O TO BE FAITHFUL!

I’ve Proved Thee Lord in Sorrows Hour
Unchanging in Thou Love To Me
I’ve Felt Thy Presence and Thy Power
And Long Thou Blessed Face to See

So Not For Length of Days I’d Ask
Nor For This World’s Wealth to Share
But for Grace To Do The Task
Thou Hast Entrusted to My Care

Help Me Lord My Task To Do
For All Thou Love To Me
Keep Me Faithful Ever True
Till At Home Dear Lord With Thee

PEACE IN THE STORM (John 16:27)

His perfect PEACE
His Peace Can Still The Troubled Hearts
The Peace That He Alone Imparts
The Storms of Life Are Made To Cease
When He But Speaks His Words of Peace

No Matter Where The Storms May Be
In Sin Burdened Hearts or on Lake Galilee
All Nature Bows To His Blest Will
There is Great Calm and All is Still

And Now Dear Lord We Praise Thou Name
For Thou Hast Borne Are Sin And Shame
Our Hearts Conflicts Are Made to Cease
Since Thou Hast Spoken Thy Words of Peace.

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (John 8:12)

His Presence Lightens Up Our Way
His Words are Words of Cheer
He Turns Are Darkest Night to Day
And Banishes All Our Fear
On Him We Cast Our Every Care
No Matter Great or Small
Our Heaviest Burden He Will Bear
For He is Lord of All

Help us Dear Lord Our Voice to Raise
For All That Thou Hast Done
To Sing That Song of Heavenly Praise
To God’s Beloved Son

THE LAY OF THE DISCONTENTED CHRISTIAN

Nothing to eat but food
Nothing but clothes to wear
Nothing to warm but heat
Nothing to breathe but air

Nowhere to live but home
Nowhere to sleep but bed
None to love but friends
Nothing but good to dread

Nothing but daily grace
And a Father’s constant love
And a life of prayer and faith
And a home prepared above

Was ever a life so tried
Was ever a heart so riven
With nothing on earth but good
And nothing at last but Heaven

WITH THANKFUL HEART

We thank Thee Lord for this new day
We thank Thee for the sun’s warm ray
We thank Thee for the birds that sing
We thank Thee Lord for everything

Thy bounteous hand our needs supply
Thine ear aye open to our cry
Dear Lord how thankful we should be
Our hearts aye full of praise to Thee

We long to gather round Thy feet
And there enjoy communion sweet
All glory now to Thee be given
For Thou art Lord of earth and Heaven

ALL IS WELL

What’re the future holds for you
No earthly friend can tell
Though much is hidden from your view
You know that all is well

The guilty past is blotted out
The present bright and clear
His word you never need to doubt
His presence ever near

His blood upon the cross He shed
He bore your sin and shame
That you might live who once was dead
To praise His Holy Name

GRATITUDE TO HIM

Dear Lord I never can repay
The debt of love I owe
But help me Lord from day to day
That love to others show

A gracious word a kindly deed
Some little task for thee
For all around there is a need
Help me dear Lord to see

FAMILY IN DUNDEE

To all my loved ones in Dundee
Those loved I don’t often see
But aye remember on bended knee
Dear Lord do bless

Preserve their footsteps day by day
Keep them aye in Thy narrow way
May they prove Thee their strength and stay
Dear Lord do guide

May all their joys be found in Thee
The One who died to set them free
Until Thy blessed face they see
Dear Lord be near
R.A. (10 – 10 – 63)

FOLLOW THOU ME John 21:22

Is there no other way, Oh God,
Except through sorrow, pain and loss’
To stamp Christ’s likeness on my soul,
No other way except the cross’

And then a voice stills all my soul,
That stilled the waves of Galilee,
Cans’t thou not bear the furnace,
If midst the flames I walk with thee’

I bore the cross, I know its weight,
I drank the cup I hold for thee.
Cans’t thou not follow where I lead’
I’ll give thee strength, lean hard on Me!
Author unknown

NEEDED THE QUIET Mark 6:31

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside,
Into the shadows where we could confide,
Away from the bustle where all the day long
I hurried and worried when active and strong.
I needed the quiet though at first I rebelled.
But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld
And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things.
Though weakened in body, my spirit took wings
To heights never dreamed of when active and gay.
He loved me so greatly He drew me away.
I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,
But a beautiful valley of blessings instead—
A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide,
I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.
Alice Hansche Mortenson

THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD

The hour has come, the table spread
The guests in royal robes arrayed
His body here in symbol-bread
The cup speaks of His blood once shed.

Oh! Blessed Lord how great Thy grace
That brought us into such a place
When we recall our sin so great
Within our hearts there did burn hate.

Eternal death we did deserve
Yet, from the pit Thou did’st preserve
Mercy vast, so great so free
Love that reaches even me.

