How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art

Lyrics ~ Carl Boberg, 1859 - 1940

English Translation ~ Stuart K. Hine, 1899 - 1989

Stanza 1:

O Lord my God,

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all

The works Thy Hand hath made,

I see the stars,

I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow'r throughout

The universe displayed;

Stanza 2:

When through the woods

And forest glades I wander

I hear the birds

Sing sweetly in the trees;

When I look down

From lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook

And feel the gentle breeze;

And when I think that God,

His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die -

I scarce can take it in:
That on the Cross,

my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin:

 

Stanza 4:

When Christ shall come,

With shouts of acclamation,

And take me home,

What joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow

In humble adoration

And there proclaim,

"My God, how great Thou art!"

Refrain:

Then sings my soul,

My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul,

My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

Stanza 3:

FROM THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 26, 2011

The Over Sexualization of Little Girls by Diane Montgomery

Some say the times are more evil and that’s why they’re this way but when I see these over-sexualized little girls I can’t help but wonder: “Where’s the mother that’s supposed to be teaching her daughter that physical beauty isn’t what’s important and her sassy attitude isn’t acceptable behavior? When little girls’ outfits show everything and they wear makeup, making them look like teenagers, where are the fathers saying no and protecting their little girls from the lustful eyes of men and boys? What can parents do to prevent the over-sexualization of their daughters?

CLICK HERE to continue reading.

Polling Evangelicals: Cut Aid To World's Poor, Unemployed

A Pew Research Center survey suggests evangelicals prefer the government spend on schools, the military, and police.

 

The moral test of any society is how it treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens. And that is exactly what the Bible says, over and over again," said Sojourner's president, Jim Wallis

 

CLICK HERE to continue reading.

CLICK HERE to read Budget Cuts and Bad Faith by Jim Wallis

A Milestone in the Betrayal of Marriage by Albert Mohler

The President has made his decision. The Attorney General has now made his announcement. Mark your calendars for yesterday. That day now represents a tragic milestone in the betrayal of marriage.

CLICK HERE to continue reading.




Should We Baptize Small Children? by Trevin Wax

Should We Baptize Small Children? Yes by John Starke

Thoughts on the Baptism of Children by Nathan Finn

Tom Eliff nominated as Next IMB President

Thomas (Tom) D. Elliff, longtime Oklahoma pastor, Southern Baptist Convention leader and former missionary, is the unanimous recommendation of a 15-member trustee search committee to be the next president of International Mission Board.

CLICK HERE to continue reading.

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

The Love of God

Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God. 2 Thessalonians 3:5

The Love of God
Fred­er­ick M. Leh­man
1917

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.

When years of 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.

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.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

---

FROM THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 19, 2011

The Myth of Teenage Rebellion by Ed Stetzer

When I spoke at the D6 Conference, I made an off-handed statement that has generated a lot of questions. In that talk, I said something to the effect that teen rebellion is not found in all cultures. Thus, it is not a universal cultural experience. In other words, it is a myth that teens consistently rebel in every culture and context.

I probably mentioned teen rebellion is more common in Western industrialized societies with formalized educational systems. Since that time, people keep asking me, "where can I find more about that?" (Which teaches me not to make an off-handed comment in front of thousands of people.)

CLICK HERE to continue reading.


Honk If You Love Anti-Christian Bumper Stickers by Russell Moore

To get to my favorite coffee shop here in Louisville, I pass a lot of bumper stickers intended to make people like me angry. One of them says “Born Okay the First Time.” Another says “If You Don’t Like Abortion, Don’t Have One.” And, of course, there are several of the Darwin fish, those metallic signs with the early Christian symbol sprouting legs.

These bumper stickers have spawned an entire industry in American evangelicalism, countering these arguments, with “right back at you” ridicule. I understand the temptation, because some of those bumper stickers used to rile me up too. I would roll my eyes and think how stupid the argument was in front of me. Why does the Wicca devotee really need to tell us, “My Other Car Is a Broom”? Why does the anti-procreation guy have to announce, “My Labradoodle Is Smarter Than Your Honors Student”?

CLICK HERE to continue reading.


Billy Ray Cyrus' Regret by Jim Daly

Even if you don’t follow pop culture, you’ve inevitably read or heard of the teen actress Miley Cyrus.  Playing the wholesome character “Hannah Montana” on her popular Disney television show of the same name several years ago, Miss Cyrus was catapulted into entertainment’s stratosphere. She quickly became a marketer’s dream and was earning millions of dollars in TV, music and feature films. In the midst of her rapid ascent, though, she also found herself wrapped up in controversy, from being caught posing for provocative photographs to smoking a bong and taking hallucinogenic drugs.

Just another child actress given too much too soon?

Miss Cyrus, now 18, is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, perhaps best known for his hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.”

Ironically, and sadly, that’s exactly what Billy Ray is suffering from these days.  He told GQ Magazine that he now wishes his daughter never went to Hollywood and found fame and fortune.

"The [expletive] show destroyed my family," he told the reporter. "I'd take it back in a second. For my family to be here and just everybody be okay, safe and sound and happy and normal would have been fantastic. Heck, yeah. I'd erase it all in a second if I could."

CLICK HERE to contiunue reading.

CLICK HERE to read the GQ article.



How Shall We Pray About the Upheavals in the Middle East? by John Piper

There are two goals in praying for kings and leaders—that is, for political structures that exist, or might exist, in the Middle East.

1. We pray for political leaders and structures . . . “that we [the followers of Jesus] may lead a peaceful and quiet life godly and dignified in every way.”

2. We pray for this politically sustained freedom and peace so that more and more people would be saved.

CLICK HERE to continue reading.


Pray For Egyptian Believers by Anne Graham Lotz

As a Christian, I am not only praying for the Egyptian people in general, but I am praying for the followers of Jesus Christ in particular who are living in a nation during a time of upheaval and uncertainty. I am deeply convinced that what Egyptians are looking for is ultimately found in a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, I am praying for Christians who have the Answer to speak up and speak out.

CLICK HERE to continue reading.

Captivated, animated and motivated

This story that runs from Genesis to Revelation, centering on Christ, not only richly informs our mind; it captivates the heart and the imagination, animating and motivating our action in the world. When history seems to come to a standstill in sin, guilt, and death, the prophets direct God’s people to God’s fulfillment of his promise in the new covenant.

— Michael Horton
The Christian Faith
(Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 2011), 19

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Blessed Redeemer

And He bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull.  John 19:17 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Luke 23:34 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;  Revelation 5:9 Blessed Redeemer Avis M. Christiansen 1920 Up Calv’ry’s mountain, one dreadful morn, Walked Christ my Savior, weary and worn; Facing for sinners death on the cross, That He might save them from endless loss. “Father forgive them!” thus did He pray, E’en while His lifeblood flowed fast away; Praying for sinners while in such woe— No one but Jesus ever loved so. Oh, how I love Him, Savior and Friend, How can my praises ever find end! Through years unnumbered on heaven’s shore, My tongue shall praise Him forevermore.

Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding—dying for me!

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 12, 2011

One of My Favorite Descriptions of the Christian Life by Justin Taylor

I am not what I ought to be.
Ah! how imperfect and deficient.
Not what I might be,
considering my privileges and opportunities.
Not what I wish to be.
God, who knows my heart, knows I wish to be like him.
I am not what I hope to be;
ere long to drop this clay tabernacle, to be like him and see him as He is.
Not what I once was,
a child of sin, and slave of the devil.
Thought not all these,

not what I ought to be,
not what I might be,
not what I wish or hope to be, and
not what once was,

I think I can truly say with the apostle,

“By the grace of God I am what I am.”

—Cited in Letters of John Newton, p. 400.

