May 2, 2026

Sweet Jesus, You Are My Faithful Friend

May 25, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Sweet Jesus, my Savior
You are my faithful friend
You made me, You know me
And You see my every sin

And my soul is amazed
By this gift of Your grace
And these arms that take me in
Sweet Jesus, my Savior
You are my faithful friend

Sweet Jesus, my shelter
You are my faithful friend
The refuge that I run to
When my world comes closing in

Why should I be afraid
When I know I am saved
By the arms that take me in

Sweet Jesus, my shelter
You are my faithful friend, oh yeah

Sweet Jesus, my shepherd
You are my faithful friend
You hold me, You lead me
I’ll follow till the end

And once more I will say
On that beautiful day
When Your arms take me in

Sweet Jesus, my shepherd
You are my faithful friend
Sweet Jesus, my Savior
You are my faithful friend 

~Sing this song with me as part of your prayer and worship today~

~  written by Matthew West, Tony Wood, Todd Smith  ~
Sung by Selah and Jill Phillips
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There are times when I listen to a song and peace that truly passes beyond my understanding floods through my heart (my inner self). I am sure that I am not alone in this, yes? Truly I believe that music is a gift that God has given to His people. And I believe this not based on my own experiences…though, just like you, we each have multitudes of remembrances of times that godly, Scripturally-based music has been a comfort, a blessing, a balm to our souls. It is what the Scriptures tell us about music that is what I can count on…no matter what.

The psalmist, David, (who we KNOW had an immense love for and gifting of music) found that music could bring spiritual deliverance and peace.

  • to King Saul

So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul,
David would take the harp and play it with his hand;
and Saul would be refreshed and be well,
and the evil spirit would depart from him.
1 Samuel 16:23

  • to his own burdened, weary heart

O my Strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises;
for God is my Defense (my Protector and High Tower).
My God in His mercy and steadfast love will meet me;
God will let me look [triumphantly] on my enemies.
Psalms 59:9-10

  • in his encouragement of others

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
Psalms 100:1-2, 4

(Sometime, read through the book of 1st Chronicles, in particular chapters 13-15. This is the record of David leading the people to bring the Ark of the Lord back to Jerusalem and setting it in the Temple where it belonged. In preparation for that, King David organized and appointed singers (over 4,000 in that choir!), and musicians, and priests—all for the praise of the Lord through worship-filled music.)

And as such we, also, have been instructed to minister to one another through music, and encourage each other to worship and praise God.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom
teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16

…But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
always giving thanks for all things
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
Ephesians 5:18-20

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name;
make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
tell of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and His strength;
seek His Presence continually!
Psalms 105:1-4

Oh, yes, Christian music can inspire us in any number of ways—it can revive us, it can bring joy, it can get us up on our feet to dance—but as I referred to at the beginning of this blogpost, it is this overwhelming peace that some songs bring to our hearts and minds…such as this beautiful song from Selah and Jill Phillips. This peace, which only comes through the Spirit, is precious and a thing to be desired!

And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

Here is the Amplified Bible version:

And God’s peace [shall be yours,
that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ,
and so fearing nothing from God and being content
with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace]
which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard
over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Without a doubt, the peace of God surely does guard our hearts and minds! Isn’t that an awesome picture painted for us…God’s peace mounting guard and being the garrison around our hearts…our minds!

