by

On the Wee Sing Bible Songs CD, this song gets special treatment.  We do movements along with the words – jazz hands down for “the rain came down” and jazz hands up for “the floods came up.”  My girls’ favorite part is one we added on:  a big raspberry after “the house on the sand went SPLAT!”  You gotta be silly sometimes!

The wise man built his house upon the rock, (x3)

And the rains came tumbling down.

The rains came down and the floods came up (x3)

And the house on the rock stood firm.

The foolish man built his house upon the sand (x3)

And the rains came tumbling down

The rains came down and the floods came up (x3)

And the house on the sand went SPLAT!

So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ (x3)

And the blessings will come down!

The blessings will come down as the prayers go up (x3)

So build your house on Christ!

I was thinking about this song in church this Sunday when our pastor was preaching on Matthew 6.  In verse 18, Jesus  says,

I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

What an amazing blessing from God—to be proclaimed the rock!  Think “bedrock” or “rock-solid” – these are phrases that announce strength, faithfulness, reliability, and value.  Peter must have been so thrilled and encouraged!

But just five verses later, Peter is called a different kind of rock.  When Jesus explained to his disciples that he was going to be tortured and killed, Peter exclaimed, “No Lord!”  Then Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Get behind me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to me;  you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”  A stumbling block is a hindrance, an obstacle to be avoided, and something that could do real damage if you trip over it.

Of course, we know how the story ends—Peter has some shaky moments, including denying Christ three times, but ultimately his faith in Jesus wins, and God does indeed use Peter as the foundation of the Church.  It is a reminder to me that every day we have to chose what kind of rock we are going to be.  Will we be a bedrock, solid in our faith, and available to be a source of stability and help to our family, friends, and whomever God places in our path that day?  Or will we be a stumbling block, to ourselves and others, hindering God’s plan in our lives?  The only way to make sure we will be the right kind of rock is to check OUR foundation:  the Word of God and faith in Christ.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Please pray this with me:  Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.  Make me a rock to be built upon in others’ lives—faithful, loyal, and supportive.  Keep me grounded in Your Word and Your will.  Thank you for giving us Jesus, to build our lives on.  We praise You and bless You today!  Amen.

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Your Love Is A Song

February 5, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

I hear you breathing in, another day begins
The stars are falling out, my dreams are fading now, fading out

I’ve been keeping my eyes wide open I’ve been keeping my eyes wide open
Your love is a symphony all around me…running through me
Your love is a melody underneath me, running to me
Oh, Your love is a song

The dawn is fire bright against the city lights
The clouds are glowing now; the moon is blacking out, is blacking out
So I’ve been keeping my mind wide open; I’ve been keeping my mind wide open

Your love is a symphony all around me…running through me
Your love is a melody underneath me, running to me
Oh, Your love is a song

Oh, Your love is a song, Your love is a song
Oh, Your love is a song, Your love is strong

With my eyes wide open… I’ve got my eyes wide open
I’ve been keeping my hopes unbroken

Your love is a symphony all around me…running through me
Your love is a melody underneath me, running to me
Your love is a song, Your love is my remedy, Oh, Your love is a song


“Your Love Is A Song”
~  Songwriter: Mike Elizondo  / Performed by Switchfoot  ~
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

The love of the Father…a love like nothing I have ever known. Unconditional. Life changing.  A love that changed my life Forever.  A love that saved me from a deep pit of despair and redeemed me and gave me a new future.  A love that is not based on conditions…but that is unconditional.

Do you know this kind of love?  It is the kind of love that is only found in God.

Let me share a few of my favorite Scriptures on God’s love that have been life changing.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers,
nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39 ESV

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
Psalm 36:5 ESV

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.
1 John 4:10 ESV

God loves us so much ladies…once we grasp and believe this Truth, we will be powerful women for the Kingdom!

When you are tempted to believe the lies of anything
other than the Truth, remember this:
You say: ‘It’s impossible’
God says: All things are possible
Luke 18:27

You say: ‘I’m too tired’
God says: I will give you rest
Matthew 11:28-30

You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’
God says: I love you
John 3:1-6 and John 3:34 )

You say: ‘I can’t go on’
God says: My grace is sufficient
2 Corinthians 12:9 and Psalm 91:15

You say: ‘I can’t figure things out’
God says: I will direct your steps
Proverbs 3:5-6

You say: ‘I can’t do it’
God says: You can do all things
Philippians 4:13

You say: ‘I’m not able’
God says: I am able
2 Corinthians 9:8

You say: ‘It’s not worth it’
God says: It will be worth it
Roman 8:28

You say: ‘I can’t forgive myself’
God says: I forgive you
1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1

You say: ‘I can’t manage’
God says: I will supply all your needs
Philippians 4:19

You say: ‘I’m afraid’God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
2 Timothy 1:7

You say: ‘I’m always worried and frustrated’
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
1 Peter 5:7

You say: ‘I’m not smart enough’
God says: I give you wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:30

You say: ‘I feel all alone’
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
Hebrews 13:5**

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Heavenly Father,  I pray for each woman reading this blog today that she would choose to walk in the full Truth of who she is in You and that she would reject any lies the enemy may whisper and instead replace them with the Truth of Your great love for each and every one of us, and how very precious we are to You.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN!!!

