Our Victory through His

February 20, 2011 at 9:41 am | Posted in Devotional, hymns | Leave a comment
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I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV)

My wife and I are going through a lot of changes right now. Some of these changes are good and challenging and exciting. Some of the changes are difficult, discouraging and life changing in a bad way. But God is in control and is leading and guiding us. He owns us because He purchased us, or redeemed us through the blood the Jesus shed on Calvary. He does know the plan He has for us. We know we can pray and trust Him. He not only expects us to rejoice in Him, we know He will help us rejoice in Him. In light of all of this, part of my devotional reading this morning spoke to me and I wanted to share it with you. It reminded me of a song that I really like too. It is a good old hand clapper, raise your voice in praise and move like you have some rhythm song!

The devotional is found in Still Higher For His Highest by Oswald Chambers for February 20. I hope it encourages you like it did me.

Much GRACE and peace to you,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

(Romans 15:13; Jeremiah 9:23-24)

Our Victory through His

I am only healthy according to the fighting corpuscles in my blood, when the fighting millions inside get low, I become diseased and after a while I shall be snuffed out. Morally it is the same, we are not born moral, we are born innocent and ignorant; morality is the outcome of fight. Immediately I am lazy in moral matters, I become immoral. Spiritually it is the same. “In the world ye shall have tribulation,” i.e. everything that is not spiritual makes for our undoing; but, “be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Why did our Lord say that He would help us to overcome? Because we have to imitate Him through the power He has put in us. Think of sitting in a corner before the Almighty and saying, “But my difficulties are so enormous.” Thank God they are! The bigger the difficulty, the more amazing is your profit to Jesus Christ as you draw on His supernatural grace.

Victory in Jesus

(Eugene M. Bartlett, 1855-1941)

1.      I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me.

I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning.

Then I repented of my sin and won the victory.

 (Refrain) Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior, forever! He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood. He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him. He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.

 2.      I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing,

How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see.

And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit”;

And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory.

 (Refrain)

 3.      I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory,

And I heard about the streets of gold beyond the crystal sea,

About the angels singing, and the old redemption story;

And some sweet day I’ll sing up there the song of victory.

(Refrain)

There Is Power in the Blood

February 13, 2011 at 8:16 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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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

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

December 5, 2010 at 9:41 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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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 comment
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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 comment
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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

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

October 31, 2010 at 11:49 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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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

Himself

October 24, 2010 at 7:26 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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I was away for a week on somewhat of a vacation with limited internet access. I’ve enjoyed some time with family and friends, some beautiful fall weather and scenery and local attractions. I will write more about this during the week. I’ll give you a heads up; if you are ever near Cleveland, Ohio take the time to visit the West Side Market. You won’t be dissapointed. Plus if you get the chance to sit by a fire on a cool fall evening with some family and friends take advantage of it. I almost forgot how fun that can be. Toasting marshmallows and/or making smores can be fun too.

This old hymn  by Simpson is a favorite of mine. Simpson was a man that was radically changed by the power of God. He was not afraid to live by his convictions and faith. He trusted God to lead and provide for ministry. He went against the status quo in the church. He reached out to the forgotten or overlooked people. He was not afraid of difficulty or hardship and trusted a miracle working God. I hope you enjoy this hymn and take the time to learn a little about A. B. Simpson.

Stay faithful and hopeful,

Bill (a fellow laborer)

Romans 15:13; 2 Peter 3:18

Himself, Sunday’s Hymn

By A. B. Simpson (1843-1919), sung in 6/8 time

1.      Once, it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord; Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word; Once His gift I wanted, Now the Giver own; Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

(Refrain) All in all forever, Jesus will I sing; Everything in Jesus, And Jesus everything.

2.      Once ‘twas painful trying, Now ‘tis perfect trust; Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost! Once ‘twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast; Once ‘twas constant drifting, Now my anchor’s cast.

