Monday, April 27, 2026

Angry Words

1

Angry words! O let them never

From the tongue unbridled slip;

May the heart's best impulse ever

Check them ere they soil the lip.

2

Love is much too pure and holy,

Friendship is too sacred far,

For a moment's reckless folly

Thus to desolate and mar.

3

Angry words are lightly spoken,

Bitt'rest tho'ts are rashly stirred,

Brightest links of life are broken,

By a single angry word.

CHORUS

"Love one another"

Thus saith the Savior;

Children, obey the Father's blest command;

"Love one another"

Thus saith the Savior;

Children, obey His blest command.


Horatio Richmond Palmer 1867

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DugrPG5Q2DE&list=RDDugrPG5Q2DE&start_radio=1

John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Sunday, April 26, 2026

O Why Not Tonight?

 

1  

O do not let the word depart,  

And close thine eyes against the light;  

Poor sinner, harden not your heart;  

Be saved, O tonight.   

2  

Tomorrow’s sun may never rise  

To bless thy long deluded sight;  

This is the time, O then be wise,  

Be saved, O tonight. 

3  

Our Lord in pity lingers still,  

And wilt thou thus His love requite?  

Renounce at once thy stubborn will,  

Be saved, O tonight.  

4  

Our blessed Lord refuses none  

Who would to Him their souls unite;  

Believe, obey, the work is done;  

Be saved, O tonight.  

Refrain:  

O why not tonight?  

O why not tonight?  

Wilt thou be saved?  

Then why not tonight?


 Author: Eliza Holmes Reed   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYGoFmXFHbQ&list=RDpYGoFmXFHbQ&start_radio=1

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. ~Hebrews 3:15

Hebrews 10

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.    

2 Peter 3

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.


THE PLAN OF SALVATION  

In the New Testament book of Acts, in chapter 16, is an account of the apostles Paul and Silas, having been arrested and put into prison:    25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.  

This passage of scripture is frequently used in the Church of Christ as indicative of "the plan of salvation." I don't know if any other churches have this particular terminology or theology, but in the Church of Christ it is basic dogma. The Plan of Salvation consists of five steps:    

 1. HEAR the Gospel  Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  

 2. BELIEVE the Gospel   Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.  John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.    

 3. REPENT of past sins   Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:    

 4. CONFESS faith in Jesus Christ   Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.    

 5. BE BAPTIZED   Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

(In the Church of Christ, baptism must be by immersion in water.)

The song O Why Not Tonight, because it says specifically "tonight", evokes images of old fashioned tent revivals.

This is one of our family photos (I added the text for this post). On this occasion my great grandparents, Ulys and Annie Hicks, and Ulys' brother Felix and his wife Ida, were baptized. This was around 1910.

Saturday, April 25, 2026

I'll Be a Friend to Jesus

 

1
They tried my Lord and Master,
With no one to defend;
Within the halls of Pilate
He stood without a friend.
2
The world may turn against Him,
I'll love Him to the end,
And while on earth I'm living,
My Lord shall have a friend.
3
I'll do what He may bid me;
I'll go where He may send;
I'll try each flying moment
To prove that I'm His friend.
4
To all who need a Savior,
My Friend I recommend,
Because He bro't salvation,
Is why I am His friend.
CHORUS
I'll be a friend to Jesus,
My life for Him I'll spend;
I'll be a friend to Jesus,
Until my years shall end.

Johnson Oatman



Matthew 27
1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: 2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. 9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; 10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. 11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. 12 And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. 13 Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? 14 And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. 15 Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 16 And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Home of the Soul

1
If for the prize we have striven,
After our labors are o'er,
Rest to our souls will be given,
On the eternal shore.
2
Yes, a sweet rest is remaining
For the true children of God,
Where there will be no complaining,
Never a chast'ning rod.
3
Soon, the bright homeland adorning,
We shall behold the glad dawn;
Lean on the Lord till the morning,
Trust till the night is gone.
CHORUS
Home of the soul, beautiful home,
There we shall rest, never to roam;
Free from all care, happy and bright,
Jesus is there, He is the light!
Oft, in the storm, lonely are we,
Sighing for home, longing for Thee.
Beautiful home of the ransomed 
Beside the crystal sea.

James Rowe



Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours. ~Revelation 14:13

For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. ~Hebrews 4:8-10

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

God Is Calling the Prodigal

1

God is calling the prodigal, come without delay,

Hear, o hear him calling, calling now for thee.

Tho' you've wandered so far from his presence, come today,

Hear his loving voice calling still.

2

Patient, loving and tenderly still the Father pleads,

Hear, o hear him calling, calling now for thee;

Oh, return while the Spirit in mercy intercedes,

Hear his loving voice calling still.

3

Come, there's bread in the house of the Father, and to spare,

Hear, o hear him calling, calling now for thee;

Lo, the table is spread and the feast is waiting there,

Hear his loving voice calling still.

REFRAIN

Calling now for thee,

O weary prodigal, come;

Calling now for thee,

O weary prodigal, come.


Charles Hutchinson Gabriel 1889

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lQRMrQcGqE&list=RD6lQRMrQcGqE&start_radio=1

Luke 15: 18, 20

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee... And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Here's the whole story of the prodigal son:

LUKE 15

11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.


Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Praise Him, Praise Him

 1   
Praise him, praise him!  
Jesus, our blessed redeemer!   
Sing, O earth, his wonderful love proclaim!  
Hail him, hail him!  
Highest archangels in glory!  
Strength and honor give to his holy name!  
Like a shepherd,  
Jesus will guard his children.  
In his arms he carries them all day long.  
Praise him! Praise him!  
Tell of his excellent greatness.  
Praise him! Praise him! ever in  joyful song.
2   
Praise him, praise him!  
Jesus, our blessed redeemer!  
For our sins, he suffered, and bled, and died.  
He our rock, our  
Hope of eternal salvation,  
Hail him, hail him! Jesus, the crucified.  
Sound his praises,  
Jesus who bore our sorrows,  
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep, and strong.  
Praise him! Praise him!  
Tell of his excellent greatness.  
Praise him! Praise him! ever in  joyful song.
3   
Praise him, praise him!  
Jesus, our blessed redeemer!  
Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!  
Jesus, Savior,  
Reigneth forever and ever!  
Crown him, crown him! Prophet, and priest, and king!  
Christ is coming,  
Over the world victorious.  
Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.     
Praise him! Praise him!  
Tell of his excellent greatness.  
Praise him! Praise him! ever in  joyful song.  

Author: Fanny Crosby    


Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. ~Psalm 150:6

Psalm 150:1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. 2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!    

Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Monday, April 20, 2026

Hold to God's Unchanging Hand

 

1

Time is filled with swift transition

Naught of earth unmoved can stand.

Build your hopes on things eternal,

Hold to God's unchanging hand.

2

Trust in him who will not leave you

Whatsoever years may bring,

If by earthly friends forsaken,

Still more closely to him cling

3

Covet not this world's vain riches

That so rapidly decay,

Seek to gain the heav'nly treasures,

They will never pass away.

4

When your journey is completed

If to God you have been true,

Fair and bright the home in Glory

Your enraptured soul will view.

CHORUS

Hold to his hand, to God's unchanging hand

Hold to his hand, to God's unchanging hand

Build your hopes on things eternal,

Hold to God's unchanging hand.


Jennie Wilson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=navP_n3mtH0&list=RDnavP_n3mtH0&start_radio=1

Malachi 3:6

For I am the Lord, I change not.

Matthew 6:19-21

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Hebrews 13:5

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

John 14:1-3

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.