He Died For Me
March 13, 2011 at 9:56 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: Easter songs, encouragement, Ephesians 1:15-23, He Died For Me, hymns, John Newton, Romans 15:13
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)
There Is Power in the Blood
February 13, 2011 at 8:16 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: hymn, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Lewis E. Jones, Romans 15:13, There Is Power in the Blood
There Is Power in the Blood
By Lewis E. Jones (1865-1936); sung in 4/4 time
1. Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Would you o’er evil a victory win? There’s wonderful power in the blood.
(Refrain) There is power, power, wonder working power In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, Wonder working power In the precious blood of the Lamb.
2. Would you be free from your passion and pride? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide; There’s wonderful power in the blood.
(Refrain)
3. Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow; There’s wonderful power in the blood.
(Refrain)
4. Would you do service for Jesus, your King? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Would you live daily His praises to sing? There’s wonderful power in the blood.
(Refrain)
(11)They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Revelation 12:11)
There is a lot going on in my life and the life of my family right now. I have taken some time away from blogging just to take a break and because of other more important things. Honestly for most of the time I did not miss it. But I do want to start up again and chose to wait until today to start with one of my favorite hymns. I hope you experience the presence of God in your life today.
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; Jeremiah 9:23-24
We Three Kings
December 19, 2010 at 9:36 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: Christmas carols, claymation, Ephesians 1:1-14, Ephesians 2:1-10, John H. Hopkins Jr., Romans 10:13, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 15:13, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 3:21-26, Soulful Celebration, We Three Kings
This is one of my favorite songs of all time let alone one of my favorite Christmas songs. I can’t really explain why, maybe it’s because the theme of giving runs throughout it. I have carried a copy of the words in my briefcase for more years than I can remember. I’ve sung it alone as an offering of praise to God, I’ve sung it with my wife and sons and of course I have sung it in church. I just like this song.
I went online to you tube to look for a choir singing this song to post under it for your added enjoyment. Lo and behold what did I find? I found a posting of the Claymation version of this song. I remember watching that with my sons when they were little. I’ve posted that at the end of this song. I also found a rendition of another of my favorite songs from a Soulful Celebration. I hope you enjoy reading the words and watching the video.
More importantly if you don’t personally know the gift of salvation that only comes from God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ; that is what I hope you know. It is as close as sincerely calling out to God and acknowledging that you are a sinner (you have missed His mark of perfection) and asking Him to forgive you. Then receive from Him the gift of salvation which Jesus purchased on the cross. This salvation comes to you by grace through faith. Do this and believe it in your heart and you will be saved, adopted into God’s family, accepted in the beloved (Christ) and sealed with the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing your future redemption (Ephesians 1:1-14, 2:1-10). Then go out and let your changed life show the new hope you have deep within you.
Merry Christmas,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
(Romans 15:13; 3:10-12, 21-26, 10:9-10, 13)
We Three Kings
By John H. Hopkins, Jr.
1. We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar – Field and fountain, moor and mountain – Following yonder star.
(Refrain) O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
2. Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain; Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.
(Refrain)
3. Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a Deity nigh. Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.
(Refrain)
4. Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom – Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
(Refrain)
5. Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice; Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! Earth to heaven replies.
(Refrain)
I hope you enjoy this clips. God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Claymation “We Three Kings” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87wGHfAi17Q (it leaves out verse 4).
This version is a chamber choir with all verses: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJGwSzApdIA&feature=related
Soulful Celebration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V51aTh2c0Q
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 12, 2010 at 4:37 pm | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: Christmas carols, Latin hymns, O Come O Come Emmanuel
Sunday’s Hymn, December 12, 2010
A Latin Hymn sung in 4/4 time
1. O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
(Refrain) Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
2. O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
(Refrain)
3. O come, Thou Wisdom from on high And order all things, far and nigh; To us the path of knowledge show And cause us in her ways to go.
(Refrain)
4. O come, Desire of nations, bind All peoples in one heart and mind. Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease; Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
(Refrain)
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
December 5, 2010 at 9:41 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: advent, Charles Wesley, Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus, hymn, Luke 1:26-38, Romans 15:13
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
By Charles Wesley, sung in ¾ time
1. Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free.
