Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Jesus, Lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bossom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last!

Other refuge have I none; Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, All my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head With the shadow of Thy wing.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; Make and keep my pure within.
Thou of life the Fountain art, Freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart, Rise to all eternity.

Words ~ Charles Wesley
Sung ~ Fernando Ortega

Sleepless Night

This has become the song of my heart! May it encourage you and comfort you as much as it has me! (Scroll down to play the movie and listen to it as you read the words.)

Another sleepless night
I'm turning in my bed
Long before the red sun rises

In these early hours
I'm falling again
Into the river of my worries

When the river runs away
I find a shelter in your name

Jesus, only light on the shore
Only hope in the storm
Jesus, let me fly to your side
There I would hide, Jesus

Hear my anxious prayer
The beating of my heart
The pulse and the measure of my unbelief
Speak your words to me
Before I come apart
Help me believe in what I cannot see
Before the river runs away
I will call upon your name

Jesus, only light on the shore
Only hope in the storm
Jesus, let me fly to your side
There I would hide, Jesus

~Sleepless Night by Fernando Ortega

I Will Praise Him, Still

When the morning falls on the farthest hill,
I will sing His name, I will praise Him still.
When dark trials come and my heart is filled
With the weight of doubt, I will praise Him still.

For the Lord our God, He is strong to save
From the arms of death, from the deepest grave.
And He gave us life in His perfect will,
And by His good grace, I will praise Him still.

By~Fernando Ortega

The tomb is empty ... our hearts are full!

Easter is here again. But this year, let's not think of it as Easter, let's think of it as Resurrection Sunday. I've thought of it so for a few years, but often the real meaning gets lots in Easter bunnies, eggs, pretty new clothes, flowers, and sometimes even family and friends. Let us strive to remember the work Christ did on the cross, let us strive to remember the tomb is empty and how full our hearts are! I'm not going to go into a long "preach-y" post, but I want to share a few songs that are close to my heart and that I think apply here as we give glory and thanks-giving for Christ's death, His resurrection, His separation from the Father for our lives, His love, His wisdom, His life and His gift of life to us! May you all have a wonderful, God-filled Resurrection Sunday and may Christ not only fill your hearts, may He fill your mind and spill out to every one around you! Christ be praised!!!

How Deep the Father's Love for Us


Gloria

I wish I could crash like the waves
Or turn like the autumn leaves
In effort to praise You

I wish I could smell like the forest
The fragrance lifting a mighty chorus
In effort to praise You
In effort to praise You

Chorus:
But I’m such a limited creature
And my word can only paint so many pictures
But somewhere I think I read that I am

Treasured over all creation
So I know that I must try

I wish I could roll like the thunder
To leave the earth below in wonder
In effort to praise You

I wish I could fall like the summer rain
And every drop would sing Your name
In effort to praise You
In effort to praise You

Repeat chorus

Gloria, glory in the highest
Forever I will hide myself in Thee (2x)

Every breath that I breathe
Every moment in my history

Is an effort to praise You
An effort to praise You

Glory in the highest
Forever I will hide myself in Thee

Oh, Gloria
Glory in excelsis deo

Gloria, gloria, gloria
Gloria, gloria, gloria

~Watermark

(I have never heard of the band "Watermark" so I don't know what their music is like, but I've heard this song done by the group "Glad" and I really liked their version of it.)

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is love
Who ever lives and pleads for me
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
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 the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless, Righteousness
The Great unchangeable I AM
The King of Glory and of Grace
One with 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
With Christ my Savior and my God

~Charitie Less Bancroft

(This song was also one that I heard "Glad" sing.)

Like a River Glorious

Song
By: Frances R. Havergal

1) Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it groweth deeper all the way.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

2) Hidden in the hollow of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry touch the Spirit there.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

3) Every joy or trial falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial by the Sun of Love.
We may trust Him fully all for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly find Him wholly true.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Story
1876
...I will extend peace to her like a river... Isaiah 66:12

In 1876, while vacationing in the south of Wales, Frances Havergal caught a severe cold and suffered inflammation of the lungs. Told she might die, her response was: "If I am really going, it is too good to be true." Her friends were amazed at how peacefully she faced the prospect of dying. That same year, she wrote the hymn:

Like a river glorious, is God's perfect peace,
Over all victorious, in its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth, fuller every day,
Perfect, groweth, deep all the way.
Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blest
Finding, as He promised, perfect peace and rest.

Three years later, while meeting some boys to talk with them about the Lord, she ran into cold, wet weather and became chilled. As her fever grew worse, her family became alarmed. It gradually became apparent that Frances, 42, was dying. On Whitsunday, as one of her doctors left the room, he said, "Goodbye, I shall not see you again."
"Then you really think I'm going?" asked Frances.
"Yes."
"Today?"
"Probably."
"Beautiful," said Frances. "Too good to be true."
Soon aferward she looked up smiling and said, "Splendid to be so near the gates of heaven!" She asked her brother to sing some hymns to her, then he said to her, "You have talked and written a great deal about the King, and you will soon see Him in His beauty."
"It's splendid!" she replied. "I thought He would have left me here a long while; but He is so good to take me now."
A little later she whispered, "Come, Lord Jesus, come and fetch me."
A terrible rush of convulsions seized her, and when they ceased, the nurse gently laid her back on her pillows. Frances' sister later wrote: "Then she looked up steadfastly, as if she saw the Lord. Surely nothing less heavenly could have reflected such a glorious radiance upon her face. For ten minutes we watched that almost visible meeting with her King, and her countenance was so glad, as if she were already talking to Him! Then she tried to sing, but after one sweet, hight note "HE-," her voice failed and her brother commended her soul into the Redeemer's hands."

How deep the Father's love for us

Here is a song that really makes me think and really makes me thankful for Christ's work on the cross. For His love, His willingness and everything!

How Deep The Father's Love For Us

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no pow'rs, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

~Stuart Townend

More Love to Thee, O Christ!

This has become one of my favorite songs. As other songs I've posted that I really like, I like to just think the words and pray them! It's such an amazing song! Really think about the words and want them for your life!

More Love to Thee, O Christ

1) More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee:
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee;
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

2) Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

3) Through all that life may bring -- joy, grief or pain,
Work out Thy perfect plan -- True heavenly gain;
Only create in me more love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

4) Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

~Elizabeth Prentiss

Keep your heart

I had a wonderful time of fellowship and worship today in church! It was amazing! And while at church, during one of the teaching sessions, I was reminded of a song that has been so dear to me, such an encouragement, but also a challenge, and I wanted to share it with you! May it be as much of an encouragement and challenge to you as it was to me and as a result, draw you closer to Christ, to the prize!

Keep Your Heart

1)Now on this mountaintop we have gleaned so many things.
We've been drawn closer to His heart, a place that trial brings.
We have seen vict'ry over sin, and witnessed answered prayer.
We have known Christ be our only strength, found His word a jewel rare.

c)Keep your heart, keep your heart, keep your heart with all diligence.
Keep it clean, keep it pure, make your love for Christ endure.
Guard your ears; guard your eyes; Pressing onward to the prize.
Lest you fall, lest you fail, Make your love for Christ prevail.

2)Now from this mountaintop to your valley here below,
You have all of the armory to defeat that wicked foe.
The vict'ry is at your command, Your prayers he'll answer still.
Be the guardian of your only heart, Heed this Word, His perfect will.

~Mac Lynch

A passion for Thee

A Passion For Thee

1)Set my heart, O dear Father, On Thee, and Thee only,
Give me a thirst for Thy presence divine.
Lord, keep my focus on loving Thee wholly,
Purge me from earth; Turn my heart after Thine.

c)A passion for Thee; O Lord, set a fire in my soul and a thirst for my God.
Hear Thou my prayer, Lord Thy power impart.
Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.

2)Father fill with Thy Spirit, and fit me for service,
Let love for Christ ev'ry motive inspire,
Teach me to follow in selfless submission,
Be Thou my joy and my soul's one desire.

~Joe Zichterman

Break down the high place

Break Down the High Place

1) In Israel's time Jehovah God was God alone;
But soon they worshiped heathen idols made of stone.
The high place used to worship God now mocks His holy name.
He's no longer God alone; His people bring Him shame.

c)Help me break down the high place once reserved for You.
Help me rebuild my alter and worship You anew.
Help me cast out all tho'ts that exalt above Your own.
Help me listen for Your sweet voice so Your will is always known.

2)In my own life I longed for God to have first place.
But soon my focus turned away from His dear face.
My heart was once reserved for Him, but soon I went astray.
He's no longer was God alone, I was seeking my own way.

3)Oh thank you, Lord, for loving me although I fall.
Please take my life and use it now I give You all.
I want You to have ev'rything; to please You is my goal.
In my heart You're God alone, my life You now control.

~Matt Herbster

Rejoice in the Lord

Thinking today about trails and tests, after talking to a dear friend of mine, I just had to share this song. For some of you it's nothing new, for some it may be, either way, drink in the words. Let them settle in your mind, and believe them, don't just think about them and push them off. Let them draw you closer to God and trust Him more!

Rejoice in the Lord

1) God never moves without purpose or plan
When trying His servant and molding a man.
Give thanks to the Lord though your testing seems long;
In darkness He giveth a song.

C) O rejoice in the Lord. He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take.
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

2) I could not see through the shadows ahead;
So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead.
I bowed to the will of the Master that day;
Then peace came and tears fled away.

3) Now I can see testing comes from above;
God strengthens His children and purges in love.
My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging more fruit I will bear.

Let us remember, God does everything for our good. No matter what it is! Whether it be taking things away, or not giving us what we think we need. Watching someone else get what we want or watching others do without. God does all for the good of His people and we can rest in His hands knowing what's happening now is the best way things could happen! Let us remember God loves us and what He does, He does to make us like Him and isn't that what we all want? If it is, let us rest in His strong, able, in control hands and trust!

You know better than I

I had to share this song with you, it is one that I sing over and over in my head at night, thinking about the words and praying them as I sing!

You Know Better Than I

1) I thought I did what's right,
I thought I had the answers.
I thought I chose the surest road,
But that road brought me here.
So I put up a fight,
And told You how to help me.
Now just as I have given up,
The truth is coming clear.


c) You know better than I,
You know the way.
I've let go the need to know why,
For You know better than I.


2) If this has been a test,
I cannot see the reason.
But maybe knowing I don't know,
Is part of getting through.
I try to do what's best,
And faith has made it easy,
To see the best thing I can do,
Is put my trust in You.


last c) For You know better than I,
You know the way.
I've let go the need to know why.
I'll take what answers You supply.
You know better than I.

~Unknown
From the movie, "Joseph, King of Dreams."

Do you see why I sing it in my head? :) How many of us can truly say, "I've let go the need to know why, I'll take what answers You supply"? Can we truly let go when situation after situation comes into our lives and we don't understand? Can we truly take whatever answers God supplies? There are times in our lives when trials come and we don't know why, but do we ever think that maybe God doesn't want us to know why so that we may learn to more fully lean upon Him for all things. Even the things that confuse us? Even the things that we understand perfectly? Maybe God is waiting for us to say, "I don't know Lord. I can't do this on my own." Because, truth be told, we can't! Apart from God we can do what ... nothing! We must lean fully on Christ for everything! May we be able to say, wholeheartedly, "You know better than I. I've let go the need to know why. I'll take what answers You supply. For You know better than I"!

Another read, don't sing!

Recently we had our Harvest Banquet at church. It was an amazing time of fellowship and praise! We sang songs, had special music, gave testimonies and a man from church told us the things God has taught him over the years. During the singing we sang a song I had never heard before. Some of you may know it, some may not. But as I've said before, (in a previous post) read the words, don't sing along and just mindlessly read through it. Think about what the words mean and apply it to your life!

Thanks to God for My Redeemer

Thanks to God for my Redeemer, thanks for all thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory, thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy spring-time, thanks for dark and dreary fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten, thanks for peace within my soul!

Thanks for prayers that thou hast answered, thanks for what thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered, thanks for all thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain and thanks for pleasure, thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure, thanks for love beyond compare!


Thanks for roses by the wayside, thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for homes and thanks for fireside, thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, thanks for heavenly peace with thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow, thanks through all eternity.

~August L. Storm

Think about those words! Thanks for what thou does deny?! Thanks for prayer that thou has answered?! Can we be thankful for all that God brings into our lives, and also the things He doesn't bring into our lives? I'm not going to make this a long post, I simply want you to think about the words and apply them to your lives! Let us be thankful to God for all!

Read, don't sing!

Hello everyone, I pray you had a wonderful Sunday and a wonderful time of fellowshipping, praising and worshiping the Lord with brothers and sisters in Christ! I did!
I have something to share with you today that has been on my mind a lot lately. I'm going to share a song with you, an old song, some of you have known this forever, almost. :) But I want you to simply read it and apply it, don't sing the tune in your head as you read through the verses. Read, apply and think about the words!

Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart

1.) Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

2.) Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind;
I see Thy cross -- there teach my heart to cling:
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find.

3.) Teach me to know that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

4.) Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The baptism of the heaven-descended Dove,

My heart an alter, and Thy love the flame.

~George Croly

How many of us can truly pray that and desire it the way we should? I've often read it over and simply prayed as I read. Because a lot of my desire is in this song. Perhaps we don't talk that way anymore, but shouldn't our desires still be the same as in the song whether we talk that way or not? I just had to share this one with you, it has been such a conviction to me and I hope and pray that as you read, and perhaps sing this song, that you would indeed desire and pray for the things it talks about and that as a result of praying thus you would grow closer to the Saviour and King! Also, try this on other songs, don't just mindlessly sing the songs because you know the tune, think about what you're singing every time you sing!