"I Will Trust in Thee"

I recently got an email giving me some more information on this song. It never gets old...check out my original post: here.

Or watch it on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/6H72vJkyKcE

Thursday's Tip

Charlie just gave me his ipod touch...he is awesome. So some things I have been enjoying on my new ipod:

• The Bible Experience on itunes. I downloaded just 1 Samuel because that is where I am in reading the Bible through in a year and i have listened to it all in 2 days! I really enjoyed all the different voices...it was very powerful! I listened to it while I ran, did chores, etc.
• Second recommendation is Shane and Shane's "Everything is Different" cd. My favorite song on the cd is "For the Good," and Charlie's is "My Portion. A review online states,"The album's sweet yet pulsating musical version of "The Lord's Prayer" is taken word for word from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Shane Everett lends his rare songwriting talent on "Rain Down," a song that reflects Psalm 27. The album's first radio single, a creative re-imaging of the beloved hymn, "My Hope Is Built," is based on Jesus' parable of the wise man who built his house on solid rock, found in Matthew, chapter seven."
• I also bought recently Casting Crown's, "Glorious Day." We sang it in church the other week and it a very moving praise song.

What about you, what are some new praise songs you are enjoying these days?

Wednesday's Word: Marvelous Light

"Marvelous Light"-Charlie Hall

I once was fatherless,
a stranger with no hope;
Your kindness wakened me,
Awakened me, from my sleep

Your love it beckons deeply,
a call to come and die.
By grace now I will come
And take this life, take your life.

Sin has lost it's power,
death has lost it's sting.
From the grave you've risen
VICTORIOUSLY!

Into marvelous light I'm running,
Out of darkness, out of shame.
By the cross you are the truth,
You are the life, you are the way

My dead heart now is beating,
My deepest stains now clean.
Your breath fills up my lungs.
Now I'm free. now I'm free!

Lift my hands and spin around,
See the light that i have found.
Oh the marvelous light
Marvelous light

Lift my hands and spin
See the light within...

This song is not really new, but it is new to me! I heard it at eteens when we went to hear Robyn (eteens is fantastic!). I downloaded off itunes and have been listening to it on my ipod a lot! I would really encourage everyone to spend time during you day worshiping Jesus. It has been a crazy time in our lives with our house not selling, voting on going to two services, and trying to do our complicated taxes this year. So much of our battle is spiritual, and it begins with our thought life. I also have the Bible on cd (dramatized version) that I purchased a long time ago, and I am listening to the Bible throughout the day as well.

Click here to see Charlie's letter to David Baptist Church. We are amazed at what all God is doing!

Great Worship Song: The Desert Song

by Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow."

We sang this song in worship this morning at David and it was wonderful. I highly recommend you downloading this song on itunes. Additionally, if you stay at home I would also recommend having time where you listen to your ipod (like while doing laundry, dishes, etc). Every day is a spiritual battle.

What are some of you favorite worship songs on your ipod?

"Trade These Ashes in for Beauty"

We sang a great newer song in church entitled, "At the Foot of the Cross"

I got this song on itunes and I got the version that Kathryn Scott sings and would highly recommend it.

Lyrics:

Where grace and suffering meet
You have shown me Your love
Through the judgment You received
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

Chorus:

Trade these ashes in for beauty
And wear forgiveness like a crown
Coming to kiss the feet of mercy
I lay every burden down
At the foot of the cross

Verse 2:
At the foot of the cross
Where I am made complete
You have given me life
Through the death you bore for me
And You've won my heart
And You've won my heart
Now I can

It was emotional for me singing this song on Sunday. Molly always would say that my babies were "a beauty." So, when the line, "Now I can trade these ashes in for beauty," came up for us to sing, I was not able to without crying. It was just a year ago where Molly was doing so great and even able to travel to Charleston for a funeral where she was able to hug and kiss all over my babies.

Another hard thing is explaining death to a 4 year old. Many experts say that children cannot understand abstract concepts till around 7 years old. Mimi and Pop Pop's dog Jack passed away in December and it was really hard for him to wrap his little mind around it. Over Christmas, he asked Mimi if she missed her doggy, and told her that he was in the clouds. He definitely is tender- hearted! He asked this weekend, why did your grandmommy die? I said most people die when they get older and she lived a long wonderful life.