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
2. Born Thy people to deliver, Born a Child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Let’s start off our Christmas hymns with this overlooked one from Charles Wesley. These songs could be sung at any time during the year, but mostly they’re just sung during December. Enjoy them and maybe you can even make a request to your pastor or music director for a particular one. Or ask them if you can take a hymnal home and sing or read them out loud when you have family or friends over. Either way, rejoice and make a joyful noise to the Lord. Take time to worship the Triune God this month and give Him glory for all He has done for you.
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; Luke 1:26-38
“For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
Count Your Blessings
November 28, 2010 at 12:02 pm | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: Count Your Blessings, Ephesians 1:3, hymn, Johnson Oatman Jr., Psalm 138, Romans 15:13
Count Your Blessings
by Johnson Oatman, Jr. – sung in 2/4 time
1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
(Refrain) Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done. Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings; every doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by.
(Refrain)
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings; money cannot buy Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
(Refrain)
4. So amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged; God is over all. Count your many blessings; angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
(Refrain)
Prais be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends. The holidays can be a stressed filled time too. Hopefully this great old hymn is a good reminder to thank God for the wonderful blessings He has put in your life now and for the blessings yet to come.
Stay faithful and hopeful,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; Psalm 138:1-8
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
November 21, 2010 at 9:33 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: Come Ye Thankful People Come, Henry Alford, hymn, Romans 15:13; 1 John 3:1-3, Thanksgiving
Sunday’s Hymn
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
By Henry Alford; sung to 4/4 time
1. Come, ye thankful people, come; Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in Ere the winter storms begin.
God, our Maker, doth provide For our wants to be supplied.
Come to God’s own temple, come; Raise the song of harvest home.
2. All the world is God’s own field, Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown, Unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade, and then the ear, Then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we Wholesome grain and pure may be.
3. For the Lord our God shall come, And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day All offenses purge away.
Give His angels charge at last In the fire the tares to cast,
But the fruitful ears to store In His garner evermore.
4. Even so, Lord, quickly come To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, Free from sorrow, free from sin.
There forever purified, In Thy presence to abide.
Come, with all Thine angels come; Raise the glorious harvest home.
I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. Be safe and enjoy your family and friends. Be sure to give God all the praise and glory you possibly can. Remember, Jesus is coming again, it may be soon, or it may be far away; but it is a sure thing! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill (a fellow-laborer)
Romans 15:13; 1 John 3:1-3
The Marines’ Hymn
November 7, 2010 at 8:44 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: Marine Band, Marines' Birthday, Marines' Hymn, USMC Band, Veterans Day
The Marines’ Hymn
In 1929 the Commandant of the Marine Corps authorized the following verses of The Marines’ Hymn as the official version:
“From the Halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli;
We fight our country’s battles
On the land as on the sea;*
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
Of United States Marine.
Our flag’s unfurled to every breeze
From dawn to setting sun;
We have fought in ev’ry clime and place
Where we could take a gun;
In the snow of far-off Northern lands
And in sunny tropic scenes;
You will find us always on the job
The United States Marines
Here’s health to you and to our Corps
Which we are proud to serve;
In many a strife we’ve fought for life
And never lost our nerve;
If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines.”
*Nov. 21, 1942, the Commandant of the Marine Corps approved a change in the words of the fourth line of the first verse to read, “In air, on land, and sea.”
– Taken from www.marineband.usmc.mil “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. You can listen to the hymn at this site by the following tabs: Learning Tools > Library And Archives > Resources And References : The Marines’ Hymn
The Marine’s 235th birthday is this coming Wednesday November 10, 2010. I want to personally thank every Marine past, present and future for serving their country. I appreciate your service and sacrifice. God bless all of you and your families.
Much GRACE and peace to you,
Bill
Romans 15:13
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 31, 2010 at 11:49 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a commentTags: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, hymn, Martin Luther, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 46:7
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
By Martin Luther
1. A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing
Our helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe – His craft and pow’r are
Great, And armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.
2. Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side, The man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He – Lord Sabaoth His
Name, From age to age the same, And He must win the battle.
3. And tho’ this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph thro’ us.
The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him – His rage we can endure,
For lo, his doom is sure: One little word shall fell him.
4. That word above all earthly pow’rs, No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Thro’ Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also – The body they may
Kill; God’s truth abideth still: His kingdom is forever.
(7)The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
(10)Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalm 46:7, 10
Blog at WordPress.com.
Entries and comments feeds.
Take Courage 