HE WILL HOLD ME FAST (TH/PEACE #5)

        Many believers go through times when their faith wavers and doubts begin to cloud their mind.  Circumstances often make one wonder if their faith is real and if the Lord really cares about them.   Will He really carry us through our days of uneasiness and turmoil?  But as we claim His promises to us we know that He will never leave us or forsake us.  He will hold us fast.  
          Many of us may have concerns now as we wrestle with this deadly virus.  Does anybody really care about us?  Where is God during these dangerous times?  Haven't many of us had these questions as we faced these terrible times and as our lives have been changed?
          Robert Harkness (1880–1961) was a gifted Australian pianist who traveled the world in his twenties with the evangelist R.A..Torrey.  He wrote over 2,000 hymns and Gospel songs in his lifetime.  One night, at an evangelistic rally in Canada, Harkness met a young man, recently converted, who feared he might not be able to "hold out." Harkness longed for the young man and countless others to have confidence deep in their souls that their finishing the race, and keeping the faith, did not fall finally to themselves. He wanted them to know that God finishes what he starts.  
          After the unsettling conversation with this convert, Harkness wondered how he might help other Christians celebrate the power of God's sustaining hand in our perseverance and have this sweet truth bore deep into our souls. The answer was obvious for a musician  - a song.  He mentioned the need in a letter to London hymn writer Ada Habershon (1861–1918).  He shared the need for songs to encourage "definite assurance of success in the Christian life."   Inspired, she wrote seven. One she called "When I Fear My Faith Will Fail."  Harkness then wrote the original tune. 
          A century later an American worship pastor in Washington, D.C., Matt Merker, took out Habershon's words, given to him by a member of the congregation, during a trying season. He found fresh comfort and hope in the lyrics, put new music to the old hymn, and added a third verse. He shared the song with his wife and then his senior pastor, Mark Dever, who thought the church should try singing it. "The church quickly owned the song and began singing it with joy (and really loud voices!)." 
          Word soon spread and churches far and wide now sing Habershon's old hymn with Merker's new tune. Says Merker, "It reinvigorates us to know that God is in control and He will preserve us to the end."   Not only will God keep his people, but He delights to do so. Not only does He hold us fast, but He does so with great joy. And there is no safer place to be in the universe than hidden with Jesus in the heart of God's delight. (Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 10:23).  
          If today you are wrestling with concerns about your faith and future, trust the Lord to keep His promises and be assured that He will hold you fast until our faith is turned to sight, when He comes again at last.

1.     When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;

When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.

I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path;

For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

2.     Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;

Precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast.

He'll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;

Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

3.     For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;

Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.

Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast

'Till our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;

For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

Listen to it here.   HOLD ME FAST 

ALL YOUR ANXIETY (TH/PEACE #4)

        Are you burdened with anxiety?  Are you worried about all that is happening around you?  If you are, you are not alone.  All around the world people are stressed about the virus and the effects it is having on all of our lives.

          And I must admit that I am not a good one to give advice about stress and anxiety.  I, too, and concerned about the health of my family as well as my own health.  I wonder how the stock market will affect my retirement?  Will the businesses that my sons work for avoid bankruptcy?  Will they have jobs? Will we be able to get our needed medicine, some of which comes from China?  Will we run out of food?  Will my granddaughter be able to have her wedding in December?  There certainly are enough concerns to keep us worriers busy.

          Now if you are a believer you know that the answer to this problem is to fully trust the Lord.  Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you didn't even expect."   Proverbs 3:5, 6  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."  Now we may know these truths, but obeying them is not always easy.

          When I was in college I was stunned to hear that my pastor, Rev. Rudy Gehman, had died of a sudden heart attack while preparing for a VBS closing program  Although that was over 50 years ago, I still vividly remember his funeral service.  One of the things that has remained in my mind is the hymn sung by the Pastor's Quartet  - "All Your Anxiety".  I had never heard this hymn before and I have now never forgotten it.  