I pray for each of you that having the comfort of this transcending peace is of such importance to you. There is no peacefulness that the world talks about, or calm centered feeling that anything else purports to bring that can take the place of God’s peace in Christ Jesus. It is already given to us…simply receive it.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body;
and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

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Eden

May 21, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

When the first light brightened the dark
Before the breaking of the human heart
There was You and there was me
Innocence was all I knew
‘Cause all I had to know was You
We were running underneath the trees

I wanna see Your face to face
Where being in Your arms is the permanent state
I want it like it was back then
I wanna be in Eden

I remember how You’d call my name
And I would meet You at the garden gate
How the glory of Your love would shine
And I remember when the stars were young
You breathed life into my lungs
Oh I never felt so alive

I wanna see Your face to face
Where being in Your arms is the permanent state
I want it like it was back then
I wanna be in Eden

To be naked and unashamed
In a sweet down pour of innocent rain
I want it like it was back then
I wanna be in Eden

Where my eyes can see the colors of glory
My hands can reach the heaven before me
Oh, my God I wanna be there with You
Where our hearts will beat with joy together
And love will reign forever and ever
Oh my God I wanna be there with You

I wanna see Your face to face
Where being in Your arms is the permanent state
I want it like it was back then
I wanna be in Eden

To be naked and unashamed
In a sweet down pour of innocent rain
I want it like it was back then
I wanna be in Eden


~  Singer / Songwriter: Phil Wickam  ~
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As you listen to these words, do you feel like you’re in the Garden? I do, and I feel like I am waiting for my afternoon visit with the Creator. Can you even imagine? Every morning, hearing the birds chirping and the wind breeze is just right and the flowers and trees are breathtaking and you fellowship with the Lord. He is your best friend and you get morning and afternoon standing appointments with Him every day.

This song is about the first man, his wife, and their love story with God. In the beginning it was just them and they were always in His Presence. Until that day when it all changed and they saw darkness and sin and they tried to hide from God. And when they were cast out, and Adam looks back 100 years later, he is longing for that time of his life when His Maker was his everything.

Same happens today with us, when we go through something really hard and we have such a bond with Him and He is our everything because we are so weak we can’t do anything by ourselves. Then we get on our feet and life goes on and we forget to have those daily chats. Then we start to long for that time we felt closest to God. We may not long for the hard part of that time but the closeness we had with God…we miss. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

We can have that ‘Eden’ experience daily by really spending time in His Word and really talking with Him like He is there. He IS there and He longs to meet you at the Garden gate. He longs to meet you face-to-face. A quiet time set aside to just be with God is vital to this relationship. Think about it. What if you and your husband, or your best friend, never spent any time together, one on one and you just texted every now and then. How could you be close? Obviously you wouldn’t be. And I don’t have to tell you that life is just better and more joyful when God is center and first.

So today, I challenge you to set aside time to meet with Him. Every day, spend quiet time with Him in the Garden. I personally think that He deserves our first words—the beginning of our day. I think you will find that if you do this, your relationship with God will be unshakable. And there will be a joy beyond anything you can imagine. So, in the comment section, tell us how you are going to do this, where you have this time and what time works best for you…I’m so excited for you! It’s a journey, the best one.

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Let’s pray:  Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for wanting to spend time with us and for creating us with a desire to just be with You. Eden was beautiful and amazing and we can recreate it daily. You have given us trees, flowers, and sunsets. Oceans and sand and artwork everywhere we turn. Help us to never take You for granted. For You are always there, even when we move, You never leave us or forsake us. We love You and we praise You. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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Faithful

May 20, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

You never promised me that this would be easy
I never knew that anything could be this hard
I wanna trust that You know what You’re doin’
But right now, I’m just fallin’ apart

It’s hard to see it when I’m livin’ in the moment
But Your love’s still written on my heart
I get lost when I feel the wind blowin’
I gotta cling to who You are
‘Cause You are good
Even when You’re not understood

No matter how many skies fall down
I’m covered under the peace I’ve found
You’re my Shelter when there’s nowhere else to go
No matter how many times I break
You promise always to keep me safe
You’re my Rescue when I’m spinning outta control
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful

I’m leaving doubt and sorrow in the distance
I’m gonna trust, and cast my fears aside
My life’s a work that I know You’ll finish
I know I’m gonna be alright
It’s You I’ll chase
Even when I can’t see Your face

No matter how many skies fall down
I’m covered under the peace I’ve found
You’re my Shelter when there’s nowhere else to go
No matter how many times I break
You promise always to keep me safe
You’re my Rescue when I’m spinning out of control
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are

And oh, oh, oh, oh
My God is always faithful
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(My God, my God)
And oh, oh, oh, oh
My God is always faithful
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
(My God, my God)

No matter how many skies fall down
I’m covered under the peace I’ve found
You’re my shelter when there’s nowhere else to go
No matter how many times I break
You promise always to keep me safe
You’re my rescue when I’m spinning outta control
Lord, you are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are faithful, faithful
You are

Listen while you read! 

~ Written by Jonathan Steingard and Sam Tinnesz  / Performed by Hawk Nelson ~

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God’s promises to be faithful!  I can look back over my life and count numerous times of God’s faithfulness in my life…I bet you can too.  Then why is it, when we are faced with a big trial or maybe lots of things coming at us at once, that we tend to forget His Faithfulness in our lives?

I love how this excerpt  describes God’s faithfulness all throughout Scripture. It is from ‘Expositions of Holy Scripture’ by Alexander Maclaren.

He is faithful, worthy to be trusted, as His deeds show.

Faith is our attitude corresponding to His faithfulness. Faith is the germ of all that He requires from us. How much we need it! How firm it might be! How blessed it would make us!

The thought of God as ‘faithful’ is, like a precious stone, turned in many directions in Scripture, and wherever turned it flashes light. Sometimes it is laid as the foundation for the confidence that even our weakness will be upheld to the end, as when Paul tells the Corinthians that they will be confirmed to the end, because ‘God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of His Son’ (1 Corinthians 1:9). Sometimes there is built on it the assurance of complete sanctification, as when he prays for the Thessalonians that their ‘whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord’ and finds it in his heart to pray thus because ‘Faithful is He that calleth you, who will also do it’ (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Sometimes it is presented as the steadfast stay grasping which faith can expect apparent impossibilities, as when Sara ‘judged Him faithful who had promised’ (Hebrews 11:11).

Sometimes it is adduced as bringing strong consolation to souls’ conscious of their own feeble and fluctuating faith, as when Paul tells Timothy that ‘If we are faithless, He abideth faithful; for He cannot deny Himself’ (2 Timothy 2:13). Sometimes it is presented as an anodyne to souls disturbed by experience of men’s unreliableness, as when the apostle heartens the Thessalonians and himself to bear human untrustworthiness by the thought that though men are faithless, God ‘is faithful, who shall establish you and keep you from evil’ (2 Thessalonians 3:2, 3). Sometimes it is put forward to breathe patience into tempted spirits, as when the Corinthians are comforted by the assurance that ‘God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able’ (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sometimes it is laid as the firm foundation for our assurance of pardon, as when John tells us that ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins’ (1 John 1:9).

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Heavenly Father, I pray for each woman reading this blog that they would remember Your faithfulness in the midst of the toughest of trials.  Thank You for the promise in Romans 8:28 that You ‘work all things together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.’  In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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How Great Thou Art

May 19, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjvO Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

And when I think of God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”

~ Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today. ~

Stuart K. Hine was born in 1899 in Great Britain. In much of Stuart’s earlier years he and his wife were missionaries in the Western Ukraine of Russia, where they evangelized as Christian workers and singers. In 1931, Stuart K. Hine and his wife returned to Britain and conducted gospel campaigns throughout Great Britain. During those years, Stuart published many song books and wrote many of his beloved gospel songs. Stuart retired from the active ministry but continued to publish his song books and his music and contributed the majority of his income to various missionary endeavors around the world…Stuart K. Hine’s most popular composition is “How Great Thou Art,” which is recognized in many polls as the number one hymn in America. Among his other compositions are “Can There Be One,” “O Savior Mine?,” “Faith Is The Bridge,” and “What Can Cleanse My heart?” Mr. Hine died in 1989.

–Excerpt from Gospel Music Hall of Fame website.

What a great praise and worship song.  Just reading about Mr. Hine and his endeavors to serve are humbling.  I should strive to do even more for God’s Kingdom.

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Father, thank You for men and women like Mr. Hine who have given of themselves for You. Without their endurance and ability to serve You, we would not have these wonderful songs to sing back to You and be able to use them to minister to Your people. Thank You! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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He Knows My Name

May 18, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

He counts the stars one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shore
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountain and the seas
He’s in control of everything
Of all creatures great and small

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring
I can’t tell you what’s in store
I don’t know a lot of things
I don’t have all the answers to the questions of life
But I know in Whom I have believed

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name 
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name 

He knew who I was when He carried the cross
He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

~ Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today. ~

~  Written by Annie and Kelly McRae / Sung by The McRaes  ~

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These verses seem to have been my almost constant confession this past week or so…listen.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation
will be able to separate us {me!} from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 and 39

Oh, and how I endeavor to cling to these promises!  I want to say, as Paul did, that ‘I am persuaded…’ though, I must admit that I do falter in my persuasion.  And times do come when my little heart doesn’t sing out quite as bravely. But here’s what I do know….

…Nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

And I remember and am encouraged as I read through the Scriptures and see the strong evidence of God’s provision in the lives of His people; for example, His man Job. Job went through much but he knew his life was in the Almighty’s sovereign and powerful hand.  And so, he could say of God…

But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him?
And what He wants to do, that He does.
For He performs [that which He has] planned for me,
and of many such matters He is mindful.
Job 23:13 and 14

I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2

See, myself…well, I get weary; and I am not strong at times. But my God…He is able! He is faithful! He keeps His promises! And so I trust His Word(s). Therefore when I remember He has said, “I formed you and made you,” “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” “My grace is sufficient for you…” I am encouraged!

One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 139. It is such a beautiful prayer of praise of Almighty God! Throughout this psalm, David acknowledges God’s providence, His sovereignty, His foreknowledge, His provision, His protection, His wisdom, and truly, His love.

Here are excerpts from this psalm…may I suggest you read these verses aloud, allowing Your eyes and ears and mind to take them in. Consider them, my friend; dwell on them.

And may your heart be reminded and strongly encouraged as you remember that God Almighty, your heavenly Father, truly KNOWS you.  He knows you—every step, every move, every tear, all your ways. He knows all about you, inside and out, before and behind, sitting down and rising up. He knows your inward parts, your frame, your thoughts, your words, all your ways, all your days. He knows y.o.u., my friend…He knows your name!

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You. 

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You Won’t Let Go

May 17, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

No shadow comes without the light making a way
No raging storm can ever defy one word of faith
My heart remains sure in the wind, sure in the waves

You are the anchor for my soul
You won’t let go
You won’t let go
No matter what may come I know
You won’t let go

No valley low, changes the truth
So I’m not afraid
You hold me close
You lead me through and light up the way

You are the anchor for my soul
You won’t let go
You won’t let go
No matter what may come I know
You won’t let go
You won’t let go

Neither life, neither death,
The highest high, the deepest depth
Nothing can
Nothing can separate
Neither tears, neither trials
Certain as the sun will rise
Nothing can
Nothing can separate

You are the anchor for my soul
You won’t let go
You won’t let go
No matter what may come I know
You won’t let go

My heart remains sure in the wind, sure in the waves, always

~ Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today. ~

Written by Michael W. Smith, Seth Mosely, and Mia Fieldes
Sung by Michael W. Smith

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If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 NIV

Last weekend I had the most incredible experience.  Michael W. Smith led worship at my church, and as a member of our church choir, was able to accompany him as he led.  He (and we) sang several songs from his new CD, Sovereign, and each touched my heart and ministered to me in a very special way.  The first song we sang was this one: “You Won’t Let Go.”  What an incredible message and great reminder!  You know, we go through many trials and tribulations in life. Good times and bad.  I’ve said this before and I will say it again – God is good, all the time! Our circumstances don’t change the truth of who God is.  He is constant.  He is steadfast.  He is faithful.  He is able.  He is still the pillar of fire in our dark times and the pillar of cloud during the day.  He is our rock, our anchor!  And He loves us relentlessly.