** I read these beautiful truths in a graphic from ‘The Pocket Testament League‘.  <https://www.facebook.com/pocketpower>

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Rock of Ages

February 3, 2014 by

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save from wrath and make me pure.

Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.

~  Written by Augustus Toplady, 1760’s / Performed by Sound Doctrine Band  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

This is an old hymn which many of us have grown up singing in a more traditional setting.  This version is a little more updated.  The story goes that Mr. Toplady was traveling the countryside in England when a violent thunder storm occured leaving him to find shelter in the hillside.  While waiting for the storm to subside and fearing for his life, the poem began to form in his mind.  Having no paper, it is said that he found some playing cards that he wrote upon.  As a young cleric I am sure he was much chagrined about using such a surface.

How many times have we found ourselves in the middle of storms that we have thought we might not survive?  But by the grace of God, He is faithful and true to bring us through them.  I remember growing up and wondering why was I there and why was I with this family who did not love me.  But then I realized that I was where I needed to be.  God had a specific purpose for me walking through the abandonment, abuse, abortion, and later forgiveness.  He helped me to see that there are such things as generational curses that need to be broken, and choices each person is responsible for.

I have come a long way from that little country girl who suffered.  He put women in my life who have walked the same path I had and came out of the fire whole and willing for God to use them.  Grace and mercy is what helps us get through all the hurt.  Speaking life into others brings healing.  Forgiveness brings us full circle.  It gives us the ability to see others as they are, human, despite their role in our life. Whether it is a parental role, sibling role, or as a friend…we are all human.

For of His fulness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  John 1:16-17  ASV

We all have a part in what happens to us, good or bad.  We all suffer consequences of our actions.  It is when we let those actions from our past define who we are now that we are defeated.  We are to put away the old man and fight for the new creation in Jesus Christ to shine forth.  We need to find the passion we had when we first believed.  And we can!

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Thank you, Lord, for Your grace and mercy; and for the Holy Spirit that is within all of us.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

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Holding Nothing Back

February 2, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

I am chosen, I am free, I am living for eternity…free now forever

You picked me up, turned me around
You set my feet on solid ground; I’m Yours now forever

And nothing’s gonna hold me back…no, nothing’s gonna hold me back
Nothing’s gonna hold me back

My chains fell off, my heart was free; I’m alive to live for You, I’m alive to live for You
Amazing love, how can it be? You gave everything for me, You gave everything for me

You washed my sin and shame away; the slate is clean—a brand new day; free now forever
Now boldly I approach Your throne to claim this crown through Christ my own
I’m Yours now forever

I’m free to live…free to give…free to be…I’m free to love You

~  Songwriters: Tim Hughes and Martin Smith; Performed by Beth Croft  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Are you dancing around your living room, hands raised, singing ‘Nothing’s gonna hold me back…You gave everything for me-e-e-e!’  You (me, too!) have much to be dancing about…so much to be praising our Lord and thanking Him for!  We are chosen…free…and living for eternity!  We are alive because of His amazing Love! Our sin and shame has been washed away…and the slate was made clean!  AND, we ARE now His FOREVER!

Only through mercy and the accomplishments of the Messiah have we been given access to God’s throne.  Amazing, isn’t it?  And to think, this had been Almighty God’s intention all along!

This is according to the purpose of the ages,
which He made in the Messiah, Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness, access, and confidence through faith in Him.
Ephesians 3:11 and 12

We are free—totally, completely, not of our own works—by grace.  We have been set free from the sin of Adam that besets all mankind; free from a life of slavery to sin; free from condemnation; free from the Law; free from judgment; free to be all that God intends us to be!  We should live like it!

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life
set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1 and 2

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him,
“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;
and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:31 and 32, 36

For freedom Christ has set us free;
stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1

So throw your hands up in praise and adoration of the One Who loves you so!  Sing your little heart out…hold nothing back.  ‘Cause you ARE free! <3

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Your Love, Oh Lord

February 1, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Your love, oh Lord, reaches to the heavens
And Your faithfulness stretches to the skies

And Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean’s tide

And I will lift my voice to worship You, my King
And I will find my strength In the shadow of Your wings

~  Songwriters: Johnny Mac Powell, Sam Anderson, Bradley Avery, David Carr, Mark Lee  ~

~  Performed by Mac Powell and Third Day  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

This week, in the Seeking Him devotional blog, our devotions have centered around God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalms 36:5-10 has been the featured Scripture passage.