          Years later it was in our new hymnbook at church, but I don't recall that we sang it very often.  However, over the years the words have often come back to me and have been a comfort to me in times of stress and anxiety.  Recently we were listening to some of our old 33 rpm records - do you remember these?.  One of the albums was by my favorite trombone player, Bill Pierce, and one of the numbers that he played and sang was this hymn.  I immediately thought that I had to include it in a blog, and I have done that a few times over the years.  Hopefully the words will be a help and comfort to many of you.  

         The hymn was written in 1920 by Edward H. Joy (1871 - 1949) who had a long career serving in the Salvation Army.  He was inspired to pen the words of this hymn by the words from Philippians, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."  And also by the words from 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  

          Joy described the challenges that we all face at different times - sorrows, cares, burdens and anxieties.  We all encounter these at various times in life and are currently doing so today. They often cause us emotional stress, and too often even serious physical problems.  But there is a solution.  It is that we bring our anxieties to the Lord in prayer. For this, the hymn writer uses the imagery of coming to the cross, and of coming to the mercy seat.  How much better our lives would be if only we could claim and apply the words of this hymn and leave all of our anxiety with the Lord. I admit that this is a lesson that I must often still learn. But there is never a burden that He can't bear. And He asks us to leave ALL of them with Him. There is never a friend like Jesus. 

          

(1)   Is there a heart o'erbound by sorrow?

Is there a life weighed down by care?

Come to the cross, each burden bearing—

All your anxiety, leave it there.

All your anxiety, all your care,

Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there;

Never a burden He cannot bear,

Never a friend like Jesus!

(2)   No other friend so keen to help you,

No other friend so quick to hear;

No other place to leave your burden,

No other one to hear your prayer. 

All your anxiety, all your care,

Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there;

Never a burden He cannot bear,

Never a friend like Jesus!

(3)    Come then at once, delay no longer!

Heed His entreaty kind and sweet;

You need not fear a disappointment,

You shall find peace at the mercy seat.

All your anxiety, all your care,

Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there;

Never a burden He cannot bear,

Never a friend like Jesus!

Listen to it here.   ANXIETY

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS (TH/PEACE #3)

        This year Easter will be different than any Easter we have ever celebrated due to the virus that has hit folks all around the world.  Nobody will be attending Easter or Good Friday services in a church.  Some will view them online.  
          Families will not be gathering together for a meal because of the travel restrictions.  Some may communicate by phone or by programs like Skype or Zoom.  There won't be Easter Egg hunts for the children.  There won't be baseball to watch on television. Many will be ill - isolated at home or in hospitals. Everything will be different and maybe life will never return to what we have grown to know as normal.

          But let's be sure that with all of these changes that we don't forget the true meaning of Easter.  Hopefully we will take time to celebrate the Resurrection.  Hopefully we will take time to thank God for all that He has provided for us - especially for salvation.  God has been so good!  Be still and know that He is God!  Rejoice and praise Him.  He is in control!

         One of the things I have always enjoyed about Easter are the great hymns about the cross and the Lord's death and resurrection.  Hopefully we will find a way to hear them and sing them this year.  On April 4, 2010, I shared the story of "The Old Rugged Cross" on this blog.  As part of my series on "Timeless Hymns" and my short series of "Hymns of Peace", I have chosen to share this story once again.

          The Reverend George Bennard (1873-1958) is the author of this classic hymn which has been one of the favorites of believers for many years.  On one occasion, as Bennard was thinking of Christ's crucifixion, an original melody ran through his mind. Although it was a complete melody, very few words came with it. He struggled to write some appropriate lyrics, but all that came at first was the phrase, "I'll cherish the old rugged cross." But slowly the song seemed to take shape in bits and pieces.

         He returned from several preaching engagements to his home in Michigan with a renewed meaning of the cross etched in his mind and heart. He took the song manuscript and placed it on the kitchen table. In a very short span of time, he was able to rewrite the stanzas with each word falling perfectly into place. He asked his wife to join him in the kitchen. She did so and he joyfully sang his prized new song. She was pleased, expressing that the song was great. 

