Blest Be the Tie

 

1 

Blest be the tie that binds

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above.

2 

Before our Father's throne

we pour our ardent prayers;

our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

our comforts and our cares.

3 

We share our mutual woes,

our mutual burdens bear,

and often for each other flows

the sympathizing tear.

4 

When we asunder part,

it gives us inward pain;

but we shall still be joined in heart,

and hope to meet again.

5 

This glorious hope revives

our courage by the way;

while each in expectation lives

and longs to see the day.

6 

From sorrow, toil, and pain,

and sin, we shall be free;

and perfect love and friendship reign

through all eternity.

Author: John Fawcett

Psalm 133:1

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Hebrews 13:1

Let brotherly love continue.

Ephesians 4:1-6

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Acts 4

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Revelation 21:4

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Come, Ye that Love the Lord

1 

Come, ye that love the Lord,

and let your joys be known;

join in a song with sweet accord,

and thus surround the throne.

2 

Let those refuse to sing

who never knew our God;

but children of the heav'nly King

may speak their joys abroad.

3 

The hill of Zion yields

a thousand sacred sweets

before we reach the heav'nly fields,

or walk the golden streets.

4 

Then let our songs abound,

and every tear be dry;

we're marching through Emmanuel's ground

to fairer worlds on high.

REFRAIN:

We're marching to Zion,

Beautiful, beautiful Zion,

We're marching upward to Zion,

The beautiful city of God.

 

Author: Isaac Watts

Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

Psalm 149:1-4

Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation..

Isaiah 35

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. 7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. 8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. 9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Let the Lower Lights Be Burning

 

1

Brightly beams our Father’s mercy

From His lighthouse evermore;

But to us He gives the keeping

Of the lights along the shore.

Refrain:

Let the lower lights be burning!

Send a gleam across the wave!

Some poor fainting, struggling seaman

You may rescue, you may save.

2

Dark the night of sin has settled,

Loud the angry billows roar;

Eager eyes are watching, longing,

For the lights along the shore. [Refrain]

3

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother!

Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,

Trying now to make the harbor,

In the darkness may be lost. [Refrain]

 

Author: P. P. Bliss (1871)

Matthew 5:14-16

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

This reminds me of another old song -- The Lighthouse

1

There's a lighthouse on the hillside

That overlooks life's sea

When I'm tossed, it sends out a light

That I might see

And the light that shines in darkness now

Will safely lead us o'er

If it wasn't for the lighthouse

My ship would be no more

2

It seems that every one about us says,

Tear that old lighthouse down

The big ships don't pass this way anymore

There's no use in it standin' round.

Then my mind goes back to that stormy night

When just in time I saw the light

The light from that old lighthouse

That stands up on the hill

CHORUS

And I thank God for the lighthouse

I owe my life to Him

Jesus is the lighthouse

And from the rocks of sin

He has shown a light around me

That I might clearly see

If it wasn't for the lighthouse

Where would this ship be

Songwriters: Ronnie Hinson

Isaiah 9:2

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims

1 

Here we are but straying pilgrims,

Here, our path is often dim,

But to cheer us on our journey,

Still we sing this wayside hymn:

CHORUS:

Yonder over the rolling river,

Where the shining mansions rise,

Soon will be our home forever,

And the smile of the blessed Giver,

Gladdens all our longing eyes.

2 

Here, our feet are often weary,

On the hills that throng our way;

Here, the tempest darkly gathers,

But our hearts within us say: [Chorus]

3 

Here, our souls are often fearful,

Of the pilgrim's lurking foe;

But the Lord is our defender,

And he tells us we may know: [Chorus]

Author: I. N. Carman

Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Revelation 22 

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

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.

Matthew 8

23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

1 Peter 5:8

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

Psalm 5:11

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

1 

O Love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in thee.

I give thee back the life I owe,

that in thine ocean depths its flow

may richer, fuller be.

2 

O Light that follows all my way,

I yield my flick’ring torch to thee.

