From Every Stormy Wind

1 

From every stormy wind that blows,

From every swelling tide of woes,

There is a calm, a sure retreat:

'Tis found beneath the mercy seat.

2 

There is a place where Jesus sheds

The oil of gladness on our heads;

A place than all beside more sweet:

It is the blood-bought mercy seat.

3 

There is a scene where spirits blend,

Where friend holds fellowship with friend;

Though sundered far, by faith they meet

Around one common mercy seat.

4 

Ah! there on eagle wings we soar,

Where sin and sense molest no more;

And heaven comes down our souls to greet,

And glory crowns the mercy seat.

Author: Hugh Stowell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHKe0_8vY0w

Showers of Blessing

1

“There shall be showers of blessing”

This is the promise of love

There shall be seasons refreshing

Sent from the savior above

2

“There shall be showers of blessing”

Precious reviving again

Over the hills and the valleys

Sound of abundance of rain

3

“There shall be showers of blessing”

O that today they might fall

Now as to God we’re confessing

Now as on Jesus we call

REFRAIN

Showers of blessing

Showers of blessing we need

Mercy drops round us are falling

But for the showers we plead

D. W. Whittle (1840-1901)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrDwO0TQWjM

Ten Thousand Angels

1

They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed;

They led him through the streets in shame.

They spat upon the savior, so pure and free from sin;

They said, "Crucify him, he's to blame."

2

Upon his precious head they placed a crown of thorns;

They laughed and said, "Behold the king!"

They struck him and they cursed him, and mocked his holy name.

All alone he suffered everything.

3

When they nailed him to the cross, his mother stood nearby,

He said, "Woman, behold thy son!"

He cried, "I thirst for water." But they gave him none to drink.

Then the sinful work of man was done.

4

To the howling mob he yielded; he did not for mercy cry.

The cross of shame he took alone.

And when he cried, "It's finished" he gave himself to die;

Salvation's wondrous plan was done.

CHORUS

He could have called ten thousand angels

To destroy the world and set him free.

He could have called ten thousand angels,

But he died alone for you and me.

Author: Ray Overholt

Here's a video of the way we have sung it in church. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRYjcq71RN8

And here's a more dramatized version by the Collingsworth family. It's worth a listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KglczDR3pFU

Savior, Thy Dying Love

1 

Savior, Thy dying love

Thou gavest me,

Nor should I aught withhold,

Dear Lord, from Thee:

In love my soul would bow,

My heart fulfill its vow,

Some off'ring bring Thee now,

Something for Thee.

2 

At the blest mercy seat,

Pleading for me,

My feeble faith looks up,

Jesus, to Thee:

Help me the cross to bear,

Thy wondrous love declare,

Some song to raise, or pray'r,

Something for Thee.

3 

Give me a faithful heart,

Likeness to Thee,

That each departing day

Henceforth may see

Some work of love begun,

Some deed of kindness done,

Some wand'rer sought and won,

Something for Thee.

4 

All that I am and have,

Thy gifts so free,

In joy, in grief, thro' life,

Dear Lord, for Thee!

And when Thy face I see,

My ransom'd soul shall be,

Thro' all eternity,

Something for Thee.

Author: S. Dryden Phelps

Here's a lovely choral arrangement of this pretty tune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHqvwQKH9So

Redeemed

1 

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed through His infinite mercy,

His child, and forever, I am.

2 

I think of my blessed Redeemer,

I think of Him all the day long;

I sing, for I cannot be silent;

His love is the theme of my song.

3 

I know I shall see in His beauty

The King in whose law I delight,

Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,

And giveth me songs in the night.

Refrain:

Redeemed, redeemed,

Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

His child, and forever, I am.

Author: Fanny Crosby

There are two different tunes commonly used with these lyrics. (Videos 1 and 2). The third video features the talented Martins with a creative arrangement that combines the two tunes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ps5Ct-8LqM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srZi3j2dtC4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2IJ0BoE-4Q

Honoring Those Who Served

Honoring those who served...

PLEASE TAKE A LISTEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyKfr8G04Qc 

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

1 

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!

Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near,

join me in glad adoration.

2 

Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning;

sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining!

Have you not seen all that is needful has been

sent by his gracious ordaining?

3 

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;

surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,

if with his love he befriends you.

4 

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!

All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him.

Let the Amen sound from his people again;

gladly forever adore him.

Author: Joachim Neander

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6jslZT2aSM

Pass Me Not

1 

Pass me not, O gentle Savior,

Hear my humble cry,

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

2 

Let me at a throne of mercy

Find a sweet relief;

Kneeling there in deep contrition,

Help my unbelief.

3 

Trusting only in Thy merit,

Would I seek Thy face;

Heal my wounded, broken spirit,

Save me by Thy grace.

4 

Thou the Spring of all my comfort,

More than life to me,

Whom have I on earth beside Thee?

Whom in heav'n but Thee?

Refrain:

Savior, Savior,

Hear my humble cry;

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

Author: Fanny Crosby

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

Mark 10:46-52

And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

This Ole House

The best song ever written about old age...

"This Ole House" (sometimes spelled "This Old House") is an American popular song written by Stuart Hamblen, and published in 1954.

[Verse 1]

This old house once knew my children

This old house once knew my wife

This old house was home and comfort

As we fought the storms of life

This old house once rang with laughter

This old house heard many shouts

Now she trembles in the darkness

When the lightnin' walks about

[Verse 2]

This old house is a-gettin' shaky

This old house is a-gettin' old

This old house lets in the rain

This old house lets in the cold

Oh my knees are gettin' chilly

But I feel no fear or pain

’Cause I see an angel peekin’

Through a broken window-pane

[Verse 3]

Now this old house is afraid of thunder

This old house is afraid of storms

This old house just groans and trembles

When the night wind flings its arms

This old house is a-gettin' feeble

This old house is a-needin' paint

Just like me, it's tuckered out

But I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints

[Verse 4]

Now my old hound dog lies asleepin'

He don't know I'm gonna leave

Else he'd wake up by the fireplace

And he'd sit there and howl and grieve

But my huntin' days are over

Ain't gonna hunt the 'coon no more

Gabriel done brought in my chariot

When the wind blew down the door

[Chorus]

Ain't gonna need this house no longer

Ain't gonna need this house no more

Ain't got time to fix the shingles

Ain't got time to fix the floor

Ain't got time to oil the hinges

Nor to mend the window-pane

Ain't gonna need this house no longer

I'm gettin' ready to meet the saints

Here are two videos. The first is recorded by the man who wrote the song. The second is performed by George Younce and the Cathedrals quartet.

Stuart Hamblen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-OzFrbCYzk

George Younce and the Cathedrals

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoghigJ1MBA

Ecclesiastes 12

1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain:

3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;

5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:

6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.

7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

None of Self and All of Thee

1 

O the bitter shame and sorrow,

That a time could ever be

When I let the Saviour’s pity

Plead in vain, and proudly answered:

All of self, and none of Thee!

2 

Yet He found me; I beheld Him

Bleeding on the accursed tree,

Heard Him pray, Forgive them, Father!

And my wistful heart said faintly,

Some of self, and some of Thee!

3 

Day by day His tender mercy,

Healing, helping, full and free,

Sweet and strong, and, ah! so patient,

Brought me lower, while I whispered:

Less of self, and more of Thee!

4 

Higher than the highest heaven,

Deeper than the deepest sea,

Lord, Thy love at last hath conquered;

Grant me now my supplication,–

None of self and all of Thee!

Author: Theodore Monod

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kMNkg2wioU

Lord of All Being, Throned Afar

1 

LORD of all being, throned afar,

Thy glory flames from sun and star;

Centre and soul of every sphere,

Yet to each loving heart how near.

2 

Sun of our life, Thy quickening ray

Sheds on our path the glow of day;

Star of our hope, Thy softened light

Cheers the long watches of the night.

3 

Our midnight is Thy smile withdrawn;

Our noontide is Thy gracious dawn;

Our rainbow arch, Thy mercy’s sign;

All save the clouds of sin, are Thine.

4 

Lord of all life, below, above,

Whose light is truth, whose warmth is love,

Before Thy ever-blazing throne

We ask no lustre of our own.

5 

Grant us Thy truth to make us free,

And kindling hearts that burn for Thee,

Till all Thy living altars claim

One holy light, one heavenly flame.

Author: Oliver Wendell Holmes

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

Jesus, Rose of Sharon

1

Jesus, Rose of Sharon, bloom within my heart;

Beauties of Thy truth and holiness impart,

That where’er I go my life may shed abroad

Fragrance of the knowledge of the love of God.

2

Jesus, Rose of Sharon, sweeter far to see

Than the fairest flow’rs of earth could ever be,

Fill my life completely, adding more each day

Of Thy grace divine and purity, I pray.

3

Jesus, Rose of Sharon, balm for every ill,

May Thy tender mercy’s healing pow’r distil

For afflicted souls of weary burdened men,

Giving needy mortals health and hope again.

4

Jesus, Rose of Sharon, bloom forevermore;

Be Thy glory seen on earth from shore to shore,

Till the nations own Thy sov’reignty complete,

Lay their honors down and worship at Thy feet

Refrain:

Jesus, Rose of Sharon,

Bloom in radiance and in love within my heart.

Ida A. Guirey, 1922

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndq7H6jpNFk

The term "Rose of Sharon" is found in the Song of Songs (2:1) and is part of a larger metaphorical language used to describe God's love and Christ's characteristics. 

Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

1 

Jesus, keep me near the cross,

There a precious fountain;

Free to all, a healing stream,

Flows from Calv'ry's mountain.

2 

Near the cross, a trembling soul,

Love and mercy found me;

There the Bright and Morning Star

Shed His beams around me.

3 

Near the cross! O lamb of God,

Bring its scenes before me;

Help me walk from day to day

With its shadow o'er me.

4 

Near the cross! I'll watch and wait,

Hoping, trusting ever;

Till I reach the golden strand,

Just beyond the river.

Refrain:

In the cross, in the cross

Be my glory ever,

Till my ransomed soul shall find

Rest beyond the river.

Author: Fanny Crosby

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

As a Tree Beside the Water

1 

As a tree beside the water,

Has the Savior planted me;

All my fruit shall be in season,

I shall live eternally.

2 

Tho' the tempest rage around me,

Thro' the storm my Lord I see,

Pointing upward to that haven,

Where my loved ones wait for me.

3 

When by grief my heart is broken,

And the sunshine steals away,

Then His grace, in mercy given,

Changes darkness into day.

4 

When at last I stand before Him,

Oh, what joy it will afford,

Just to see the sinner ransomed,

And behold my sov'reign Lord.

Chorus:

I shall not be moved,

I shall not be moved;

Anchored to the Rock of Ages,

I shall not be moved.

Author: A. H. Ackley

I could not find a video of this song. But I found a video of a different arrangement of the lyrics that I think you might enjoy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQVucOW4a3I

He Lifted Me

1 

In loving kindness Jesus came

My soul in mercy to reclaim,

And from the depths of sin and shame

Through grace He lifted me.

2 

He called me long before I heard,

Before my sinful heart was stirred,

But when I took Him at His word,

Forgiven He lifted me.

3 

His brow was pierced with many a thorn,

His hands by cruel nails were torn,

When from my guilt and grief, forlorn,

In love He lifted me.

4 

Now on a higher plane I dwell,

And with my soul I know ’tis well;

Yet how or why, I cannot tell,

He should have lifted me.

Refrain:

From sinking sand He lifted me,

With tender hand He lifted me,

From shades of night to plains of light,

O praise His name, He lifted me!

Author: Chas. H. Gabriel (1905)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi5UlpqUjzA

Great is Thy Faithfulness

1 

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

there is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

as Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

2 

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest;

sun, moon, and stars in their courses above

join with all nature in manifold witness

to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

3 

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow:

blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Refrain:

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

all I have needed Thy hand hath provided:

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1923)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiQzzc41z5Q

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

1 

God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea

and rides upon the storm.

2 

Deep in unfathomable mines

of never-failing skill;

He treasures up His bright designs,

and works His sov'reign will.

3 

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;

the clouds ye so much dread

are big with mercy and shall break

in blessings on your head.

4 

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

but trust Him for His grace;

behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

5 

His purposes will ripen fast,

unfolding every hour;

the bud may have a bitter taste,

but sweet will be the flow'r.

6 

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

and scan His work in vain;

God is His own interpreter,

and He will make it plain.