         Charles H. Gabriel, a well-known gospel-song composer, helped Bennard with the harmonies. He made the final changes while staying in the parsonage of the Rev. and Mrs. Leroy O. Bostwick, who had asked for his help with a two-week revival at the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Pokagon, Michigan. There he sang the final completed version for the first time on June 7, 1913.  He had a choir of five, accompanied by a guitar, sing it from his penciled notes. 

         Published in 1915, the song was popularized during Billy Sunday evangelistic campaigns by two members of his campaign staff, Homer Rodeheaver (who bought rights to the song for $500) and Virginia Asher, who most likely were the first to record it in 1921. 
          During this Easter season meditate upon these beautiful, meaningful words as we remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  What an amazing victory, hope, and peace were provided for those who accept what He did for us.  Despite the difficult conditions around us this year, rejoice in God's greatest gift to us.
          Have a blessed Easter and stay safe.

(1) On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

(2) O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,

Has a wondrous attraction for me;

For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above

To bear it to dark Calvary.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

(3) In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,

A wondrous beauty I see,

For 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,

To pardon and sanctify me.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

(4) To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;

Its shame and reproach gladly bear;

Then He'll call me some day to my home far away,

Where His glory forever I'll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it some day for a crown.

Listen to it here.   RUGGED

TILL THE STORM PASSES BY (TH/PEACE #2)

        This storm still rages worldwide.  The deadly virus continues to change our lives and cause sickness and death and devastation to our lives.  And there seems to be little or no hope for any quick solution.  And lives are still filled with fear, anxiety, pressure and worry.

          But God hasn't changed.  He is still in control.  His love hasn't changed.  His presence in our lives hasn't changed.  His provision of peace in our lives is still available.

         As you may recall, last week I said that I have been led for several weeks to change the direction of my blog.  I plan to repeat a few of the hymns that I've used in the past as an encouragement to each of us in these difficult days.   Last week we asked the question "Does Jesus Care?"  And without a doubt He does.

          Today we are facing a storm which we never expected or have experienced before.  It is one that even the experts don't know how to handle.  It is changing our lives.  But I think it might be the kind of storm that Mosie Lister wrote about in 1958.

          Lister may have been inspired by the story of Jesus who was with His disciples in a boat when a vicious storm hit them.  In Mark 4:39 we read, "And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still.  And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." The scared disciples were astonished and relieved when upon the command of Jesus, the storm passed by.  Today as you face this deadly virus do you have the same feelings the disciples had before Jesus calmed the storm?  How easy it is to forget that with "Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm!"

         It is said that Lister's hymn was actually written for Mahalia Jackson, but it never reached her. A friend asked Lister to write a song for Jackson who at that time was well known for her rendition of the song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands". Lister said that because he grew up among minority groups, he had an idea about the background of Jackson and wanted to write a song that would be a prayer for a person who has undergone struggles in life.  The song was never given to her but it was written and many other people have actually been blessed by it.  

         Lister's hymn also echoes the promise of God to Israel in Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you". The best part of this promise is that God not only said they would make it through, but that He would go with them! There was no fear of loneliness!  And that is also His promise to us today for Jesus has said that He would never leave us or forsake us. And He hasn't.  And He won't.  He will go with you through this virus.  He will hold you fast and let you stand in the hollow of His hand.  

          And one day He will take His children to that place where the long night has ended and the storms come no more. And we will stand with Him on that bright peaceful shore.  May that promise and truth be your encouragement as you experience His presence and peace while this storm passes by.

