The Church's One Foundation

1 

The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;

she is His new creation, by water and the word.

From heav'n He came and sought her to be His holy bride;

with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.

2 

Elect from every nation, yet one o'er all the earth,

her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.

One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,

and to one hope she presses, with every grace endued.

3 

Though with a scornful wonder, men see her sore oppressed,

by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,

yet saints their watch are keeping, their cry goes up, "How long?"

and soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song!

4 

The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend,

to guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end;

though there be those that hate her, and false sons in her pale,

against the foe or traitor she ever shall prevail.

5 

'Mid toil and tribulation, and tumult of her war,

she waits the consummation of peace forevermore;

till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest,

and the great church victorious shall be the church at rest.

6 

Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One,

and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won;

O happy ones and holy! Lord give us grace that we,

like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with Thee.

Author: S. J. Stone

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Ephesians 3:21

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 2:19-22

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:11

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Thou Art the Way

1

Thou art the Way, to Thee alone,

From sin and death we flee;

And he who would the Father seek,

Must seek Him, Lord, by Thee.

2

Thou art the Truth, Thy word alone

True wisdom can impart;

Tjou only canst instruct the mind,

And purify the heart.

3

Thou art the Life, the rending tomb

Proclaims Thy conqu'ring arm;

And those who put their trust in Thee,

Nor death, nor hell can harm.

4

Thou art the Way, the Truth, the alife,

Grant us that way to know;

That truth to keep, that life to win,

Whose joys eternal flow.

Author: George W. Doane

John 14

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 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. 3 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. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Savior, Breathe an Evening Blessing

1 

Savior, breathe an evening blessing

Ere repose our spirits seal;

Sin and want we come confessing,

Thou canst save and Thou canst heal.

2 

Though destruction walk around us,

Though the arrows past us fly,

Angel guards from Thee surround us;

We are safe if Thou art nigh.

3 

Though the night be dark and dreary,

Darkness cannot hide from Thee;

Thou are He who, never weary,

Watchest where Thy people be.

4 

Should swift death this night o'ertake us,

And our couch become our tomb,

May the morn in heaven awake us,

Clad in bright and deathless bloom.

Amen

Author: James Edmeston

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFeaMeQaie4

Psalm 4:8

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 127:2

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Psalm 34:7

The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Psalm 91

 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Battle Hymn of the Republic

1 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword:

His truth is marching on.

2 

I have seen him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps;

They have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps;

I can read the righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;

His day is marching on. 

3 

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;

He is sifting out the hearts of all before his judgment seat;

O be swift, my soul, to answer him; be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on.

4 

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me;

As he died to make us holy, let us die that all be free!

While God is marching on.

Refrain:

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!

His truth is marching on.

Author: Julia Ward Howe

Revelation 14:7

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

1 Corinthians 15:24-27

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

Isaiah 63:1-6

Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.

Revelation 19

1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. 5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Revelation 14:14-19

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

*   *   *

HERE IS MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HYMN, TAKEN FROM A WIKIPEDIA ARTICLE:

The "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is an American patriotic song that was written by abolitionist writer Julia Ward Howe during the American Civil War.

Howe adapted her song from the soldiers' song "John Brown's Body" in November 1861, and first published it in The Atlantic Monthly in February 1862. In contrast to the lyrics of the soldiers’ song, her version links the Union cause with God's vengeance at the Day of Judgment through allusions to biblical passages.

Julia Ward Howe was married to Samuel Gridley Howe, a scholar in education of the blind. Both Samuel and Julia were also active leaders in anti-slavery politics and strong supporters of the Union. 

Creation of the "Battle Hymn"

Julia Ward Howe, 1897

Staying at the Willard Hotel in Washington on the night of November 18, 1861, Howe wrote the verses to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Of the writing of the lyrics, Howe remembered:

I went to bed that night as usual, and slept, according to my wont, quite soundly. I awoke in the gray of the morning twilight; and as I lay waiting for the dawn, the long lines of the desired poem began to twine themselves in my mind. Having thought out all the stanzas, I said to myself, "I must get up and write these verses down, lest I fall asleep again and forget them." So, with a sudden effort, I sprang out of bed, and found in the dimness an old stump of a pencil which I remembered to have used the day before. I scrawled the verses almost without looking at the paper.

Howe submitted the lyrics she wrote to The Atlantic Monthly, and it was first published in the February 1862 issue of the magazine.

FIRST PUBLISHED VERSION:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword:

His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps,

They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;

I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps:

His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel:

"As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal";

Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,

Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;

He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat;

Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! Be jubilant, my feet!

Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.

As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,

While God is marching on.

(Chorus)

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Glory, glory, hallelujah!

Our God is marching on.

When He Cometh

 

1

When He cometh, when He cometh,

To make up His jewels,

All His jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

2

He will gather, He will gather,

The gems for His kingdom;

All the pure ones, all the bright ones,

His loved and His own.

3

Little children, little children,

Who love their Redeemer,

Are the jewels, precious jewels,

His loved and His own.

REFRAIN

Like the stars of the morning,

His bright crown adorning,

They shall shine in their beauty,

Bright gems for His crown.

W. O. Cushing

Luke 18:15-17

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Matthew 18

1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me... 10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Give Me the Bible

 1 

Give me the Bible,

star of gladness gleaming,

To cheer the wanderer

lone and tempest tossed,

No storm can hide that 

radiance peaceful beaming

Since Jesus came

to seek and save the lost.

2 

Give me the Bible

when my heart is broken,

When sin and grief have

filled my soul with fear,

Give me the precious

words by Jesus spoken,

Hold up faith’s lamp

to show my Savior near. 

3 

Give me the Bible,

all my steps enlighten,

Teach me the danger

of these realms below,

That lamp of safety,

o’er the gloom shall brighten,

That light alone

the path of peace can show. 

4

Give me the Bible

lamp of life immortal

Hold up that splendor 

by the open grave;

Show me the light from

heaven's shining portal

Show me the glory

gilding Jordan's wave (Refrain)

Refrain:

Give me the Bible,

holy message shining,

Thy light shall guide me

in the narrow way.

Precept and promise,

law and love combining,

Till night shall vanish

in eternal day.

Author: Priscilla J. Owens

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

LAW AND LOVE COMBINING

Matthew 22

35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

TEACH ME THE DANGER OF THESE REALMS BELOW

2 Timothy 3:1

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

THE GLORY GILDING JORDAN'S WAVE

Revelation 14:13

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Footsteps of Jesus

1

Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,

"Come, follow Me!"

And we see where Thy footprints falling,

lead us to Thee.

2 

Though they lead o’er the cold dark mountains,

seeking His sheep,

or along by Siloam’s fountains,

helping the weak. [Refrain]

3 

If they lead through the temple holy,

preaching the Word,

or in homes of the poor and lowly,

serving the Lord. [Refrain]

4 

By and by thru the shining portals

Turning our feet

We shall walk with the glad immortals

Heav'n's golden street

5

Then at last, when on high He sees us,

our journey done,

we will rest where the steps of Jesus

end at His throne. [Refrain]

Refrain:

Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow;

we will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go.

Author: M. B. C. Slade

Matthew 16:24

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 4:18-20

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Matthew 18:11-13

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.

John 9

9 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. 8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? 9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. 10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

Luke 2

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Matthew 11:5

The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Revelation 21:21

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Hebrews 4:9-10

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.

Revelation 3:21

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Stepping in the Light

 
1 

Trying to walk in the steps of the Saviour,

Trying to follow our Saviour and King;

Shaping our lives by His blessed example,

Happy, how happy, the songs that we bring.

2 

Pressing more closely to Him who is leading,

When we are tempted to turn from the way;

Trusting the arm that is strong to defend us,

Happy, how happy, our praises each day.

3 

Walking in footsteps of gentle forbearance,

Footsteps of faithfulness, mercy and love;

Looking to Him for the grace freely promised,

Happy, how happy, our journey above!

4 

Trying to walk in the steps of the Saviour,

Upward, still upward, we'll follow our Guide;

When we shall see Him, “the King in His beauty,”

Happy, how happy, our place at His side!

Refrain:

How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour,

Stepping in the light, stepping in the light;

How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Saviour,

Led in paths of light!

Author: E. E. Hewitt

Ephesians 5:8-9

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Colossians 2:6

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

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 33:16-17

He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

River of Jordan

1

To the River of Jordan our Savior went one day

And we read that John the Baptist met Him there

And when John baptized Jesus in Jordan's rushing waters

The mighty power of God filled the air.

CHORUS 1:

I'm on my way to the River of Jordan

Gonna wade right in to the rushing waters

I'm going down to the River of Jordan

And let the cool waters cleanse my soul.

2

King Naaman was stricken with dreaded leprosy

And he sent for the man of God to pray

But Elisha said to Naaman "Go dip yourself in Jordan

And let the cool waters wash your spots away."

