Archive for January, 2009

Jesus Redeemer

Sunday, January 18th, 2009

Words and Lyrics: Luke Sim (http://luke-livingforjesus.blogspot.com)

Jesus redeemer of the universe
Was sent from heaven, to live a humble life on this earth
His only mission, was that of plain submission
fulfilling everything his father had willed

Born of a virgin, within a stable
Without much comfort or place to lay his head
Our loving Saviour gave his life to free us from sin
and cleanse us, with his blood, from within

Children of God, we have been chosen
By the redemption, of Jesus, in his name we believe
And by confession and coming in repentance
God showed us grace and made us whole again

New life he’s given, to us, his children
A life that’s full of joy and love and praise
No more of sadness, hatred and of endless complains
In Jesus, we’re no longer the same.

Our Redeemer, Our Friend

Sunday, January 18th, 2009

Music and Lyrics: Luke Sim

This is an original composition by Luke Sim. http://luke-livingforjesus.blogspot.com

For heaven to earth
You came and sought us
Out of the millions on the earth
Before creation, you had chosen us
To be saints in heaven and on the earth.
Do we deserve such grace and mercy
For all our sins you did atone
When at Mount Calvary you bore all our sins
With your blood, you washed us white as snow.

You loved us all so deeply that you life you did not spare
The pain and shame upon the cross, you willingly did bear
No greater love than this we can receive from any other man
Lord Jesus, our redeemer and our friend.

Hear us our prayer
Our heavenly father
Lead us from sin and worldly cares
Turn now our eyes, Lord, unto Jesus
Let our minds be filled with songs of praise
And let our lips sing forth your praises
From whom all heavenly blessings flow
Let us forever, remember
The great things that you have done for us.

You loved us all so deeply that your Son you did not spare
The pain and shame upon the cross, He willingly did bear
No greater love than this we can receive from any other man
Lord Jesus, our redeemer and our friend,
Who perfects God’s salvation plan.

Does Jesus Care?

Saturday, January 17th, 2009

Lyrics: Frank E Graeff
Music: J Lincoln Hall

Frank Graeff went through some ve­ry dif­fi­cult tri­als. The per­i­od be­fore writ­ing this song was one of great de­spond­en­cy, doubt and phys­ic­al pain. When he turned to God’s Word, 1 Peter 5:7 gave won­der­ful com­fort: “He cares for you.” Af­ter med­i­ta­ting on that truth, Graeff wrote these lyri­cs, with the re­sound­ing af­firm­a­tion in the cho­rus, “O yes, He cares…”

This hymn is a great comfort to those who are going through trials in life. Take heart that we have a loving, compassionate saviour who cares every bit for us – The Lord Jesus Christ.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth and song
As the burdens press, and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain:
O 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 Saviour cares

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?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong
When for my deep grief I find no relief Tho my tears flow all the night long?

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?

Lord, I’m Coming Home

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

This is a good hymn that reflects the feelings of the prodigal son in Lk15. I found a sermon outline of this parable at http://executableoutlines.com/pa/pa_28.htm

Kirkpatrick wrote this song at a camp meeting in Rawlinsville,Pennsylvania, with a very specific purpose: to win the soul of his soloist, a nonbeliever. After Kirkpatrick prayed for the young man, these words came to him. He wrote them down quickly, and after the soloist sang them that night, he became a Christian!

Lyrics and Music: William J Kirkpatrick

I’ve wandered far away from God, Now I’m coming home
The paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home

Refrain:
Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam,
Open now Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home

I’ve wasted many precious years, Now I’m coming home
I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I’m coming home

I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord, Now I’m coming home
I’ll trust Thy love believe Thy word, Lord, I’m coming home

My soul is sick, my heart is sore, Now I’m coming home
My strength renew, my hope restore, Lord I’m coming home

My only hope, my only plea, Now I’m coming home;
That Jesus died, and died for me. Lord, I’m coming home.

I need His cleansing blood, I know, Now I’m coming home;
O wash me whiter than the snow, Lord, I’m coming home.

Close to Thee

Wednesday, January 14th, 2009

Lyrics: Fanny J Crosby
Music: Silas J Vail

This is a slow and meditative hymn that reminds us to stay close to God.

Fanny Crosby recounts how this hymn was written: “To­ward the close of a day in the year 1874 I was sit­ting in my room think­ing of the near­ness of God through Christ as the con­stant com­pan­ion of my pil­grim jour­ney, when my heart burst out with the words.”

Thou my everlasting portion, More than friend or life to me
All along life’s pilgrim journey, Saviour let me walk with Thee

Close to Thee, Close to Thee, Close to Thee, Close to Thee
All along life’s pilgrim journey, Saviour let me walk with Thee

Not for ease or worldly pleasure, Nor for fame my prayer shall be
Gladly will I toil and suffer, Only let me walk with Thee

Close to Thee, Close to Thee, Close to Thee, Close to Thee
Gladly will I toil and suffer, Only let me walk with Thee

Lead me thru the vale of shadows, Bear me o’er life’s fitful sea
Then the gate of life eternal, May I enter, Lord, with Thee

Close to Thee, Close to Thee, Close to Thee, Close to Thee
Then the gate of life eternal, May I enter, Lord, with Thee

God Will Take Care Of You

Monday, January 12th, 2009

Civilla recounts how this hymn was written: “I was con­fined to a sick bed in a Bi­ble school in Les­ter­shire, New York. My hus­band was spend­ing sev­er­al weeks at the school, mak­ing a song­book for the pres­i­dent of the school. “God Will Take Care of You” was writ­ten one Sun­day af­ter­noon while my hus­band went to a preach­ing ap­point­ment. When he re­turned I gave the words to him. He im­me­di­ate­ly sat down to his lit­tle Bil­horn or­gan and wrote the music. That even­ing he and two of the teach­ers sang the com­plet­ed song. It was then print­ed in the song­book he was com­pil­ing for the school.”

This is a wonderful, lively hymn that assures us of God eternal care for us. Interestingly, it is side by side with God Leads Us Along in the Revival Hymns and Choruses book. (353 and 354). I hope you like this rendition.

Lyrics: Civilla D. Martin
Music: W. Stillman Martin

Be not dismayed whate’er betide, God will take care of you
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you

Refrain:
God will take care of you, Thru ev’ry day, O’er all the way
He will take care of you, God will take care of you

Thru days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you

All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you

No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you
Lean, weary one upon His breast, God will take care of you

Walk in the Light

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Bernard Barton (January 31, 1784 – February 19, 1849) was known as the Quaker poet. Born of Quaker parentage in London, educated at a Quaker school in Ipswich, passed nearly all his life at Woodbridge, for the most part as a clerk in a bank. His wife died at the end of their first year of marriage.

With the exception of some hymns, his works are now nearly forgotten, but he was a most amiable and estimable man-simple and sympathetic. His best known hymns are Lamp of our feet, whereby we trace, Walk in the light, so shalt thou know, Fear not, Zion’s sons and daughters, Hath the invitation ended?, See we not beyond the portal?, Those who live in love shall know.

We sang this in church today. For me, it was my first time learning this short but meaningful hymn. I would like to dedicate this hymn to Henry from http://www.walkinlight.com whose domain name matches the name of this hymn, and to all those from New Life BP Church.

May we always walk in the light of Jesus. (Jn 8:12)

Lyrics: Bernard Barton
Music: American Melody

Walk in the light! so thou know that fellowship of love.
His Spirit only can bestow Who reigns in light above.

Walk in the light! and thou shalt find Thy heart made truly His
Who dwells in cloudless light enshrined, In whom no darkness is.

Walk in the light! and thou shalt own Thy darkness passed away
Because that light hath on thee shine In which is perfect day.

Walk in the light! and e’en the tomb No fearful shade shall wear
Glory shall chase away its gloom, For Christ hath conquered there.

Walk in the light! thy path shall be A path, tho thorny bright
For God, by grace, shall dwell in thee, And God himself is light.

Jesus Lover of my Soul

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Mrs. Mary Hoo­ver, of Belle­fonte, Penn­syl­van­ia, whose grand­mo­ther was the her­o­ine of the sto­ry, has re­lat­ed to her pas­tor this fam­i­ly tra­di­tion: Charles Wesley was preach­ing in the fields of the par­ish of Killy­leagh, Coun­ty Down, Ire­land, when he was at­tacked by men who did not ap­prove of his doc­trines. He sought re­fuge in a house lo­cat­ed on what was known as the Is­land Barn Farm. The far­mer’s wife, Jane Low­rie Moore, told him to hide in the milk­house, down in the gar­den. Soon the mob came and de­mand­ed the fu­gi­tive. She tried to qui­et them by of­fer­ing them re­fresh­ments. Go­ing down to the milk­house, she di­rect­ed Mr. Wesley to get through the rear win­dow and hide un­der the hedge, by which ran a lit­tle brook. In that hid­ing-place, with the cries of his pur­su­ers all about him, he wrote this im­mor­tal hymn. De­scend­ants of Mrs. Moore still live in the house, which is much the same as it was in Wes­ley’s time.

This is a mournful but beautiful hymn. The tune name is ABERYSTWYTH.

Lyrics: Charles Wesley
Music: Joseph Parry

Jesus Lover of my soul
Let me to thy bosom fly
While the nearer waters roll
While the tempest still is high
Hide me, O my Saviour hide
Till the storm of life is past
Safe into the haven guide
O receive my soul at last

Other refuge have I none
Hangs my helpless soul on thee
Leave, ah! leave me not alone
Still support and comfort me!
All my trust on thee is stayed
All my help from thee I bring
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of thy wing

Thou, O Christ, art all I want
More than all in thee I find
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint
Heal the sick, and lead the blind
Just and holy is thy Name
I am all unrighteousness
False and full of sin I am
Thou art full of truth and grace

Plenteous grace with thee is found
Grace to cover all my sin
Let the healing stream abound
Make and keep me pure within
Thou of life the Fountain art
Freely let me take of thee
Spring thou up within my heart
Rise to all eternity

Amen.

God Leads Us Along

Friday, January 9th, 2009

This is a slow meditative hymn which reminds us of God’s providence, even through difficult situations. The author and composer of “God Leads Us Along” was an obscure preacher and carpenter who spent a lifetime humbly serving God in small rural areas. Often the salary was meager and life was difficult for his family. Through it all, however, George Young and his wife never wavered in their loyalty to God and His service.

The story is told that after much struggle and effort, the George Young family was finally able to move into their own small home, which they had built themselves. Their joy seemed complete. But then, while Young was away holding meetings in another area, hoodlums who disliked the preacher’s gospel message set fire to the house, leaving nothing but a heap of ashes. It is thought that out of that tragic experience, George Young completed this hymn, which reaffirms so well the words of Job 35:10: “God my Maker, who gives songs in the night.”

Words and Music: G.A Young

In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.

Refrain:
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long.

Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.

Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.

Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.

May the Lord help us through our struggles in life.

May The Lord Find Us Faithful – Sunday School P5 Video

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009