NEARER STILL NEARER

It is so precious to be close to one that you love. That is even more so with the One who loved you enough to give His life to gain your salvation.  We should desire to constantly draw nearer to Him daily.  Then we can experience !His blessings even more deeply.  For He is good

1 Nearer, still nearer— close to Thy heart,
draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast;
shelter me safe in that Haven of Rest,
shelter me safe in that Haven of Rest.

2 Nearer, still nearer— nothing I bring,
naught as an off'ring to Jesus, my King–
only my sinful, now contrite heart;
grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,
grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

3 Nearer, still nearer— Lord, to be Thine,
sin with its follies I gladly resign–
all of its pleasures, pomp and its pride;
give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified,
give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified.

4 Nearer, still nearer— while life shall last,
till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
through endless ages, ever to be
nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,

nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee. 

PRECIOUS MEMORIES

On June 2 my wife and I celebrated our 53rd anniversary and we have so many wonderful memories.  God has been so very good to us despite our recent challenges.  The memories have been precious.

This song mentions "precious father, loving mother,...old home scenes of my childhood" what precious memories given by a loving God.  Precious memories fill my soul!  Thank you Lord.

Precious memories, unseen angels
Sent from somewhere to my soul
How they linger, ever near me
And the sacred past unfolds

Precious memories, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold

Precious father, loving mother
Fly across the lonely years
And old home scenes, of my childhood
In fond memory appears

Precious memories, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold

I remember, mother prayin'
Father too, on bended knee
The sun is sinkin', shadows fallin'
But their prayers still follow me

Precious memories, how they linger
How they ever flood my soul
In the stillness, of the midnight
Precious sacred scenes unfold
Precious memories fill my soul

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

The last few months have been very challenging for me.  Physical needs - wheelchair bound - hospitalizations, the need to downsize, sell and move after over 60 years living here, the inability to do things I could do all my life, frustratioBe still and know that I am God, Be still and know that I am God, Be still and know that I am God. I am the Lord that healeth thee, I am the Lord that healeth thee, I am the Lord that healeth thee. In thee O Lord, do I put my trust, In thee O Lord, do I put my trust, In thee O Lord, do I put my trust.Apr 3

But I am challenged by the scripture " Be still and know that I am God.  I am the Lord that healeth thee. In thee O Lord, do I put my trust, In thee O Lord, do I put my trust, In thee O Lord, do I put my trust."  And indeed in thee do I put my trust.

1 Be still and know that I am God, 

be still and know that I am God, 
be still and know that I am God.

2 I am the Lord that healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.

3 My boundless mercy shall endure.
My boundless mercy shall endure.
My boundless mercy shall endure.

4 I love you with a steadfast love.
I love you with a steadfast love.
I love you with a steadfast love.

5 In Thee, O Lord, I put our trust, 
in Thee, O Lord, I put our trust, 

in Thee, O Lord, I put our trust. 

COME UNTO JESUS

The savior continues to call those who are in need to come to Him for healing.  If you are weary, broken and needy, don't delay.  Come today!

Come, all you who are weary

Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel
Here bring your wounded heart, broken and needy
Come unto Jesus, mighty to heal

Joy of the comfortless, light for the straying
Hope of the penitent, peace in our strife
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying
"My yoke is easy, My burden is light"

Come unto Jesus, come unto Jesus
Lay down your burdens, He is enough
Come unto Jesus, rest in His love

Come, taste the Bread of Life broken for sinners
Drink from the cup of His promise made sure
Feast at His table as sons and as daughters
Grace overflowing is yours evermore

Come unto Jesus, come unto Jesus
Lay down your burdens, He is enough
Come unto Jesus, rest in His love

Come now and follow Him, this life forsaking
All that was gained count as nothing but loss
Trade all this world for His kingdom unfading
Come unto Jesus, and take up your cross
Come unto Jesus, and take up your cross
Life everlasting He offers to us

Come unto Jesus, come unto Jesus
Lay down your burdens, He is enough
And come unto Jesus, come unto Jesus
Lay down your burdens, He is enough
Come unto Jesus, rest in His love
Come unto Jesus, rest in His love

NOT I BUT THROUGH CHRIST IN ME

If you are like me, so often you try to solve the many challenges of life with your own wisdom and strength.  Yet we usually end up in frustration and failure,  It usually doesn't work.  We may "labor on in weakness" but I am not forsaken for "in my need His power is displayed".

What gift of grace is Jesus, my Redeemer
There is no more for Heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, "All is mine"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

The night is dark, but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Savior, He will stay
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley, He will lead
Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future's sure, the price, it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus, now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

With every breath, I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day, I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD

In the quiet of this hour
As I kneel before You now
I believe Your promise
To be faithful
I don't always understand
What Your perfect will demands
But I learn to trust You more
In Your presence Lord

In Your presence
There is comfort
In Your presence
There is peace
When we seek to know Your heart
We will find such blessed assurance
In Your holy presence Lord

There can be such sweet reward
When we wait upon the Lord
As we take the time
He gives His perfect wisdom
To be found in Him alone
All our deepest secrets known
We're surrounded by His grace
When we seek His face

In Your presence
There is comfort
In Your presence
There is peace
When we seek the Father's heart
We will find such blessed assurance
An ever open door
To know our Savior more
In the presence of the Lord

MY REDEEMER IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE

Song by Steven Curtis Chapman

OverviewLyricsListen

This powerful song has its origin in very difficult and tragic experiences suffered by Steven Curtis Chapman and his family.  And yet in such times he found a Savior who did not forget him but was faithful and true.  Have you found the same thing in your life?

As I look back on the road I've travelled, 
I see so many times He carried me through; 
And if there's one thing that I've learned in my life, 
My Redeemer is faithful and true. 
My Redeemer is faithful and true. 

My Redeemer is faithful and true. 
Everything He has said He will do, 
And every morning His mercies are new. 
My Redeemer is faithful and true. 

My heart rejoices when I read the promise 
'There is a place I am preparing for you.' 
I know someday I'll see my Lord face to face, 
'Cause my Redeemer is faithful and true. 
My Redeemer is faithful and true. 

And in every situation He has proved His love to me; 
When I lack the understanding, He gives more grace to me. 

My Redeemer is faithful and true. 
Everything He has said He will do, 
And every morning His mercies are new. 
My Redeemer is faithful and true. 

 

FOR HE IS SO PRECIOUS TO ME

 

There are many things which are of value or important to believers,  but none which could be described as precious except for our faith and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Nothing compares to Him.

   

1. So precious is Jesus, my Savior, my King;
   His praise all the day long with rapture I sing;
   To Him in my weakness for strength I can cling,
   For He is so precious to me.
   • Refrain:
     For He is so precious to me,
     For He is so precious to me;
     ’Tis heaven below, my Redeemer to know,
     For He is so precious to me.
2. He stood at my heart’s door ’mid sunshine and rain,
   And patiently waited an entrance to gain;
   What shame that so long He entreated in vain,
   For He is so precious to me.
3. I stand on the mountain of blessing at last,
   No cloud in the heavens a shadow to cast,
   His smile is upon me; the valley is past,
   For He is so precious to me.
4. I praise Him because He appointed a place
   Where someday, through faith in His wonderful grace,
   I know I shall see Him, shall look on His face,
   For He is so precious to me.

THROUGH IT ALL

 As I think of all that I have experienced over my life, I see how the Lord has led in so many different ways.  I've faced many trials and there have been times of feeling so all alone.  But in all those times Jesus has left me know that I am all His own.  That is the message Andre Crouch shared in my choice for this week.  My trials came to only make me strong.

[Verse 1]

I've had many tears and sorrows
I've had questions for tomorrow
There's been times I didn't know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave me blessed consolation
That my trials came to only make me strong

[Verse 2]
I've been to lots of places
I've seen a lot of faces
But there were times that I felt so all alone
But in my lonely hours
Yes, those precious lonely hours
Jesus lets me know that I was His own
That's the reason I say

[Chorus]
Through it all
Mm, Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Let me tell you that

Through it all, oh
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word

O THAT WILL BE GLORY

 This was one of my father's favorite hymns.  In fact, our family sang it as part of his funeral.  It was a time when his labors and trials were over and he was safe in heaven.  It was a time of real rejoicing for him.  And he was with many former friends who had passed before him.  But most of all he was with his Savior.  Who would wish him back?

1. When all my labors and trials are o’er,
   And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
   Just to be near the dear Lord I adore,
   Will through the ages be glory for me.
   • Refrain:
     Oh, that will be glory for me,
     Glory for me, glory for me,
     When by His grace I shall look on His face,
     That will be glory, be glory for me.
2. When, by the gift of His infinite grace,
   I am accorded in heaven a place,
   Just to be there and to look on His face,
   Will through the ages be glory for me.
3. Friends will be there I have loved long ago;
   Joy like a river around me will flow;
   Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know,
   Will through the ages be glory for me.
4. 
   

JESUS LED ME ALL THE WAY

As I celebrate another birthday I feel led to share one of my favorite hymns.  This one is my testimony.

 For many folks birthdays are a time to make goals or resolutions for the coming year.  And many times these are quickly forgotten and not met.  I've never been one to do that, but I often do take the time to reflect upon the past year and recall how the Lord has directed my paths, often in so many unexpected ways.  In this week's hymn choice, the hymn writer, John Peterson, talks about these as "the winding paths of earth".  In my life I think about the winding paths that took me to college, that led me to my wonderful wife, that brought me into contact with so many godly friends, that took me to excellent jobs, that provided so many ministry opportunities, that led me to doctors that solved perplexing physical problems and even saved my son's life, and provided me with a special family and heritage.  

As I recall my life, I can join John Peterson by testifying that Jesus did lead me all the way. Psalm 73:24 "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."  And taking time to remember God's leading in the past, gives me the courage and confidence to face the unknown challenges of tomorrow that always come with advancing age and living in a world that appears to be falling apart.  Is this your testimony as well?  Has Jesus led you all the way?  Or are you struggling on your own?  

Honestly, I don't know how people without the Lord face tomorrow with all that is happening in the world today.  It seems to me that one must be fearful and without hope if one doesn't know the Lord and have His leading in life. As you begin a new year, why not let the Lord lead you daily as you depend upon Him?  What a day it will be when I can tell the saints and angels, as I lay my burden down, that Jesus led me all the way.  Think about these words during the coming week and year.

Some day life's journey will be o'er

And I shall reach that distant shore,

I'll sing while ent'ring Heaven's door

"Jesus led me all the way."

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

"Jesus led me all the way.

If God should let me there review

The winding paths of earth I knew,

It would be proven clear and true

Jesus led me all the way.

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down

"Jesus led me all the way.

And hitherto my Lord has led,

Today He guides each step I tread,

And soon in Heav'n it will be said

Jesus led me all the way.

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burden down"Jesus led me all the way. 

THINK ABOUT HIS LOVE

So many thoughts flood our minds each day.  Many of these are worries or fears or they create them.  Many bring bad memories.  They can cause us to be pessimistic and negative.

But instead we need to look for and adopt thoughts that are positive.  This week's chorus by Walt Harrah gives us the secret for doing this.  We should regularly fill our minds with thoughts of God's goodness.  Then we will lead satisfied lives.  PTL!

 Think about His love, think about His goodness

Think about His grace that's brought us through

For as high as the heavens above
So great is the measure of our father's love
Great is the measure of our Father's love
So great is the measure of our Father's love
How could I forget His love
And how could I forget His mercies
He satisfies He satisfies He satisfies my desires

Think about His love, think about His goodness
Think about His grace that's brought us through
For as high as the heavens above
So great is the measure of our father's love
Great is the measure of our Father's love
Great is the measure
Great is the measure
Great is the measure of our fathers love
Great is the measure of our fathers love

Walt Harrah

IMMORTAL INVISIBLE

There are many great praise hymns but this one is definitely one of my favorites.  He indeed is the most blessed, the most glorious, the Almighty, victorious, the Ancient of days, the great name we praise.  None other is like Him.  None other is due our praise and worship.  Praise His name!

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

2

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

3

To all life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.

4

Great Father of Glory, pure Father of Light
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render, O help us to see:
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee.

5

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

iN HIS TIME

 In his time, in his time

He makes all things beautiful
In his time

Lord please show me everyday
As you're teaching me your way
That you do just what you say
In your time

In your time, in your time
You make all things beautiful
In your time

I can easily get impatient when I have to wait for slow clerks, traffic lights, late friends, telephone calls, packages, an expected check. the start of a late program, a late doctor, and on and on ...  I value being on time, but that doesn't always happen especially for others.  But over my life I've been learning that only the Lord is always on time ..In His time.  And I am learning that He does make everything beautiful in His time.

Lord my life to you I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to you a lovely thing
In your time

Lord please show me everyday
As you teaching me your way
That you do just what you say
In your time

In your time (in your time), in your time (in your time lord)
You make all things beautiful
In your time (in your time)

Lord my life to you I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to you a lovely thing
In your time

Be to you a lovely thing
In your time

GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE

 You turn on the nightly news or read the eveniisng newspaper.  If you are not careful. quickly you can. become negative and overwhelmed by the events worldwide.  You can quickly wonder who is in charge?  Is evil in control?  Is there any hope?

          Mrs.F. W.Suffield faced the same situation and questions decades ago.  But a study of the scriptures  showed her that despite events, God was still on the throne.  She penned this positive fact in the chorus. "God is still on the throne and He will remember His own, though trials may press us and burdens distress us He never will leave us alone. His promise is true.  He will not forget you.  God is still on the throne.

           Believe it's true.

I'VE A LONGING IN MY HEART

 Over the years I've featured hundreds of great hymns on this blog.  I've shared their history and things about the authors.  But in doing that I'vs skipped blogs about great choruses.  Many of these have been blessings to me over the years and I hope to share them with you.

My physical problems have also limited my ability to do research on hymns and my emphasis has changed.  Now I hope to share my personal testimony rather than write about the background.  As I am doing extensive downsizing I came upon a chorus I haven't heard in years and the message is so true.  The longer I deal with the problems of life today, the more I look forward to the day when I will see the Lord's face.

Traveling here can make us weary but the longing to see Him makes the travel worthwhile

.Now, please don't misunderstand me, I don't want t leave my wife and family.  But the prospect of seeing Christ makes the tedious journey here worthwhile.  As Dorothy Masters wrote,

"I've a longing in my heart for Jesus, I've a longing in my heart to see His face; I am weary, oh so weary of traveling here below, I've a longing in my heart for Him."

YET NOT I BUT THROUGH CHRIST IN ME

 

So often we try to solve the challenges of life with our own strength and wisdom but that often leads to failure and frustration.

What gift of grace is Jesus, my Redeemer

There is no more for Heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, "All is mine"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

The night is dark, but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Savior, He will stay
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley, He will lead
Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future's sure, the price, it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus, now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me

With every breath, I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day, I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat
"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Yet not I, but through Christ in me