Saturday, December 31, 2011

Where are you going in 2012?


He cares for the birds of the air, how much more does He care for us. In Him there is a hope that never dies.

What grace is mine that He who dwells in endless light 

Words: Kristyn Getty
Traditional Melody arranged Rob Mathes

What grace is mine that He who dwells in endless light
Called through the night to find my distant soul
And from his scars poured mercy that would plead for me
That I might live and in his name be known

So I will go wherever He is calling me
I lose my life to find my life in Him
I give my all to gain the hope that never dies
I bow my heart, take up my cross and follow Him

What grace is mine to know His breath alive in me
Beneath his wings my wakened soul may soar
All fear can flee for death's dark night is overcome
My Saviour lives and reigns forevermore

So I will go wherever He is calling me … 

Speak, o Lord by Keith Getty

Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of Your Holy Word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory.

Teach us, Lord, full obedience,
Holy reverence, true humility;
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of Your purity.
Cause our faith to rise; cause our eyes to see
Your majestic love and authority.
Words of pow'r that can never fail—
Let their truth prevail over unbelief.

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds;
Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us—
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time
That will echo down through eternity.
And by grace we'll stand on Your promises,
And by faith we'll walk as You walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, till Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory.

O God beyond all praising

O God beyond all praising,
we worship you today
and sing the love amazing
that songs cannot repay;
for we can only wonder
at every gift you send,
at blessings without number
and mercies without end:
we lift our hearts before you
and wait upon your word,
we honor and adore you,
our great and mighty Lord.

Then hear, O gracious Savior,
accept the love we bring,
that we who know your favor
may serve you as our king;
and whether our tomorrows
be filled with good or ill,
we'II triumph through our sorrows
and rise to bless you still:
to marvel at your beauty
and glory in your ways,
and make a joyful duty
our sacrifice of praise.


Words: Michael Perry (1942-1996)

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Celebrating...

As we 'feast' and celebrate at Christmas time and for New Year's celebrations remember...

Psalm 34:8 (NKJ) 
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
         Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
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As we give and receive gifts and watch the joy of children giving and receiving, let us remember that....
 
James 1:17 (NKJ) 
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
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And best of all let us remember the greatest gift of them all....

John 3: 16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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Monday, December 26, 2011

The perfect husband

(James Smith, "The Glories of Christ!" 1864)

There is but one object that can be presented to a sinner's mind, which contains all that is needful for him, and all that is delightful to him--and that is JESUS! In Jesus, he finds an infinite variety which is always pleasing and profitable! The more he knows of the person, perfections, and works of Immanuel--the more happy, holy, and useful he will be.  Unbounded kindness, unparalleled meekness, and exquisite tenderness--shine in all His dealings with His people! He has never left room for one to doubt . . .
  the kindness of His heart,
  the power of His arm, or
  the faithfulness of His Word.

Jesus loved, labored, suffered, bled, died, rose, ascended, and intercedes--to save His people from their sins! He is the perfect husband who . . .
  brings us into marriage-union with Himself,
  provides for all our necessities, and
  assures us of His unalterable love!
He gives us . . .
  His arm to support us,
  His fullness to supply us,
  His name to entitle us,
  His robe to cover us,
  His angels to guard us,
  His Word to assure us, and
  His Heaven to be our habitation at last!

To know Christ--is true wisdom;
to love Him--is the evidence of grace; and
to walk with Him--is the highest honor that can be put upon a sinful creature!

It is the delight of a truly spiritual mind to think of Jesus, feed on Him, and rejoice in Him. There is nothing in Christ--but what is precious to him. Christ is the object of his faith, love, and desire; and the subject of his meditation, boast, and song in the house of his pilgrimage. To a Christian, Christ is ALL!

The believer is knit to Jesus, walks in fellowship with Him, and desires above all things to exalt and glorify Him. Jesus is just suited to the believer, and he thinks on Him with great delight and satisfaction!

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Be sure to read James Smith's choice 2 page article,
"The Glories of Christ!"
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