When by faith the marks we see
These I suffered all for thee
Then my heart with grief does bend
Worship now to Thee ascends. (JH) 

BE NOT DISMAYED

“Be not dismayed,” though sorest trials press,
And all around the storm shrieks loud and wild!
Roll thou on Me thy burden and distress,
“I’ll never leave thee nor forsake thee,” child.

“Let not your heart be troubled”—still your fears,
“Your Father knoweth,” and His way is best.
Soon He Himself will wipe away our tears,
And though the path is rough, the end is rest.

“A little while,” His people hear Him say,
“And I will take you to My Father’s home.
Arise My love, My fair one come away,”
And our glad hearts respond, “Amen, Lord, Come!” J.W.H.N.

A GENTLE HINT

It is not so much what we say
As the manner in which we say it
It is not so much the language we use
As the tone in which we convey it

The words may be mild and fair
And the tones may pierce like a dart
The words may be soft as the summer air
And the tones may break the heart

THE TOUCH OF MASTER’S HAND

The Touch of the Master’s Hand
T’was battered and scarred and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin
But held it up with a smile.
‘What am I bidden, good folks,’ he cried,
‘Who’ll start the bidding for me’
A dollar, a dollar then two! Only two’
Two dollars and who’ll make it three.
Three dollars once. Three dollars twice.
Going for three But no
From the room, far back, a gray haired man
Came forward and pick up the bow.
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening the loosened strings
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low
Said, ‘What am I bid for the old violin”
And he held it up with the bow.
A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it two.
Two thousand and who’ll make it three.
Three thousand once three thousand twice
And going and gone,’ said he.
The people cheered but some of them cried
We do not quite understand.
What changed its worth’ Swift came the reply
The touch of the master’s hand.
And many a man with life out of tune
And battered and scarred with sin.
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
Much like the old violin.
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game he travels on.
He’s ‘going’ once, and ‘going’ twice
He’s going and almost gone.
But the Master comes and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and change that’s wrought
By the touch of the Master’s hand.
Source unknown

A PIG IS A PIG

“Come home with me,” said the prodigal son.
“We’ll sing and dance and have lots of fun.
We’ll wine and dine with women and song.
You’ll forget you’re a pig before very long.”

So the pig slipped out while mamma was asleep,
Shook off the mud from the mire so deep.
Around his neck was a bow so big,
He’s gonna show the world a pig’s not a pig!

With his snout in the air he trotted along
With the prodigal son, who was singin’ a song.
It must be great to be a rich man’s son.
He would surely find out ‘fore the day was done.

It didn’t take him long to realize his mistake–
He’d been scrubbed and rubbed ’til his muscles ached!
He squealed when they put a gold ring in his nose
And winced with pain when they trimmed his toes.

He sat at the table on a stool so high
A bib ’round his neck and a fork to try,
While the prodigal son, in his lovely robe,
Kept feeding his face, so glad to be home!

When the meat came around, the pig gave a moan.
It looked too much like a kind of his own.
He jumped from his chair with a grunt and a groan,
Darted through the door and headed for home.

His four little feet made the dust ride high,
For he didn’t stop till he reached that sty!
It’s what’s on the inside that counts, my friend,
For a pig is a pig to the very end!
Evelyn C. Sanders

I NEVER LOSE MY TEMPER

I never lose my temper – but oh! I wish I could!
I’d take it to the nearest dump and leave it there for good
I’d love to see it vanish down some dark and narrow drain
But every time I think its gone it surfaces again

I never lose my temper – its’ so attached to me
It’s not like an umbrella or a fiddly front door key
It cant be left on busses or go missing on a beach
Oh no, its always handy and its never out of reach

I never lose my temper – I can find it any day
And use it and abuse it in a most disturbing way
The calming waters of my temper seldom yield to calming oil;
I employ it as a catalyst and bring it to the boil.

I never lose my temper – its always just the same
I feel like I’m a football in a very hard fought game
I do the referring and believe I am in control
Then a whistle blows inside me and my temper scores again

I never lose my temper – I know exactly where
And when and what and why and who its ready to outstare
I try to keep it hidden or pretend its long since gone-
But the devil knows exactly just which string to pull upon

I never lose my temper – but by drawing on God’s grace
I’ll do my very best at least to keep it in its place
I’m trusting Him to take control until, with Him above
There’ll be no room for anger in the ocean of His love.
(B.R)

A MOMENT WITH HIM

We mutter and sputter, we fume and we spurt.
We mumble and grumble, our feelings get hurt.
We can’t understand things, our vision grows dim,
When all that we need is a moment with Him.
Author unknown

LET US GO ON Hebrews 6:1
 
 The Way of the Cross
 Some of us stay at the cross.
 Some of us wait at the tomb.
 Quickened and raised with Christ,
 Yet lingering still in the gloom.
 Some of us bide at the Passover Feast
 With Pentecost all unknown,
 The triumphs of grace in the heavenly place
 That our Lord has made our own.
 If the Christ who died had stopped at the cross,
 His work had been incomplete.
 If the Christ who was buried had stayed in the tomb,
 He had only known defeat.
 But the way of the cross never stops at the cross,
 And the way of the tomb leads on
 To victorious grace in the heavenly place
 Where the risen Lord has gone.
 Author unknown

PRIDE

How well do I remember,
T’was in the bleak December
As I was strolling down the street in manly pride,
When my heart began to flutter
And I fell into a gutter,
And a pig came up and lay down by my side.

As I lay there in the gutter,
My heart still all a-flutter,
A man passing by chanced to say,
“You can tell a man that boozes
By the company he chooses,”
And the pig got up and slowly walked away.
Author unknown

I AM WHAT I AM BY HIS GRACE

Whatever change is seen in me
Dear Lord I owe it all to Thee
For Thou didst die to set me free
May I forever thankful be
R.A. (8 – 6 – 65)

LOOKING UP FROM A HOSPITAL BED
R.A. (12-6-65)

Peacefully Resting In Thy love
Resting In Thy Tender Care
Looking To My Home Above
Longing To Be With Thee There

Trusting Thee Dear Lord Alone
I Shall Never Suffer Loss
Thou Didst For My Sins Atone
By Thy Death Upon The Cross

Ever Thankful Lord To Thee
Thou Didst Bear My Sin And Shame
May I Never Cease To Be
Praising Thou Blest Holy Name

HE IS ABLE

“He is able,” sound the message!
All who come to God by Him.
He can save unto the utmost;
Take away their every sin.

“He can save, but can He keep me?”
Yes! The answer comes to you.
Paul could say that “He is able,”
Trust Him NOW and prove Him true.

Christ alone gives satisfaction—
Every other stream runs dry.
Living water He will give you,
Springing up to God on high.

With the message comes the warning,
“He is able to destroy.”
Sinner! Turn, at once, to Jesus;
Flee the judgment—know His joy.

Oh! how blest the Christian’s portion—
SAVED, and KEPT, and SATISFIED,
By that One who ever liveth,
Christ—the Father’s glorified.
—E.J. Anderson 

CASTING ALL YOUR CARE

Let all who are sad take heart again,
We are not alone in our hours of pain;
Our Father looks down from His throne above
To soothe and comfort us with His love.

He leaves us not when the storms are high—
And we have safety for He is nigh.
Can we deem trouble what He doth share?
Oh, rest in peace, for the Lord doth care.

“Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

THY WONDERFUL NAME

Dear Lord we praise Thy Wonderful Name
For Thou hast borne our sin and shame
And suffered on the cruel tree
That we the guilty might go free

Thy power and presence Lord make known
Each day to those Thou hast made Thine own
That we each trial may overcome
As step by step we journey home

And when we reach the heavenly shore
We’ll grieve Thy heart dear Lord no more
For like Thee then Dear Lord we’ll be
Throughout a long eternity
 

HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD

His precious blood He freely shed
That we might live who once were dead
He bore our curse our sin our shame
And now we live to praise His name
John 19:34 (R.A).
 

CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART

Though some would ask for this world’s wealth
That oft has fleeting wing
Dear Lord give me a thankful heart
Thy praise each day to sing

A heart that’s cleansed from sin’s vile scourge
A dwelling place for Thee
A heart Thy precious blood did purge
A heart from sin set free

A heart for others Lord give me
Still strangers to Thy grace
That I might speak a word for Thee
Until I see Thy face

A heart that aye beats true to Thee
Whatever trial may come
Oh such a heart Dear Lord give me
Until I’m taken home
Psalm 51:10  R.A. (17 – 11 – 64) 
 

A MEDITATION ON PSALM 23

I Am Resting on His Promise
I Can Soundly Sleep
For I Know My Loving Saviour
Will His Promise Keep
Thou He Lead Me By Still Waters
Or Through Death’s Dark Vale
I’ll Still Trust My Loving Saviour
For He Cannot Fail 
 

HE GIVETH QUIETNESS

“Quiet from fear of evil,”
Lord, give us this to know,
To Thy blest words to hearken,
And Thou wilt peace bestow;
Thy blessed peace, Lord Jesus,
Thou would’st indeed impart
To those who hear Thee speaking,
Who know Thy loving heart.

Quiet in scenes of turmoil,
Peaceful amidst the strife;
Sorrowful, yet rejoicing;
Dying, yet found in life.
Not fearing evil tidings,
Heart fixed on Thee alone,
Trusting Thy love almighty,
Faithful, unchanging One.