Author: William Cowper (1774)

I couldn't find a good recording of anyone singing this beautiful hymn with this tune and harmonies. So here's a video of an instrumental arrangement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35jXZ1FU0Uo

If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again

1

How sweet and happy seem

those days of which I dream,

When memory recalls them now and then!

And with what rapture sweet

my weary heart would beat,

If I could hear my mother pray again.

2

She used to pray that I

on Jesus would rely,

And always walk the shining gospel way;

So trusting still His love

I seek that home above,

Where I shall meet my mother some glad day.

3

Within the old home place

her patient smiling face

Was always spreading comfort, hope and cheer;

And when she used to sing

to her eternal King,

It was the songs the angels loved to hear.

4

Her work on earth is done,

the life crown has been won,

And she will be at rest with Him above;

And some glad morning she

I know will welcome me

To that eternal home of peace and love.

CHORUS

If I could only hear my mother pray again,

If I could hear her tender voice as then!

So happy I should be,

'twould mean so much to me,

If I could hear my mother pray again.

J. W. Vaughan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wc6NOScZLE

Well, the mandatory scripture for Mother's Day is Proverbs 31 -- "The virtuous woman"

(Am I the only woman who really resented hearing that sermon EVERY SINGLE YEAR?) Let's see if I can find an alternative...

Here's one that I think somewhat tempers the rigorous requirements of "the virtuous woman"

Luke 10

38 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. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 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. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Crown Him With Many Crowns

1

Crown Him with many crowns

The Lamb upon his throne

Hark how the heavenly anthem drowns

All music but its own

Awake my soul and sing

Of Him who died for thee

And hail Him as thy matchless King

Through all eternity

2

Crown Him the Lord of life

Who triumphed o'er the grave

Who rose victorious in the strife

For those He came to save

His glories now we sing

Who died and rose on high

Who died eternal life to bring

And lives that death may die

3

Crown Him the Lord of peace

Whose pow'r a scepter sways

From pole to pole that wars may cease

Absorbed in prayer and praise

His reign shall know no end

And round his pierced feet

Fair flow'rs of Paradise extend

Their fragrance ever sweet

4

Crown Him the Lord of heav'n

One with the Father known

And the blest Spirit through Him giv'n

From yonder glorious throne

All hail Redeemer hail

For Thou has died for me

Thy praise and glory shall not fail

Throughout eternity

Author: Matthew Bridges/Godfrey Thring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc3UnhPHTOo

(This video has different lyrics after the first verse... maybe it's a British thing... but how often do you get to see a video that contains Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and King Charles III?)

Come Ye Thankful People Come

1 

Come, ye thankful people, come,

raise the song of harvest home;

all is safely gathered in,

ere the winter storms begin.

God our Maker doth provide

for our wants to be supplied;

come to God's own temple, come,

raise the song of harvest home.

2 

All the world is God's own field,

fruit as praise to God we yield;

wheat and tares together sown

are to joy or sorrow grown;

first the blade and then the ear,

then the full corn shall appear;

Lord of harvest, grant that we

wholesome grain and pure may be.

3 

For the Lord our God shall come,

and shall take the harvest home;

from the field shall in that day

all offenses purge away,

giving angels charge at last

in the fire the tares to cast;

but the fruitful ears to store

in the garner evermore.

4 

Even so, Lord, quickly come,

bring thy final harvest home;

gather thou thy people in,

free from sorrow, free from sin,

there, forever purified,

in thy presence to abide;

come, with all thine angels, come,

raise the glorious harvest home.

Author: Henry Alford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FqdCskC0QE

MATTHEW 13

24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:

25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.

27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy

I didn't think I was EVER going to be able to find a video of this song with this tune. There are a couple other tunes that are much more commonly used for these lyrics. This video has the same tune, but some different lyrics...  Whew!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6WcCIMVix8

Here is the most commonly used tune for these lyrics

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

Come Ye Disconsolate

1 

Come, you disconsolate, where'er you languish;

come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.

Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;

earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.

2 

Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,

hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!

Here speaks the Comforter, in mercy saying,

"Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot cure."

3 

Here see the bread of life; see waters flowing

forth from the throne of God, pure from above.

Come to the feast prepared; come, ever knowing

earth has no sorrows but heaven can remove.

 

Thomas Moore United Kingdom 1779-1852.

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