A New Song

Sing Unto The Lord A New Song

Sing aloud unto God our strength; make a joyful noise unto the God of 
Jacob. Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp 
with the psaltery. — He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise 
unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
ISA. 42:10.

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou 
dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. 
The joy of the Lord is our strength. Paul thanked God, and 
took courage. He will give us new songs to sing. Many will turn to God.

Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for 
now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far 
spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of 
darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, 
as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and 
wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus 
Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

Psa. 81:1,2. Psa. 40:3. Josh. 1:9. Neh. 8:10. Acts 28:15. Rom. 13:11-
14.

 

 

Come Sweet Spirit

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. -Eph. 3: 16-21   Holy Spirit, Lord of Light,

From Thy throne in splendor bright

Shed on us a ray divine;

Come and from Thy boundless store

On our hearts Thy treasures pour;

Come and make us truly Thine.

O Thou blessed light divine,

Shine within these hearts of Thine,

And our inmost being fill!

Heal our wounds: our strength renew;

On our dryness pour Thy dew;

Wash our stains of guilt away;

Bend and sway our stubborn will;

From our hearts remove the chill;

Guide our footsteps when we stray. .

GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE WORD

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
God the Father, God the Word,
God the Holy Ghost adored:
Spare us, holy Trinity.

Spotless Lamb of God most high,
Manna coming from the sky:
Hear us, holy Jesus.

Very Man and Word divine,
Hidden under bread and wine:
Hear us, holy Jesus.

Purest Victim, stainless Priest,
Thou the Host, and Thou the Feast:
Hear us, holy Jesus.

Bread of life, the angels’ food,
Cup of blessing, precious blood:
Hear us, holy Jesus.

Off’ring of most perfect might,
Bond, Thy faithful to unite:
Hear us, holy Jesus.

From the tempting lures of sin,
From all pride and lusts within:
Keep us, holy Jesus.

From all unbelief in Thee,
Veiled in this great mystery:
Keep us, holy Jesus.

By Thy sitting down to meat,
That last Passover to eat:
Keep us, holy Jesus.

Through the dread and holy rite,
Founded on that awful night:
Keep us, holy Jesus.

Through Thy presence with us here,
When we draw Thine altar near:
Keep us, holy Jesus.

Help us, guide us, make us pure,
Give us blessings which endure:
Save us, holy Jesus.

Lead Thy pilgrims on their way,
Shine on us, unending Day:
Keep us, holy Jesus.

When we draw our latest breath,
Feed us at the time of death:
Keep us, holy Jesus.

-Anonymous, 1867

Love Came Down

One night in Bethlehem, a special event took place. The Savior was born there. This was to be the most celebrated of all days on earth. It is also the most important event in history. The little town of Bethlehem came to life that night when God sent His Son into the world.  The world received the first Christmas gift!

Bethlehem where the Messiah was born is in the south, near Jerusalem, in the territory of Judah.  Bethlehem is located about 5 miles southwest of Jerusalem in the hill country of Judea on the way to Hebron. It is believed to have existed at least 1,000 years before Christ was born.

And thou Bethlehem Ephrata, art a little one among the thousands of Judea, out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be the ruler in Israel: and his going forth is from the beginning, from the days of eternity. Micah 5:2

Some facts about Bethlehem.

The old Hebrew name Bethlehem, meaning “house of bread”, has survived till the present day. In its Arabic form, however, bet lahm, it means “house of meat”.

The city  figures in Bible History both before the Israelites entered Egypt and slavery, and after the Exodus and their return. Rachel, the favorite wife (he also had married her sister Leah) of Jacob/Israel is buried near Bethlehem.

God’s only Son was to be born in Bethlehem. Hallelujah to the Lamb!

Love Came Down at Christmas
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

By: Christina G. Rossetti

 

 

He Watches Over Me

The Bible says: “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…” (2 Chronicles 16:9a)

“I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

-by Civilla D. Martin, 1905

 

The LORD watches over you–the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Still Small Voice

HARK! THERE COMES A WHISPER
Give Thy Heart to Me

And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:12

 

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The wind, and earthquake, and fire, did not make Elijah cover his face, but the still voice did. In general people are more affected by the tender mercies of the Lord, than by his terrors. “The is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 This is the power that comes with a sweet and gentle force. Power to move mountains.

 

Job heard a still small voice.  “It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; A form was before my eyes; There was silence, then I heard a voice:

Listen for the voice in your life. Is He knocking at your hearts door. He comes in an intimate sweet voice. Listen for the mild voice of Him who speaks from the cross. His power can transform your life and make you a child of the King. 

©Brenda 

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Hark! there comes a whisper
Stealing on thine ear:
’Tis the Savior calling,
Soft, soft and clear.

“Give thy heart to Me,
Once I died for thee”;
Hark! Hark! thy Savior calls:
Come, sinner, come!

With that voice so gentle,
Dost thou hear Him say?
“Tell Me all thy sorrows;
Come, come away!”

Wouldst thou find a refuge
For thy soul oppressed?
Jesus kindly answers,
“I am thy Rest.”

At the cross of Jesus,
Let thy burden fall;
While He gently whispers,
“I’ll bear it all.”

-Fanny Crosby, 1876

Decisions to Make

Decisions are not always easy to make. In life we are sometimes have to choose which way we will take or what friends to associate with. Joshua chooses to serve God. That to me seems the best option. If we decide to spend all our times in the world, doing things that please only us, we find in the end that is all we have. When we choose God, we have lasting results that last forever. God pays big. I choose God.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose ye this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole cduty of man. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is bvanity. Ecclesiastes 12:13. 1:2.

Neglect not the bgift that is in thee, which was given thee by cprophecy, with the dlaying on of the hands of the presbytery. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy atrust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and boppositions of science falsely so called: 1 Timothy 4:14; 6:20.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have adone it unto one of the bleast of these my cbrethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40.

16 Know ye not that ye are the atemple of God, and that the bSpirit of God dwelleth cin you? 1 Corinthians 3:16.

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and afaithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  Matthew 25:23.

 

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Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve,
But As For Me And My House We Will Serve The Lord

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Choose the Right

Choose the right when a choice is placed before you.
In the right the Holy Spirit guides;
And its light is forever shining o’er you,
When in the right your heart confides.
Choose the right! Choose the right!
Let wisdom mark the way before.
In its light, choose the right!
And God will bless you evermore.

Choose the right! Let no spirit of digression
Overcome you in the evil hour.
There’s the right and the wrong to ev’ry question;
Be safe thru inspiration’s pow’r.
Choose the right! Choose the right!
Let wisdom mark the way before.
In its light, choose the right!
And God will bless you evermore.

Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing.
Choose the right! There’s safety for the soul.
Choose the right in all labors you’re pursuing;
Let God and heaven be your goal.
Choose the right! Choose the right!
Let wisdom mark the way before.
In its light, choose the right!
And God will bless you evermore.

-Joseph L. Townsend

Days Gone By

 Growing up in a little country church was a blessing. It seemed everyone knew each other and there was always a big Sunday Dinner with friends sometimes. Those days seem to have disappeared now and my, how things have changed. 

I remember how on Sunday evenings we had quite naps and everybody was rested and ready to hear another Sunday Night Sermon. The church was revived and the church congregation would gather at the old river side to have a country baptizing. I was blessed to be one of those. The water was cold, but our soul was on fire for God. In those days everyone did not go to the doctor as they do now, but they believed in Old Time Healing. God would come down in a mighty way and heal that sick child of their fever.
Well those days are gone and we live on in a new day, but God is still the same as then. He is just the same as in the Little Old Country Church.

Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. -Acts 2:47
This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: -Acts 7: 38

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. -1 Cor. 12:28

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. -Eph. 5: 27
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: -James 5:14

The Old Country Church

Oh I’d like to go back
To that old country church
To hear the songs of praise
How the people would sing
It would make the rafters ring
At that old, that old country church

Shall we gather at the river
The beautiful, beautiful river
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God

Oh I’ll never forget
At that old country church
How the Glory of the Lord came down
And the children would smile 
As they shouted down the aisle
Of that old, that old country church

In the sweet bye and bye
We shall meet on that beautiful shore
In the sweet bye and bye
We shall meet on that beautiful shore

Then on Sunday I’d see
All my friends dear to me
At that old country church
When it came time for prayer
Everybody would be there
At that old country church

Leaning, oh yes I’m leaning
Safe and secure from all alarm
Leaning, oh yes I’m leaning
Leaning on the ever lasting arm

Now the years have gone by
And so many have died
At that old country church
But they are on that other shore
Where they will sing forever more
As they did at that old country church

I’m redeemed by Love Divine
Oh blessed, Christ is mine
Oh to Him I now resign
I’ve been redeemed
I’m redeemed by Love Divine

By JD Sumner

Gazing at the Grazing Cattle On The Hills

 
In Spring time when pastures start to turn green, we enjoy watching cattle graze on the green grass. Our grand-daughter loves to see cattle when traveling. It amazes her at their soft, calm action as she gazes at them. It is said that cattle need a good supply of water, and typically, a cow will drink about 12 gallons of water per day, after eating all that grass and hay. In the mountain winds blowing, the cattle settle down by running streams to quench their thirst. Then back to the plains of green grass they feed under the deep blue sky. We always try to get a snapshot when we see a beautiful hill full of cattle, so she can view them anytime she likes.

 When I see a hill of cattle, Just think, our Lord owns them all. He sees them all and created the cattle. He must have liked them too. I always think of what God said. 

Psalm 50:10 “For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills.
Psalm 104:24 O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions.

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He Owns the Cattle 
(on a Thousand Hills)
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,
The wealth in every mine;
He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,
The sun and stars that shine.
Wonderful riches, more than tongue can tell -
He is my Father so they're mine as well;
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills -
I know that He will care for me. 
- by John W. Peterson
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"For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills."  -Psalm 50:10
Well I know he cares for me too. The Bibles says, that I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that over-comes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. - Rev. 21

Come all who are thirsty and drink of the Water of Life. Mercy is great, and grace is free. Every need He will supply.
 God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever trusts in him will have eternal life. -John 3:16

 

WE MUST FORGIVE

 

Sometimes it seems almost impossible to forgive someone that has hurt us, but God’s Word says that we must, if we want God to forgive us. Just turning it over to Jesus and letting Him handle it is the best way to deal with it. When we have Jesus thoughts in our heart, we will then forgive. When He dips His pen of love into our hearts, we want to please Him and do as He says, for He is a God of Love. His Spirit all divine will fill our sinful soul and His Love will wipe away all hurts.

 Do you need to forgive someone today? Let us not let a lack of forgiveness keep us from serving God. Ask God to give you the desire to forgive and then the ability to do so. Forgiveness is an act of grace that reflects God’s treatment to us. When I forgive, I release God to work directly on the other person.

 . . . forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. -Matthew 18:21-22

Peter thought he was being very generous by offering to forgive his brother seven times in one day, but Jesus said he should forgive him 490 times in one day. It would be impossible to have someone sin against you 490 times in one day. Jesus is actually saying that there should be no limit to our forgiveness. 

Regardless of how many times one sins against us we have to forgive and confirm our love unto him (2 Cor. 2:6-8). 

If God expects us to forgive our brother who has trespassed against us times in one day (actually an unlimited number of times), certainly He who is love will do no less with us. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.1 John. 4:8 
“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. -Matthew 18:15

~~ An Evening Prayer ~~

If I have wounded any soul today,
If I have caused one foot to go astray,
If I have walked in my own willful way,
Dear Lord, forgive!

If I have uttered idle words or vain,
If I have turned aside from want or pain,
Lest I myself shall suffer through the strain,
Dear Lord, forgive!

If I have been perverse or hard, or cold,
If I have longed for shelter in Thy fold,
When Thou hast given me some fort to hold,
Dear Lord, forgive!

Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee;
Forgive the secret sins I do not see;
O guide me, love me and my keeper be,
Dear Lord, Amen.