Lessons from Elijah

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Keen sense of the majesty of Him whom we serve
– in holiness delight;
but grieved and distressed by the things we observe
– surrounding sinful blight.
We are not self-righteous in indignation
but long for a happy, good transformation
– with dark dispelled by Light.

He trains those who serve Him to trust in His Word
– He always will provide –
obedience whatever occurs – He’s prepared
help ever at our side.
Will always enable, support, uphold
– in faith we will stand, and our testimony bold,
as saved from foolish pride.

And though we may falter, and slip awhile,
He lifts His children up,
And as we are trained on through many a trial,
drink from His comfort cup,
with sometimes rebukes and reminders to guide –
surprising encouragements grace will provide
for service better equip.

Boasting of help received!

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Well, what have you or I of which to boast?
What have we that we did not gain, receive?
Be pleased with any good you’ve done, but most
of all be thankful for enabling given
and for forgiveness for things badly done
– and let us boast we know the gracious One!

Pride does not think it needs any advice,
assistance – easily it slips and falls.
It thinks its skill and wisdom will suffice,
but one who sees their need in time, and calls
for help and listens in humility
to wise suggestions shows maturity.

Jeremiah 9:23,24

Who is He really?

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Do you know who He was? He who hung on a cross?
He was good, He was wise – so why bore He such loss?
So that you, so that I could have friendship with God:
our faults were a barrier – He was bearing our load.

Read in Matthew and Mark all His words – they’ll amaze;
in Luke’s gospel and John’s, of His ways in those days.
Start reading yourself – for it isn’t too late:
you’ll never regret it, but don’t carelessly wait.

Tune: 11 11 11 11 eg Montgomery by Samuel Jarvis, tune of ‘How firm a foundation …’ by ‘K’ in Rippon’s Selection

Easter Sunday

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So many believe anything that is odd,
but deceived, won’t believe in an almighty God,
and think it absurd there could be resurrection
(so fearful of falling for foolish deception),
but really they’ve fallen for thoughtless rejection
of certified offer worth investigation.

Our need’s for a substitute taking our sin –
no other but God could our pardon, life win;
and when He had done so as man, He must rise
with glorified body; – when anyone dies
they will live again to see Him on His throne
and hear His opinion of all we have done.

But written in His Book
are the names of all who look
to the Son for grace, redemption,
accomplished-on-the-cross salvation.
Tune: 11 11 11 11 +

Palm Sunday (7)

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Praise to the gentle King,
on a donkey riding in;
Many hoping He would bring
end of Roman rule.

But His work was more important–
such a need of hearts repentant,
washed from sin, and true commitment
to the Lord, their God.

And the only way for pardon
was that He take on guilt’s burden,
pay the price by crucifixion,
wiping out their sin.

Mighty Lord deserves all praise
– will return to wondrous gaze.
Seek Him in these gospel days
– gentle, mighty King.

Mother’s Day Thoughts

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

“To be a mother – what a task!
I need God’s help – His help I ask.
No break, or pause, a constant role:
I fail, I fall, for help I call!”

Sometimes there is no partnering Dad;
but others have a willing lad
who like themselves is loving, weak –
her help to help him serve he’ll seek.

And so on her two roles are laid –
to be a Mum, support the Dad,
and build a strong close family
to nurture children happily.

Who needs Jesus Christ?

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Unless we feel our need, and squirm,
we’ll not desire of Christ to learn
– the One who is the Judge, but has
the purchased gift within His hands.

The gift of pardon bought by such
great suffering – oh, he suffered much;
but if you do not see your need
you’ll pass it by, and take no heed.

How often have you wished you’d not
followed again some foolish thought?
and done that thing which caused you shame
within your heart again, again?

Not only pardon but new will,
new life He gives – power to fulfil
desires to stop from doing wrong
and be more kind to everyone.

Tune: 88 88

The Good News comes to Europe

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Acts chapter 16
They came to the city of Philippi, where
they went to the river where some met for prayer
– while Lydia was listening as Paul spoke God’s Word,
God opened her heart to receive what she heard.

A girl who was troubled by a spirit evil
they healed, but the “owners” were angry, for real
their loss, so they dragged them to magistrates, lied
– false charges: then beaten, imprisoned, untried.

Paul, Silas sang hymns and were praying to God
at midnight – the prisoners around gladly heard,
but suddenly an earthquake – the foundations shook,
their bonds were all opened, the jailer awoke.

He thought they’d escaped, but Paul called, ‘We’re all here’,
the jailer then asked of salvation to hear;
and on the next morning, the magistrates came
– alarmed, they apologised for what had been done!
Tune: 11 11 11 11

Is there Someone Supernatural Powerful?

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Musings and wonderings, ideas swirl;
is there a Being unseen, supreme, real?
And is He kind, does He see, is He strong?
Know what I need, and that I have done wrong?

How could it be that the answers be known?
Only one way – if that Being has shown,
somehow revealed to mankind of His ways:
God, the Creator sent word many days.

Spoke many times through the prophets before
sending His Son to reveal clearly more.
Early He gave them succinctly His law,
helping them know of their guiltiness sore.

Jesus came bringing the news of God’s grace,
willingly taking the sinners’ earned place.
Don’t drift away with the flow of the day:
if you refuse Him, there’s no other way.

The Book of Hebrews chapter 1 verses 1 to 4 in the Bible and chapter 2:1-4

Tune:| 10 10 10 10 

Best Purpose

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Humankind, both men and women – 
for what do we all exist??
what’s the purpose of our being,
of what should our life consist?

That for which we were created
is to glorify our God
and enjoy Him, great Provider:
Master, Shepherd, Father, Lord.    

“Follow, heed the Maker’s guidance
if you want this thing to last.”
Our Creator, knows our needs, guides
– Words by which we can be blessed!

Tune: 87 87
[(Westminster Shorter Catechism 1647) starts with:

Q.1, What is the chief end of man?
A.1 Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.]