With trouble surging around us,
Unrest on every hand,
Thou’lt keep Thine own, Lord Jesus,
Until they reach that land—
Where tempest never rises,
Where there will be no night,
To dwell in bliss unclouded
With Thee in glory bright.
Selected

“When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?” (Job 34:29)

“But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33)

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7)
 

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

What A Friend We Have in Jesus
None Could Ever Take His Place
He From Sin Came To Release Us
What An Act of Sovereign Grace
Was There Ere A Birth So Lowly
As His Humble Birth Down Here
Nor Was Any Found So Holy
As The Lord Did Thus Appear

Earthly Friends May Of times Grieve Us
Partings Ever Come Our Way
But This Friend Will Never Leave Us
Ever With Us Night And Day

We Have Proved This Dear Friend Jesus
Now Earth’s Journey’s Nearly o’er
And We Know He Will Receive Us
Soon Upon The Heavenly Shore.
R.A. (4-12-65)
 

WHY?

Why must God’s children suffer’
Why must we feel pain’
Why must we keep on fighting
When it seems, we fight in vain’

Why do the ones who do not choose
To follow where He’s led
Seem to walk an easy road
When a hard path we must tread’

Why does He give the riches here
To those who never heed’
Doesn’t He see His own dear ones
Who really are in need’

So when they seem to sneer at us
When we speak of life above,
Remember, precious child, God chastens
those He loves.

God only sends these trials
To those He really loves.
His children will get their rewards
In Heaven up above.

So, though for now I’m tested,
Though I’m sick as I can be,
I know my Father really loves,
Because He chastens me.
Author 17 year old girl from Michigan
 

IT’S EASY TO SAY

It’s easy to say ‘Thy will be done”,
When skies are bright in the morning sun,
And all things work together for good,
And life goes on just as it should.

But it’s hard to trust when days are dark
And hurtful events leave a deep, deep mark;
And nothing seems clear, and the sun doesn’t shine,
And you wonder what’s waiting on down the line.

Oh that’s when it’s hard to believe God’s word
And to tell Him, “I fully trust you Lord
To bear me through this difficult time”.
Yes, that’s when your faith has a hill to climb.

Yet it’s only when one has climbed the hill
That the path in front becomes clearer still,
And clouds that once were over your head
Are now beneath your feet instead.

So don’t give up when life gets you down:
The sharpest thorns make the strongest crown.

JESUS CARES

There is never a day so dreary
But God can make it bright,
And unto the soul that trusts Him,
He giveth songs in the night.

There is never a path so hidden,
But God can lead the way,
If we seek for the Spirit’s guidance
And patiently wait and pray.

There is never a cross so heavy
But the nail-scarred hands are there
Outstretched in tender compassion
The burden to help us bear.

There is never a heart so broken,
But the loving Lord can heal,
The heart that was pierced on Calvary
Doth still for His loved ones feel.

There is never a life so darkened,
So hopeless and unblessed,
But may be filled with the light of God
And enter His promised rest.

There is never a sin or sorrow,
There is never a care or loss,
But that we may bring to Jesus
And leave at the foot of the cross.

Scripture references:

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6,7)

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28,29)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
 

HE KNOWS, HE LOVES, HE CARES.

He knows He loves He cares
Our every burden shares
No matter what our trials may be
Dear Lord we can depend on Thee

Thou art our unfailing friend
On Thee alone we can depend
E’en to Thy going to the cross
That we might never suffer loss

In Thee we find our rest
In Thee we’re fully blest
Without the sad would be our plight
For Thou dear Lord art this world’s light

May we keep close to Thee
Until Thy face we see
At home with Thee on yon blest shore
To stray from Thy pierced side no more

MY HIDING PLACE 

(Psalm 119:114)

Hail, sovereign love, which first began
The scheme to rescue fallen man!
Hail, matchless, free eternal grace,
Which gave my soul a Hiding Place!

Against the God who built the sky
I fought with hands uplifted high—
Despised the mention of His grace,
Too proud to seek a Hiding Place.

Enwrapt in thick rebellious night,
And fond of darkness more than light,
Madly I ran the sinful race,
Secure – without a Hiding Place!

But thus the eternal counsel ran:
Almighty love, arrest that man!
I felt the arrows of distress,
And found I had no Hiding Place!

Indignant Justice stood in view;
To Sinai’s fiery mount I flew;
But Justice cried with frowning face,
This mountain is no Hiding Place!

Ere long a heavenly voice I heard,
From God’s own holy, precious Word.
He led me by His matchless grace
To JESUS as a Hiding Place!

On Him almighty vengeance fell,
Which must have sunk a world to hell!
He bore it for a sinful race,
And now can be your Hiding Place!

Should sevenfold storms of thunder roll,
And shake this globe from pole to pole,
I’ve trusted Christ’s amazing grace,
And now He is my HIDING PLACE!
 

PREACHING

It’s easier to preach than to practice;
It’s easier to say than to do.
Most sermons are heard by the many,
But taken to heart by the few.
Author unknown
 

LIPS & SLIPS

If your lips would keep from slips,
Five things to observe with care:
To whom you speak, of whom you speak,
And how, and when, and where.
Author unknown
 

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO YOU

You’re Writing a Gospel, Someone Has Said…
You’re writing a gospel, a chapter a day
By deeds that you do and words that you say.
Men read what you write, whether false or true.
What is the gospel according to you’
Author unknown
 

WHAT WE ASK & WHAT WE RECEIVE

I asked for strength that I might achieve–
He made me weak that I might obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things–
I was given grace that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy–
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men–
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life–
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I received nothing that I asked for,
All that I hoped for.
My prayer was answered.
Author unknown
 

UNANSWERED YET

Sometime, Somewhere
Unanswered yet’ Faith cannot be unanswered.
Her feet were firmly planted on the rock.
Amid the wildest storm she stands undaunted.
Nor quails before the loudest thunder shock.
She knows Omnipotence has heard her prayer
And cries, It shall be done sometime, somewhere.
Unanswered yet’ Nay, do not say ungranted.
Perhaps your part is not yet wholly done.
The work began when your first payer was uttered,
And God will finish what He has begun.
If you will keep the incense burning there,
His glory you will see, sometime, somewhere.
Ophelia Guyon Browning
 

YOU CALL ME MASTER & LORD John13:13

Thus speaketh Christ our Lord to us:
Ye call Me Master and obey Me not.
Ye call Me Light and see Me not.
Ye call Me Way and walk Me not.
Ye call Me Life and choose Me not.
Ye call Me Wise and follow Me not.
Ye call Me Fair and love Me not.
Ye call Me Rich and ask me not.
Ye call Me Eternal and seek Me not.
Ye call Me Noble and serve Me not.
Ye call Me Gracious and trust Me not.
Ye call Me Might and honor Me not.
Ye call Me Just and fear Me not.
If I condemn you, blame Me not.
Inscription on the cathedral in
Lübeck, Germany
 

WHAT GOD HATH PROMISED

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labourer, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint
 

IN THE CRUCIBLE

Out from the mine and the darkness,
Out from the damp and the mold,
Out from the fiery furnace,
Cometh each grain of gold.
Crushed into atoms and leveled
Down to the humblest dust
With never a heart to pity,
With never a hand to trust.

Molten and hammered and beaten
Seemeth it ne’er to be done.
Oh, for such fiery trial,
What hath the poor gold done’
Oh, ’twere a mercy to leave it
Down in the damp and the mold.
If this is the glory of living,
Then better to be dross than gold.

Under the press and the roller,
Into the jaws of the mint,
Stamped with the emblem of freedom,
With never a flaw or a dint.
Oh, what a joy, the refining,
Out of the damp and the mold.
And stamped with the glorious image,
Oh, beautiful coin of gold!
Author unknown
 

LOVEST THOU ME

Lovest thou me-more than these
keeps ringing in my ears
I bow my head and with shame
Remember wasted years

As I stand before the Lord
A silence fills the air
Look upon the nail pierced hand
My heart begins to stir

To think I once Him denied
With oaths and curses swore
I know Him not I did say
I wanted Him no more

But I recall Him on that tree
In agonies and blood
My God, My God, He did cry
Hast Thou forsaken me.

Again I look within my heart
My love is Oh so weak
Now I bow before my Lord
His glory only seek.

And in low tones I reply
Oh Lord I do Thee Love
Please infuse this heart of mine
With love that’s from above. (J.H)
 

RIGHTEOUSNESS REIGNS Isaiah 59

Righteousness is reigning
Victory is won
By Jesus Christ our Lord
God’s Beloved Son.

For no intercessor
Could the Father find
To bring His salvation
To sinful mankind.

With breastplate and helmet
For battle prepared
Sin and death He conquered
His glory declared.

BEHOLD IT IS I

Behold it is I – ‘tis the still small voice
Of the Lord so near to make you rejoice
When trials of life are too great to bear
He will take your hand and the burden share.

As He bids you to pause and rest awhile
Apart from the toil of each weary mile
And listen to all that He has to say
For He has trodden this very same way.

A word in season He’s able to give
To one who is weary, new strength to live.
Your burden unfolded He’ll lift the load
And guide you along the Heaven.  EH
 

BEARING FRUIT John 15:1-8

No Fruit
Produced by the lone branch
It has no life within.
The Husbandman, he has
The vine to graft it in.

Fruit
Produced upon the branch
Fed by the Living Vine.
Clusters rich, full and ripe
The Husbandman will find.

More Fruit
Produced by constant growth
Attention by Him there.
To purge and take away
The branch that will not bear.

Much Fruit
Produced by it’s response
The Husbandman’s delight.
The fruitful branch abides
So precious in His sight.

What Fruit’
Produced in you the branch
Shall God the Father find
No fruit, more fruit, much fruit
From Christ the Living Vine’ EH
 

SOW BESIDE ALL WATERS 

Isaiah 32, 20

Sow beside all waters
Blessings He’ll bestow
Make mention of His name
All His beauties show
That many ears may hear
And eyes be not dim
To know and understand
Their great need of Him. EH

BLESSINGS
Isaiah 32:15-20

Righteousness remaineth
In the fruitful field
Harvest He is reaping
An abundant yield.