I love the Book of Romans.  It was written by Paul to the Gentiles (Gentile meaning anyone who is not a Jew) in Rome.  So much encouragement in this book!  In chapter 8, verses 35-39, Paul writes:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isn’t that AMAZING??  It says there is NOTHING that shall separate us from the love of Christ.  NOTHING.  That means that there is not anything that you can do that will keep Christ from loving you.   Does that mean He’ll approve of everything you do?  Of course not.  Does that mean that there might still be consequences for your actions?  Yes, it does.  But will He still love you?  Absolutely.  So through the trials you face, the doubts you have, the times you question His path for you – He still loves you.  When you are angry with Him – He still loves you.  When you don’t act like the child of God that you should – guess what?  He STILL loves you!  And you know what else?  Those things that you’ll do in the future that will break God’s heart?  He will love you with an unfailing love even then.   What a wonderful gift!

So whatever you are facing right now – hardship, trial, stressful situation – know that your God is unchanging.  So you can place all of your faith in the One Who cares so deeply for you!  And He’s never letting go.

Thank you, Lord!

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Strangely Dim

May 15, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I’ve got all these plans piled up sky high
A thousand dreams on hold
And I don’t know why
I got a front row seat
To the longest wait
And I just can’t see
Past the things I pray
Today

But when I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade and fall to the ground
‘Cause when I seek Your face and don’t look around
Any place I’m in grows strangely dim

Sometimes where I stand
On this narrow road
Is in a raging storm
Or a valley low
But oh oh oh oh oh oh

But when I fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade and fall to the ground
‘Cause when I seek Your face and don’t look around
Any place I’m in grows strangely dim

I don’t know, I don’t know
What tomorrow may hold
But I know, but I know
That You’re holding it all
So no matter what may come

I’m gonna fix my eyes on all that You are
Then every doubt I feel deep in my heart
Grows strangely dim
All my worries fade and fall to the ground
I’m gonna seek Your face and not look around
‘Til the  place I’m in grows strangely dim, strangely, strangely dim

Songwriters – Mia Fieldes, Seth Mosely, and Francesca Battistelli
Performed by Francesca Battistelli

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I once heard it described to me that what you focus on is what you magnify. Imagine looking through the lens of a camera when you focus on what you are taking a picture of the things around it grow dim. When life’s circumstances are coming at us it is easy to get distracted by what’s coming at us instead of turning our focus to the One Who will bring us through it.

I love these words from this old hymn…
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

When we choose to turn our focus to Jesus the things of this world—our circumstances, doubts, and worries—grow strangely dim.  When we are fully focused on Him there is fullness of joy!!!

Psalm 16:11 ESV states it beautifully,
You make known to me the path of life;
in Your presence there is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

“What’s the secret to joyful heart living and to having fullness of joy?  According to the Scriptures listed above, we obtain fullness of joy from being in the Presence of God.  And we enter into the Presence of God by praising Him.  And when we have joy, then we also have strength.

So, whenever I am feeling less than joyFUL, or am feeling weak or am facing something difficult and need more strength, I stop what I am doing and begin to praise God. Sometimes it may take awhile for me to get my mind to quit thinking about everything else and just focus on HIM, but before long, I can feel His Presence and my joy returns, along with strength.

Isn’t it great to know that we have the power to enter into the Presence of Almighty God whenever we want to?”
(excerpt from JoyfulHeartLiving.com)

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Heavenly Father, I thank You that when we turn our focus to ALL that You are the things of this world grow strangely dim.  Thank You for the peace in Your presence.  May we be filled with the fullness of joy that can only come from You…in Jesus’ name!!!  AMEN!!

