May 2, 2026

The Joy Of The Lord

February 19, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

The joy of the Lord will be my strength
I will not falter, I will not faint
He is my Shepherd, I am not afraid
The joy of the Lord is my strength

The joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord, the joy of the Lord is my strength

The joy of the Lord will be my strength
He will uphold me all of my days
I am surrounded by mercy and grace
And the joy of the Lord is my strength

The joy of the Lord will be my strength
And I will not waiver, walking by faith
He will be strong to deliver me safe
And the joy of the Lord is my strength

~  Singer, Songwriter – Twila Paris  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

♬ ♪  The joy of the Lord will be my strength,  I will not falter I will not faint ♪ ♬…. “But Lord, how can that be?  I don’t like my circumstances!  How can I be joyful in the midst of the toughest of places.”  This is the question I have asked God in some of my most difficult of circumstances.

I have survived a domestically violent first marriage.  I have walked through 2 ½ years of unemployment.  I have had a son in need of healing from a seizure/sleep disorder and you know what I have found?  Even when I don’t like my circumstances, it IS possible to find joy!  However it is ONLY found in God.  And it is NOT based on my circumstances.  It is only found when you have your eyes focused on Him and take them off of your circumstances.

Here are a few things God promises in the midst of difficult times:

WHAT THE ENEMY INTENDED FOR EVIL
GOD WILL TURN IT FOR YOUR GOOD

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those
who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.

Isaiah 54:17
…No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

Some of my toughest circumstances are among some of my most powerful testimonies.  God has been faithful in each and every one of them.  Sisters, He is ALWAYS faithful!!!  As long as you have God, you have ALL that you need to get through ANY storm that may come your way.  Will you choose to trust Him in the midst of it?  When you choose Him, this is what He promises:

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

I am living proof that the peace of God which surpasses ALL understanding is very real!!!  I have experienced it firsthand in the toughest of places.

 * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Heavenly Father, I pray for my sisters reading this and ask that they would choose to take their eyes off their circumstances and instead choose to fix their eyes upon Jesus and “look full in His wonderful face and <then> the things of this world will grow strangely dim.”  And then they can sing just like the song says, Lord,  ‘The joy of the Lord will be my strength and I will not waiver, walking by faith!  He will be strong to deliver me safe and the joy of the Lord is my strength!’  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!!!

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

A Shield Of Faith

February 18, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Sometimes I’m battle weary; I forget to use my shield
The arrows pierce my armor and I stumble in the field

     A shield won’t do you much good if it’s hangin’ by your side
     Keep the shield of faith before you if you want to stay alive

I’ll think my life is over but the Lord He comes to me
He heals my wounded spirit and He sets me on my feet

Sometimes your battle weary but the war’s already won
Keep your head and hold your shield high ‘til your days of life are done

~  Songwriter: Ron Block / Performed by Alison Krauss and Union Station ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Life throws many surprises at us on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. It has its ups and downs.  We stumble, fall, get back up, and keep on trucking until we draw our last breath.  We as people have the freedom of choice…and this is where most of us often stumble.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness,
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore,
having fastened on the belt of truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish
all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints
Ephesians 6:10-18

We face a world full of temptation every day.  Satan is tempting us from the moment that we get up each morning.  We live around, and work with, people who do not believe in the power of God.  We can be tempted to doubt our own beliefs just by having intelligent conversations with other people.  We can even doubt our own beliefs when we see all the disasters and suffering on television or see it with our own eyes.

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him]:
for he that cometh to God must believe that He is,
and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6

If we put on our shield of faith every day, we are protected from the evil that will bombard us every minute.  Yet, when we do not wear our shield, we are subject to fall into temptation and sin.  We wear our shield with faith, and are rewarded with healing and peace.  God rewards our faith and seeking by being in a personal relationship with us. He protects us through our shields of faith.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that our shields of faith are strong and grow stronger with every passing moment.  Without You we would be lost to temptation and sin.  With our shields of faith, evil cannot pierce us or bring us down.  Thank You for never leaving us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Take My Life And Let It Be

February 16, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Take my life, and let it be 
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee; 
Take my moments and my days, 
Let them flow in ceaseless praise, 
Let them flow in ceaseless praise. 

Take my hands, and let them move 
At the impulse of Thy love; 
Take my feet and let them be 
Swift and beautiful for Thee, 
Swift and beautiful for Thee. 

Take my voice, and let me sing 
Always, only, for my King; 
Take my lips, and let them be 
Filled with messages from Thee, 
Filled with messages from Thee. 

Take my silver and my gold; 
Not a mite would I withhold; 
Take my intellect, and use 
Every power as Thou shalt choose, 
Every power as Thou shalt choose. 

Take my will, and make it Thine; 
It shall be no longer mine. 
Take my heart; it is Thine own; 
It shall be Thy royal throne, 
It shall be Thy royal throne. 

Take my love; my Lord, I pour 
At Thy feet its treasure-store. 
Take myself, and I will be 
Ever, only, all for Thee, 
Ever, only, all for Thee.


  ~Frances Havergal-lyrics; Henri Malan-melody; performed by School of Worship~
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
The psalmist, David, certainly seemed to have the same praise-filled thoughts in mind as did Ms. Havergal!  In this beautiful song of commitment, not only does she pledge her life (moments, days) but her physical selves (hands, feet, voice and lips) as well every thing of value she had (silver&gold, intellect) but all that was intriciscally ‘them’ (will, heart, love…and whole self).  How about you?  I am sure you have voiced words similar to these to Almighty God.

God deserves our all, every bit of what makes you…you; and what makes me…me. Anything that is in us that is good and righteous and pure and holy He has given to us…none of it is of our own doing.

Which is your favorite verse of this song?  Is there a particular one that your heart just sings out?  (Would you take a moment and leave a comment below sharing your thoughts?)  I love each and every one the verses but I think my current favorite is

Take my love; my Lord, I pour  at Thy feet its treasure-store. 
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee (ever, only, all for Thee).

The love that I have is only pure and good and perfect love because God has placed it into my heart.

Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us,
for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts
through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5

 And so, I have this beautiful love—truly my ‘treasure-store’—to pour at His feet symbolically as a sacrifice.  It symbolizes my promise, my commitment, my pledge of my whole self to the One Who loves me so!

Consider these verses, friends, as further statements of dedication and commitment. God truly deserves all that we are—proof of our love for Him!

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg you in view of [all] the mercies of God,
to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God,
which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
Romans 12:1 (Amplified)

I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.
Leviticus 11:44

*   *   *   *   *

Dear Lord, we do SO want to dedicate ourselves—every part of us—to You, our Maker!  Please help us to change our hearts in any areas that may get in the way of this.  Today may we choose to offer ourselves—all we are and all we have—to You!   You deserve our ALL!  We ask these things in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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

Forgiveness – Matthew West

February 15, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

It’s the hardest thing to give away and the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel when the pain they caused is just too real
It takes everything you have just to say the word—”forgiveness”

It flies in the face of all your pride, it moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying ‘Set It Free”

Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible…forgiveness

It’ll clear the bitterness away, it can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what it’s power can do
So, let it go and be amazed by what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you—Forgiveness

Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible—forgiveness
I want to finally set it free so show me how to see what Your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me—forgiveness

~  Matthew West  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

It’s the hardest thing to give away and the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel when the pain they caused is just too real
It takes everything you have just to say the word—”forgiveness”

Sisters, do you want the most of what God has planned for you?  Do you want to feel the FULL expression of God’s love?  Then you have to step out in faith and forgive. This song by Matthew West came to mind last night after praying for a choir member who is going to see his dying, aged father this weekend for the first time in over 30 years.  He is going to forgive his father, and seeking forgiveness himself.  This song would not leave my mind all night, so I figured God put it heavily on my heart and mind because he needed me to share it with you all—and also make sure my own plate is clean.

It flies in the face of all your pride, it moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying ‘Set It Free’—Forgiveness

Some of you may feel offended or irritated that I would suggest that to feel the full measure of God’s love that you would need to forgive others.  You might be thinking right now of a person who you should forgive but don’t want to.  You know of someone that justifiably deserves your anger for all of the wrong committed against you, right?  I don’t know what you’re going through.  That’s true…I don’t.  (But God does.)

Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible…forgiveness

You see, God does understand.  He sees your life.  He sees you’re hurt.  He knows the pain that has been brought on you by others.  But He says to lay your cares on Him, to let Him avenge your wrongs—He is faithful to do those things for you, because He loves you.  He also knows that when you don’t forgive someone, the person it really hurts is YOU.  The anger, the emotion, the pain – it keeps you in bondage. When you don’t give that person over to God to deal with, you remain a captive to the hurt you feel.  The circumstance has power of you, not the other way around.  And, in case this hasn’t crossed your mind lately, when was the last time you hurt God?

It’ll clear the bitterness away, it can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what it’s power can do
So, let it go and be amazed by what you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you—Forgiveness

Was it yesterday that you sinned against God?  Have you even made it this far into the day before you’ve done something that could separate you eternally from the presence of Jesus?  Do you really understand the power of God’s love and forgiveness toward you?  In 1 John 1:9, the Bible says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God can (and will) forgive us daily.  If you’ve truly felt the full measure of God’s forgiveness—why not extend that to someone else?

Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible—forgiveness
I want to finally set it free so show me how to see what Your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me—forgiveness

You know, no one said forgiveness is easy.  And you may not forgive others because you don’t fully realize what it feels to be forgiven.  You may not accept the gift that forgiveness is.  But God is here to help you—to help you accept your own forgiveness, and to help you forgive another.  Try it today…and experience freedom from the bondage of hurt!

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Let’s pray:  Dear Lord, thank You for Your abundant forgiveness.  Please help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me.  Help me to extend the same healing power to others as I have received.  Where I am resistant, help me change.  Break down the bondage of unbelief.  Free me from the need to get revenge.  Help me to trust that You will vindicate me.  Help me to see others how Your mercy sees them.  Help me to love those who have hurt me.  Forgive me where I have hurt others and hurt You. Help me to walk in freedom!  In Your Son’s name, Amen.

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

Tell Me Why

February 13, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Tell me why the ivy twines 
Tell me why the stars do shine 
Tell me why the oceans blue
And then I’ll tell you why I love you
Because God made the ivy twine 
Because God made the the stars to shine
Because God made the ocean blue
Because God loves you…that’s why I love you

~  Author, unknown / Performed by Eddie Cochran  ~

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

And that’s the Truth!  I love the questioning…and then the sweet response in this little song!  Y’know…”if you tell me why (the stars shine, the ivy twines, and the oceans blue) THEN I will tell you why I love you!”  And such should always and forever be our determination.  Really, love is all about love…it’s not about the other person <shocking, I know!> or how we feel or how they feel about us.  We love because God loves…simple as that!

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

And any capacity that a heart would have to truly love—with the love of God—comes from having Christ Jesus living in our hearts. The Scriptures make this clear.  Now that doesn’t make me the bearer of good news…unless…you are ‘born of God’ and Jesus lives in you.  And perhaps the day before we celebrate Valentine’s Day (or Happy Hearts Day, as we like to call it!) isn’t the most convenient time to make these statements. But these are God’s words…His Truth…not mine.

God IS love.  And every single person ever born or who ever will be born has been loved by God.  And being loved by God makes them accepted and gives them value and worth.

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

When Jesus knew the time was quickly approaching that He would be tortured and crucified, He so loved those closest to Him and wanted them to be well-equipped to continue on together.  By His example and His words, He encouraged and admonished them.  Here are His words from John, the Apostle He loved best.

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

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love,
just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
John 15:9-10

Jesus had tried to make it clear to them all along that love was a requirement. They might not have understood at the time but surely they did within a very short period of time.

John also reminded the believers later on in the First Century Church of what Jesus (and the Apostles) had taught them. They, just like us, have the command to love one another. As the song goes, ‘Because God loves you…that’s why I love you.’

For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning,
that we should love one another.
And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ,
and to love one another as He <Jesus> commanded us.
1 John 3:11, 23

So, y’know, the Beatles were correct (at least about this!): All you need is love! I’m just sayin’!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »