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.