Take Courage

He Died For Me

It has been an interesting two and a half months for Kim and I. The next two months should be pretty interesting also. We are getting ready to move as I have accepted a call to pastor a redevelopment church in northeast Ohio. We are going through all the things associated with moving. We have many mixed emotions connected with this move, but we know that God has released me to go and pastor this church. We know that He is sending me and us to serve there. We are looking forward to it. This move will take place soon.

There are other things going on in our lives too, both good and bad, or encouraging and discouraging; whichever way you want to describe them. No matter how you look at them or describe them, we know that God is in control. We have rested in Him and His plans for us for too long to give up now. These circumstances involve both of our sons. Two completely different circumstances or events, but they are linked because of family. No matter the outcomes we know that God is in control here also. They were both dedicated to the Lord when they were babies and we have trusted God to watch over them and teach them.

That brings me to today and blogging. Sometimes I like blogging and sometimes I don’t. I have been busy and preoccupied so I have chosen not to blog consistently over the past few months. I was going to start earlier this week, but then I decided to start with a hymn for Sunday. I have a couple of things in mind with this hymn. First, I want to do some hymns that have an Easter type theme to lead up to Easter Sunday. Second, I hope to encourage people with hymns they may not know or have not sung in a while. Third, I hope to reaquaint some people with great old hymns and introduce some people to some hymns they may never have heard of.

So I hope this hymn blesses you and encourages you to think about what Jesus did for you. He died a painful, terrible death on a cross to pay for your sins (and mine of course). But there is more to that story. God raised Him from the dead and seated in Him in heaven and gave Him the Name that is above every name. Now God the Father offers new life and forgiveness of sins by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, what a Savior! I think there is a hymn by that name, but that is for another Sunday.

Much GRACE and peace to you,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Ephesians 1:15-23

He Died For Me

by John Newton (1725-1807), sung in 6/4 time

1.      I saw One hanging on a tree, In agony and blood;

He fixed His loving eyes on me, As near His cross I stood.

(Refrain) Oh, can it be, upon a tree The Savior died for me?

My soul is thrilled, my heart is filled. To think He died for me!

2.      Sure, never till my lastest breath. Can I forget that look;

It seemed to charge me with His death. Though not a word He spoke.

(Refrain)

3.      My conscience felt and owned the guilt, And plunged me in despair;

I saw my sins His blood had spilt And helped to nail Him there.

(Refrain)

4.      A second look He gave, which said, “I freely all forgive;

This blood is for your ransom paid, I die that you may live.”

(Refrain)