THREE CHORDS & THE TRUTH: WAITIN' ON A WOMAN

"Country Music is three chords and the truth." - Harlan Howard

 

 

WAITIN' ON A WOMAN
Writer: Wynn Varble and Don Sampson

Sittin' on a bench at West Town Mall
He sat down in his overalls and asked me
You waitin' on a woman
I nodded yeah and said how 'bout you
He said son since nineteen fifty-two I've been
Waitin' on a woman

When I picked her up for our first date
I told her I'd be there at eight
And she came down the stairs at eight-thirty
She said I'm sorry that I took so long
Didn't like a thing that I tried on
But let me tell you son she sure looked pretty
Yeah she'll take her time but I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

He said the wedding took a year to plan
You talk about an anxious man, I was nervous
Waitin' on a woman
And then he nudged my arm like old men do
And said, I'll say this about the honeymoon, it was worth it
Waitin' on a woman

And I don't guess we've been anywhere
She hasn't made us late I swear
Sometimes she does it just 'cause she can do it
Boy it's just a fact of life
It'll be the same with your young wife
Might as well go on and get used to it
She'll take her time 'cause you don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

I've read somewhere statistics show
The man's always the first to go
And that makes sense 'cause I know she won't be ready
So when it finally comes my time
And I get to the other side
I'll find myself a bench, if they've got any
I hope she takes her time, 'cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman

Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind
Waitin' on a woman
_________________________________________

Thankful for my wife and daughter!

I am so blessed!!

"Honey, take your time, cause I don't mind Waitin' on a Woman!"

Soli Deo Gloria,
allan

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

Questions for Mary

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
Luke 2:19 ESV

In 1992 my sister gave me Max Lucado's book: God Came Near for my birthday.  I read for the first time "25 Questions for Mary". Questions that can't be answered and don't need to be answered.  They are only asked to remind us of the wonder and the mystery of the incarnation.  What happened when God became man and dwelt among us!  Later that same year I purchased Michael English's debut CD and he had a song called "Mary, Did You Know" on it. The song was written by Mark Lowery and Buddy Greene. Like the chapter in Lucado's book, "Mary, Did You Know" asks similar questions to Mary, the mother of Jesus.  20 years later, I still like the song and I still find these questions for Mary to be a helpful reminder of the importance of meditating on the mystery of the incarnation. To not miss the Majesty & Wonder of the Incarnation! To be intentional in stepping away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and take time to truly reflect and meditate on (ponder) the majesty and wonder of the Incarnation: Immanuel - God With Us - God in the flesh. Born as a helpless baby. Majesty in a manger! Fully God - Fully Man!

Soli Deo Gloria
ah

“25 Questions For Mary”

By  Max Lucado

1. What was it like watching him pray?
2. How did he respond when he saw other kids giggling during the service at the synagogue?
3. When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention a flood?
4. Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how he created the world?
5. When he saw a lamb being led to the slaughter, did he act differently?
6. Did you ever see him with a distant look on his face as if he were listening to someone you couldn’t hear?
7. How did he act at funerals?
8. Did the thought ever occur to you that the God to whom you were praying was asleep under your own roof?
9. Did you ever try to count the stars with him….and succeed?
10. Did he ever come home with a black eye?
11. How did he act when he got his first haircut?
12. Did he have any friend by the name of Judas?
13. Did he do well in school?
14. Did you ever scold him?
15. Did he ever have to ask a question about Scripture?
16. What do you think he thought when he saw a prostitute offering to the highest bidder the body he made?
17. Did he ever get angry when someone was dishonest with him?
18. Did you ever catch him pensively looking at the flesh on his own arm while holding a clod of dirt?
19. Did he ever wake up afraid?
20. Who was his best friend?
21. When someone referred to Satan, how did he act?
22. Did you ever accidentally call him Father?
23. What did he and his cousin John talk about as kids?
24. Did his brothers and sisters understand what was happening?
25. Did you ever think, That’s God eating my soup?

"25 Questions for Mary" is from Lucado's book: God Came Near 1987


Mary, Did You Know?

Lyrics written by Mark Lowery, music written by Buddy Greene

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Has come to make you new;
This Child that you delivered
Will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Has walked where Angels trod?
When you kiss your Little Baby,
You kiss the Face of God!

Oh, Mary, did you know?
Oh, Mary, did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear,
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb!

Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your Baby Boy
Is Heaven's Perfect Lamb?
This sleeping Child you're holding
Is the Great I Am!

 

The Music of CHRISTmas: The Incarnation Celebrated in Song

I love the music and songs of Christmas!  The hymns about the birth of Jesus. The Christmas carols and fun songs of the season. This means I have alot of favorite Christmas songs. However, four of my favorite Christmas CD's do not have the traditional hymns or songs of Christmas.  What they do have are songs that really get to the real meaning of Christmas and what the Incarnation (God With Us) means. An added bonus, this makes them great to listen to all year long, not just at Christmas.

THE PROMISE: A Celebration of Christ's Birth



1991

"We have 'sentimentalized' the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. When we think of the birth we see wise men and shepherds and a star. The birth of the Christ is so much more than a 'birthday' to be observed once a year. Our focus must become the Incarnation, which we celebrate every minute of our lives. We must realize that the cry we hear drifting from the stable is the voice of the One who spoke the universe into being." (Jn 1:3, I Cor 8:6, Col 1:16, Heb 1:2) "If Christmas means anything to you, then it must mean everything!" - Michael Card Songs include: 1.  The Promise 2.  Unto Us a Son is Given 3.  What Her Heart Remembered 4.  Joseph's Song 5.  Vicit Agnus Noster (Our Lamb Has Conquered) 6.  Shepherd's Watch 7.  Jacob's Song 8.  We Will Find Him 9.  Thou The Promise 10. Immanuel

GOOD NEWS



1993

Kathy Mattea chose songs that embrace the true meaning of Christmas.

1. "What a Wonderful Beginning"
2. "There's a New Kid in Town"
3. "Brightest and Best (Star of the East)"
4. "Mary, Did You Know?"
5. "The Star"
6. "Emmanuel"
7. "Somebody Talkin' About Jesus"
8. "Nothing but a Child"
9. "Christ Child's Lullaby"
10. "Good News"

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD: The TRUE Tall Tale of the Coming of CHRIST



2004

"Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God is a beautiful take on the story of Christmas. While it is thematic and based on a story line, there's no speaking--only songs--some of which are intimate, some epic, some humorous, all with a purpose. That purpose is to convey the true tall tale of the coming of God into the world."

1. "Gather 'Round, Ye Children, Come"
2. "Passover Us"
3. "So Long, Moses"
4. "Deliver Us"
5. "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
6. "Matthew's Begats"
7. "It Came to Pass"
8. "Labor of Love"
9. "The Holly and the Ivy"
10. "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"
11. "Behold the Lamb of God"
12. "The Theme Of My Song (reprise)"

SAVIOR: Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man

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)

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

---

The Dash Between Your Dates

Charles Spurgeon said "Dying is but going home. Indeed, there is no dying for the saints." Six years ago today my Daddy went home.  This post is in memory of him.  He made his dash count. I will see him on the other side when it is my time to go home. - ah

 

"A beginning and an ending, dates upon a stone

But the moment in the middle is how we will be known

Cause what defines us can be found within a line

Finding reason for our time"

... What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes

James 4:14 (ESV)

What will you do with the dash between your dates?

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

only what's done for Christ will last."

- C.T. Studd

"The measure of life is not its duration but its donation." - Peter Marshall

"Great beginnings are not as important as the way one finishes." - Dr. James Dobson

We must be intentional if we want to finish well. Remember Luke 9:23:

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luke 9:23 (ESV)

chorus:

And the years go by, how they seem to fly

They’ll all be over soon

When our life is done, did we live and love

The way we wanted to

Cause everyday that we leave behind

Goes on to tell the truth

Of how we lived in the line between the two

The line between the two

So teach us to number out days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalms 90:12 (ESV)

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,   making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Eph 5:15-16 (ESV)

"Will I walk straight, will I be true

Will I finish strong

Will I stand up for the moment

When I could right a wrong

Because the legacy we have will never change

It’s how we spend our days"

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

1 Cor 16:13 (ESV)

In 2 Chronicles 26 we read about the life of King Uzziah.  Uzziah started strong. In verses 1-5 we find him seeking the Lord. In verses 6-15 we see the Lord giving him success, but in verse 16 his life takes a tragic turn. Through all of his success and blessings from the Lord "when he was strong" Uzziah grew proud and it led to his downfall in verses 16-23. 

But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.

2 Chron 26:16 (ESV)

"I could live a life for just myself

Or I could live a life for someone else

But I’ll live and die just to hear

You say

Well done my son come and be with Me"

 

The question is less "what is God's plan for my life?" and more "how does my life best fit into God's plan?" - Alvin Reid

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.
Psalms 71:17-18 (ESV)

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.   I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

2 Tim 4:6-8 (ESV)

Be determined to make your dash count! Have a battle plan and be intentional about finishing strong.  Be able to say with Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Don't be like Uzziah. Remember it is not how you start but how you finish. FINISH STRONG!

The song "The Line Between The Two" was written by Mark Harris, Jeff Moseley & Pete Kipley. 

_____

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

Majesty

Majesty

Martin Smith, Stu Garrard

Majesty, Majesty

Your grace has found me just as I am

Empty handed but alive in Your hands

Singing Majesty, Majesty

Forever I am changed by Your love

In the presence of Your Majesty

Majesty

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah

Courageous

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Josh 1:8-9 (ESV)

Casting Crown's new song & video:

Courageous

(movie in theaters September 30, 2011)

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 (ESV)

_____
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!

All I Have Is Christ

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave.
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still.


But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace.


Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose.
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You.

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

_____

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CHRIST!

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

Behold Our God (Risen)

"Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here...  Mark 16:6 NKJV

Behold Our God

Jonathan Baird, Meghan Baird, Ryan Baird, Stephen Altrogge

2011

Verse 1
Who has held the oceans in His hands?
Who has numbered every grain of sand?
Kings and nations tremble at His voice
All creation rises to rejoice

Chorus
Behold our God seated on His throne
Come, let us adore Him
Behold our King—nothing can compare
Come, let us adore Him

Verse 2
 Who has given counsel to the Lord?
Who can question any of His words?
Who can teach the One who knows all things?
Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds?

Verse 3
Who has felt the nails upon His hands?
Bearing all the guilt of sinful man
God eternal, humbled to the grave
Jesus, Savior, risen now to reign

Tag
You will reign forever
Let Your glory fill the earth

From the album Risen (Soverign Grace Music)

He's Alive

And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.

Mark 16:6 (ESV)

He's Alive

Don Francisco

1977

The gates and doors were barred
And all the windows fastened down
I spent the night in sleeplessness
And rose at every sound
Half in hopeless sorrow
And half in fear the day
Would find the soldiers breakin' through
To drag us all away

And just before the sunrise
I heard something at the wall
The gate began to rattle
And a voice began to call
I hurried to the window
Looked down into the street
Expecting swords and torches
And the sound of soldiers' feet

But there was no one there but Mary
So I went down to let her in
John stood there beside me
As she told me where she'd been
She said they might have moved Him in the night
And none of us knows where
The stone's been rolled away
And now His body isn't there

We both ran toward the garden
Then John ran on ahead
We found the stone and empty tomb
Just the way that Mary said
But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in
Was just an empty shell
And how or where they'd taken Him
Was more than I could tell

Oh something strange had happened there
Just what I did not know
John believed a miracle
But I just turned to go
Circumstance and speculation
Couldn't lift me very high
'Cause I'd seen them crucify him
Then I saw him die

Back inside the house again
The guilt and anguish came
Everything I'd promised Him
Just added to my shame
When at last it came to choices
I denied I knew His name
And even if He was alive
It wouldn't be the same

But suddenly the air was filled
With a strange and sweet perfume
Light that came from everywhere
Drove the shadows from the room
And Jesus stood before me
With his arms held open wide
And I fell down on my knees
And I just clung to Him and cried

Then He raised me to my feet
And as I looked into His eyes
The love was shining out from Him
Like sunlight from the skies
Guilt in my confusion
Dissappeared in sweet release
And every fear I'd ever had
Just melted into peace

He's alive yes He's alive
Yes He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive yes He's alive
Oh He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive yes He's alive
Hallelujah He's alive
He's alive and I'm forgiven
Heaven's gates are open wide
He's alive He's alive He's alive
I believe it He's alive
Sweet Jesus

_____

"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