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Friday, February 28, 2014

Red, Yellow with There is an eye that never sleeps and Lab’rers of Christ, arise

There is an eye that never sleeps
Beneath the wing of night;
There is an ear that never shuts,
When sink the beams of light.

There is an arm that never tires
When human strength gives way;
There is a love that never fails
When earthly loves decay.

That eye is fixed on seraph throngs;
That arm upholds the sky;
That ear is filled with angel songs;
That love is throned on high.

But there’s a pow’r which man can wield,
When mortal aid is vain;
That eye, that arm, that love to reach,
That list’ning ear to gain.

That pow’r is pray’r which soars on high,
Thro’ Jesus, to the throne,
And moves the hand which moves the world,
To bring salvation down.
                                    John A. Wallace

Lab’rers of Christ, arise,
  And gird you for the toil!
The dew of promise from the skies
  Already cheers the soil.

Go where the sick recline,
  Where mourning hearts deplore;
And where the sons of sorrow pine,
  Dispense your hallowed store.

Be faith, which looks above,
  With prayer, your constant guest;
And wrap the Saviour’s changeless love
   A mantle round your breast.

So shall you share the wealth
  That earth may ne’er despoil,
And the blest gospel’s saving health
  Repay your arduous toil.
        Lydia H. Sigourney

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Flowers in Golden Vase with Lord, how secure and blest are they and Awake, my soul, stretch ev’ry nerve

  Lord, how secure and blest are they
  Who feel the joys of pardoned sin!
Should storms of wrath shake earth and sea,
  Their minds have heav’n and peace within.

  The day glides sweetly o’er their heads,
  Made up of innocence and love;
And soft and silent as the shades,
  Their nightly minutes gently move.

  Quick as their thoughts their joys come on,
  But fly not half so swift away:
Their souls are ever bright as noon,
  And calm as summer evenings be.

  How oft they look to the heav’nly hills,
  Where groves of living pleasures grow;
And longing hopes and cheerful smiles,
  Sit undisturbed upon their brow!

  They scorn to seek earth’s golden toys,
  But spend the day, and share the night,
In numbering o’er the richer joys
  That heaven prepares for their delight.
                            Isaac Watts
Awake, my soul, stretch ev’ry nerve,
  And press with vigor on;
A heav’nly race demands thy zeal,
  And an immortal crown.

A cloud of witnesses around
  Hold Thee in full survey;
Forget the steps already trod,
  And onward urge thy way.

‘Tis God’s all-animating voice
  That calls thee from on high;
‘Tis His own hand presents the prize
  To thine uplifted eye:

That prize with peerless glories bright,
  Which shall new lustre boast,
When victor’s wreaths and monarchs’ gems
  Shall blend in common dust.

Blest Saviour, introduced by Thee,
  Have I my race begun;
And, crowned with victory, at Thy feet
  I’ll lay my honors down.
        Rev. Philip Doddridge    

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

From the Past with “Come unto Me, ye weary and I need Thee ev’ry hour

“Come unto Me, ye weary,
And I will give you rest,”
O blessed voice of Jesus,
Which comes to hearts opprest!
It tells of benediction,
Of pardon, grace and peace;
Of joy that has no ending,
Of love that cannot cease.

“Come unto Me, ye wand’rers,
And I will give you light,”
O loving voice of Jesus,
Which comes to cheer the night!
Our hearts were filled with sadness,
And we had lost our way,
But he has bro’t us gladness,
And songs at break of day.

“Come unto Me, ye fainting,
And I will give you life,”
O cheering voice of Jesus,
Which comes to aid the strife!
The foe is stern and eager,
The fight will not be long,
But thou has made us mighty,
And stronger than the strong.

“And whosoever cometh,
I will not cast him out,”
O welcome voice of Jesus,
Which drives away our doubt!
Which calls us very sinners,
Unworthy tho’ we be
Of love so free and boundless,
To come, O Lord, to thee.
                   Wm. C. Dix
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
  Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
  Can peace afford.

I need Thee every hour,
  Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power
  When Thou art nigh.

I need Thee every hour,
  In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
  Or life is vain.

I need Thee every hour;
  Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
  In me fulfil.

I need Thee every hour,
  Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
  Thou blessed Son!

Chorus
I need Thee, O I need Thee,
Ev’ry hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee!
     Mrs. Annie S. Hawks

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Reason to Remember with I do not ask to choose my path and The Son of God goes forth to war

I do not ask to choose my path,
Lord, lead me in thy way;
Inspire each tho’t and prompt each word
And make me a blessing today.

Around me, Lord, are sinful men,
Who scorn and disobey;
Use me to win them from their sins
And make me a blessing today.

To those who once thy love have known,
But now are far astray,
Help me to win them back to thee,
And make me a blessing today.

Some saints of thine are in distress,
And for deliv’rance pray;
O let me go and help them, Lord,
And make me a blessing today.

Whatever errand thou hast, Lord,
Send me, and I’ll obey;
Use me in any way thou wilt,
And make me a blessing today.

Chorus

Bless me, Lord, and make me a blessing,
I’ll gladly thy message convey;
Use me to help some poor, needy soul,
And make me a blessing today.
                        Rev. H. C. Zelley

  The Son of God goes forth to war,
  A kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar:
  Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
  Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
  He follows in His train.

  That martyr first, whose eagle eye
  Could pierce beyond the grave;
Who saw his Master in the sky,
  And called on Him to save;
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue,
  In midst of mortal pain,
He pray’d for them that did the wrong:
  Who follows in His train?

  A noble band, the chosen few,
  On whom the Spirit came,
Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew
  And mocked the torch of flame;
They met the tyrant’s brandished steel,
  The lion’s gory mane,
They bowed their necks the strokes to feel:
  Who follows in their train?

  A noble army, men and boys,
  The matron and the maid,
Around the throne of God rejoice,
  In robes of light arrayed.
They climbed the steep ascent of heaven
  Through peril, toil, and pain;
O God, to us may grace be given
  To follow in their train.
        Bishop Reginald Heber

Monday, February 24, 2014

Sunflowers, Candle with I sing the love of God, my Father and Jesus, my Saviour, look on me

I sing the love of God, my Father,
Whose Spirit abides within,
Who changes all my grief to gladness,
And pardons me all my sin.
Tho’ clouds may lower, dark and dreary,
Yet he has promised to be near;
He gives me sunshine for my shadow,
And “beauty for ashes,” here.

I sing the love of God, my Savior,
Who suffered upon the tree,
That, in the secret of his presence,
My bondage might freedom be.
He comes “to bind the brokenhearted;”
He comes the fainting soul to cheer;
He gives me “oil of joy” for mourning,
And “beauty for ashes,” here.

I sing the beauty of the Gospel
That scatters, not thorns, but flow’rs,
That bids me scatter smiles and sunbeams
Wherever are lonely hours.
The “garment of his praise” it offers
For “heaviness of spirit” drear;
It gives me sunshine for my shadow,
And “beauty for ashes,” here.

Chorus
He gives me joy in place of sorrow;
He gives me love that casts out fear;
He gives me sunshine for my shadow,
And “beauty for ashes,” here.
                                 J. G. Crabbe
  Jesus, my Saviour, look on me,
  For I am weary and opprest;
I come to cast myself on Thee:
  Thou art my rest.

  Look down on me, for I am weak;
  I feel the toilsome journey’s length;
Thine aid omnipotent I seek:
  Thou art my strength.

  I am bewildered on my way,
  Dark and tempestuous is the night;
O shed Thou forth some cheering ray!
  Thou art my light.

  I hear the storms around me rise;
  But when I dread th’ impending shock,
My spirit to the refuge flies:
  Thou art my rock.

  When Satan flings his fiery darts,
  I look to Thee; my terrors cease;
Thy cross a hiding place imparts:
  Thou art my peace.

  Standing alone on Jordan’s brink,
  In that tremendous, latest strife,
Thou wilt not suffer me to sink:
  Thou art my life.

  Thou wilt my every want supply,
  E’en to the end, whate’er befall;
Through life, in death, eternally,
  Thou art my all.
        Charlotte Elliott

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Pears in a Basket with Savior, more than life to me and Stand up!-stand up for Jesus

Savior, more than life to me,
I am clinging, clinging close to thee;
Let thy precious blood applied,
Keep me ever, ever near thy side.

Thro’ this changing world below,
Lead me gently, gently as I go;
Trusting thee, I cannot stray,
I can never, never lose my way.

Let me love thee more and more,
Till this fleeting, fleeting life is o’er,
Till my soul is lost in love
In a brighter, brighter world above.

Chorus
Ev’ry day, ev’ry hour,
Let me feel thy cleansing pow’r.
May thy tender love to me
Bind me closer, closer, Lord, to thee.
                               Fannie J. Crosby
Stand up!-stand up for Jesus!
  Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
  It must not suffer loss;
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
  His army shall He lead,
Till ev’ry foe is vanquish’d,
  And Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up!-stand up for Jesus!
  The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict,
  In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men, now serve Him
  Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger,
  And strength to strength oppose.

Stand up!-stand up for Jesus!
  Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
  Ye dare not trust your own:
Put on the gospel armor,
  Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls, or danger,
  Be never wanting there.

Stand up!-stand up for Jesus!
  The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
  The next, the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh,
  A crown of life shall be;
He with the King of Glory
  Shall reign eternally!
        Rev. George Duffield

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Pink Lily with Take time for the tender word and Awake our souls, away our fears

Take time for the tender word,
Take time, lest a heart should break,
Take time to say that your own is stirred,
Take time for the Master’s sake.

Take time for the upward look,
Take time for the whispered pray’r;
Take time to seek in the old, old book,
The comfort which lightens care.

Take time for the land beyond,
Take time for its hills are nigh;
Take time to view it with longing fond,
For all must take time to die.

Chorus
Take time, take time,
Take time lest your haste ye rue;
Take time for living while yet in life,
Take time for the pure and true.
                       Jessie Brown Pounds


  Awake our souls, away our fears,
  Let ev’ry trembling thought be gone;
Awake and run the heavenly race,
  And put a cheerful courage on.

  True, ‘tis a strait and thorny road,
  And mortal spirits tire and faint;
But they forget the mighty God,
  Who feeds the strength of every saint.

  The mighty God, whose matchless power
  Is ever new and ever young,
And firm endures, while endless years
  Their everlasting circles run.

  From Thee, the overflowing spring,
  Our souls shall drink a fresh supply;
While such as trust their native strength
  Shall melt away, and droop, and die.

  Swift as an eagle cuts the air,
  We’ll mount aloft to Thine abode;
On wings of love our souls shall fly,
  Nor tire amidst the heavenly road!
        Rev. Isaac Watts

Friday, February 21, 2014

Lone Zinnia with At the cross I found my Savior and Stand up, my soul, shake off thy fears

At the cross I found my Savior,
There my heart was satisfied;
Stilled each eager, anxious longing,
Looking at the Crucified.

Now no longer heavy laden
With the sins I cannot bear;
For my loving Savior bids me
Cast on him my ev’ry care.

All my doubts and fears I bring him,
All my sorrow, all my grief;
And his tender touch of healing
Ever gives me sweet relief.

O what peace, what joy, what comfort
In my Savior I have found,
Help, oh, help me sound his praises,
Until heav’n and earth resound.

Chorus
O the sunshine, blessed sunshine,
Flooding all my soul today;
For the precious smile of Jesus
Drives the darkness far away.
                         Kate Ulmer


  Stand up, my soul, shake off thy fears,
  And gird the gospel armor on;
March to the gates of endless joy,
  Where Jesus, thy great Captain’s gone.

  Hell and thy sins resist thy course,
  But hell and sin are vanquished foes;
Thy Jesus nailed them to the cross,
  And sung the triumph when He rose.

  Then let my soul march boldly on,
  Press forward to the heavenly gate;
There peace and joy eternal reign,
  And glittering robes for conquerors wait.

  There shall I wear a starry crown,
  And triumph in almighty grace;
While all the armies of the skies
  Join in my glorious Leader’s praise.
        Rev. Isaac Watts

Thursday, February 20, 2014

White on Black with Is there anyone can help us, one who understands our hearts and Am I a soldier of the cross

Is there anyone can help us, one who understands our hearts,
When the thorns of life have pierced them till they bleed;
One who sympathizes with us, who in wondrous love imparts
Just the very, very blessing that we need?

Is there anyone can help us who can give a sinner peace,
When his heart is burdened down with pain and woe;
Who can speak the word of pardon that affords a sweet release,
And whose blood can wash and make us white as snow?

Is there anyone can help us when the end is drawing near,
Who will go thro’ death’s dark waters by our side;
Who will light the way before us, and dispel all doubt and fear,
And will bear our spirits safely o’er the tide?

Chorus
Yes, there’s One, only One,
The blessed, blessed Jesus, he’s the One;
When afflictions press the soul, when waves of trouble roll,
And you need a friend to help you, he’s the One.
                               J. B. Mackay



Am I a soldier of the cross,
  A follow’r of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause,
  Or blush to speak His name?

Must I be carried to the skies
  On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
  And sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?
  Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
  To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign:
  Increase my courage, Lord;
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
  Supported by Thy word.

Thy saints, in all this glorious war,
  Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
  With faith’s discerning eye.

When that illustrious day shall rise,
  And all Thine armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies,
  The glory shall be Thine.
        Rev. Isaac Watts

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Flowers in Blue Vase with I know ‘tis the voice of my Savior that whispers and Christian, dost thou see them

I know ‘tis the voice of my Savior that whispers,
Be not afraid, be not afraid;
I know on the arm of his infinite mercy
My hope is stayed, my hope is stayed.

I know ‘tis the voice of my Savior that whispers,
Peace, be still, peace, be still;
And thus I have learned to be calm and submissive,
Lost in his will, lost in his will.

I know ‘tis the voice of my Savior that whispers
Softly to me, softly to me,
The way may be dark, but my grace is sufficient
Ever for thee, ever for thee.

I know ‘tis the voice of my Savior that whispers,
Home draweth nigh, home draweth nigh;
I know I shall find in his kingdom of glory
Rest by and by, rest by and by.

Chorus
I know he is able to keep
Whate’er I commit to his care;
I know that when trials are many and deep
He answers my pray’r.
                          Fanny J. Crosby

Christian, dost thou see them
  On the holy ground,
How the hosts of darkness
  Compass thee around?
Christian, up and smite them,
  Counting gain but loss;
Smite them, Christ is with thee,
  Soldier of the cross.

Christian, dost thou feel them,
  How they work within,
Striving, tempting, luring,
  Goading into sin?
Christian, never tremble;
  Never be downcast;
Gird thee for the battle,
  Watch, and pray, and fast.

Christian, dost thou hear them,
  How they speak thee fair?
“Always fast and vigil?
  Always watch and prayer?”
Christian, answer boldly:
  “While I breathe I pray:”
Peace shall follow battle,
  Night shall end in day.

“Well I know thy trouble,
  O My servant true;
Thou art very weary,
  I was weary too;
But that toil shall make thee
  Some day all Mine own,
And the end of sorrow
  Shall be near My throne.”
        Andrew of Crete, Tr. J. M. Neale

Monday, February 17, 2014

Morning Rainbow with Jesus, Savior, thou who art mine and They who seek the throne of grace

Jesus, Savior, thou who art mine,
Thou art the light of the world;
All I have is now fully thine,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Thou hast come to dwell in my heart,
Thou art the light of the world;
Thou alone dost rule ev’ry part,
Jesus, the light of the world.

All my burdens on thee I roll,
Thou art the light of the world;
Thou hast spoken peace to my soul,
Jesus, the light of the world.

I am kept abiding in peace;
Thou art the light of the world;
Day by day my love doth increase,
Jesus, the light of the world.

I would grow more like thee each day;
Thou art the light of the world;
Lead me in the heavenly way,
Jesus, the light of the world.

Chorus
We walk in the light, beautiful light,
Walk where God’s dewdrops of mercy are bright,
Shining around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the light of the world.
                              Grace Weiser Davis
They who seek the throne of grace
Find that throne in ev’ry place;
If we live a life of prayer,
God is present ev’rywhere.

In our sickness or our health,
In our want, or in our wealth,
If we look to God in prayer,
God is present everywhere.

When our earthly comforts fail,
When our foes and fears prevail,
‘Tis the time for earnest prayer;
God is present everywhere.

Then, my soul, in every strait,
To thy Father come, and wait;
He will answer every prayer:
God is present everywhere.
      Oliver Holden

Sunday, February 16, 2014

A Touch of Home with One day at a time to carry the cross and My God, is any hour so sweet

One day at a time to carry the cross,
To bear it for Jesus through peril and loss,
To win living jewels to wear in the crown
The Master will give, when the cross is laid down.

One day at a time, a duty for each,
Some lives we may sweeten, some hearts we may reach;
And no better blessing the moments can bring
Than off’ring us service for Jesus our King.

One day at a time; the promise is sweet,
His grace is sufficient for trials we meet;
Tho’ stormy the weather, tho’ thorny the way,
He still will apportion thy strength as thy day.

One day at a time new lessons to learn;
The hand sorely wounded the pages will turn,
He’ll show us rich treasure, much more than we ask,
We’ll break into song in the midst of the task.

Chorus
One day at a time as upward we climb,
Till sweetly the bells ring the vesper chime;
One day at a time, till sunsets are o’er,
Till cloudless the sky on eternity’s shore.
                                      E. E. Hewitt

  My God, is any hour so sweet,
  From blush of morn to evening star,
As that which calls me to Thy feet,
  The hour of prayer?

  Blest is that tranquil hour of morn,
  And blest that solemn hour of eve,
When, on the wings of prayer upborne,
  The world I leave.

  No words can tell what sweet relief
  There for my every want I find,
What strength of warfare, balm for grief,
  What peace of mind.

  Hushed is each doubt, gone every fear,
  My spirit seems in heaven to stay,
And e’en the penitential tear
  Is wiped away.

  Lord, till I reach yon blissful shore,
  No privilege so dear shall be
As thus my inmost soul to pour
  In prayer to Thee.
           Charlotte Elliott

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Blue Flowers with The night is dark, and I am far from land and Jesus, who knows full well

The night is dark, and I am far from land;
I yield the helm, O Lord, to thy command;
Be thou my guardian, and my refuge be;
Shipwreck’d and lost, I look to thee,
Great Pilot of the sea.

The surf breaks white and angry on the shore;
Along the craggy path the breakers roar;
Come thou on board, my trembling barque to guide,
And for my sinking soul provide,
Great Pilot of the sea.

Come thou on board, and take the helm in hand,
The tempest shock I then can safe withstand;
Come thou on board, and with thy sovereign will
Say to the hungry waves, Be still!
Great Pilot of the sea.

Chorus
I look to thee, I look to thee,
Great Pilot of the sea;
Shipwreck’d and lost, I look to thee,
Great Pilot of the sea.
                                 J. E. Rankin


Jesus, who knows full well
  The heart of ev’ry saint;
Invites us all our griefs to tell,
  To pray and never faint.

He bows His gracious ear,
  We never plead in vain;
Yet we must wait till He appear,
  And pray, and pray again.

Though unbelief suggest,
  Why should we longer wait?
He bids us never give Him rest,
  But be importunate.

Jesus, the Lord, will hear
  His chosen when they cry,
Yes, though He may a while forbear,
  He’ll help them from on high.
        Rev. John Newton

Friday, February 14, 2014

Lamp, Roses, Book with Speak to my soul, dear Jesus and Jesus, Thy name I love

Speak to my soul, dear Jesus,
Speak now in tend’rest tone;
Whisper in loving kindness;
“Thou art not left alone.”
Open my heart to hear thee,
Quickly to hear thy voice,
Fill thou my soul with praises,
Let me in thee rejoice.

Speak to thy children ever,
Lead in the holy way;
Fill them with joy and gladness,
Teach them to watch and pray.
May they in consecration
Yield their whole lives to thee,
Hasten thy coming kingdom,
Till our dear Lord we see.

Speak now as in the old time
Thou didst reveal thy will;
Let me know all my duty,
Let me thy law fulfil.
Lead me to glorify thee,
Help me to show thy praise,
Gladly to do thy bidding,
Honor thee all my days.

Chorus
Speak thou in softest whispers,
Whispers of love to me;
“Thou shalt be always conq’ror,
Thou shalt be always free.”
Speak thou to me each day, Lord,
Always in tend’rest tone,
Let me now hear thy whisper,
“Thou art not left alone.” 
                                  L. L. Pickett

Jesus, Thy name I love,
All other names above,
  Jesus, my Lord!
O Thou art all to me;
Nothing to please I see,
Nothing apart from Thee,
  Jesus, my Lord!

Thou, blessed Son of God,
Hast bought me with Thy blood,
  Jesus, my Lord!
How mighty is Thy love,
All other loves above,
Love that I daily prove,
  Jesus, my Lord!

When unto Thee I flee,
Thou wilt my refuge be,
  Jesus, my Lord!
What need I now to fear,
What earthly grief or care,
Since Thou art ever near?
  Jesus, my Lord!

Soon Thou wilt come again!
I shall be happy then,
  Jesus, my Lord!
Then Thine own face I’ll see,
Then I shall like Thee be,
Then evermore with Thee,
  Jesus, my Lord!

Rev. Joseph G. Deck

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Winter Bridge with Some one must struggle that others may win and We are living, we are dwelling

Some one must struggle that others may win;
Some one the world’s better day must bring in;
Some one the work that is hardest must do-
Somebody must, brother! shall it be you?

Some one must carry the weaker one’s load;
Some one must blaze through the forest a road;
Some one must lead o’er the path that is new-
Somebody must, brother! shall it be you?

Some one must stand in the thick of the fight;
Some one must strike for the brave and the right;
Some one must die for the pure and the true-
Somebody must, brother! shall it be you?

Chorus
Somebody must!  Somebody must!
Do then your duty, in God be your trust;
Somebody must!  Somebody must!
Live like a hero, for somebody must.
               Jessie Brown Pounds

 (2 versions)

We are living, we are dwelling,
  In a grand and awful time;
In an age on ages telling,
  To be living is sublime.
Hark! the waking up of nations,
  Gog and Magog to the fray:
Hark! what soundeth is creation’s
  Groaning for its latter day.

Worlds are charging, heaven beholding;
  Thou hast but an hour to fight;
Now, the blazoned cross unfolding,
  On, right onward, for the right!
On! let all the soul within you
  For the truth’s sake go abroad;
Strike! let every nerve and sinew
  Tell on ages, tell of God.
                         Bishop A. Cleveland Coxe

We are living, we are dwelling,
In a grand and awful time,
In an age on ages telling;
To be living is sublime.

Hark the onset! will ye fold your
Faith clad arms in lazy lock?
Up! O up! thou drowsy soldier;
Worlds are charging to the shock.

Worlds are charging, heav’n beholding;
Thou hast but an hour to fight;
Now, the blazoned cross unfolding,
On! right onward, for the right.

On! let all the soul within you
For the truth’s sake go abroad;
Strike! let ev’ry nerve and sinew
Tell on ages-tell for God.
                     Bishop Arthur Cleveland Coxe

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Falling in House with ‘Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when our hearts lowly bend and Let worldly minds the world pursue

‘Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when our hearts lowly bend,
And we gather to Jesus, our Savior and Friend;
If we come to him in faith, his protection to share,
What a balm for the weary!  O how sweet to be there!

‘Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the Savior draws near,
With a tender compassion his children to hear;
When he tells us we may cast at his feet ev’ry care,
What a balm for the weary!  O how sweet to be there!

‘Tis the blessed hour of prayer, when the tempted and tried
To the Savior who loves them their sorrow confide;
With a sympathizing heart he removes ev’ry care;
What a balm for the weary!  Oh how sweet to be there!

At the blessed hour of prayer, trusting him, we believe
That the blessing we’re needing we’ll surely receive;
In the fullness of this trust we shall lose ev’ry care;
What a balm for the weary!  O how sweet to be there!

Chorus
Blessed hour of prayer,
Blessed hour of prayer;
What a balm for the weary!
O how sweet to be there!
             Fanny J. Crosby
Let worldly minds the world pursue,
  It has no charms for me;
Once I admired its follies too,
  But grace has set me free.

Those follies now no longer please,
  No more delight afford:
Far from my heart be joys like these,
  Now I have known the Lord.

As by the light of op’ning day
  The stars are all concealed,
So earthly pleasures fade away
  When Jesus is revealed.

Creatures no more divide my choice,
  I bid them all depart;
His name, and love, and gracious voice,
  Shall fix my roving heart.

Now, Lord, I would be Thine alone,
  And wholly live to Thee;
Yet worthless still, myself I own,
  Thy worth is all my plea.

Rev. John Newton

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

At a Pond with A land by faith I see and Blest is the man who shuns the place,

A land by faith I see,
Where saints shall ever be
Free from mortality,
No dying there.

There friends shall meet again,
In happiness to reign,
While thro’ that blest domain,
No dying there.

There sorrow cannot stay;
There tears are wiped away,
One bright eternal day,
No dying there.

Refrain
No dying there,
No dying there;
In that fair heav’nly land,
No dying there.
                               F. A. Blackmer

  Blest is the man who shuns the place,
  Where sinners love to meet;
Who fears to tread their evil ways,
  And hates the scoffer’s seat;

  But in the statutes of the Lord
  Has placed his chief delight;
By day he reads or hears the word,
  And meditates by night.

  He, like a plant of generous kind
  By living waters set,
Safe from the storms and blasting wind,
  Enjoys a peaceful state.

  Green as the leaf, and ever fair
  Shall his profession shine;
While fruits of holiness appear
  Like clusters on the vine.

  Not so the impious and unjust;
  What vain designs they form!
Their hopes are blown away like dust
  Or chaff before the storm.

  Sinners in judgment shall not stand
  Among the sons of grace,
When Christ the Judge, at His right hand,
  Appoints His saints a place.

Rev. Isaac Watts

Monday, February 10, 2014

Wildly Yellow with Naught was their gain, toil was in vain and People of the living God

Naught was their gain, toil was in vain,
Empty their nets till their Master appeared;
Gladly they heard his divine word,
Trusting, obeying, their spirits were cheered.
Refrain
Let down your nets into the deep,
Hear the command of your Savior and Friend,
Hasten away, gladly obey,
Blessed reward shall your labors attend.

Fruitless the field where ye have tilled,
Meager the harvest and little thy gain;
Murmur not now, trustfully bow,
Go and prepare for the sowing again.
Refrain
Cheerfully go, faithfully sow,
Hear the command of your Savior and Friend,
Hasten away, gladly obey,
Blessed reward shall your labors attend.

Jesus demands toil at our hands,
In his own time shall our labor be blessed;
Doing his will, serving him still,
Faithful ones enter the kingdom of rest.
Refrain
Go forth again, ‘tis not in vain;
Hear the command of your Savior and Friend,
Hasten away, gladly obey,
Blessed reward shall your labors attend.
                                        R. L. Lewis

People of the living God,
  I have sought the world around,
Paths of sin and sorrow trod,
  Peace and comfort no where found.

Now to you my spirit turns,
  Turns a fugitive unblest;
Brethren, where your altar burns,
  O receive me into rest.

Lonely, I no longer roam,
  Like the cloud, the wind, the wave;
Where you dwell shall be my home,
  Where you die shall be my grave:

Mine the God whom you adore,
  Your Redeemer shall be mine;
Earth can fill my soul no more,
  Every idol I resign.

Tell me not of gain or loss,
  Ease, enjoyment, pomp, and power,
Welcome poverty and cross,
  Shame, reproach, affliction’s hour:

“Follow me;” I know Thy voice;
  Jesus, Lord, Thy steps I see;
Now I take Thy yoke by choice;
  Light Thy burden now to me.

James Montgomery

Monday, February 3, 2014

A Little on the Wild Side with Nearer, still nearer, close to thy heart and O that I knew the secret place

Nearer, still nearer, close to thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior, so precious thou art;
Fold me, O fold me close to thy breast,
Shelter me safe in that “Haven of Rest,”
Shelter me safe in that “Haven of Rest.”

Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Naught as an off’ring to Jesus my King;
Only my sinful, now contrite heart,
Grant me the cleansing thy blood doth impart,
Grant me the cleansing thy blood doth impart.

Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be thine,
Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign;
All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride,
Give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified,
Give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified.

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,
Till all its struggles and trials are past;
Then thro’ eternity, ever I’ll be
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to thee,
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to thee.
                               C. H. Morris

O that I knew the secret place,
  Where I might find my God!
I’d spread my wants before His face,
  And pour my woes abroad.

I’d tell Him how my sins arise,
  What sorrows I sustain;
How grace decays, and comfort dies,
  And leaves my heart in pain.

He knows what arguments I’d take
  To wrestle with my God;
I’d plead for His own mercy’s sake,
  And for my Saviour’s blood.

My God will pity my complaints,
  And heal my broken bones;
He takes the meaning of His saints,
  The language of their groans.

Arise, my soul, from deep distress,
  And banish every fear;
He calls thee to His throne of grace,
  To spread thy sorrows there.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Peonies, Mirror with Are you heavyladen and with sorrow tried and Thy way, O God, is in the sea

Are you heavy laden and with sorrow tried?
Look in faith to Christ, your Helper, Friend, and Guide;
Think of all your mercies, such a boundless store,
Tears will change to praises as you count them o’er.

Think of hidden dangers he has brought you thro’,
Of the cares and burdens he has borne for you,
Of his words of comfort in your deepest need,
Count the times when Jesus proved a Friend indeed.

Does your pathway darken when the clouds draw near?
Count your many mercies, dry the flowing tear;
Trust him in the shadows dim and have no fear;
“Heav ‘n will be the sweeter for the dark down here.”

As he looks from heaven down on you and me,
Know you not he chooseth what each day shall be?
Trust his loving wisdom, tho’ the hot tears start,
Give to him the incense of a grateful heart.

Chorus
Count your mercies, such a boundless store,
Count your mercies, pressed and running o’er,
All your mercies, count them o’er and o’er,
Lost in love and wonder at the boundless store.
                                     Flora Kirkland, alt.
Thy way, O God, is in the sea,
  Thy paths I cannot trace;
Nor comprehend the mystery
  Of Thy unbounded grace.

Here the dark veils of flesh and sense
  My captive soul surround;
Mysterious deeps of Providence
  My wondering thoughts confound.

As through a glass, I dimly see
  The wonders of Thy love:
How little do I know of Thee,
  Or of the joys above!

‘Tis but in part, I know Thy will;
  I bless Thee for the sight:
When will Thy love the rest reveal,
  In glory’s clearer light?

With rapture shall I then survey
  Thy providence and grace;
And spend an everlasting day
  In wonder, love, and praise.

Rev. John Fawcett

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Purple Coneflower with Never will the Lord forget his own and O let him whose sorrow

Never will the Lord forget his own,
Dark may be the night of sorrow;
Trust on in his mighty arm alone,
He’ll bring to us a bright tomorrow.

Closely ‘round us throng the hosts of sin,
Yet his grace can keep us ever,
Look to him, the vict’ry we will win,
He’ll help each brave and true endeavor.

Light will break along the eastern sky,
Let our joyful songs be ringing;
Jesus lives, our King enthroned on high,
March on, with glad, triumphal singing.

Chorus
Trust on, thro’ the darkest night,
Press on, thro’ the hardest fight;
Hope on, singing of his love,
Praise the King above.
                           E. E. HewittO let him whose sorrow
  No relief can find,
Trust in God and borrow
  Ease for heart and mind:
Where the mourner weeping
  Sheds the secret tear,
God His watch is keeping,
  Though none else is near.

God will never leave us,
  All our wants He knows,
Feels the pains that grieve us,
  Sees our cares and woes:
When in grief we languish,
  He will dry the tear,
Who His children’s anguish
  Soothes with succor near.

All our woe and sadness
  In this world below,
Balance not the goodness
  We in heaven shall know,
When our gracious Saviour,
  In the realms above
Crowns us with His favor,
  Fills us with His love.

H. Oswald, 1793; Tr. F. E. Cox, 1841