1.     In the dark of the midnight 

have I oft hid my face

While the storm howls above me, 

and there's no hiding place

'Mid the crash of the thunder, 

Precious Lord, hear my cry

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over, 

till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

2.     Many times Satan whispered, 

"There is no need to try

For there's no end of sorrow, 

there's no hope by and by"

But I know Thou art with me, 

and tomorrow I'll rise

Where the storms never darken the skies

Till the storm passes over, 

till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

3.     When the long night has ended 

and the storms come no more

Let me stand in Thy presence 

on the bright peaceful shore

In that land where the tempest, 

never comes, Lord, may I

Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over, 

till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Words and Music by Mosie Lister

copyright 1958

Take care and keep looking up!  Listen to it here    STORM

DOES JESUS CARE (TH/PEACE #1)

        Worldwide we are being attacked by a new virus that is drastically changing our lives.  Stores, businesses, schools and churches are closed and we are generally confined to our homes waiting to see if we develop any symptoms of this deadly virus.  Many of us are facing stress, fear, anxiety and loneliness.

          What can we do about it?  Obviously we can follow the recommendations of the experts about hand washing, cleaning items, adequate separation from others, etc.  But as Christians we need to take advantage of this new available time to read our Bibles and pray.  There is nothing new about this suggestion, but unfortunately it is often forgotten.  But God wants to comfort us and lead us in the good times and the bad.  We just need to listen and obey.

          Now one of the best helps that I have been using is listening to Gospel music.  There are lessons to be learned and emotions to be calmed through good Christian music.  As I've been experiencing this I have been led to change the direction of my hymn blog, at least for a few weeks.  I want to share some of the hymns which have spoken to me.  Most of them have been shared here over the years.  But I feel led to share them again for our help as we face these new pressures today.

          Frank E. Graeff was a Methodist pastor who served several churches around Philadelphia.  It is said that he was a special friend to children and an encouragement to everyone who knew him. Graeff was known by many as the "sunshine minister".  By the way, why not be an encourager in these difficult times.  People around you need encouragement and you'll be surprised how much you will benefit from doing this.  

          But the sunshine minister also went through some severe testing experiences and resulting periods of despondency. It was while passing through one of these tests that he became very despondent, full of doubt and full of physical agony. Turning to the scriptures for solace and strength he found that I Peter 5:7 spoke to his need. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." This was the inspiration that led him to pen the words of the great hymn "Does Jesus Care?" Each one of the verses of Graeff's hymn asks some intensely personal and important questions, and the answer is always "Oh yes, He cares." 

          So today does Jesus care when we are confined to our home because of this virus?  Does Jesus care when we lose our job because of the virus?  Does He care when we lose our savings because the stock market crashes?  Does He care when we have symptoms of he virus?  Does He care when family members or friends develop the virus?  Does He care when we develop the virus and then the deadly pneumonia?  As Graeff wrote, "Oh yes, He cares."

          May each of us remember that truth as today we face the unknown.  And may we learn to trust the Lord and the path He has prepared for us.  God is good, all the time!.

(1)     Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

Too deeply for mirth or song,

As the burdens press, and the cares distress

And the way grows weary and long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(2)     Does Jesus care when my way is dark

With a nameless dread and fear?

As the daylight fades into deep night shades,

Does He care enough to be near?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(3)     Does Jesus care when I've tried and failed

To resist some temptation strong;

When for my deep grief there is no relief,

Though my tears flow all the night long?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

(4)     Does Jesus care when I've said "goodbye"

To the dearest on earth to me,

And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,

Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,

His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,

I know my Savior cares.

Listen to it here.   CARE

GOD IS IN CONTROL

          The world that we live in is suddenly facing many major changes.  All of us are having to make major adjustments in our lives. Our lives have been disrupted.  We don't know what a day will bring. And with that in mind I have decided to make some changes in this week's blog in hopes of encouraging us during these very difficult days. I am featuring a rather new song that you may never have heard before.  But I believe it is a reminder that we all need.  The Lord has also provided us with many messages of encouragement in His Word for times like these.  We need to claim them and avoid the anxiety and panic that can fill our lives.  Here are a few of them:  

Isaiah 14:24 

"The Lord Almighty has sworn, 'Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.'"

Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Psalm 46:1

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 94:19

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." 