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

that in thy sunshine’s glow its day

may brighter, fairer be.

3 

O Joy that seekest me through pain,

I cannot close my heart to thee.

I trace the rainbow through the rain,

and feel the promise is not vain,

that morn shall tearless be.

4 

O Cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to hide from thee.

I lay in dust, life’s glory dead,

and from the ground there blossoms red,

life that shall endless be.

Author: George Matheson (1882)

Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Lord, Dismiss Us

1 

Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing;

Fill our hearts with joy and peace.

Let us each, Thy love possessing,

Triumph in redeeming grace.

2 

Thanks we give and adoration

For the gospel's joyful sound:

May the fruits of your salvation

In our hearts and lives abound.

Author: John Fawcett

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Galatians 3:14

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

On Zion's Glorious Summit

 

1 

On Zion’s glorious summit stood

A numerous host redeemed by blood!

They hymned their king in strains divine;

I heard the song and strove to join,

I heard the song and strove to join.

2 

Here all who suffered sword or flame

For truth, or Jesus’ lovely name,

Shout victory now and hail the Lamb,

And bow before the great I AM,

And bow before the great I AM.

3 

While everlasting ages roll,

Eternal love shall feast their soul,

And scenes of bliss, for ever new,

Rise in succession to their view,

Rise in succession to their view.

SANCTUS (after last verse):

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of hosts, on high adored!

Who like me Thy praise should sing,

O Almighty King!

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of hosts, on high adored!

Holy, holy, holy.

Author: John Kent

Why is heaven referred to as Zion?

Initially, Zion referred to a specific location in Jerusalem, particularly the city of David. This was the original Zion, also known as Mount Zion. It was a hill or mountain within Jerusalem where the city of David was established. Over time, it came to symbolize the city of Jerusalem and, by extension, the entire land of Israel.

Psalm 132:13-14

For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.

In the context of Christianity, it is associated with the heavenly Jerusalem and the assembly of believers in Christ. 

Hebrews 12:22-23

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Revelation 4

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. 2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. 4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,  10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

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.

Jesus Hold My Hand

 

1

As I travel through this pilgrim land

There is a friend who walks with me

Leads me safely thru the sinking sand

It is the Christ of Calvary

This would be my pray'r, dear Lord, each day

To help me do the best I can

For I need Thy light to guide me day and night

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand

2

Let me travel in the light divine

That I may see the blessed way;

Keep me that I may be wholly thine

And sing redemption's son some day;

I will be a soldier brave and true

And ever firmly take a stand,

As I onward go and daily meet the for,

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

3

When I wander thru the valley dim

Toward the setting of the sun,

Lead me safely to a land of rest

If I a crown of life have won;

I have put my faith in thee, dear Lord,

That I may reach the golden strand

There's no other friend on whom I can depend,

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

REFRAIN

Jesus, hold my hand

I need Thee every hour

Through this pilgrim land

Protect me by Thy power

Hear my feeble plea,

O Lord, look down on me,

When I kneel in pray'r I hope to meet you there

Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.

Albert E. Brumley

Isaiah 41:13

For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Matthew 28:19-20

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Luke 23:33

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Job 6:2-4

Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

2 Timothy 2:3

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Matthew 11:28-29

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

If We Never Meet Again

1

Soon we’ll come to the end of life’s journey

And perhaps we’ll never meet anymore

Till we gather in heaven’s bright city

Far away on that beautiful shore

2

O so often we are parted with sorrow

Benedictions often quicken our pain

But we never shall sorrow in heaven

God be with you till we meet again

3

O they say we shall meet by the river

Where no storm clouds ever darken the sky

And they say we'll be happy in heaven

In the wonderful sweet by and by

REFRAIN

If we never meet again this side of heaven

As we struggle through this world and its strife

There’s another meeting place somewhere in heaven

By the side of the river of life

Where the charming roses bloom forever

And where separations come no more

If we never meet again this side of heaven

I will meet you on that beautiful shore

Lyrics: Albert Brumley

Revelation 21:3-4

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Hide Me, Rock of Ages

 

1

O thou blessed rock of ages (Rock of Ages I am)

Trusting now dear Lord in thee (Dear Lord, in thee I’m trusting)

Keep me till my journey's ended (Journey’s ended, keep me)

Till thy blessed face I see

2

Keep me when the storm clouds gather (storm clouds gather, keep me)

Till the sun comes shining thru (comes shining thru the shadows)

Keep me till my work is over (work is over, keep me)

Till I bid this world adieu.

3

When my journey is completed (is completed, Savior)

And there's no more work to do (no work to do, O blessed)

Savior guide my weary spirit (weary spirit to that)

Happy land beyond the blue.

REFRAIN:

Hide me, O blest Rock of Ages (Ages, Rock of Ages, hide me)

Till Thy blessed face I see (Thy face I see in glory)

When the storm around me rages (Round me rages, blessed)

Rock of Ages, hide thou me

Author: Brantley C. George

When I was growing up I attended a little country church in Watervliet, Michigan. It was a small congregation, but filled with good singers. There was one man in our congregation who had the deepest bass voice I've ever heard. A lot of the songs in our songbooks featured either an alto or bass "lead" on the refrain. This song was one of them. Every time I hear it, I think of Chet Linville.

The phrase "Rock of Ages" does not appear in the Bible, although there are many instances in scripture that use the word "rock" to describe God and Jesus. The concept of being hidden in the rock brings to mind this passage from Exodus 33 --

17 And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. 18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. 20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. 21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: 23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

He Leadeth Me

1 

He leadeth me: O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught!

Whate'er I do, where'er I be,

still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

2 

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,

sometimes where Eden's flowers bloom,

by waters calm, o'er troubled sea,

still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

3 

Lord, I would clasp thy hand in mine,

nor ever murmur nor repine;

content, whatever lot I see,

since 'tis my God that leadeth me. Refrain

4 

And when my task on earth is done,

when, by thy grace, the victory's won,

e'en death's cold wave I will not flee,

since God through Jordan leadeth me.

Refrain:

He leadeth me, he leadeth me;

by his own hand he leadeth me:

his faithful follower I would be,

for by his hand he leadeth me.

Author: J. H. Gilmore (1862)

Psalm 31:3

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

Philippians 4

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Take My Life, and Let it Be

 

1 

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days;

let them flow in endless praise.

2 

Take my hands and let them move

at the impulse of thy love.

Take my feet and let them be

swift and beautiful for thee.

3 

Take my voice and let me sing

always, only, for my King.

Take my lips and let them be

filled with messages from thee.

4 

Take my silver and my gold;

not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect and use

every power as thou shalt choose.

5 

Take my will and make it thine;

it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart it is thine own;

it shall be thy royal throne.

6 

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

at thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself, and I will be

ever, only, all for thee.

Author: Frances R. Havergal

Matthew 22:37

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.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Romans 10:15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Judges 5:3

Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.

Mark 12

41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. 42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Acts 4

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Keep On the Firing Line

1

If you’re in the battle for the Lord and right,

Keep on the firing line;

If you win, my brother, surely you must fight,

Keep on the firing line.

There are many dangers that we all must face,

If we die still fighting it is no disgrace;

Cowards in the service will not find a place,

So keep on the firing line.

Refrain:

Oh, you must fight, be brave against all evil,

Never run, nor even lag behind;

If you would win for God and the right,

Just keep on the firing line.

2

God will only use the soldier He can trust,

Keep on the firing line;

If you’ll wear a crown then bear the cross you must,

Keep on the firing line.

Life is but to labor for the Master dear,

Help to banish evil and to spread good cheer;

Great you’ll be rewarded for your service here,

So keep on the firing line.

3

When we get to heaven, brother, we’ll be glad,

Keep on the firing line;

How we’ll praise the Savior for the call we had,

Keep on the firing line.

When we see the souls that we have helped to win,

Leading them to Jesus, from the paths of sin,

With a shout of welcome, we will all march in,

So keep on the firing line.

Bessie Frances Simmons Hatcher 

Be sure to give a listen to this video from Gaither Homecoming, with all the old familiar faces and the late great Anthony Burger on piano.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGPrl8qiVxs

Ephesians 6:11-13

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

2 Timothy 2:1-3

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 

2 Timothy 4:7-9

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.

Nearer, My God, to Thee

 1 

Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me,

still all my song shall be,

nearer, my God, to thee;

nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

2 

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

darkness be over me, my rest a stone;

yet in my dreams I'd be

nearer, my God, to thee;

nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

3 

There let the way appear, steps unto heaven;

all that thou sendest me, in mercy given;

angels to beckon me

nearer, my God, to thee;

nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

4 

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with thy praise,

out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise;

so by my woes to be

nearer, my God, to thee;

nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

5 

Or if, on joyful wing cleaving the sky,

sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly,

still all my song shall be,

nearer, my God, to thee;

nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

Author: Sarah Flower Adams

Genesis 28

1 And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. 2 Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother's brother. 3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; 4 And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham. 5 And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's and Esau's mother. 

6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughers of Canaan; 7 And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram; 8 And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; 9 Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. 

10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. 17 And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. 

18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. 

20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, 21 So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: 22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Lead, Kindly Light

1

Lead, kind­ly Light, amid th’en­circ­ling gloom,

Lead Thou me on!

The night is dark, and I am far from home;

Lead Thou me on!

Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The dist­ant scene; one step enough for me.

2

I was not ev­er thus, nor prayed that Thou

Shouldst lead me on;

I loved to choose and see my path; but now

Lead Thou me on!

I loved the gar­ish day, and, spite of fears,

Pride ruled my will. Re­mem­ber not past years!

3

So long Thy pow­er hath blest me, sure it still

Will lead me on.

O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and tor­rent,

Till the night is gone,

And with the morn those an­gel faces smile, which I

Have loved long since, and lost awhile!

4

Meantime, along the nar­row rug­ged path,

Thyself hast trod,

Lead, Sav­ior, lead me home in child­like faith,

Home to my God.

To rest for­ev­er af­ter earth­ly strife

In the calm light of ev­er­last­ing life.

John Henry Newman, 1801–1890

PSALM 43.3

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

Psalm 139

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee...

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

I Know Not Why God's Wondrous Grace

1 

I know not why God’s wondrous grace

to me is daily shown,

nor why, with mercy, Christ in love

redeemed me for his own.

2 

I know not how this saving faith

to me he did impart,

nor how believing in his word

wrought peace within my heart.

3 

I know not how the Spirit moves,

convincing us of sin,

revealing Jesus through the Word,

creating faith in him.

3 ALT*

I know not what of good or ill

May be reserved for me,

Of weary ways or golden days,

Before His face I see

4 

I know not when my Lord may come,

at night or noon-day fair,

nor if I’ll walk the vale with him,

or meet him in the air.

Refrain:

But “I know whom I have believed,

and am persuaded that he is able

to keep that which I’ve committed

unto him against that day.”

Author: D. W. Whittle

*The original lyrics seem to have been changed somewhere between the writing and the publishing in our songbooks. I haven't found any documentation of why this is so.

2 Timothy 1:12 

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Take Time to Be Holy

 1

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;

Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.

Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,

Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;

Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.

By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;

Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;

And run not before Him, whatever betide.

In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,

And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

4

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,

Each thought and each motive beneath His control.

Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,

Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Author: William D. Longstaff

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY

Leviticus 20:7-8

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you.

HELP THOSE WHO ARE WEAK

1 Thessalonians 5

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

FEED ON HIS WORD

Matthew 4:4

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

SPEND MUCH TIME IN SECRET

Matthew 6:6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

BY LOOKING TO JESUS LIKE HIM THOU SHALT BE

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

BE CALM...BENEATH HIS CONTROL

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.