Quietness, assurance
From the seed He’s sown
Giving peace and blessing
Unto all His own.

Quiet habitations
Wherein they may dwell
Tranquil resting places
He’s done all things well!

Judgements in the desert
Removed far away
The thorns and the briers
Can no longer stay.

Trouble now is ended
People do not wail
No more the cry is heard
The vintage shall fail.

In it’s place the city
Forsaken no more
Is sharing the harvest
Filling up her store. E.H.

PASSING THIS WAY

Since we’ve but once to pass this way
And live in house of clay
Why build with stubble, wood and hay
That fire will burn away’

The judgement seat will make it plain
The time that we were here
Was spent on self and earthly gain
So soon to disappear.

Then let us work and watch and pray
And wait for Him each day
The time is near when He shall say
Rise up and come away.
 

WE’RE IN A WORLD

We’re in a world that sin did mar
And born estranged from God
Guilty sinners from God afar
And on the downward road.

Now we are here just for a while
We are not here to stay
In this poor world that is so vile
So soon to pass away.

The cruel world can only give
Heartbreak, shame and sorrow
And disappoint you while you live
It’s always more tomorrow.

This world is heading to it’s doom
It does not know the Lord
And for the Saviour has no room
No time for Him afford.

Jew and Gentile did agree
Though they were poles apart
To nail the Saviour to the tree
Revealed their cruel heart.

The devil is as angel bright
Deceiving all mankind
Appears to men in brightest light
Has blinds upon their minds.

The Saviour came into this world
That sinners He might save
And on the cross His love unfurled
The wrath of God He braved.

Our sins by God were on Him laid
When on the shameful tree
Redemption’s price He fully paid
That sinners might be free.
 

WELL DONE!

It’s little that we’re asked to do
But oh for grace to do it
And when we reach our heavenly home
We’ll ne’er have cause to rue it
For there we’ll meet with God’s dear Son
And hear His gracious words “WELL DONE”
 

EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Every step of the way
Whither by night or by day
He has promised to be
Forever with me
Every step of the way
Hebrews 13:5

WE HAVE TRUSTED HIM 

T’is we who know the Saviour’s love
T’is we who know His grace
Because we humbled at His Cross
And took the sinner’s place

SIGHT

As years roll by when dim of sight
And step may shorter be
Grant to each saint it will be light
Until they meet with Thee

PEACE IN SORROW

Thy peace to each in sorrows hour
May this our portion be
And Lord Thy presence and Thy power
Until at home with Thee
John 14:27

ALL WILL BE WELL 

John 16:33

Whatever path we yet may tread
Whatever tears we yet may shed
If by His blessed hand we’re led
ALL WILL BE WELL

This sin cursed scene would speak of night
Sin’s darkening clouds may dim our sight
But oh to walk in His blest light
ALL STILL IS WELL

And when our earthly race is run
And home at last with God’s dear Son
To hear His blessed words “Well Done”
ALL THEN IS WELL

HE KNOWS, HE LOVES, HE CARES

1 Peter 5:7

He knows He loves He cares
Our every burden shares
No matter what our trials may be
Dear Lord we can depend on Thee

Thou art our unfailing friend
On Thee alone we can depend
E’en to Thy going to the cross
That we might never suffer loss

In Thee we find our rest
In Thee we’er fully blest
Without the sad would be our plight
For Thou dear Lord art this world’s light

May we keep close to Thee
Until Thy face we see
At home with Thee on yon blest shore
To stray from Thy pierced side no more

GLEANED IN E. P’s. FLOWER GARDEN

We thank Thee Lord for this new day
We thank Thee for the sun’s warm ray
We thank Thee for the birds that sing
We thank Thee Lord for everything

Thy bounteous hand our needs supply
Thine ear aye open to our cry
Dear Lord how thankful we should be
Our hearts aye full of praise to Thee

We long to gather round Thy feet
And there enjoy communion sweet
All glory now to Thee be given
For Thou art Lord of earth and Heaven
R.A. (10 – 6 – 64)

THE BEST IS IS YET TO BE

Whatever trials may come each day
As here on earth we roam
Each step along the pilgrim way
But leads to heaven and home

It’s only here we’ll shed a tear
Or have an anxious care
For in that blissful heavenly sphere
We’ll meet our Saviour there

Our earthly race will then be run
And happy we shall be
At home with God’s Beloved Son
Throughout Eternity
R.A. (28 – 12 – 65)

I AM WHAT I AM BY HIS GRACE

Whatever change is seen in me
Dear Lord I owe it all to Thee
For Thou didst die to set me free
May I forever thankful be
R.A. (8 – 6 – 65)

ALL IS WELL

What’re the future holds for you
No earthly friend can tell
Though much is hidden from your view
You know that all is well

The guilty past is blotted out
The present bright and clear
His word you never need to doubt
His presence ever near

His blood upon the cross He shed
He bore your sin and shame
That you might live who once was dead
To praise His Holy Name