          In 2008 Jerry Bridges wrote the following in Decision Magazine:

"All people - believers in God as well as unbelievers - experience anxiety, frustration, heartache and disappointment. Some suffer intense physical pain and catastrophic tragedies. But what should distinguish the suffering of believers from unbelievers is the confidence that our suffering is under the control of an all-powerful and all-loving God; our suffering has meaning and purpose in God's eternal plan, and He brings or allows into our lives only what is for His glory and our good."

          Recently Twila Paris wrote a song about God being in control and I thought it might be helpful to share it this week.

This is no time for fear

This is a time for faith and determination

Don't lose the vision here

Carried away by the motion

Hold on to all that you hide in your heart

There is one thing that has always been true

It holds the world together

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

History marches on

There is a bottom line drawn across the ages

Culture can make its plan

Oh, but the line never changes

No matter how the deception may fly

There is one thing that has always been true

It will be true forever

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

He has never let you down

Why start to worry now? (2x)

He is still the Lord of all we see

And He is still the loving Father

Watching over you and me

Watching over you, watching over me

Watching over everything

Watching over you, watching over me

Every little sparrow, every little key, every little key

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

You can listen to Twila sing it right here.   CONTROL

As part of our adjusting to new regulations, I had listed some thoughts and practical ideas on my weekly personal blog on Saturday, March 21.  You might find this blog helpful.  You can see it here.   BLOG

And remember - God is still in control!
Have a great week - keep safe!

YES I KNOW (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN  - Another revised and repeated blog of one of my favorite Gospel songs - Yes I Know - originally shared on May 9, 2010. 

          Recently I heard of a Christian family whose daughter had obviously sinned. The results of her sin were public because this single young lady could not hide her resulting appearance. As is too often the case in such situations, her parents received all sorts of unwanted advice from their "spiritual" friends. The advice included suggestions that they should disown their daughter to even suggesting that her father should resign his position in church. I am guessing that some even thought she should be made to confess her sin in front of the congregation. It is amazing how cold and harsh fellow Christians can be. These same Christians can gossip about the situation, but they don't see that as a sin - at least not a sin of the same seriousness. So often we can see the sins of others but not our own. And we can go on gossiping and thinking that some sins are worse than others – at least worse than ours. But sin is sin. And the scriptures remind us that all have sinned. Without Christ we are lost  and as some hymn writers have written, we are vile wretched people, without hope. But we know that Christ can make the vilest sinner clean – even the murderer, the drug pusher, and the gossip. Guy Penrod, formerly with the Gaither Vocal Band, wrote a gospel song that speaks to this fact. Hopefully you can relate to the words of this week's choice as you read the words below and listen to the Gaither Vocal Band on the link below.

(1) Come, ye sinners, lost and lonely,

Jesus' blood can make you free;

For He saved the worst among you,

When He saved a wretch like me.

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean,

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean.

(2) To the faint He giveth power,

Through the mountains makes a way;

Findeth water in the desert,

Turns the night to golden day.

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean,

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean.

(3) In temptation He is near thee,

Holds the pow'rs of hell at bay;

Guides you to the path of safety,

Gives you grace for every day.

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean,

And I know, yes, I know

Jesus' blood can make the vilest sinner clean.