(Refrain)

3.      Once ‘twas busy planning, Now ‘tis trustful prayer; Once ‘twas anxious caring, Now He has the care; Once ‘twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says; Once ‘twas constant asking, Now ‘tis ceaseless praise.

(Refrain)

4.      Once it was my working, His it hence shall be; Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me; Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One; Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

(Refrain)

5.      Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He’s mine; Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine; Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail; And my hopes are anchored Safe within the vail.

(Refrain)

Praise Him! Praise Him!

October 3, 2010 at 6:39 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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Sunday’s Hymn

(11)But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may rejoice in You. (12)For surely, O LORD, You surround them with Your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)

What a way to wake up and begin your day. Pray and thank God for who He is, read a Psalm of praise and an old hymn of praise. It is good to know Jehovah God as Father God through being forgiven and purchased by the blood of the Lamb (God the Son) and to be baptized into the body of Christ and sealed for eternity by God the Holy Spirit. Not three gods, but One God who has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is better known as the Trinity. There is some mystery to this. No man can fully explain this. But I believe it and rest in it.

Here is a second short hymn of praise known as the Doxology. Some churches will sing this after the offering is taken and a prayer of thanks is given. It is in 4/4 time and can be sung at any time.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Stay faithful and hopeful,

Bill (a fellow-servant)

Romans 15:13

Praise Him! Praise Him!

By Fanny J. Crosby, sung in 6/8 time

1.      Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O earth, His wonderful love proclaim! Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest arch angels in glory; Strength and honor give to His holy name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children; In His arms He carries them all day long.

(Refrain) Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness; Praise Him! Praise Him! ever in joyful song!

2.      Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer! For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died. He, our Rock, our Hope of eternal salvation – Hail Him! Hail Him! Jesus the Crucified. Sound His praises! Jesus, who bore our sorrows; Love unbounded, wonderful, deep, and strong!

(Refrain)

3.      Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring! Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever. Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King! Christ is coming, over the world victorious; Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong!

 (Refrain)

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

September 26, 2010 at 6:44 am | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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Sunday’s Hymn – Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

This hymn is by Robert Robinson and is sung in 3/4 time.

1.      Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.

Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above;

Praise His name – I’m fixed upon it – Name of God’s redeeming love.

2.      Hither to Thy love has blest me; Thou has bro’t me to this place;

And I know Thy hand will bring me Safely home by Thy good grace.

Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wand’ring from the fold of God;

He, to rescue me from danger, Bo’t me with His precious blood.

3.      O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart, O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above.

Here is an example of another good old hymn. I have good memories of the piano and organ playing together with the trumpet, french horn, flute and saxophone. It seems that as we came to the end of every verse people’s voices got louder and louder. There is almost something like a calm powerful confidence as you sing it. Think about yourself and Almighty God and what He has done to reach you and save you and secure you. How can you not sing humbly and yet confidently about our great God?

I hope you have a great day of worship and serving the Lord. I hope you understand that service is a part of worship. If you have any questions check out the Hebrew word for worship. We are to be participants in worship, not just spectators.

Much GRACE and peace to you,

Bill

Romans 15:13

Romans 5:6-11

(6)You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. (7)Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. (8)But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(9)Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! (10)For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled shall we be saved through His life! (11)Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have received reconciliation.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

September 18, 2010 at 9:41 pm | Posted in hymns | Leave a comment
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Great Is Thy Faithfulness

This is Sunday’s hymn a day early

The Lord’s compassions are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

This hymn is by Thomas O. Chisholm, copyright 1923 and sung in 3/4 time.

1.      Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not; Thy compassions, they fail not. As Thou as been Thou forever wilt be.

(Refrain) Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

2.      Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

(Refrain)

3.      Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow – Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!

(Refrain)

I hope this old hymn encourages you today. God is faithful even if we sometimes forget that. Cast your cares upon Him. Praise Him even when you don’t feel like it. Watch and wait for Him to move in your behalf. God bless you.

Stay faithful and hopeful,

Bill (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Psalm 50:23

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