Love Lifted Me

1  

I was sinking deep in sin,   

Far from the peaceful shore,  

Very deeply stained within,   

Sinking to rise no more;  

But the Master of the sea   

Heard my despairing cry,  

From the waters lifted me –   

Now safe am I.  

2  

All my heart to Him I give,   

Ever to Him I'll cling,  

In His blessed presence live,   

Ever His praises sing.  

Love so mighty and so true   

Merits my soul's best songs;  

Faithful, loving service, too,   

To Him belongs.  

3  

Souls in danger, look above,   

Jesus completely saves;  

He will lift you by His love   

Out of the angry waves.  

He's the Master of the sea,   

Billows His will obey;  

He your Savior wants to be –   

Be saved today.     

Refrain:  

Love lifted me,  

Love lifted me,  

When nothing else could help,  

Love lifted me;  

Love lifted me, 

Love lifted me,  

When nothing else could help,  

Love lifted me.

  

Author: James Rowe    

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

 

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

I Am the Vine

 

1  

I am the vine, and ye are the branches,  

Bear precious fruit for Jesus to-day;  

Branches in Him no fruit ever bearing,  

Jesus hath said, "He taketh away."  

2  

Now ye are clean, thro' words I have spoken,  

Living in me, much fruit ye shall bear;  

Dwelling in you, my promise unbroken,  

Glory in heav'n with me ye shall share.  

3  

Yes, by your fruits the world is to know you,  

Walking in love as children of day;  

Follow your Guide, he passeth before you,  

Leading to realms of glorious day.  

Refrain:  

I am the vine, and ye are the branches,  

I am the vine, be faithful and true;  

Ask what ye will, your prayer shall be granted;  

The Father loved me, so I have loved you.

    

 Author: Knowles Shaw    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOqUNW4zvkk&list=RDeOqUNW4zvkk&start_radio=1

 John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.  8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 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. 16 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. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.    

Matthew 19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.    

John 14:13 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.    1 

Thessalonians 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.    

John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Stand Still

The Father has a plan. Though it's hard to see it now

You feel you're walking all alone. But He is there no doubt

When the storm around you rages, And you're tossed to and fro

When you're f aced with life's decisions, Not sure which way to go

Stand still and let God move

Standing still is hard to do

When you feel you have reached the end

He'll make a way for you

Stand still and let God move

When the enemy surrounds you, And the walls are closing in

When the tide is swiftly rising, And you wonder where He's been

Friend, there never was a moment, That His arms weren't reaching out

You can rest assured and be secure, God is moving right now

Stand still and let God move

Standing still is hard to do

When you feel you have reached the end

He'll make a way for you

Stand still and let God move

The answer will come, But only in His time

Stand still and let God move

Songwriters: Rebecca Bowman / Sonya Melissa Isaacs / David Glenn Marshall

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlBFlEup9Uc&list=RDQlBFlEup9Uc&start_radio=1

Watching You

1  

All along on the road to the soul's true abode,  

There’s an eye watching you;  

Ev’ry step that you take this great eye is awake,  

There’s an eye watching you.  

2  

As you make life’s great fight, keep the pathway of right,  

There’s an eye watching you;  

God will warn not to go in the path of the foe,  

There’s an eye watching you.  

3  

Fix your mind on the goal, that sweet home of the soul,  

There’s an eye watching you;  

Never turn from the way to the kingdom of day,  

There’s an eye watching you.  

Refrain:  

Watching you, watching you,  

Ev’ry day mind the course you pursue,  

Watching you, watching you,  

There’s an all seeing Eye watching you. 

   

Author: John M. Henson    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOT5fcagZ2Y&list=RDBOT5fcagZ2Y&start_radio=1

Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. 2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 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.    

Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.    

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.    

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.    

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.    

Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.  

I Am Thine, O Lord

1  

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,  

And it told Thy love to me;  

But I long to rise in the arms of faith,  

And be closer drawn to Thee.  

2  

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,  

By the pow’r of grace divine;  

Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,  

And my will be lost in Thine.  

3  

O the pure delight of a single hour  

That before Thy throne I spend,  

When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,  

I commune as friend with friend!  

4  

There are depths of love that I cannot know  

Till I cross the narrow sea;  

There are heights of joy that I may not reach  

Till I rest in peace with Thee.  

REFRAIN  

Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,  

To the cross where Thou hast died;  

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,  

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

    

Lyrics:Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bKdowFr9rc&list=RD-bKdowFr9rc&start_radio=1

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.    

Hebrews 10:19-21 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;    

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.    

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.    

Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.    

John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.    

John 15:13-14 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.    

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.

A Beautiful Life

 

1  

Each day I'll do a golden deed,  

By helping those who are in need;  

My life on earth is but a span,  

And so I'll do the best I can.  

2 

To be a child of God each day,  

My light must shine along the way;  

I'll sing His praise while ages roll  

And strive to help some troubled soul.  

3  

The only life that will endure,  

Is one that's kind and good and pure;  

And so for God I'll take my stand,  

Each day I'll lend a helping hand.  

4  

I'll help some one in time of need,  

And journey on with rapid speed;  

I'll help the sick and poor and weak,  

And words of kindness to them speak.  

5  

While going down life's weary road,  

I'll try to lift some trav'ler's load;  

I'll try to turn the night to day,  

Make flowers bloom along the way.    

Refrain:  

Life's evening sun is sinking low,  

A few more days and I must go,  

To meet the deeds that I have done,  

Where there will be no setting sun.

  

Author: William M. Golden (1918)    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92Ze_65XIko&list=RD92Ze_65XIko&start_radio=1

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.    Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.    James 2:14-26 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? ...    Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Trust and Obey

1  

When we walk with the Lord  

In the light of His Word,  

What a glory He sheds on our way;  

While we do His good will,  

He abides with us still,  

And with all who will trust and obey.  

2  

Not a shadow can rise,  

Not a cloud in the skies,  

But His smile quickly drives it away;  

Not a doubt or a fear,  

Not a sigh or a tear,  

Can abide while we trust and obey.  

3  

Not a burden we bear,  

Not a sorrow we share,  

But our toil He doth richly repay;  

Not a grief or a loss,  

Not a frown or a cross,  

But is blest if we trust and obey.  

4  

But we never can prove  

The delights of His love,  

Until all on the altar we lay;  

For the favor He shows,  

And the joy He bestows,  

Are for them who will trust and obey.  

5  

Then in fellowship sweet  

We will sit at His feet,  

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;  

What He says we will do;  

Where He sends, we will go,  

Never fear, only trust and obey.    

REFRAIN  

Trust and obey,  

For there’s no other way  

To be happy in Jesus,  

But to trust and obey.

  

Lyrics: John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB4KcleYiWM&list=RDKB4KcleYiWM&start_radio=1

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. ~Isaiah 26:3

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

    

John 14:21 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.

    

John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. ~Isaiah 26:3

For the Beauty of the Earth

1  

For the beauty of the earth,  

For the beauty of the skies,  

For the love which from our birth  

Over and around us lies:  

Lord of all, to Thee we raise  

This our sacrifice of praise.  

2  

For the beauty of each hour  

Of the day and of the night,  

Hill and vale, and tree, and flow'r,  

Sun and moon, and stars of light:  

Lord of all, to Thee we raise  

This our sacrifice of praise.  

3  

For the joy of human love,  

Brother, sister, parent, child,  

Friends on earth, and friends above,  

For all gentle thoughts and mild:  

Lord of all, to Thee we raise  

This our sacrifice of praise.  

4  

For thy church that evermore  

Lifteth holy hands above,  

Off'ring up on ev'ry shore  

Her pure sacrifice of love:  

Lord of all, to Thee we raise  

This our sacrifice of praise.

    

Lyrics: Folliot S. Pierpoint   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZP5YMq9CZo&list=RD2ZP5YMq9CZo&start_radio=1

 I have heard people ask what is the meaning of "lifting hands" in worship. A lot of churches do not encourage such physical displays, preferring a more sedate atmosphere. We did not raise hands in the church I grew up in. We associated the gesture with charismatic (or "holy roller") churches. But it has always seemed to me that it is a natural human gesture in many different types of circumstances, such as great joy or great sorrow. At any rate, the gesture of lifting hands is found throughout the Bible:    

1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.    

Nehemiah 8:6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.    

Psalm 28:2 Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.    

Psalm 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.    

Psalm 119:48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.    

Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.    

Psalm 141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.    

Lamentations 2:19 Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.    

Lamentations 3:41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.

The Love of God III

And then there is the gospel song (as opposed to "hymn") with the title The Love of God. This one was written by Laurene Highfield and music composed by Samuel W. Beazley.  