Listen to it here  I KNOW

MY TIMES ARE IN THY HAND

         Sometimes life comes at us hard and unexpectedly.  We never know what a day will bring ... a serious accident ...  a change in employment ... a devastating physical diagnosis ... an unexpected bill ... a broken relationship ...  the death of a relative or friend ...  or even one of the simpler challenges that come our way so often.  We can become discouraged or depressed.  We wonder why.  We wonder if there is really any hope.  As hard as it might seem, in times like these we need to rely on the firm foundation that we have in Christ and remember that our times are really in His hand.  He is in control and we need to cast all of our care upon Him.  Romans 8:28 reminds us "that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."  Actually I had never heard this week's song before until a friend recently sent it to me.  When I received it we had just learned of two serious medical problems and received two unexpected bills.  The words of the song reminded me of the truth of these scriptures.  One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 2:10 where we are reminded that "...we are his workmanship ...".  And I know that a perfect God would not create something defective or let it fall apart.  "My times are in Thy hand." Psalm 31:15.  It was William F. Lloyd (1791-1824) who penned this week's song in 1824.   Mr. Lloyd was involved in the work of the Sunday School, almost from its beginning. He was born about ten years after Robert Raikes began this ministry, and Lloyd was attracted to it since boyhood. He taught in a Sunday School, and wrote many books and curriculum materials for this group. He was later appointed as a secretary of the British Sunday School Union.   In 1851, Lloyd published a book of poems called Thoughts in Rhyme. In it was this little verse which sums up the faith behind the longer hymn we're looking at:

Each future scene to God I leave,

Enough for me to know,

He can from every evil save,

And every good bestow.

His song is a good reminder.  Are you living in the knowledge that your times are in His hand?  Do you leave your life, your friends and your soul entirely in His care?  Our Father's hand will never cause his child a needless tear.

1      My times are in thy hand;

my God, I wish them there;

my life, my friends, my soul, I leave

entirely to thy care.

2      My times are in thy hand,

whatever they may be;

pleasing or painful, dark or bright,

as best may seem to thee.

3      My times are in thy hand;

why should I doubt or fear?

My Father's hand will never cause

his child a needless tear.

4      My times are in thy hand,

Jesus the Crucified;

those hands my cruel sins had pierced

are now my guard and guide.

5.     My times are in Thy hand,

I'll always trust in Thee;

And, after death, at Thy right hand

I shall forever be.

You can listen to it here.    HAND

ON EAGLE'S WINGS

         "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31.  Each morning I read these words on a plaque hanging on our wall at home.  I am reminded of the beautiful eagles which soar through the skies with apparent ease.  Then I am reminded that God provides the strength for us to soar above the many problems of this life.  What a beautiful and comforting picture.  Composer Father Jan Michael Joncas wrote this week's song after he and a friend, Doug Hall, returned from a meal to learn that Hall's father had died of a heart attack. Joncas doesn't recall if he ever met Hall's father, but he remembers wanting somehow to console his friend. "I knew this was a hard, hard experience in anybody's life, and I just wanted to create something that would be both prayerful and then comforting,"  In the days preceding Hall's father's wake, Joncas returned to his parents' house and composed the song on his guitar, sketching out a melody line and accompanying chords. The hymn debuted at the wake.  He didn't pay much attention to the hymn after that, but he became aware that the song was gaining popularity outside Catholic circles when his publisher forwarded him requests from other denominations to reproduce the song. Then, following the 1995 bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Cathy Keating, the governor's wife, requested that "On Eagle's Wings" be played at a memorial for those killed.  Much of the inspiration for the writing of this song comes from Psalm 91. Today many of us may be more familiar with the chorus then the words of the verses. But together they provide us with a needed reminder of the Lord's care and protection in our lives. What a beautiful picture of the Lord's care. "This I declare about the Lord: - He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;  He is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly diseases He will cover you with his feathers.  He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."  (Psalm 91:2-4)  Rest in this truth this week.

1.     You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,

Who abide in His shadow for life,

Say to the Lord, "My Refuge,

My Rock in Whom I trust." 

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

2.     The snare of the fowler will never capture you,

And famine will bring you no fear;

Under His Wings your refuge,

His faithfulness your shield.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

3.     You need not fear the terror of the night,

Nor the arrow that flies by day,

Though thousands fall about you,

Near you it shall not come.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

4.     For to His angels He's given a command,

To guard you in all of your ways,

Upon their hands they will bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

5.     For to His angels He's given a command

to guard you in all of your ways;

upon their hands they will bear you up,

lest you dash your foot against a stone

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings,

Bear you on the breath of dawn,

Make you to shine like the sun,

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Listen to it here    EAGLES