Do you know of any good books explaining death to Preschoolers? Susan recommended When Dinosaurs Die and actually is letting us borrow it right now which is a huge blessing.

"On Christ

the Solid Rock I stand.

All other ground is sinking sand."

Really enjoying Shane and Shane's new version click here.

My Hope Is Built

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain

(based on Mathew 7:25-26).

This is Abigail's hymn we sing to her. Jackson's hymn is "Great is Thy Faithfulness."

Rocking my babies to sleep I wanted to sing them a hymn and the year Jackson was born God showed me "Great is Thy Faithfulness" time after time in different ways. He is faithful to provide for our every need, their is no shadow of turning with Him!

Tonight, Abigail wanted some more bottle so I was able to sing this to her. God has shown me this hymn throughout her first year of life over and over again. One of my best friends tragically lost her sister and the words to this hymn kept ringing in my ears time after time.

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness."

Our hope is in nothing less than Jesus and His plan for our life that will ultimately glorify Him and help us die to ourselves and depend on Him for everything.

Wednesday's Word: My New Favorite Worship Song

The Revelation Song Lyrics

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven’s Mercy Seat
[Repeat 2x]

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!
Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

(Chorus)

Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah…

(Chorus)

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I – will – adore YOU…

(Chorus)

Come up lift up His Name
To the King of Kings…
We will adore YOU Lord…
King of heaven and earth
King Jesus, King Jesus
Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya!
Majesty, awestruck Honor
And Power and Strength and Dominion
To You Lord,
To the King, to King
To the King of Glory

Chorus (Repeats)

Wednesday's Word: Worship

Worship is an important part of our lives. Every week I am so blessed to really be able to really worship my Savior through song at First Baptist. Pastor Steve does a phenomenal job of leading worship and singing great hymns as well as new hymns. We are so blessed. The FBC choir's cd is one of my favorite cd's and I think you can get it at the bookstore. It is entitled "Thou O Lord."

Additionally, I love the Brookland Tabernacle choir and many of the songs I listen to come from them. First Baptist Choir sings their songs as well. Last week FBC choir sang "Thou O Lord" and it gave me chills.

Right now on my Playlist is
"Worthy is the Lamb"-Brookland Tabernacle choir
"O Praise Him" David Crowder Band
"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" Contemporary Version
"High and Lifted Up"-Brookland Tabernacle choir
"Beautiful Savior" Casting Crowns
"Not to Us" Christ Tomlin

What songs help you worship?

Today is the 2 Year Anniversary of Our Fire

I cannot believe it has already been 2 years since our fire. I have been knee deep in receipts for the last week and Charlie has been taking care of the babies. We had 2 years to replace what was loss in the fire. They give you half of what you claim up front and then you have 2 years to replace what you have loss but it has to be more than the 50 percent less of what they gave you (actual cost). For instance if I loss a $50 sweater, they gave me $25 so in order to reclaim this sweater I had to buy it for more than $25 I got for it. Since I use coupons for everything this was a little tricky. If you have a lose in your house, here are a couple tips when dealing with insurance files.

• Highlight all the items you loss and highlight how much they gave you for the item.
• Right before you turn in a claim, if you know you want to replace an item and have not, go ahead and replace it by putting it on a credit card because you know you are going to get that money back.

Hopefully this will be my last post about the fire, and I feel like we can now really move on from it. Turning in these receipts has been hanging over my head for this last year.

Some positive aspects of the fire

• Most of the items we lost where items that we did not personally buy, and items that I will probably never wear again such as college clothes
• We had another baby so we were able to replace all of the items that Jackson lost
• Being in ministry and me staying at home, finances are always going to be hard work for us, and believe it or not the fire helped us get our car fix, and do things that had to be done. Anonymous donations came every day after our fire. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
  

My final thoughts on the fire:

• I believe when bad things happen it is either because we live in a fallen world, or that demons are attacking. The Devil is NOT omnipresent but there are thousands of demons here on earth. I do believe the devil attacks those who are reaching thousands of people for Jesus. However, he can only attack one person at a time, and I do not believe it was the devil himself attacking us.
  