CHORUS 2:

So he went right down to the River Of Jordan

He waded right in the rushing waters

He dipped himself in the River of Jordan

And the cool waters made him whole.

3

Oh, the River of Jordan is many miles away

And this mighty river I may never see

But I'll find myself an alter in an old fashioned church

And my River of Jordan that will be...

Songwriter: Hazel Marie Houser

Here is a link to a YouTube video of Ricky Skaggs singing River of Jordan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0E8PCmO3yA

2 Kings 5

1 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. 3 And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy. 4 And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel. 5 And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy. 7 And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. 8 And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel. 9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean. 11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean? 14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

This is a contemporary gospel song. I don't have it in any of my songbooks, but for some reason it was playing in my head all morning, so I thought I would just go ahead and post it.

The photograph is a baptismal service in which my great-grandparents (Ulys and Annie) and my great-grandfather's brother (Felix Hicks) and his wife were baptized. I don't know who took the picture. Probably Ulys -- he was a photographer. I believe that is Felix actually being baptized in the photo.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

1 

Tell me the story of Jesus.

Write on my heart every word!

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels in chorus

Sang, as they welcomed His birth,

“Glory to God in the highest,

Peace and good tidings to earth.”

2 

Fasting alone in the desert,

Tell of the days that He passed;

How He was tried and was tempted,

Yet was triumphant at last.

Tell of the years of His labours,

Tell of the sorrows He bore;

He was despised and afflicted,

Homeless, rejected, and poor.

3 

Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,

Dying in anguish and pain;

Tell of the grave where they laid Him;

Tell how He liveth again.

Love, in that story so tender,

Clearer than ever I see;

Stay, let me weep while you whisper,

Love paid the ransom for me.

Refrain:

Tell me the story of Jesus,

Write on my heart every word,

Tell me the story most precious,

Sweetest that ever was heard.

Author: Fanny Crosby

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Luke 2:12-14

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 4:1-2

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted of the devil. 

Isaiah 53:3-5

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Acts 10:38-43

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Romans 2:14-15

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts.

Luke 10:38-42

Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

 
1

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

  All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

  Everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit,

  O what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

  Everything to God in prayer!

2

Have we trials and temptations?

  Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged,

  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

  Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness,

  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

  Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

  Take it to the Lord in prayer;

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

  Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

  Thou wilt find a solace there.

Lyrics: Joseph Scriven

John 15:13-16

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing.

John 14:1

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Proverbs 18:24

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Philippians 4:6-7

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

James 4:2

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

*   *   *

I've always thought this was an interesting verse in the Bible -- "Ye have not because ye ask not." It seems like something I wouldn't expect the Bible to say, for some reason. I always question myself as to whether or not it's really in there. But it is, very plainly -- You do not have because you do not ask.

The next verse explains a little bit further, though --

3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

So... obviously we don't get everything we ask for in prayer. Because sometimes we ask for things that God knows will not be in our best interest. (Ay, there's the rub!) 

Take the Name of Jesus With You

 
1 

Take the name of Jesus with you,

Child of sorrow and of woe.

It will joy and comfort give you,

Take it then where'er you go.

2 

Take the name of Jesus ever

As a shield from ev'ry snare.

If temptations 'round you gather,

Breathe that holy name in prayer.

3 

O the precious name of Jesus!

How it thrills our souls with joy,

When His loving arms receive us,

And His songs our tongues employ!

4 

At the name of Jesus bowing,

Falling prostrate at His feet,

King of kings, in Heav'n we'll crown Him,

When our journey is complete.

Refrain:

Precious name, O how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven;

Precious name, O how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

Author: Lydia Baxter

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Philippians 2:9-10

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

1 Peter 2:7

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.

Flee As a Bird

 1

Flee as a bird to your mountain,

Thou who art weary of sin;

Go to the clear flowing fountain

Where you may wash and be clean.

Fly, for th'avenger is near thee;

Call, and the Savior will hear thee;

He on His bosom will bear thee,

O thou who art weary of sin,

O thou who art weary of sin.

2

He will protect thee forever,

Wipe ev'ry falling tear;

He will forsake thee, O never,

Sheltered so tenderly there.

Haste, then, the hours are flying,

Spend not the moments in sighing,

Cease from your sorrow and crying:

The Savior will wipe ev'ry tear,

The Savior will wipe ev'ry tear.

Mary S. B. Dana

Psalm 11

1 In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

Isaiah 40:11

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Revelation 7:17

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.

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Will the Circle Be Unbroken

1 

There are loved ones in the glory

Whose dear forms you often miss,

When you close your earthly story

Will you join them in their bliss?

2 

In the joyous days of childhood,

Oft they told of wondrous love,

Pointed to the dying Savior,

Now they dwell with Him above. [Refrain]

3 

You remember songs of heaven

Which you sang with childish voice,

Do you love the hymns they taught you,

Or are songs of earth your choice? [Refrain]

4 

You can picture happy gath’rings

Round the fireside long ago,

And you think of tearful partings,

When they left you here below. [Refrain]

5 

One by one their seats were emptied,

One by one they went away,

Now the family is parted,

Will it be complete one day? [Refrain]

Refrain:

Will the circle be unbroken

by and by, yes, by and by?

In a better home awaiting

in the sky, in the sky?

Author: Ada R. Habershon

Genesis 25:8

Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

Matthew 22:31-33

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Revelation 14:13

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

This (below) may be more familiar -- It is a modified version of the original 1908 song by Ada Habershon and Charles Gabriel, and is a story about the death and funeral of the protagonist’s mother. This version was created by A.P. Carter and was made popular by the Carter Family.

CAN THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN

1

I was standing by the window

On a cold and cloudy day

When I saw the hearse come rolling

To carry my mother away

2

I said to the undertaker

Undertaker please drive slow

For that body you are carrying

Lord I hate to see her go

3

Well I followed close behind her

Tried to hold up and be brave

But I could not hide my sorrow

When they laid her in that grave

4

I went back home Lord that home was lonesome

Since my mother, she was gone

All my brothers and sisters crying

What a home so sad and alone

REFRAIN:

   Will the circle be unbroken

   Bye and bye Lord bye and bye

   There’s a better home a waiting

   In the sky Lord in the sky

In Times Like These

1

In times like these you need a Savior,

In times like these you need an anchor;

Be very sure, be very sure 

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

2

In times like these you need the Bible,

In times like these O be not idle;

Be very sure, be very sure 

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

3

In times like these I have a Savior,

In times like these I have an anchor

I’m very sure, I'm very sure 

My anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

REFRAIN

This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He’s the One;

This Rock is Jesus, The only One!

Be very sure, be very sure 

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

Authors: Ruth Caye Jones

2 Timothy 3:1

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

Hebrews 6:19

Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.

Isaiah 26:3-4

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.

Standing On the Solid Rock

1

Thru my disappointments, 

strife and discontentment,

I cast my every care upon the Lord.

No matter what obsession, 

pain or deep depression,

I’m standing on the solid rock.

2

Even though He's gone now

I don't feel alone now

With comfort came the Spirit of the Lord.

Now with his word to guide me

From temptations hide me

I'm standing on the solid rock.

3

Now I’m pressing onward

Each step leads me homeward.

I’m trusting in my savior day by day.

And close is our relation

Firm is its foundation

So on the solid rock I’ll stay.

REFRAIN

I’m standing on the rock of ages;

Safe from every storm that rages;

Rich (with love I'm rich), but not from Satan’s wages,

I’m standing on the solid rock.

Author: Harold Lane

Psalm 27:5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

John 14:15-17

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Psalm 31:3

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 62:7

In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Why Don't You Lead Me to That Rock

1

Well if you go down in yonder fold

And search among the sheep

His love has been a shelter for me

You will find Him there so I am told

With those he loves to keep

His love has been a shelter for me

2

If you'll go into the wilderness

Where dying ones are lost

His love has been a shelter for me

You will find Him there to heal and bless

No matter what the cost

His love has been a shelter for me

REFRAIN

Why don't you lead me to that Rock

That is higher than I

Oh lead me to that Rock

Yes, Lord, lead me to that Rock

That is higher than I

His love has been a shelter for me

This is my favorite version of this song -- Ray Stevens. (He sings all the parts on this recording.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy0eBJsPbno

The Rock That Is Higher Than I

1 

O sometimes the shadows are deep,

And rough seems the path to the goal,

And sorrows, sometimes how they sweep

Like tempests down over the soul!

2 

O sometimes how long seems the day,

And sometimes how weary my feet;

But toiling in life's dusty way,

The Rock's blessed shadow, how sweet! [Refrain]

3 

O near to the Rock let me keep

If blessings or sorrow prevail,

Or climbing the mountain way steep,

Or walking the shadowy vale. [Refrain]

Refrain:

O then to the Rock let me fly,

To the Rock that is higher than I;

O then to the Rock let me fly,

To the Rock that is higher than I!

Author: Erastus Johnson

Psalm 61:1-3

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.