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

The Saviour loves the Saviour cares
In Him we’re truly blest
For He our every burden shares
In Him we find our rest

His peace we know t’is perfect peace
Our blessed portion here
His word alone made storms to cease
So what have we to fear

Oh that we might more faithful be
More worthy of His love
Until His blessed face we see
And dwell with Him above

GIVE ME A HEART

Psalm 51:10

Though some would ask for this world’s wealth
That oft has fleeting wing
Dear Lord give me a thankful heart
Thy praise each day to sing

A heart that’s cleansed from sin’s vile scourge
A dwelling place for Thee
A heart Thy precious blood did purge
A heart from sin set free

A heart for others Lord give me
Still strangers to Thy grace
That I might speak a word for Thee
Until I see Thy face

A heart that aye beats true to Thee
Whatever trial may come
Oh such a heart Dear Lord give me
Until I’m taken home
R.A. (17 – 11 – 64)

HIS NAME WONDERFUL

Isaiah 9:6

Dear Lord we praise Thy Wonderful Name
For Thou hast borne our sin and shame
And suffered on the cruel tree
That we the guilty might go free

Thy power and presence Lord make known
Each day to those Thou hast made Thine own
That we each trial may overcome
As step by step we journey home

And when we reach the heavenly shore
We’ll grieve Thy heart dear Lord no more
For like Thee then Dear Lord we’ll be
Throughout a long eternity

THY WILL NOT MINE

“That thy trust may be in the Lord, I have
made known to thee this day, even to thee.” (Proverbs 22:19)

Lord, when I cannot understand
Thy silence in the hour
When I most need Thy helping hand
And Thy deliv’ring power
This shall my joy and comfort be,
That so it seemeth good to Thee.

When things whereon my heart is set
Thy sovereign will denies,
If I am tempted to forget
That Thou art just and wise
Let this my joy and comfort be
That so it seemeth good to Thee.

When sinners prosper while the just
Are chastened every day;
When hope lies hopeless in the dust
Through unexplained delay,
Then let my joy and comfort be,
That so it seemeth good to Thee.

When those I love from me depart
To mansions in the skies
And sorrow overwhelms my heart
And blinds my weeping eyes
O Lord! let this my comfort be,
That so it seemeth good to Thee.

Thus onward to the very end,
My Lord, my God, my All,
I will not doubt my heavenly Friend;
But, whatsoe’er befall–
This shall my joy and comfort be,
That so it seemeth good to Thee.

CALM ME, MY GOD

Calm me, my God, and keep me calm,
While these hot breezes blow;
So like the night dew’s cooling balm
Upon earth’s fevered brow.

Calm me, my God, and keep me calm,
Soft resting on Thy breast;
Soothe me with holy hymn and psalm,
And bid my spirit rest.

Yes, keep me calm, though loud and rude
The sounds my ear that greet,
Calm in the closet’s solitude,
Calm in the bustling street;

Calm in the hour of buoyant health,
Calm in the hour of pain
Calm in my poverty or wealth,
Calm in my loss or gain.

Calm ‘mid the restless, heaving throng,
Who do not know Thy name;
Calm in the sufferance of wrong,
Like Him who bore my shame.

Calm as the ray of sun or star
Which storms assail in vain;
Moving unruffled through earth’s war,
The eternal calm to gain
H. Bonar

COMFORT

“Let not your heart be troubled”–
Oh! the love that’s here displayed
When our hearts are filled with sorrow,
Weak, discouraged and dismayed.

Loved ones gone to be with Jesus
Hearts bowed down with grief and pain,
Ours the joy of simply knowing
“I for you will come again.”

“In My Father’s house are mansions,”
Filled there at such a cost,
Readied, waiting, for His loved ones,
By the sufferings of the cross.

Only faith in God the Father,
And belief in God the Son,
Opens wide the heavenly portals
For the souls His love has won.

Soon the glorious shout will summon
Those who own Him as their King,
And with loved ones reunited,
Endless praises to Him sing.

“Let not your heart be troubled”–
Once again we hear Him say,
Lost, our every thought of sorrow,
In the wonders of that day.

IN TIMES LIKE THESE

Help me in times like these
To braver be;
Trusting each trying day,
For strength from Thee.

Help me to keep my faith
When funds are low;
Guide me to wisely plan
The way to go.

Help me to learn to smile
Beneath the load;
And lift some struggling one
Along the road.

Help me to walk by faith,
And not by sight,
Knowing in God’s good time,
All will be right.
Mary E. Milton
 

WAS THAT SOMEBODY YOU?

Somebody said on a Lord’s Day morning,
“Once more has come around,
The time for the Worship Meeting,
Where I ought to be found;
But oh, I’ve had such a busy week,
And the question comes to me,
Shall I stay in, or shall I go out?–
WHICH IS IT GOING TO BE?”

Somebody said on a Lord’s day evening,
“Gospel Meeting tonight!
See, who is preaching? Mr. Dash,
Well, he’s not over bright.
Not only so, it looks like rain,
And it would be awkward then;
I think I will those letters write
With that lovely brand new pen.”

Somebody said on a Tuesday night,
“The Bible Reading is on,
But really I feel so very tired,
My strength is almost gone;
It’s true there yet remains an hour,
‘Ere the meeting will begin;
So- shall I venture? – No, I think,
Tonight I’ll just stay in.”

Somebody said quite suddenly,
On a Thursday night, by-the-by,
“The meeting for prayer is on tonight,
And it’s meant for such as I;
Now, shall I go?- I feel done in,
Though I’m not exactly ill
Well, no, I think I will stay at home,
And let those go who will.”

Somebody else, at the self-same time,
Spoke in a similar strain,
And so the poor meetings had to suffer
And that was very plain!

“THE MEETING SUFFER — DID I SAY?
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE LORD?

Did somebody’s lame excuses pray?
Joy to His heart afford?”

Somebody’s making a brave resolve,
I think this very day:
“Henceforth from the various meetings,
We will not stay away.
We’ll heed the word, ‘Forsaking not,
The assembling of the saints,’
So that as far as we’re concerned,
There’ll be no more complaints.”

WHERE IS THE PLACE OF MY REST?

O Holy, blessed Saviour,
So faithful, gracious, true,
‘Tis in Thy presence resting
My soul shall strength renew.
For, O, I oft grow weary,
My heart so weak and faint,
Unless to Thee I carry
Each deep-felt soul’s complaint.

Where’er afar I journey,
Howe’er I view this scene,
No comfort has it given,
No resting place I’ve seen.
I long for Heaven’s glory,
Its pure and holy rest–
To see Thee and adore Thee,
With all Thy loved ones blest.

Yet, humbled, wearied, saddened
By this world though I be,
E’en now my soul is gladdened
By contemplating Thee–
Thy labour and Thy suffering,
Thy glory and Thy grace–
O joy and peace heart-touching,
O sweetest resting place!

Then, O blest Lord, constrain me,
By Thine unbounded love,
Through mists and clouds more plainly
To see Thee there above;
That e’en in days of sorrow,
Of weariness and toil,
My soul may constant borrow
Deep rest from Thy sweet smile. L.M.G.

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for
Him” Psalm 37:7.

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength” Isaiah 40:31.

ALL FOR GOOD

All things work for good together
Unto those who love their God.
Oh, the perfect peace and comfort
In that precious, blessed word.
Word so small, yet word so mighty,
Come what will, whate’er befall,
Aught that touches or comes nigh thee,
Lies within that wondrous “all.”

Things of joy and things of gladness,
We so quickly understand,
And with grateful hearts acknowledge
They are from our Father’s hand.
For “good gifts” He oft-times giveth
When, on Him, His children call;
And, undoubting, we received them–
Lie they not within the “all”?

But one day there falls a shadow,
And a break comes in the song,
And from hearts with sorrow burdened
Breaks the cry, “O Lord, how long?”
Listen–‘midst the storm and tempest
Softly on thine ear shall fall,
Love’s sweet whisper, “Child remember,
This, too, lies within the ‘all.’ “

So, beloved, think not strangely
Of the trials along your way,
“Thy God reigneth”! and controlleth
Each event of every day.
And when in that scene of glory
We around His throne shall fall,
Then – ah, then! we’ll know in fulness,
Love alone was in the “all.” J.A.R.
 

WHEN THOU PASSEST THROUGH THE WATERS

Is there any heart discouraged
As it journeys on its way?
Does there seem to be more darkness
Than there is of sunny day?
Oh, it’s hard to learn the lesson,
As we pass beneath the rod,
That the sunshine and the shadow
Serve alike the will of God;
But there comes a world of promise
Like the promise in the bow—
That however deep the waters,
They shall never overflow.

When the flesh is worn and weary,
And the spirit is depressed,
And temptations sweep upon it,
Like a storm on ocean’s breast,
There’s a haven ever open
For the tempest-driven bird;
There’s a shelter for the tempted
In the promise of the Word;
For the standard of the Spirit
Shall be raised against the foe,
And however deep the waters,
They shall never overflow.

When a sorrow comes upon you
That no other soul can share,
And the burden seems too heavy
Ffor the human heart to bear,
There is One whose grace can comfort
If you’ll give Him an abode;
There’s a Burden-Bearer ready
If you’ll trust Him with your load;
For the precious promise reaches
To the depth of human woe,
That however deep the waters,
They shall never overflow.

When the sands of life are ebbing
And I know that death is near;
When I’m passing through the valley,
And the way seems dark and drear;
I will reach my hand to Jesus,
In Him bosom I shall hide,
And ’twill only be a moment
Ttill I reach the other side;
It is then the fullest meaning
Of the promise I shall know.
“When thou passest through the waters,
They shall never overflow.”