• I believe that the fire was partly because we live in a fallen world, but also a demonic attack on Jackson and our family. God allowed this to happen for our good and His glory. What demons meant for evil, God turned into good.
  
• I knew going into ministry there would be demonic attack, but really never ever envisioned a fire. Charlie had recently lead some people to Christ, and then we had a fire in our baby's room the next day. If you are in ministry, I would suggest holding on tight, and it is really important to see things as spiritual warfare and not as "bad luck."
• I still cannot believe a small little fire turned bad so quickly.
  
• God is so great and so powerful and spared our entire family of any harm. He used it for such good in our life, and it really helped us get our finances in order. God such a loving father and is so much more powerful than any demons.

"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away.

I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth."

Casting Crowns, Praise You in This Storm

When storm, fires, or whatever you are going through, it is your choice to raise your hands and praise our good God who gives so richly everything in Him. I hate to put things so bluntly but, no one is putting a gun to your head when bad things happen and making you complain and be bitter.

We are so blessed with eternal things and I thank God every day for everything He has given us.

Here is the first post about our fire. Charlie wrote a lot of it. He is such a great writer. You can also see other post about our fire by clicking on the label "fire" on the side of my blog.

Charlie writes:

"Make no mistake about it, brothers, if you preach Christ unapologetically Satan and his demons will attack you in some way, shape, or form. It may be disasters, it may be through gossip, it may be through unruly selfish church members. Whatever it is, the Devil has no dealings with a lukewarm church. If you are preaching Christ, hold on.

I had a taste of Hell on Tuesday morning. Hell is real. It is a place of pain. It is a place of suffering. It is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. And a lot of people are going to spend eternity there and God has called every believer to do what he can to preach Christ.

Hell is real. People are going. Preach Christ and hold on."

Wednesday's Word: Biblically Handling Conflict

For some reason in the last month I have had random conflict from mainly strangers. My way to handle problems or conflict is probably not very common. I usually immediately try my best to speak the truth in love by saying, "the way you are speaking to me right now is hurtful." Now, because I immediately react, I am sure I am not completely thinking before I speak or speaking the truth lovingly. When we deal with the problem right then and there our goal needs to be redemption not destruction. We need to do our best to forgive that person right then by praying through it and then it is over. We need to really never think about it again, and it does not affect us in the long run at all. I think most people are too much in shock to react right then and so they say nothing and then it ends up doing a lot of damage to their lives. Is your goal redemption when you are in an argument with someone? Do you want to redeem them or are you really trying to destroy them?

I know that with many words sin is not absent (Proverbs 10:19). So, I think God keeps on allowing all this random (not that important) conflict to keep on happening so I learn how to handle it as biblical as possible. My goal in conflict is also not to make the other person pay for a wrong I believe they did to me. If you do not speak the truth in love, the other person might not even know that they are treating you unfairly. Communication, I believe is the key.

With all that said, I am currently trying to read The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Sande. If you live in this world you are going to have conflict and I think this is a great resource. We always need to be learning and growing in every facet of our lives. I hope to blog more about what I am learning through this book.

If someone will not be reconciled to you, I just believe you never give up hope on them, just as our Savior never gives up on us. You cannot make the other person be reconciled to you, but you can keep on trying to be reconciled to them in a not annoying way.

ADDED LATER:
I was thinking last night on why I do not shy away from conflict. The main reason why is that I am a huge problem solver. If there is a problem I really do my best to try to find the solution to that problem. So I think the key is that when you are in conflict do not just complain to the person you are in conflict with, find a solution. If I feel that someone is not is speaking to me harshly, I say, "I think you are speaking to me harshly, have I wronged you in any way?, is there anything I can pray for you right now?" Usually, it is not about me. If it is a woman, we usually end up praying right then and there, and it is usually something that is personally going on with their own life, and has absolutely nothing to do with me! So if I am in conflict, I really do try my best not to take it personally. If you are in a conflict, what is the perfect solution? Really spend time thinking about solutions, not how the other person has done you wrong.

