REDEEMED, HOW I LOVE TO PROCLAIM IT!

1 Peter 1:18-19 (HCSB)
¹⁸ For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things like silver or gold,
¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.

Words by Fanny J. Crosby

Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.

 

Chorus:

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child, and forever, I am.

Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long;
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

I know I shall see in His beauty
The King in whose way I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night

 

____________

"All my theology is reduced to this narrow compass - Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners." - Archibald Alexander 

 

Redeem - to buy back or to free from what distresses or harms. Man has been separated from God by sin.  Christ paid the penalty for our sin to satisfy divine justice.  He has freed us from the shackles of sin's bondage and God's eternal wrath. A realization of this redemption causes the ransomed to want to sing! "Redeemed, How I Love To Proclaim It! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb..."

^"Let the redeemed of the LORD proclaim that He has redeemed them from the hand of the foe "

Psalm 107:2

Soli Deo Gloria
ah



NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

Hebrews 9:22b (ESV)  ... without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Words and Music by Robert Lowery

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

 

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Refrain

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

 

Refrain

 

 

 

________

 

The Bible is very clear concerning the forgiveness of man's sin. Only a perfect blood sacrifice would satisfy the Father's requirement. The gift of salvation required Jesus blood. No other sacrifuce would do.  "Oh! precious is the flow that  makes me white as snow. No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus."  Thank you Jesus for your precious blood that You shed for me on Calvary! Now when God looks at me He sees Christ's shed blood and declares me righteous for Jesus sake!

 

Soli Deo Gloria,

ah

Count Your Blessings

"The greater God's gifts and works, the less they are regarded." - Martin Luther

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thess 5:18 (ESV)

"It is impossible to be thankful, and at the same time, grumpy, cantankerous, critical or ill-tempered. That's a lesson Johnson Oatman wanted to teach young people in his song 'Count Your Blessings.' ... It reflected Johnson's optimistic faith, and has been a lesson to many ever since."

- from Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan


Count Your Blessings
Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Pub. 1897

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done. [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]   Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by.   When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.   So, amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.   *Alternate text.       giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

Faith's Review and Expectation: AMAZING GRACE

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace"            Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

Here are some things you may not know about John Newton's most famous hymn. His title for it wasn't  originally "Amazing Grace" but "Faith's Review and Expectation."  It is based on his study of 1 Chronicles 17:16-17:  "Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O LORD God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?  "And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O God; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the rank of a man of high degree, O LORD God."

1 Chronicles 17:16-17 (NKJV)

On Friday morning, January 1, 1773, John Newton, former slave trader and infidel, preached a New Year's message from 1 Chronicles 17:16-17 in his church at Olney, England.  He told his church to look back at God's goodness, look around at God's promises, and look forward to future usefulness. In concluding, Newton introduced a poem he'd written for the occasion, the hymn "Amazing Grace".

- Robert J. Morgan

Amazing Grace

John Newton (1725-1807) Stanzas 1 - 6
Stanza 7 anon.

Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio (chorus added in 2006)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Shall be forever mine

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

(chorus)

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim 1:17 (ESV)

Words by Walter Smith
1876

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.

All laud we would render; O help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, Almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

The Solid Rock

The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation—
Psalms 18:46 (ESV)


Words by Edward Mote
1834

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.

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.

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.

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

---

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)

words by Chris Rice

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

Click here to find out more about Jesus!

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

1882

Words by Louisa M. R. Stead

(These words are said to have written been after Stead witnessed her husband drown. -  cyberhymnal.org)

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Refrain

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

Casting Crowns singing 'Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus.

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

pray without ceasing,

1 Thess 5:17 (ESV)

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Phil 4:6 (ESV)

Joseph M. Scriven

1855

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer! Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged— Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge— Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear; May we ever, Lord, be bringing All to Thee in earnest prayer. Soon in glory bright, unclouded, There will be no need for prayer— Rapture, praise, and endless worship Will be our sweet portion there.

____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

One Day

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24 (ESV)

Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman, a Presbyterian pastor and evangelist, was born on June 17, 1859 and died on Christmas Day 1918.  He was led to Christ by D.L. Moody using John 5:24. He later wrote One Day.

One Day
J. Wilbur Chapman

One day when heaven was filled with His praises,
  One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—
  Dwelt among men, my example is He!

chorus:

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
  Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
    One day He's coming—O glorious day!

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,

  One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected;
  Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He.

One day they left Him alone in the garden,
  One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
  Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He.

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
  One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
  Now is ascended, my Lord evermore.

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
  One day the skies with His glory will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
  Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!


Recorded by Casting Crowns with additional lyrics and new music as Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) on their Until the Whole World Hears CD.

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Jesus Paid It All

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV) knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,  but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.   1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV) Jesus Paid It All Elvina M. Hall  (born June 4, 1820) Bridge written by Alex Nifong I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small; Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.” Chorus: Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow. For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim; I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. And now complete in Him, My robe, His righteousness, Close sheltered ’neath His side, I am divinely blest. Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r, and Thine alone, Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. And when before the throne I stand in Him complete, "Jesus died my soul to save," My lips shall still repeat.

Bridge
Oh praise the One who paid my debt
and raised this life up from the dead!

Oh praise the One who paid my debt
and raised this life up from the dead!

____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah



Click here to find out more about Jesus and the price He paid!

I Stand Amazed In The Presence (How Marvelous)

I Stand Amazed In The Presence
Charles H. Gabriel

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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!

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

Created in Christ Jesus for good works

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.    Eph 2:10 (ESV)

We Will Work Till Jesus Comes

Elizabeth Mills

(1805-1829)

O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by
And dwell in peace at home?

We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.

To Jesus Christ I fled for rest;
He bade me cease to roam,
And lean for comfort on His breast
Till He conduct me home.

We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.

I sought at once my Savior’s side;
No more my steps shall roam.
With Him I’ll brave death’s chilling tide
And reach my heav’nly home.

We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes,
And we’ll be gathered home.



____________________________________

Mr. Meant-To has a comrade,

And his name is Didn't Do;

Have you ever chanced to meet them?

Did they ever call on you?

These two fellas live together

In the house of Never-Win,

And I'm told that it is haunted

By the ghost of Might-Have-Been.

"Work while it is called today, for you know not how much you may be hindered tommorrow.  One today is worth two tommorrows; never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."  - Benjamin Franklin

________________________________________________

Work for the Night Is Coming

Annie L. Coghill

1836–1907

1. Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling,
Work 'mid springing flowers;
Work when the day grows brighter,
Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man's work is done.

2. Work, for the night is coming,
Work through the sunny noon;
Fill brightest hours with labor,
Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying minute,
Something to keep in store;
Work, for the night is coming,
When man works no more.

3. Work, for the night is coming,
Under the sunset skies;
While their bright tints are glowing,
Work, for daylight flies.
Work till the last beam fadeth,
Fadeth to shine no more;
Work, while the night is darkening,
When man's work is o'er.

_____

Soli Deo Gloria

ah

There is a Fountain

"On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness."   Zech 13:1 (ESV)



There is a Fountain
William Cowper
1772

1. There is a fountain filled with blood 
 drawn from Emmanuel's veins; 
 and sinners plunged beneath that flood 
 lose all their guilty stains. 
 Lose all their guilty stains, 
 lose all their guilty stains; 
 and sinners plunged beneath that flood 
 lose all their guilty stains. 

2. The dying thief rejoiced to see 
 that fountain in his day; 
 and there may I, though vile as he, 
 wash all my sins away.
 Wash all my sins away, 
 wash all my sins away; 
 and there may I, though vile as he, 
 wash all my sins away. 

3. Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood 
 shall never lose its power 
 till all the ransomed church of God 
 be saved, to sin no more. 
 Be saved, to sin no more, 
 be saved, to sin no more; 
 till all the ransomed church of God 
 be saved, to sin no more. 

4. E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream 
 thy flowing wounds supply, 
 redeeming love has been my theme, 
 and shall be till I die. 
 And shall be till I die, 
 and shall be till I die; 
 redeeming love has been my theme, 
 and shall be till I die. 

5. Then in a nobler, sweeter song, 
 I'll sing thy power to save, 
 when this poor lisping, stammering tongue 
 lies silent in the grave. 
 Lies silent in the grave, 
 lies silent in the grave; 
 when this poor lisping, stammering tongue 
 lies silent in the grave.

_____
"He is Risen!"
ah

Hallelujah Chorus/The Old Rugged Cross

It is good to sing the "Hallelujah Chorus," but we must also sing, "On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame" --because there God displayed his glory in Christ Jesus, who thus became our tabernacle, our temple, the meeting place between God and human beings.  - D. A. Carson


Hallelujah Chorus
George Frederic Handel
1741

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!

The Old Rugged Cross

George Bennard

1913

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, The emblem of suff’ring and shame; And I love that old cross where the dearest and best For a world of lost sinners was slain. Refrain:           So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,           Till my trophies at last I lay down;           I will cling to the old rugged cross,          And exchange it some day for a crown. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see, For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died, To pardon and sanctify me. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true; Its shame and reproach gladly bear; Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away, Where His glory forever I’ll share.

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

HIMSELF

Albert Benjamin Simpson (1843-1919) was one of the most important Christian workers of his day. He was an ardent soul-winner and was active in raising up new believers and in training Christian workers. He began his service as a Presbyterian minister, but later resigned after realizing the inherent frustrations in trying to serve the Lord within the denominational framework. He wrote over 70 books on the Bible and the Christian life. His many hymns and poems are full of inspiration and truth. He was the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

HIMSELF

     by A. B. Simpson

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.

 

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Redeemed How I Love to Proclaim It

"Fanny Cros­by was prob­ab­ly the most pro­lif­ic hymn­ist in his­to­ry. Though blind­ed by an in­com­pe­tent doc­tor at six weeks of age, she wrote over 8,000 hymns."  "She was born in the little community of Southeast, in Putnam County, New York on March 24, 1820." "Happy Birthday, Aunt Fanny!"

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us.
Galations 3:13 NKJV

Redeemed How I Love to Proclaim It

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.
 
Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessed Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

I know I shall see in His beauty
The King in whose law I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night.

I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.

_____

What a great song of testimony!  I hope you have a testimony of how Christ has redeemed you. If you do not you can find out more about God's plan of redemption by going here.

"His child and forever I am"

ah

ST. PATRICK'S LORICA (BREASTPLATE)

Cecli F. Alexander
(a translation of the Gaelic poem, St. Patrick's Lorica)
1889

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet ‘Well done’ in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,
The Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord
And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the star lit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart’s idolatry,
Against the wizard’s evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

---

A PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFUL

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
- Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore.
Amen.
-- St. Patrick of Ireland


_____
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Patrick of Ireland was a remakable man,  from slave to missionary, church planter, etc. He loved the people of Ireland. He wanted them to know his Lord.

Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Blessed Assurance

let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.   Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:22-23 (ESV)

Fanny Crosby

1873

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

_____
If this is not your story click here to find out how it can be! 

For the Glory of God Alone
ah

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: