O for grace to trust Him more July 25, 2008

This old song was written in 1882 by Louisa Stead and William Kirkpatrick.  It has been said that Stead wrote the lyrics after her husband drown.  Out of grief and sorrow came lyrics that inspire.  As I prepare for this week’s service on God’s will for our lives – I have learned that God calls us to know Him and then to obey Him.  God knows that it is quintessential that we trust Him in order to do His will.  This perhaps is why he doesn’t “lay the plan out” or “put in writing” the exact steps of our lives.  If we knew all of the plans He had for us – we wouldn’t have to exercise trust.  Rather, He wants us to trust Him so that we can know Him and obey Him.  As the first verse says; it is so wonderful to rest upon His promise.

On a side note, Stead also included another key component of doing God’s will and that is to remove sin and self.  When we actively pursue this removal we have less that separates us from God.  Consequently, we are closer to Him and our relationship with Jesus grows deeper. 

So I pray this song as a hope:  O Lord – I cry out to You – Please pour down Your grace so that I can trust you more.  For I long to know You – I long to rest in Your promise and do Your will.  Amen

Verse 1
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to take Him at His Word
Just to rest upon His promise
Just to know “Thus saith the Lord!”

Refrain
Jesus, Jesus How I trust Thee
How I proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus
O for grace to trust Him more

Verse 2
O how sweet to trust in Jesus
Just to trust His cleansing blood
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘neath the healing, cleansing flood

Verse 3
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus
Just from self and sin to cease
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace

Verse 4
I’m so glad I learned to trust Him
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend
And I know that Thou art with me
Wilt be with me to the end.

promise from the Savior May 17, 2008

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  
Psalm 34 : 18

What a wonderful promise from God.  He knows our hearts and he gathers us near like birds in his nest.  He cares for us.  For when we don’t even know why we cry – He does – and He saves us.  Thank you,  Jesus.

The Writing On My Hand March 16, 2008

These are the promises, assurances, and commands that are spoken by God through the prophet Isaiah for me to write upon my hand – today.  For God’s Word transcends all time and space and speaks directly into my heart and compels me to say that I am chosen by Him.  Knowing that I have been chosen by God, I can walk confidently knowing that He will be with me always.  I have nothing to fear.  My sins are no more.  He will use me to declare that He is who He says He is – the Savior.

from God’s Word deemed Isaiah 43 & 44 

this is what the LORD says . . . “fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. . .

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you . . .

because I love you . . .

Do not be afraid, for I am with you . . .

“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.  Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.  I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. . . You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.  Yes, and from ancient days I am he.  No one can deliver out of my hand.  When I act, who can reverse it?” . . .

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. . .

“I, even I , am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.   Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence.  Your first father sinned; your spokesman rebelled against me. . . ”

“But listen, O Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. . .

Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessings on your descendants.

They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.

One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD’; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand “The LORD’s,’ and will take the name Israel.