Angels Really!

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Appearing sometimes as a man,
sometimes a brilliant awesome one,
though usually unseen, God’s servants they
are spirits who his will obey.

The angel Gabriel one day came,
to tell Zecharaiah he’d have a son:
who’d be the one to call, prepare
all for the Christ who’d soon appear.

And then to Mary, Gabriel went
with such an amazing message sent –
that she would have a child unique –
almighty God, a baby weak!!

A crowd of angels at his birth –
they knew the wonder, knew His worth –
so seen by shepherds, making known
the mightiest work had now begun!

And when his ministry began,
the devil tempted him, and then
some angels came in serving role –
and still, they help God’s people all.

And in Gethsemane, he faced
the awful task before him placed
‘But if it is your will’, he’d do
this saving job for me and you.

And at that anguish great there came
an angel strengthening him again.
And when he’d risen – glorious day!
– an angel rolled the stone away!

Appearing as a man, but bright
the guarding soldiers shook with fright,
and when the women came, announced
that Jesus lives, death’s grip he’d trounced.
Tune: LM
[Bible references: Luke 1:11-20; 26-38; Luke 2: 8-14; Matthew 4:11; Hebrews 1:14; Luke 22: 42-44; Matthew 28:2-7]

I know where I’m going!

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

I’m journeying on towards home,
where fullness of blessing is found;
though often I long to fly on,
I’m treading this life’s barren ground.
To stay I’m resigned, for I find
for now there is work to be done.
A pilgrimage on to that place
upheld by his comforting grace.

To all that I meet I must say,
‘My Father’s preparing a home¬’
‘Don’t dither, join Jesus today’.
You’ll never regret once begun.
While here now, my task is to ask:
to win some will sweeten my way.
A pilgrimage on to that place
upheld by his comforting grace.

And sometimes the journey seems slow,
I’ll surely arrive there one day.
What distance there is still to go
now none but my Father can say.
And so I’ll invite to life’s Light! –
my God now and always to know!
A pilgrimage on to that place
upheld by his comforting grace.

Tune: 88 88 88 88 eg Trewen by David E Evans, tune of ‘A sovereign protector I have’

This is based on an old Welsh hymn ‘‘Tuag adref ‘r wyf yn teithio’ (Towards home I am travelling) by O R Owen

The thief on the cross and the Man in the middle

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

He knew so little then,
but that he had no right
to enter after death
that heaven pure and bright.

But knew he would go there,
for he had asked this man
who gave his word, his gift,
as only Jesus can.

If we look at our life
to judge how good we are,
we will be quite depressed
at all we see laid bare.

Though some may think they’re good
enough to please the Lord:
their pride is foolishness,
their judgement is absurd.

So look away, ask Him
who was upon the cross
for life eternal as a gift,
and he in grace will bless.

Tune: 66 66 eg Ibstone by M Tiddeman, tune of ‘Thy way not mine, O Lord’

The ‘Healing’ all need

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

It’s not just that we do what’s wrong,
but that we tend to do what’s wrong,
without a deep desire sure
for what is right and good and pure.

We do not notice when we lie,
or else excuse it – want to try
to make our way and maybe cheat
if that provides a benefit.

Or maybe try to turn away
when feel temptation leads astray
but do not have the power or will
such faint desire to fulfil.

But He who offers pardon gives
a life made new, His Spirit lives
within to give desire and might
now – healed to live more in His light.

Tune: LM

Come, pray …

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Why scorn all thought of one great God?
a God who came to earth
as babe, and when a man, did good,
was kind. and taught the truth.

He understood amd welcomed all
– the Friend of sinners, He
helped those now sorry for their fall,
hated hypocrisy.

Just so He’ll gladly hear your prayer –
Ask Him to help you ‘see’
His Kingdom comes, soon everywhere
the world will bow the knee.

Tune: CM eg tune of ‘Amazing Grace’

Be Prepared!

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Though it isn’t the norm,
prepare for the storm
by building your house with foundations.

Though strong winds may blow,
and rain-floods may flow,
your home will survive wild conditions.

And those who have heard
Christ’s wisdom, God’s Word,
can choose to obey or discard them.

But those who obey,
when storms come their way
will stand firm whatever assails them.

But those who discard,
will find when life’s hard,
their principles tumble around them.

cf Matthew 7:24-27 in the Sermon on the Mount: The wise and foolish builders

Jesus Christ divides!

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Some accept, in Him delight,
some reject His truth, His light,
some fall – down, away, or back,
unaware of what they’ll lack.

Some are lifted up, made wise,
to new lives by grace arise.
Jesus Christ – the Cornerstone,
but a tripping stone for some.

Time divided by his advent –
BC, AD – some resent.
Some feel sad they must reject –
ponder, and return – accept!
Tune: 77 77
“a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be ashamed … a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” 1 Peter 2:6,8

What is holiness?

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

What is holiness?
Beautiful righteousness,
purity attractive,
awesome, distinctive.

Free of all defilement,
glorious, splendid, brilliant,
wise and perfect love:
such is God above.

Judgement all correct,
will do his will, elect
all that’s good and right,
King of flame and light.

Great creative power,
see him save, and shower
gifts of grace, salvation.
Soiled, we need redemption.

I dare not draw near
(awakened sense brings fear)
‘til given righteousness,
covering, holiness.
Tune: 55 55

Needed – Dads!

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

O, where have all the fathers gone? Unvalued? pushed? abusive? some
maybe just have felt unneeded, strayed,
And some may wish that they had stayed.
But if those parents come to sit together humbly, talk, commit
to work forgivingly, and share the children’s discipline and care…

When each the other irritate and, stressed, say hurtful things that grate,
forbearance may yet bring surprise and satisfaction, realise
they’re happier with a stronger bond than mere romance and being fond …
and complimentary Mum and Dad both benefit the lass and lad

The promises at marriage made to persevere in the way ahead –
a family – in life’s wilderness a haven, though at times distress
will enter, shaking, bring distrust, but love is worth the work, we must
then try again, spur others – Lord, help us to heal love’s wounds, O God.

Yes, sometimes teachers, coach can be a helpful role-model just briefly,
but daily living with a Dad despite the faults he has and had,
if honest, faithful, caring, true, will benefit them through and through
So, children, honour Dads who stay – may have to punish, but also play!

And anyone may bond with the Father God in heaven –
He’s just and stern and loving, and we must be forgiven
by Him – He offers such to all, with care and grace, protection:
The model of great fatherhood – a wonderful provision.

Today is Father’s Day in UK

Palm Sunday (6)

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

He knew He’d be killed.
[With jealousy filled,
some hated, despite
His giving men sight.]

The crowd seemed so thrilled
at a gentle King, filled
with wisdom and goodness
and powerful kindness.

He’d come to be killed –
salvation fulfilled
– this man, God, the Son
our pardon thus won.

In heaven they praise Him.
His glory they sing,
who died as a lamb once,
now rules from the throne.

Tune: Hanover by William Croft’(tune of ‘O Worship the King’ 10 10 11 11)’
“See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey’” Matthew 21:1-11 a