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Lose Myself

May 13, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Take all of the good and all of the bad
‘Cause all of it’s on me
Take all of my ways, the things that I chase
The things that control me

And all that I hide, could You bring it to life?
Could You open my eyes and show me?
Take all that was me and shape it to be
Reflecting You solely

I wanna lose myself, lose myself to find You
I wanna lose myself, lose myself to find You

I don’t care how it sounds
Burn it up to the ground
Your kingdom, my desire
I wanna lose myself, lose myself to find
To find…find You

(I need to find you/I need to find you)
As all of the fates, I’ll be on my way
The wreckage behind me
My feet on the ground, two hands reaching out
The future is blinding
So what is stirring in You? May You stir up in me
All the dreams that You placed inside me
Take all that You see and shape it to be
The story You’re writing

I wanna lose myself, lose myself to find you
I wanna lose myself, lose myself to find you

I don’t care how it sounds
Burn it all to the ground
Consume me with Your fire
I wanna lose myself, lose myself
To find…find You
I need to find You…So do not hide your face from me
Do not hide your face
Do not hide your face from me
Please don’t hide
I’m gonna lose myself, lose myself to find
To find you
I need to find you…
I need to find you…
I need to find you…
I need to find you…
So do not hide your face from me
Do not hide
So do not hide your face from me
Do not hide
I need to find you.
So do not hide your face from me
Do not hide
So do not hide your face from me
Do not hide
So do not hide your face from me
         Please don’t hide your face

~ Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today. ~

Written by David Garcia, Toby McKeehan, Chris Stevens/Performed by Toby mac

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What does it mean to ‘lose myself to find Christ’? In Matthew 10:29 NLT it says,

If you cling to your life, you will lose it;
but if you give it up for Me, you will find it.

If we cling to the world, and the ways of the world, we will lose the abundant life that was meant for us to live.  I heard a pastor once say, “I don’t struggle with offense, jealousy, or any of the negative emotions. I would have to get into my flesh to struggle with that!” Isn’t that SO TRUE!!!  Living in the freedom that Jesus meant for us to live means not living according to our fleshly emotions and the standards of the world; but instead giving up those things of the flesh and trusting God in the midst of them.

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh,
but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8:5 NLT

We were intended to live higher and to be spiritually-minded—not to live carnal or according to the flesh.  Oh, there is SO MUCH FREEDOM when we choose to live as God intended for us to live and not live according to our feelings.  It is then, and truly then, that we can live in freedom instead of defeat.  Most importantly we can only do what God calls us to do through His strength and not our own.  It is then that we lose ourselves and, instead, truly find and live in freedom.

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Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing those things that are hindering my walk with You and for the strength and the courage to lose myself so I may find You…. I thank You for the life of Freedom only found in You. In Jesus’ name, amen!!!!

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

Broken Hallelujah

May 12, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I can barely stand right now
Everything is crashing down
And I wonder where You are

I try to find the words to pray
I don’t always know what to say
But You’re the one that can hear my heart

Even though I don’t know what Your plan is
I know You make beauty from these ashes

I’ve seen joy and I’ve seen pain
And on my knees I call Your name
Here’s my broken Hallelujah
With nothing left to hold onto
I raise these empty hands to You
Here’s my broken
Here’s my broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You know the things that have brought me here
You know the story of every tear
‘Cause You’ve been here from the very start

Even though I don’t know what Your plan is
I know You make beauty from these ashes

I’ve seen joy and I’ve seen pain
And on my knees I call Your name
Here’s my broken Hallelujah
With nothing left to hold onto
I raise these empty hands to You
Here’s my broken
Here’s my broken Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

When all is taken away, don’t let my heart be changed
Let me always sing Hallelujah
When I feel afraid, don’t let my hope be erased
Let me always sing Hallelujah

Hallelujah

~ Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today. ~

~  Song written and performed by The Afters  ~

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Isn’t is amazing how the Holy Spirit works within us to bring us before the Lord? No matter what we are walking through God is there.  He sees all…He knows all.  He has already planned our path.  We just have to choose which one to travel through.  Don’t get me wrong, I know this can be such a hard decision.