Your steadfast love, O Lord extends to the heavens
Your faithfulness to the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
Your judgements are like the great deep,
You save humans and animals alike, O LORD.
How precious is Your steadfast love, O GOD!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
They feast on the abundance of Your house
and You give them drink from the river of Your delights.
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light, we see light.
Continue Your love to those who know You,
Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

Throughout the week, our devotional writers have encouraged and reminded us of many things.

  • Cheris voiced her concern that we, those who do know God, will share about His great steadfast love with those who, yet, do not know Him.  “This psalm writer uses vivid imagery to describe God’s great steadfast love. To explain God’s love and faithfulness to the vast degree it is may be difficult, but we can try to do so to others – hoping the Holy Spirit will allow them to hear and receive what’s shared so they see their desperate need for a Savior!”
  • Tina brought our attention to the faithfulness of God, and said in her prayer, “…We want to know You more fully as we begin this new year. Show us places where we can improve and where we can be brave enough to share our hearts with You.”
  • Tonya focused our thoughts on God, Who is the Fountain of Life.  “There is constant light because God is a constant—He is constantly merciful, constantly faithful, constantly righteous, He constantly preserves, and, most of all, He is constantly loving.”
  • Laura reminded us of our Hope as she shared:  “The fountain of youth is really the Fountain of life—an eternal life with God. This eternal life shines like a light to the world through those who have accepted the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift to mankind.”
  • Ann reminded us about the awesomeness of God’s steadfast love.  “God’s love is steadfast. You can count on the consistency of God’s love revealed in the beauty of creation, in the gift of God’s love and preeminently in the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are no limits, no lines, no conditions. God loves us to the end…and beyond.”
  • And Ahmee shares today a reminder that God’s love NEVER fails.  “This is what it boils down to: the truth is that God’s Word is Truth. It says His love is unfailing…and so it is.”

Hopefully this song also will help you to express your trust and confidence in God—and His steadfast love that never fails.

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

Sweet, Sweet Spirit

January 30, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjvIt’s December 22, 1990. It’s cold outside—and inside, really.  I’m wearing a green velvet dress and I’m waiting to walk down the aisle.  It’s my sister’s wedding. Not expected really, two daughters marrying in one year. We needed the Holy Spirit now, more than ever. See, my sweet daddy was giving away his baby, his last daughter and it wasn’t supposed to be this soon. She had a sweet blessing on the way and made the decision to get married. She and I both always wanted our dad to sing in our weddings and here we were. He had just sang at mine and that was hard but now he could barely choke out the words. We were “praying and we were praying through.”

A lady by the name of Doris Akers wrote this beautiful song in 1945. One night, as she prayed with her own choir, she felt they weren’t ready for the service and they really needed to pray. Again and again they prayed and they didn’t feel Him. Then she said, “We need to pray and pray through!”  They did and the Holy Spirit came down in a powerful way, just like it did that day in December during my sister’s wedding. The next morning, Doris had this song in her mind, playing over and over. She titled it, “Sweet, Sweet Spirit.”  Here are the lyrics:

There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.

Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.

There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You’re the one to profit when you say,
“I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”

If you say He saved you from your sin,
Now you’re weak, you’re bound and cannot enter in,
You can make it right if you will yield,
You’ll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel”

Words and Music: Doris Akers / Performed by Gaither Vocal Band & SSQ

  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  

When Jesus left earth to go back to His Father, He left us with a task that we could not possibly do on our own. He made it clear that we would need the power of the Holy Spirit.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you
and you will be my witnesses.
Acts 1:8

Have you ever thought about how your life is different because you have the Spirit living inside you? He is your comforter, advisor, encourager, and strength. He guides us in the way we should go!

So as believers, we do feel the “sweet sweet spirit” in this place.  And we know that it’s the Presence of the Lord.  Need Him today? Call on Jesus, ask the Lord for His Holy Spirit to fill you and guide you in every direction and every aspect of your life. And pray and pray and pray through!  What a gift we have been left by Jesus Himself.

And like the song says, “I am going to walk with Jesus all the way!”

Let us pray:  Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to guide us and comfort us and fill us so that we can have the joy and freedom given by being saved.  Help us to empty ourselves of us and receive Your Spirit and all that goes with that.  We love You and we praise You for giving us the strength to resist temptation, to be able to love each other, to spread Your hope and good news to the world.  Thank You for the Spirit to intercede on our behalf when we don’t even know what to say.  Help us to keep our eyes on You.  For it’s in Your Name we pray, amen.

 

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