1  

Since the love of God has shed  

Priceless blessings on my head  

I have made it my own;  

I will hide it in my heart,  

That it never may depart,  

It shall rule there alone.  

2  

Since the Son of God came down  

With his love our lives to crown,  

He with us would remain;  

Greater love there could not be,  

Jesus died for you and me,  

In our hearts he would reign.  

3  

He who gave his love to me,  

That I might from sin be free,  

Bids me share it today;  

"As I loved you," he has said,  

"You must serve men in my stead,  

As you go on your way."  

4  

While his love burns true and bright,  

We are walking in the light,  

He has shown us the road;  

We his glory must reflect,  

Lest our dimness and neglect  

Keep some soul from its God.    

REFRAIN  

The love of God within the heart  

Will kindliness and warmth impart  

The soul will glow like Jesus in his tender mercy  

If the heart is made his dwelling place:  

The love of God glows like a flame,  

Thru endless years it is the same,  

The love of God will never fail nor lose its glory  

Till we see him face to face.

  

Author: Laurene Highfield

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM1K9EOFDkw

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ~John 13:34

The Love of God II

1

The love of God has been extended

To a fallen race

Through Christ the savior of all men

There's hope in saving grace

REFRAIN:

The love of God is greater far

Than gold or silver ever could afford

It reaches past the highest star

And covers all the world

Its power is eternal

Its glory is supernal

When all this earth shall pass away

There'll always be the love of God

2

It goes beneath the deepest stain

That sin could ever leave

Redeeming souls to live again

Who will on Christ believe

REFRAIN:

The love of God is greater far

Than gold or silver ever could afford

It reaches past the highest star

And covers all the world

Its power is eternal

Its glory is supernal

When all this earth shall pass away

There'll always be the love of God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5jQD8twNiA&list=RDr5jQD8twNiA&start_radio=1

* * *

Author's note: This version was written by David Phelps, of the Gaither Vocal Band. While it is musically beautiful, sadly, it clearly illustrates the difference between classic hymn lyrics -- which are rich with Biblical context and mastery of the English language -- and inferior contemporary expressions of the same concepts. This is essentially a contemporary imitation of the original hymn.

The Love of God

 

1  

The love of God is greater far  

Than tongue or pen can ever tell.  

It goes beyond the highest star  

And reaches to the lowest hell.  

The guilty pair,  bowed down with care,  

God gave His Son to win;  

His erring child  He reconciled  

And pardoned from his sin.  

2  

When hoary time shall pass away,  

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;  

When men who here refuse to pray,  

On rocks and hills and mountains call;  

God’s love, so sure,  shall still endure,  

All measureless and strong;  

Redeeming grace  to Adam’s race—  

The saints’ and angels’ song.  

3  

Could we with ink the ocean fill,  

And were the skies of parchment made;  

Were every stalk on earth a quill,  

And every man a scribe by trade;  

To write the love  of God above  

Would drain the ocean dry;  

Nor could the scroll  contain the whole,  

Though stretched from sky to sky.    

REFRAIN  

O love of God, how rich and pure!  

How measureless and strong!  

It shall forevermore endure—  

The saints’ and angels’ song.

  

Author: Frederick Martin Lehman    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6B_jYtjvME&list=RDk6B_jYtjvME&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqbqjX2KRyY&list=RDNqbqjX2KRyY&start_radio=1

 Psalm 36:5–7 Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge  In the shadow of your wings    

Romans 8:35–39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.    

Lamentations 3:22–24 The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.    

Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.    

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

 * * *

The Love of God, supplemental notes  

1  

The love of God is greater far  

Than tongue or pen can ever tell.  It goes beyond the highest star  

And reaches to the lowest hell.  

The guilty pair,  bowed down with care,  

God gave His Son to win;  

His erring child  He reconciled  

And pardoned from his sin.    

 I am assuming "the guilty pair" refers to Adam and Eve, and the concept of original sin -- the idea that all mankind inherited the guilt of the sin of the first pair of created humans.  

 The second verse of this hymn also references "redeeming grace to Adam's race." Original sin is a doctrinal issue that is not accepted by all churches. The Bible discusses it primarily in the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 5, where the apostle Paul writes:  

Romans 5:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 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. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  

 Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.    

 2  

When hoary time shall pass away,  

And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall;  

When men who here refuse to pray,  

On rocks and hills and mountains call;   

God’s love, so sure, shall still endure,  

All measureless and strong;  

Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—  

The saints’ and angels’ song.  

