Softly and Tenderly

 

1 

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,

calling for you and for me;

see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,

watching for you and for me.

Refrain:

Come home, come home;

you who are weary come home;

earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,

calling, O sinner, come home!

2 

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,

pleading for you and for me?

Why should we linger and heed not his mercies,

mercies for you and for me? [Refrain]

3 

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,

passing from you and from me;

shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,

coming for you and for me. [Refrain]

4 

O for the wonderful love he has promised,

promised for you and for me!

Though we have sinned, he has mercy and pardon,

pardon for you and for me. [Refrain]

Will L. Thompson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNLNhiVW58o&list=RDRNLNhiVW58o&start_radio=1

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. ~Revelation 3:20

To Christ Be True

 

1 

To Christ be loyal and be true;   

His banner be unfurled,  

And borne aloft till is secured   

The conquest of the world.  

2  

To Christ be loyal and be true;   

He needs brave volunteers  

To stand against the pow’rs of sin,   

Moved not by frowns or fears.  

3  

To Christ be loyal and be true;   

In noble service prove  

Your faith and your fidelity,   

The fervor of your love.  

4  

To Christ be loyal and be true,   

And He will be your friend,  

Defending and protecting you   

To life’s triumphant end.  

Refrain:  

To Christ, the Lord, be true,  

For He will go with you,  

And help you all your conflicts thru;  

To Christ, the Lord, be true.   

 

Author: Elisha Albright Hoffman 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK6RD7MJtPM&list=RDwK6RD7MJtPM&start_radio=1

Psalm 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.    Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 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.    

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.    

2 Corinthians 7:5-6 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;    

John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.    

John 15:13-15 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.    

Matthew 28:20 And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.    

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Sowing the Seed of the Kingdom

 

1  

Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother,  

In the morning bright and fair?  

Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother,  

In the heat of the noonday's glare?  

2  

Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother,  

In the still and solemn night?  

Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother,  

For a harvest pure and white?  

3  

Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother,  

All along the fertile way?  

Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother,  

That will come at the last great day?    

Refrain:  

For the harvest time is coming on,  

And the reaper's work will soon be done;  

Will your sheaves be many,  will you garner any,  

For the gath'ring at the harvest home? 

 Author: Fred A. Fillmore   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDJ4z3RF9uI&list=RDBDJ4z3RF9uI&start_radio=1

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ~Mark 16:15

 The metaphor of 'sowing seed' was often used by Jesus in parables, as well as the concept of 'harvest' in reference to the great judgment day.   

Matthew 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.  

10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.  16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. 

18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  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.  

31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.  

33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. 34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.    

Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.    

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. 14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. 16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  

Farther Along

 

1

Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder,  

Why it should be thus all the day long;  

While there are others living about us,  

Never molested though in the wrong.  

2  

When death has come and taken our loved ones,  

It leaves our home so lonely and drear;  

Then do we wonder why others prosper,  

Living so wicked year after year.   

3  

Faithful till death said our loving Master,  

A few more days to labor and wait;  

Toils of the road will then seem as nothing,  

As we sweep through the beautiful gate.  

4  

When we see Jesus coming in glory,  

When He comes from His home in the sky;  

Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion,  

We'll understand it all by and by.    

Refrain:  

Farther along we’ll know all about it,  

Farther along we’ll understand why;  

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,  

We’ll understand it all by and by. 

Author: W. B. Stevens   

Here's a very sweet rendition of this old favorite by the adorable Peasall Sisters. (Grab a tissue, Becky.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1dVxCa77sI&list=RDk1dVxCa77sI&start_radio=1

 John 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.    

Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.    

Psalm 37:37 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4 Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. 13 The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. 15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. 18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. 21 The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth. 22 For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. 26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. 27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. 28 For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. 29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. 30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. 32 The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. 33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. 34 Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. 35 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. 36 Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. 37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. 39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.    

Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Prepare to Meet Thy God

 

1  

Careless soul, why will you linger,  

Wand’ring from the fold of God?  

Hear you not the invitation?  

Oh, prepare to meet thy God.  

2  

Why so thoughtless are you standing,  

While the fleeting years go by,  

And your life is spent in folly?  

Oh, prepare to meet thy God. 

3  

Hear you not the earnest pleadings  

Of your friends that wish you well?  

And perhaps before tomorrow  

You’ll be called to meet your God. 

4  

If you spurn the invitation  

Till the Spirit shall depart,  

Then you’ll see your sad condition,  

Unprepared to meet thy God. 

Refrain:  

Careless soul, oh, heed the warning,  

For your life will soon be gone;  

Oh, how sad to face the judgment,  

Unprepared to meet thy God.      

Author: James H. Stanley   

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

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

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

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

Love Lifted Me

 Love Lifted Me

 1  

I was sinking deep in sin,   

Far from the peaceful shore,  

Very deeply stained within,   

Sinking to rise no more;  

But the Master of the sea   

Heard my despairing cry,  

From the waters lifted me –   

Now safe am I.  

2  

All my heart to Him I give,   

Ever to Him I'll cling,  

In His blessed presence live,   

Ever His praises sing.  

Love so mighty and so true   

Merits my soul's best songs;  

Faithful, loving service, too,   

To Him belongs.  

3  

Souls in danger, look above,   

Jesus completely saves;  

He will lift you by His love   

Out of the angry waves.  

He's the Master of the sea,   

Billows His will obey;  

He your Savior wants to be –   

Be saved today.     

Refrain:  

Love lifted me,  

Love lifted me,  

When nothing else could help,  

Love lifted me;  

Love lifted me, 

Love lifted me,  

When nothing else could help,  

Love lifted me. 

 

Author: James Rowe   

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

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

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

Won't It Be Wonderful There

Won't It Be Wonderful There?

1 

When with the Savior we enter the glory-land,

Won't it be wonderful there?

Ended the troubles and cares of the story-land,

Won't it be wonderful there?

Refrain:

Won't it be wonderful there,

Having no burdens to bear?

Joyously singing with heart-bells all ringing,

O won't it be wonderful there?

2 

Walking and talking with Christ, the supernal One,

Won't it be wonderful there?

Praising, adoring the matchless eternal One,

Won't it be wonderful there? [Refrain]

3 

There where the tempest will never be sweeping us,

Won't it be wonderful there?

Sure that forever the Lord will be keeping us,

Won't it be wonderful there? [Refrain]

Author: James Rowe

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

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

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

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

Revelation 5:8-13

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Revelation 7:9-17

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

We Shall See the King Some Day

 We Shall See the King Some Day

1

 Tho' the way we journey may be often drear,

We shall see the King some day;

On that blessèd morning clouds will disappear;

We shall see the King some day.

Chorus:

We shall see the King some day,

We will shout and sing some day;

Gathered ’round the throne,

When He shall call His own,

We shall see the King some day.

2 

After pain and anguish, after toil and care,

We shall see the King some day;

Thro' the endless ages joy and blessing share,

We shall see the King some day. (Chorus)

3 

After foes are conquered, after battles won,

We shall see the King some day;

After strife is over, after set of sun,

We shall see the King some day. (Chorus)

4 

There with all the loved ones who have gone before,

We shall see the King some day;

Sorrow past forever, on that peaceful shore,

We shall see the King some day. (Chorus)

Author: Lewis E. Jones

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

The Gloryland Way

 The Gloryland Way

 1  

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

I’m in the glory-land way;  

Telling the world that Jesus saves today,  

Yes, I’m in the glory-land way.  

2  

List to the call, the gospel call today,  

Get in the glory-land way;  

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

For I'm in the glory-land way.  

3  

Onward I go, rejoicing in His love  

I’m in the glory-land way;  

Soon I shall see Him in that home above,  

Oh I’m in the glory-land way.  

Refrain:  

I’m in the glory-land way;  

I’m in the glory-land way;  

Heaven is nearer,  and the way groweth clearer,  

For I’m in the glory-land way.

    

Author: J. S. Torbett    

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

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

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

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

I Am Resolved

 I Am Resolved

 1  

I am resolved no longer to linger,  

Charmed by the world's delight;  

Things that are higher, things that are nobler,  

These have allured my sight.  

2  

I am resolved to go to the Savior,  

Leaving my sin and strife;  

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

He has the words of life. 

3  

I am resolved, and who will go with me?  

Come, friends, without delay;  

Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,  

We'll walk the heavenly way. 

Refrain:  

I will hasten to Him,  

Hasten so glad and free;  

Jesus, greatest, highest,  

I will come to Thee.     

Author: Palmer Hartsough    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lord, I'm Coming Home

This was the invitation song when I was baptized.

 1  

I've wandered far away from God,  

Now I'm coming home;  

The paths of sin too long I've trod,  

Lord, I'm coming home.  

2  

I've wasted many precious years,  

Now I'm coming home;  

I now repent with bitter tears,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

3  

I'm tired of sin and straying,  Lord, 

Now I'm coming home;  

I'll trust Thy love, believe Thy word,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

4  

My soul is sick, my heart is sore,  

Now I'm coming home;  

My strength renew, my hope restore,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

5  

My only hope, my only plea,  

Now I'm coming home;  

That Jesus died, and died for me,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

6  

I need his cleansing blood, I know,  

Now I'm coming home;  

O wash me whiter than the snow,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

Refrain:  

Coming home, coming home,  

Never more to roam,  

Open wide Thine arms of love,  

Lord, I'm coming home. 

Author: William J. Kirkpatrick   

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

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

Luke 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.    

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

Send the Light

 Send the Light

 1  

There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave,  

"Send the light! Send the light"  

There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save,  

Send the light! Send the light!  

2  

We have heard the Macedonian call today,  

"Send the light! Send the light!"  

And a golden off'ring at the cross we lay,  

Send the light! Send the light!  

3  

Let us pray that grace may ev'rywhere abound,  

"Send the light! Send the light!"  

And a Christ-like spirit ev'rywhere be found,  

Send the light! Send the light!  

4  

Let us not grow weary in the work of love,  

"Send the light! Send the light!"  

Let us gather jewels for a crown above,  

Send the light! Send the light!    

Refrain:  

Send the light, the blessed gospel light;  

Let it shine from shore to shore!  

Send the light the blessed gospel light;  

Let it shine forevermore! 

 Hymn lyrics: Chas. H. Gabriel (1890)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Se2DyCyLSuA&list=RDSe2DyCyLSuA&start_radio=1

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. ~Acts 16:9

* * *

 What does it mean -- "We have heard the Macedonian call"? 

A little background: 

The four gospel accounts of Jesus' ministry make it clear that his initial focus was to bring the concept of salvation by faith -- not by law -- to the Jewish nation, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who were God's chosen people in the Old Testament. However, Jesus' Jewish contemporaries refused to acknowledge this teaching, and rejected the idea that Jesus was the promised Messiah -- the embodied son of God. After his death, while the other 12 apostles were still living, Paul was called to be the "13th apostle" (my words). Paul the Apostle, originally named Saul of Tarsus, was a Jewish Pharisee converted to Christianity, who became the primary missionary to non-Jewish (Gentile) populations throughout the Roman Empire. After persecuting early Christians, Paul experienced a blinding vision of the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). He was specifically identified by Jesus as a "chosen instrument" to carry his name before Gentiles.

Acts 9

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

The Macedonian call refers to a New Testament vision in Acts 16:9 where the Apostle Paul was summoned by a man from Macedonia to "Come over to Macedonia and help us." This divine, midnight directive, received during Paul's second missionary journey, compelled him to pivot his ministry from Asia to Europe. It marked a crucial turning point for the expansion of Christianity, initiating the spread of the gospel to the European continent. 

Acts 16

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. 11 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.  13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.  16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely. 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.  25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

Alone At Eve

 

 1  

Walking alone at eve and viewing the skies afar,  

Bidding the darkness come to welcome each silver star;  

I have a great delight in the wonderful scenes above,  

God in His pow'r and might is showing His truth and love.  

2  

Sitting alone at eve and dreaming the hours away,  

Watching the shadows falling now at the close of day;  

God in His mercy comes, with His Word He is drawing near,  

Spreading His love and truth around me and ev'rywhere.  

3  

Closing my eyes at eve and thinking of Heaven’s grace,  

Longing to see my Lord, yes, meeting Him face to face;  

Trusting Him as my all wheresoever my footsteps roam,  

Pleading with Him to guide me on to the spirit’s home!  

Refrain:  

O, for a home with God, a place in His courts to rest!  

Sure in a safe abode with Jesus and the blest;  

Rest for a weary soul once redeemed by the Savior’s love,  

Where I’ll be pure and whole and live with my God above!    

 Author: Thomas R. Sweatmon    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_u3DVjSy38&list=RDy_u3DVjSy38&start_radio=1

Psalm 8:3-4 

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 

Psalm 81 

1 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!    

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.    

Hebrews 4:1 

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.