During my teenage years, I did not date that much.  I am not sure if everyone was afraid of my dad or what.  There was a guy that had a ‘fast’ reputation.  I had been riding back and forth with him while we were doing our clinicals through Northeast Community College at the Magnolia Hospital in Corinth, MS.  We had developed a friendship but nothing more.  One day he called to ask me out on a date.  My dad had answered the phone, so he knew who it was.  Dad told me, that I should not go, but that it was up to me.  Do you know how hard that was to turn him down?? I mean, he was cute, on the wild side, exciting, and all that a naïve country girl dreamed of!!!

But, I told him no.  I would assume he knew why.  Dad and I never really spoke of it again, that I remember.  I catch myself wondering what would have happened if I had taken the chance that he would have been a nice guy…you know the one that was just looking for a girl to say ‘no’ and be someone he could love and respect.

Our choices to serve God can be like that.  When we are given an opportunity to serve God by going on a mission trip or serving in the children’s area at our local church, we would be truly amazed at how we are blessed by the love that others give as we are giving to them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the parents you give us, whether we are born to them or chosen to be a part of their family. We choose to honor them and love them no matter their flaws. Just as you have loved us, flaws and all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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Thank You, Lord, For Saving My Soul

May 10, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

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

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

~  Written by Seth and Bessie Sykes  /  Sung by Jimmy Swaggart  ~

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I’m writing this Hymn blog in remembrance of my mother, Leona Nelson Gilbert, who went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, November 2010.  As far back as I can remember we sang the chorus of this song.  It was a favorite…in church, in our home, and even in our car.  The last place I heard my mom sing this chorus was in her bed as I would tuck her in at night.  She was 95+ years old.  We would talk, pray, and sing before she grew too tired to sing anymore. “God is So Good” and “Thank You, Lord, for Saving My Soul” were her two favorites.

In my research I found that this chorus is actually part of a hymn written by Seth and Bessie Sykes, copyrighted in 1940.

In 1929 Sykes left his job as a tramway conductor, and along with his wife became a full-time traveling evangelist, well known in the United Kingdom and the USA. Seth’s sermons led countless people to Christ and this hymn was most assuredly sung as a regular part of their services.

Click here and listen to this beautiful song along with the complete set of lyrics.

Our family, like so many others, went through some hard times, but my mother taught me that when Jesus is in my heart I always have a song to sing.  I don’t know if she ever knew the rest of the hymn but I know she would have liked it, because it thanks God for all that she held dear—family, friends, His creation, His joy, His grace, His great salvation.

Now she sings this chorus of praise as she looks upon His glorious face.  I’m looking forward to the day when I will join Mom in front of God’s Throne, and sing “Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul, Thank You, Lord, for making me whole.” Jesus gave us His great salvation so rich and free.  He gave His all.  I pray that I, like Mom, will give Him my all, all the days of my life.  My mother taught me that He is Worthy!

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good;
for His mercy endureth for ever.
1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV

Steve Green’s song, “Find Us Faithful” says, “May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe…” and that is exactly what Mom prayed and lived.  In whatever role(s) you play…mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend, or caregiver…never begrudge the time you take to play, sing, read, listen, or even “act silly” with a child.  It’s important!  That child is listening and learning from you.  Make every moment count–it’s eternally worth it.

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Dear Lord, thank You for saving our soul, thank You for making us whole. Thank You for the women in our lives who have shared Your love with us. Lord, in our busyness, remind us to take time to share Your love and salvation with others around us, especially the children. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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