 What is "hoary time"? 

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary -- "Hoary is an Old English word that comes from hoar, which shares its meanings. Both words refer to anything that is old or that has the whitened look of age."    

Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: 17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?    

 What is the saints' and angels' song? 

Following the passage in Revelation referenced above, and moving on to the 7th chapter we find this:  

Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”    

3  

Could we with ink the ocean fill,  

And were the skies of parchment made;  

Were every stalk on earth a quill,  

And every man a scribe by trade;  

To write the love  Of God above  

Would drain the ocean dry;  

Nor could the scroll  Contain the whole,  

Though stretched from sky to sky. 

 John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

 

1  

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!  

That calls me from a world of care,  

And bids me at my Father's throne  

Make all my wants and wishes known.  

In seasons of distress and grief, 

My soul has often found relief,  

And oft escaped the tempter's snare  

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!  

2  

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!  

The joys I feel, the bliss I share  

Of those whose anxious spirits burn  

With strong desires for thy return!  

With such I hasten to the place  

Where God my Savior shows his face,  

And gladly take my station there,  

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!  

3  

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!  

Thy wings shall my petition bear  

To him whose truth and faithfulness  

Engage the waiting soul to bless.  

And since he bids me seek his face,  

Believe his word, and trust his grace,  

I'll cast on him my ev’ry care,  

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

    

 Author: W. W. Walford (1845)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xg282my5QyU&list=RDxg282my5QyU&start_radio=1  

 I Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

 (I have never known this song to be sung sitting down.)

1  

Stand up! stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;  

Lift high His royal banner,  It must not suffer loss:  

From vict’ry unto vict’ry  his army shall He lead,  

Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.  

2  

Stand up! stand up for Jesus!  The trumpet call obey;  

Forth to the mighty conflict  in this His glorious day.  

Ye that are men, now serve Him against unnumbered foes;  

Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.  

3  

Stand up! stand up for Jesus!  Stand in His strength alone;  

The arm of flesh will fail you;  Ye dare not trust your own.  

Put on the Gospel armor, and, watching unto prayer,  

Where duty calls, or danger, be never wanting there.  

4  Stand up! stand up for Jesus!  The strife will not be long:  

This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song;  

To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;  

He, with the King of glory, shall reign eternally.

    

Lyrics: George Duffield (1818-1888)    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbnhUlj2PZ4&list=RDTbnhUlj2PZ4&start_radio=1

 Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.    

Coat of Many Colors

Back through the years

I go wonderin' once again

Back to the seasons of my youth

I recall a box of rags that someone gave us

And how my mama put the rags to use

There were rags of many colors

But every piece was small

And I didn't have a coat

And it was way down in the fall

Mama sewed the rags together

Sewin' every piece with love

She made my coat of many colors

That I was so proud of

As she sewed she told a story

From the Bible she had read

About a coat of many colors

Joseph wore, and then she said

"Perhaps this coat will bring you

Good luck and happiness"

And I just couldn't wait to wear it

And Mama blessed it with a kiss

My coat of many colors

That my mama made for me

Made only from rags

But I wore it so proudly

Although we had no money

I was rich as I could be

In my coat of many colors

My mama made for me

So with patches on my britches

And holes in both my shoes

In my coat of many colors

I hurried off to school

Just to find the others laughing

And making fun of me

In my coat of many colors

My mama made for me

And I couldn't understand it

For I felt I was rich

And I told 'em of the love

My mama sewed in every stitch

And I told 'em all the story

Mama told me while she sewed

And how my coat of many colors

Was worth more than all their clothes

But they didn't understand it

And I tried to make them see

That one is only poor

Only if they choose to be

Now I know we had no money

But I was rich as I could be

In my coat of many colors

My mama made for me

Made just for me 

* * *

"Dolly has described this song on numerous occasions as her favorite of the songs she has written. She composed the song in 1969, while traveling with Porter Wagoner on a tour bus."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KpD2nPSHGo&list=RD0KpD2nPSHGo&start_radio=1

* * *

I think the first time I heard this song it was on a record album my grandmother had of Wendy Bagwell and the Sunliters. This would have been in the 1970s. At the time I didn't know it was written by Dolly Parton. I can't find a recording of Wendy Bagwell singing it, but I found an old video of the first time Dolly Parton sang it on TV.

Old Bones

 I gotta tell you about a song I just discovered. I was looking up all the songs Dolly Parton wrote. (There are hundreds!) And in the process, I bought some of them from itunes. Last night I was listening to them and ran across this gem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZbFZe4AiAY

These Old Bones

Song by Dolly Parton ‧ 2002

"These old bones will tell your story

These old bones will never lie

These old bones will tell you surely

What you can't see with your eye

These old bones, I shake and rattle

These old bones, I toss and roll

And it's all in where they scatter

Tells you what the future holds"

Oh, she lived up on the mountain

11 miles or so from town

With a one-eyed cat named Wink

A billy goat and a blue tick hound

Her graying hair was braided

And wrapped around her head

And her dress was long and faded

And her home a rusty shed

In a little pouch of burlap

Tied with a piece of twine

There were bones all shapes and sizes

Gathered through the course of time

She'd throw them out before you

She swore that she could see

The present, past, and future

She could read your destiny

Everybody knew about her

Came to get their fortune read

Concerning health and wealth and power

Who to love and when to wed

"Well, I just like helping people

I'm just glad that I could help

Well, I know everybody's secrets

But I keep it to myself"

"These old bones will tell your story

These old bones will never lie

These old bones will tell you surely

What you can't see with your eye

These old bones, I shake and rattle

These old bones, I toss and roll

And it's all in where they scatter

Tells you what the future holds"

Some called her a witchy woman

Some said she was insane

Some said she was a prophet

Still everybody came

"Just because a body's different

Well, that don't make them mad

Well, they've crucified a many

For the special gifts they've had"

I had often heard about her

Dreamed about her now and then

For I, too, was clairvoyant

Came about when I was ten

I was fascinated with her

And the things I'd heard about

And I knew some day I'd meet her

And one day it came about

"Well, I knowed that you's a-comin'

I could feel it in my bones

These old bones have also told me

That I won't be here for long

Did you know that you's adopted?

Did you know you once't was mine?

But the county took you from me

Said I wasn't right in mind"

"But I just knowed I had to see you

'Fore these bones was laid to rest

So I conjured up a message

It musta worked, I guess

This gift runs in the family

I know you also know

And I passed this gift on to you

These old bones, they're just for show"

"These old bones will tell your story

These old bones will never lie

These old bones will tell you surely

How to live an' when you'll die

These old bones, I shake and rattle

These old bones, I toss and roll

And it's all in where they scatter

Tells you what the future holds"

I held her hand while she was dying

And with the funeral through

I headed on back up the mountain

For Billy, Wink and Blue

And that little pouch of burlap

With those bones so worn and old

She gave me something special

Now every time I throw

"These old bones will tell your story

These old bones will never lie

These old bones will tell you surely

What you can't see with your eye

These old bones, I shake and rattle

These old bones, I toss and roll

And it's all in how they scatter

Tells you what the future holds"

"Now I can't tell you what you want to hear

I just tell you what I see

It's these old bones a-talking

Blame it on them; don't pack it on me

It's just like that time that there boy died 

up at the sawmill

Well, I know'd who done it, but I never said

And I know'd when somebody is a cheating

Or when somebody's baby was going to be born dead

But unless somebody just plain out and asked me

Well, I just figured there ain't no point

Going around acting like you know everything

Just because you might

Ah, you know girl I want you to take these bones

Because I don't want no youngun of mine going around unprepared

You just remember that the magic is inside you

There ain't no crystal ball"

* * *

This song speaks to me so strongly, because we do have some "witchy" women on one branch of our family tree. I don't know if I have the gift or not (I've been told by two different psychics that I do), but I know my mother did, to some extent. And her Grandma Burford had it for sure.

* * *

And that reminds me of another story -- I was listening to a guided meditation one time a few years ago. It was supposed to reveal to you who your spirit guide is. The guided imagery took me through a walk in the forest, and ended at a little cabin deep in the woods. Whoever opened the door to that cabin to let you in, that is your spirit guide.

Well, in my meditation the person who opened that door was an old woman, kind of stooped over, dressed all in black, with long dark braided hair. I didn't much like that, and I thought it probably came into my mind that way because of the fairy tales I read as a child, where the old woman in the cottage deep in the woods always turned out to be a witch.

Then, a few years later, when I was working on researching the family history, I ran across this picture of my great-great-grandmother, Malisa Hicks.

Um... okay, then.