A goal of redeeming the situation is realizing that there is a problem and working through the solution.

How do you Biblically handle conflict?

Also, I am really enjoying the song "Worthy is The Lamb" I downloaded Darlene Zschech's version from itunes

Thank you for the cross Lord
Thank you for the price You paid
Bearing all my sin and shame
In love You came
And gave amazing grace

Thank you for this love Lord
Thank you for your nail pierced hands
Washed me in Your cleansing flow
Now all I know
Your forgiveness and embrace

Worthy is the Lamb
Seated on the throne
Crown You now with many crowns
You reign victorious
High and lifted up
Jesus Son of God
Darling of Heaven crucified
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb

Wednesday's Word

On Wednesday I am going to try to start to post what the Lord has been teaching me through His word and through songs.

Right now we are working on memorizing "Just As I Am" (the first two stanza's) and Psalm 23. I found a great version by one of my favorite Christian artist Nichole Nordeman. I would definitely recommend getting this version from itunes. Here are the words to her version of "Just as I am:"

I wondered how to come to You,
I did not dare believe it true, that You regard the orphaned ones:
beloved daughters, worthy sons,
the broken and the barren too,
I heard I could find some rest in You.

What kind of love in injury's place,
would leave instead the stain of grace?
So I come in sorrow and I come in shame.
I come to the cross with my pain.

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me
and that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

The pardon that I found from sin spilled out from where the nails went in.
My heart will ever more proclaim
I had not lived until that day.
And I know there is a crown for me
beyond where mortal eyes can see
and I don't nod to any man,
but offer me just as I am.

So I come rejoicing with hands held high,
and I come singing words of new life.

Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me
and that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God,
O Lamb of God,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

O Lamb of God, I come.

Not To US

The cross before me the world behind
No turning back, raise the banner high
It's not for me, it's all for You

Let the heavens shake and split the sky
Let the people clap their hands and cry
It's not for us, it's all for You

[Chorus:]
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory

Our hearts unfold before Your throne
The only place for those who know
It's not for us, It's all for You

Send Your holy fire on this offering
Let our worship burn for the world to see
It's not for us, It's all for You

[Chorus]

The earth is shaking, the mountains shouting
It's all for You
The waves are crashing, the sun is raging
It's all for You
The universe spinning and singing
It's all for You
The children dancing, dancing, dancing
It's all for You, It's all for You

My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory
My all for You
Not to us, but to Your Name be the glory

Chris Tomlin.

On the way to the doctor with Abigail this morning I heard this song and really enjoyed worshiping the Lord through this song. It reminded me of One Day 03. I really have a problem with a lot of Christian music out there because it is not meant for worshiping our Savior. We are going to try to start going through the Baptist Hymnal and focus on one song a week to sing to Jackson. I really do not know the words to many great hymns which is crazy. This week I think we are going to focus on "Just as I am." What does family worship look like at your house?

Everlasting God

WMHK Christian radio station has really improved on their music selection recently. This morning on the way to the doctors I heard one of my favorite songs by Chris Tomlin, "Everlasting God." This song really spoke to me this morning because yesterday I had one of those days where I had zero energy and did not know if I could make it through the day. I did not expect to have no energy after Abigail was born because after Jackson was born I had tons of energy. I feel more exhausted now than when I was pregnant with Abigail which is crazy. The week of January 19th I will be able to go back to my work out classes at Gold's Gym, and I know I will have more energy then. God has definitely given me supernatural strength the last couple of days whileI have been weak. I have learned even more on how to trust Him with everything and how wait on Him.

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

*Abigail still has thrush and now we are on stronger medicine that we only do one time a day. Dr. Greenhouse (who is the best doctor!) says that doctors really do not know for sure why babies get this infection in their mouth and it is pretty much bad luck. The medicine she is on now is so strong that you cannot breast feed while your baby is on this medicine (for 2 weeks) so breastfeeding would probably not have worked out with Abigail since she has thrush so bad (I do not know how I would have had time to pump).

I Will Trust in Thee

It is official: I am very emotional. One minute I am so thankful for another baby and my emotions are kept in check. The next minute I become very scared of taking care of two babies under the age of three. Sunday, I had contractions pretty regularly probably because I did too much but it made me realize how soon my baby girl is coming (I will go to the doctor tomorrow and have an update on how things are progressing). I cannot wait for her to be here, however, it will not be just me and Jackson anymore. Ignorance sometimes is bliss...I was so naive right before I had Jackson and just thought we would go home with him and live happily ever after and the only hard part would be giving birth. I never dreamed of him being sick ever. But as many of you know, being a parent again is huge responsibility especially when your kids are jaundiced and dehydrated and about to be hospitalized because you are too prideful to realize breastfeeding is not working with us like the in the case with Jackson (not breastfeeding this time so that will be different).

Charlie was able to buy FBC's wonderful choir's CD in the our new church bookstore. On the CD Jessie sings this great song but I cannot find the song or the lyrics online. It is called "I Will Trust in Thee." Trusting God is an action that I have to do...even when things are uncertain and major life change is about to happen. I trust God by taking every one of my crazy thoughts captive to God (especially in the middle of the night when I have crazy thoughts this week) and dwelling on Him and His strength in me. It is not my strength or power, rather it is His, and nothing is going to happen to me that he is not allowing to happen for my good and His glory.

Here are the words to this wonderful song:

When my path is dark before me
I will trust in Thee
When thy face is hidden from me
I will trust in Thee

When my burden's weigh upon my heart
and hope seems far from me
I will lift my hand to thee my God
I will trust in Thee

When foes encamp around me
I will trust in Thee
Clinging to the one who will save me
I will trust in Thee

Before the earth and heaven formed
Before you made the sea
You knew my name
Oh Lord I will trust in Thee

Lord you found me you surround me
Lord I love you, I will trust you

You are my strength
You are my shield
Jesus you are my strength
Oh for Grace
clinging to the one who saved me

Does anyone know the origination of this song?

Casting Crowns- East To West

I am loving this "new" song from Casting Crowns....it is a great one to download on itunes. Perfectionist like me have a hard time really accepting God's complete forgiveness sometimes and this song is a great reminder of God's promises to us. God forgives and forgets only because of the blood of Jesus. If you think about it you have not really forgiven someone unless you have forgotten what they have done. Enjoy these beautiful lyrics!

Here I am, Lord, and I'm drowning in your sea of forgetfulness
The chains of yesterday surround me
I yearn for peace and rest
I don't want to end up where You found me
And it echoes in my mind, keeps me awake tonight
I know You've cast my sin as far as the east is from the west
And I stand before You now as though I've never sinned
But today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Chorus:

Jesus can You show me just how far the east is from the west
'Cause I can't bear to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'Cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

Chorus:

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through
get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Chorus:

Just how far, east is from the west
Just how far, one scarred hand to the other
You know just how far, just how far east is from west
Just how far, from one scarred hand to the other

"I Stand Amazed in the Presence"

This song, "I Stand Amazed in the Presence" was done so well at the conference we attended.

Jackson turned 19 months old today and it just seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital. He had a fever all day yesterday, and the strep test was negative, so pray that God gives the doctors wisdom if he continues to have a fever. His fever finally broke this morning, but the doctor said he had puss pockets on his throat. We did not have to miss one Sunday in March, so I am so thankful to God that he has been able to stay well for entire 6 weeks. God gets all the glory!

I was still able to go the M.O.M Children Clothing and Equipment Sale with Charlie's sister, Lauren, last night since this sale is only twice a year. Moms who have twins who live in the Lexington area sell their items that they do not need anymore and this sale is held at a large Presbyterian church's gym. We had such a great time! I was able to get so much for Jackson there! I got another car seat, a booster seat, a training potty, building blocks like the ones he plays with at the church, a cute chair for him to sit in, a hat, a Wiggles car, and a phone! I have not bought Jackson any toys since before Christmas since he got so many toys at Christmas. You would not believe how much I spent....it was such a steal. I guess since I have been working so hard to save us money through our grocery and out to eat budget, I just have not been able to justify spending $20 or $30 on 1 toy that he is only going to use for a year or so.

Anyway, back to this amazing song! I see and understand how God loves us so much more now that I am a parent. I see Jackson's sin and I want to instruct him, but it does not change how much I love him. In fact, his shortcomings, him growing in his self-control (not wanting to harm anything when he gets frustrated) makes me love him even more. I see his heart changing, and I see his heart and love for other people, and I get so excited to think what all God is going to do through Jackson. After going to this conference, maybe God will use Jackson's dramatics to preach God's word dramatically and powerfully. God truly is our father and he loves us unconditionally like a father does.

I think you can get some really great versions of this song on itunes.

"I Stand Amazed in the Presence"

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene,
And wonder how He could love me,
A sinner, condemned, unclean.

Refrain

O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
O how marvelous! O how wonderful!
Is my Savior’s love for me!

For me it was in the garden
He prayed: “Not My will, but Thine.”
He had no tears for His own griefs,
But sweat drops of blood for mine.

Refrain

In pity angels beheld Him,
And came from the world of light
To comfort Him in the sorrows
He bore for my soul that night.

Refrain

He took my sins and my sorrows,
He made them His very own;
He bore the burden to Calvary,
And suffered and died alone.

Refrain

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see,
’Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me.

Refrain

Maundy Thursday: In Preparation for Easter

Tonight at First Baptist we had a wonderful Maundy Thursday Service: The Living Lord’s Supper. So what does the word Maundy mean? The word "Maundy" comes from the Latin for 'command' (mandatum). It refers to the command given by Jesus at the Last Supper, that his disciples should love one another.

Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spir­it­u­al Songs, 1707. Charles Wes­ley re­port­ed­ly said he would give up all his other hymns to have writ­ten this one.

This is one of my favorite hymns and the words are great to meditate on through this week. I am trying to memorize this song this week…it is getting harder to memorize things as each year passes.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

* This song is based on Galatians 6:14, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

“They said therefore to Him, Lord, evermore give s this bread. Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the word is My flesh,”

John 6:34, 35, 51

Music and What God has Been Has Been Teaching Me

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Praise Him in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Charlie downloaded this song off of itunes, and Travis Cottrell has a great version of this song “Praise to the Lord the Almighty” from the album Alive Forever. It is a great song to worship our great God to!

God has been teaching me so much through reading though Job. I commented on Esther’s blog about one of the chapters and this is what I said. “I hear you! It seems like the friends are never going to relent on poor Job. I have found the study notes helpful during this part of the reading. I think this really does show us the danger of bitter arguments about anything, including what we believe about God. All his friends felt so sorry for Job when they first got to him. Now, they are slowing putting burning coals on his head just to defend their wrong view of God.

God has really been speaking to me through these chapters about arguments. Is my hope when I argue to be proven right? To be vindicated? To emerge spiritual superior? I need to be seeking peace through Christ Jesus. It is not about who wins the argument, but how am I showing Christ's self-sacrificing love in disagreements. Job's friends should have closed their mouths about 10 chapters ago. Proverbs says that with many words sin is not absent. These friends and Job (to an extend) are surely guilty of sin at this point. It sure seems hopeless at this point, but I know that God is soon going to answer Job. Praise God that in His great plan before the foundation of the world, he knew that he would send his Son to be our mediator between us and God. These chapters just really show how sinful we are!”

I am also reading a great book on marriage, When Sinners Say "I Do" (Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage), by Dave Harvey. It is an excellent book, and I hope to blog about it when I am done reading the book.

Before The Throne

I am really enjoying this hymn and the version Shane Barnard does on their new cd.

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great high Priest who's name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hand
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart

When satan tempts me to despair
and tells me of the guilt within
upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin

Because a sinless Savior died
my sinful soul is counted free
For God the just is satisfied
to look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah
Praise the One Risen Son of God
Behold Him there, the risen Lamb

My perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of Glory and of grace

One in Himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God