Get Beyond the Talk of Election by J.C. Ryle

To talk of anyone being Elect when they are living in sin, is nothing better than blasphemous folly. The Bible knows of no Election except through “sanctification;” no eternal choosing except that we should be “holy;” no predestination except to be “conformed to the image of God’s Son.” When these things are lacking, it is mere waste of time to talk of Election. (1 Pet. 1:2; Eph. 1:4; Rom. 8:29)

~ J.C. Ryle

Old Paths, “Election”, [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1999], 470.

Followers of JESUS or of ME? Thoughts on Disciplemaking by Alvin Reid

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”  Jesus

“Christ is not valued at all, unless He is valued above all.” Augustine

“Be followers of me as I follow Christ.” Paul

“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus

Those of us who take seriously the Great Commission recognize how Christ’s charge compels us not to make converts on a superficial level but Christ-followers in all of life. 

Click the link above to continue reading.

What the Bible Says About Sex ... Really? by Albert Mohler

The Bible is brutally honest about human sinfulness in all its forms, including sexuality. Nevertheless, the Bible presents a consistent and clear sexual ethic. The issue is not a lack of clarity. 
Click the link about to continue reading.

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

The Power of the Dog (In Memory of Mo)

Today has been a tuff day. Mo, our Chinese Pug of 12 years had to be put to sleep due to his deteriorating health.  He has been a wonderful part of our family and we will miss him dearly.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:  a time to be born, and a time to die;...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Eccl 3:1-2,4 (ESV)

In Memory of Mo

Beloved Family Pet

January 11, 1999 - February 8, 2011

The Power of the Dog

by Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passsion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long--
So why in--Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

FROM THE WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 5, 2011

Click on the title to read the full article:


Creation vs. Evolution - The New Shape of the Debate by Albert Mohler

This is the new shape of the debate over evolution. We now face the undeniable truth that the most basic and fundamental questions of biblical authority and gospel integrity are at stake. Are you ready for this debate?

Three Ways With Families by Tim Keller
 In Japan, in Western Europe, and in Russia, the birth-rate has fallen precipitously, to below replacement levels. If this does not change, the economic and cultural impact will be very great on those nations. Many have pointed out that interest in child-bearing is lowest in the most secular countries and sectors of society, while it is the highest in the most religious countries. Why is this? One explanation is that more educated people put off child-rearing until later in life and that means fewer children. However, educated religious people have more children than educated secular people, and therefore the socio-economic answer isn't the most basic answer. I don't think anyone can be completely sure that they have a handle on this complex phenomenon, but I think it creates an interesting backdrop for the consideration of the unique Christian view of the family.


Something We Can All Agree On Even If It Divides Us by Kevin DeYoung
Why can’t all the professing Christians in the world look past their differences and just get along?
Because some of those differences are irreconcilable. Most significantly and most foundationally, the three main branches of Christianity in this country–Roman Catholic, Liberal Protestant, and Evangelical Protestant–do not agree on the locus of authority. We don’t answer the question, “What is our final authority?” in the same way.



Where Have All The Presbyterians Gone? by Russell Moore
Are we witnessing the death of America's Christian denominations? Studies conducted by secular and Christian organizations indicate that we are. Fewer and fewer American Christians, especially Protestants, strongly identify with a particular religious communion—Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc. According to the Baylor Survey on Religion, nondenominational churches now represent the second largest group of Protestant churches in America, and they are also the fastest growing.


How To Pray For Egypt Today - An Insiders Report

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Take My Life And Let It Be

Written by Frances R. Havergal  on February 4, 1874.

"There were ten persons in the house; some were unconverted and long prayed for, some converted but not rejoicing Christians. [God] gave me the prayer, 'Lord, give me all in this house.' And He just did. Before I left the house, everyone had got a blessing. The last night of my visit I was too happy to sleep and passed most of the night in renewal of my consecration, and those little couplets formed themselves and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with "ever only, ALL FOR THEE!"

Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 20:7

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah