Prepare to Meet Thy God

 

1  

Careless soul, why will you linger,  

Wand’ring from the fold of God?  

Hear you not the invitation?  

Oh, prepare to meet thy God.  

2  

Why so thoughtless are you standing,  

While the fleeting years go by,  

And your life is spent in folly?  

Oh, prepare to meet thy God. 

3  

Hear you not the earnest pleadings  

Of your friends that wish you well?  

And perhaps before tomorrow  

You’ll be called to meet your God. 

4  

If you spurn the invitation  

Till the Spirit shall depart,  

Then you’ll see your sad condition,  

Unprepared to meet thy God. 

Refrain:  

Careless soul, oh, heed the warning,  

For your life will soon be gone;  

Oh, how sad to face the judgment,  

Unprepared to meet thy God.      

Author: James H. Stanley   

 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.    

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.    

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

 This song, along with many others, is often used as an "invitation" song at the end of the sermon in many Christian churches, especially those of the baptist/pentecostal varieties. Sometimes known as the "altar call," this is an opportunity for congregants to come forward and make a confession of sin and ask for prayers, or request to become a member of the church, or to rededicate themselves to their original commitment to Christ. The invitation song is a sort of pregnant pause, an anticipatory moment in evangelical churches, with their focus on "winning souls for Christ." It is often fraught with emotion, particularly in special worship services such as "revival" meetings.

Love Lifted Me

 Love Lifted Me

 1  

I was sinking deep in sin,   

Far from the peaceful shore,  

Very deeply stained within,   

Sinking to rise no more;  

But the Master of the sea   

Heard my despairing cry,  

From the waters lifted me –   

Now safe am I.  

2  

All my heart to Him I give,   

Ever to Him I'll cling,  

In His blessed presence live,   

Ever His praises sing.  

Love so mighty and so true   

Merits my soul's best songs;  

Faithful, loving service, too,   

To Him belongs.  

3  

Souls in danger, look above,   

Jesus completely saves;  

He will lift you by His love   

Out of the angry waves.  

He's the Master of the sea,   

Billows His will obey;  

He your Savior wants to be –   

Be saved today.     

Refrain:  

Love lifted me,  

Love lifted me,  

When nothing else could help,  

Love lifted me;  

Love lifted me, 

Love lifted me,  

When nothing else could help,  

Love lifted me. 

 

Author: James Rowe   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk5XNtNBhQY&list=RDLk5XNtNBhQY&start_radio=1

Matthew 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Peter cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him. ~Matthew 14:30

Won't It Be Wonderful There

Won't It Be Wonderful There?

1 

When with the Savior we enter the glory-land,

Won't it be wonderful there?

Ended the troubles and cares of the story-land,

Won't it be wonderful there?

Refrain:

Won't it be wonderful there,

Having no burdens to bear?

Joyously singing with heart-bells all ringing,

O won't it be wonderful there?

2 

Walking and talking with Christ, the supernal One,

Won't it be wonderful there?

Praising, adoring the matchless eternal One,

Won't it be wonderful there? [Refrain]

3 

There where the tempest will never be sweeping us,

Won't it be wonderful there?

Sure that forever the Lord will be keeping us,

Won't it be wonderful there? [Refrain]

Author: James Rowe

Here's a rendition featuring the late great inimitable Vestal Goodman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcFp4nL1shk&list=RDpcFp4nL1shk&start_radio=1

So... this is the song from which the title of this blog was taken. "Joyously singing with heart-bells all ringing" perfectly describes the way we all felt singing the good old gospel songs in church and with the family at home.

I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. ~Psalm 9:2

Revelation 5:8-13

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 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. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Revelation 7:9-17

9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

We Shall See the King Some Day

 We Shall See the King Some Day

1

 Tho' the way we journey may be often drear,

We shall see the King some day;

On that blessèd morning clouds will disappear;

We shall see the King some day.

Chorus:

We shall see the King some day,

We will shout and sing some day;

Gathered ’round the throne,

When He shall call His own,

We shall see the King some day.

2 

After pain and anguish, after toil and care,

We shall see the King some day;

Thro' the endless ages joy and blessing share,

We shall see the King some day. (Chorus)

3 

After foes are conquered, after battles won,

We shall see the King some day;

After strife is over, after set of sun,

We shall see the King some day. (Chorus)

4 

There with all the loved ones who have gone before,

We shall see the King some day;

Sorrow past forever, on that peaceful shore,

We shall see the King some day. (Chorus)

Author: Lewis E. Jones

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsmlixDtp0s&list=RDEsmlixDtp0s&start_radio=1

The Gloryland Way

 The Gloryland Way

 1  

I’m in the way, the bright and shining way,  

I’m in the glory-land way;  

Telling the world that Jesus saves today,  

Yes, I’m in the glory-land way.  

2  

List to the call, the gospel call today,  

Get in the glory-land way;  

Wand’rers, come home, oh, hasten to obey,  

For I'm in the glory-land way.  

3  

Onward I go, rejoicing in His love  

I’m in the glory-land way;  

Soon I shall see Him in that home above,  

Oh I’m in the glory-land way.  

Refrain:  

I’m in the glory-land way;  

I’m in the glory-land way;  

Heaven is nearer,  and the way groweth clearer,  

For I’m in the glory-land way.

    

Author: J. S. Torbett    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UHq5ACDivo&list=RD3UHq5ACDivo&start_radio=1

Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.    Hebrews 3:12-15 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.    

Mark 14:61-63 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.    

Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.    

I Am Resolved

 I Am Resolved

 1  

I am resolved no longer to linger,  

Charmed by the world's delight;  

Things that are higher, things that are nobler,  

These have allured my sight.  

2  

I am resolved to go to the Savior,  

Leaving my sin and strife;  

He is the true one, He is the just one,  

He has the words of life. 

3  

I am resolved, and who will go with me?  

Come, friends, without delay;  

Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,  

We'll walk the heavenly way. 

Refrain:  

I will hasten to Him,  

Hasten so glad and free;  

Jesus, greatest, highest,  

I will come to Thee.     

Author: Palmer Hartsough    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvbzghoBZck&list=RDLvbzghoBZck&start_radio=1

Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.    

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.    

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow  me."  

John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.    

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me."    

Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price.    

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice!

Lord, I'm Coming Home

This was the invitation song when I was baptized.

 1  

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.  

2  

I've wasted many precious years,  

Now I'm coming home;  

I now repent with bitter tears,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

3  

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. 

4  

My soul is sick, my heart is sore,  

Now I'm coming home;  

My strength renew, my hope restore,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

5  

My only hope, my only plea,  

Now I'm coming home;  

That Jesus died, and died for me,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

6  

I need his cleansing blood, I know,  

Now I'm coming home;  

O wash me whiter than the snow,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

Refrain:  

Coming home, coming home,  

Never more to roam,  

Open wide Thine arms of love,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

Author: William J. Kirkpatrick   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auD8szVnTaE&list=RDauD8szVnTaE&start_radio=1

Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. 

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.    

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.    Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.