Category: Christian living

Stand firm

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

Ephesians 6:10-20
Dear brothers, in the Saviour,
stand firmly, and take care –
you may not see the dangers,
temptations to beware;
for wealth and worldly standards,
and views against God’s Word
can influence you slyly
from faithfulness to God.

So, have I got complacent?
Get up, and stand to serve!
Or stubborn, and self-centred?
How easily we swerve.
Arise and stand committed
to witness of God’s Way
to those who do not know it:
stand firmly day by day.

And walk with faith in Jesus,
delighting now to learn
his words of light and blessing,
your feet secure and firm.
So, think, and pray, make effort
to persevere and grow
in righteousness, stand firmly,
empowering grace you’ll know.
Tune: 76 76 D

JOY (Philippians 2:3-5)

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

“Not my will but yours, (Matthew 26:39)
though it lead to the cross.”

“Not my will but his,
though there’s hardship and loss.
He loves me, but knows
that for joy to be full,
I must know submission,
to his Word and his will.”

J: 1st Jesus in your thought,
O: then others need support.
Y: yourself in proper place,
– that’s the way of joy and peace.

Prayer for purity (Calon Lân)

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

Do not long to live in plenty,
finest clothes, or worldly fame;
do not ask a life that’s easy,
pray for grace in Jesu’s name.
Pray to grow in faith and goodness,
pure, heart-fellowship with God,
mortifying sin with gladness,
pressing onward in the Lord.

If he gives us wealth that’s passing
soon it flies, or wastes away;
but the profit, pleasure’s lasting,
when for purity we pray.

So each day, God’s grace be seeking,
that, what he has formed may grow;
give him praise for all he’s giving,
daily more he will bestow!

This is based on the Welsh words of  ‘Calon Lân’ by Mr Daniel James (Gwyrosydd)
Tune: Calon Lân by John Hughes

I can … through him

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

Philippians 4:13
Through Jesus Christ I can
get strength for doing good; –
since life anew began
I can do what I should.
Resources free:
Why do I fail?
His power you’ll see
help one so frail.

When circumstances rise
that I don’t want to be,
I first must recognise
the conflict that I see;
to God return,
the clash admit,
pray help to learn
his will, submit.

And if you cannot cope
with pressures on your way,
don’t grumble, shout, or mope,
draw near to God, and pray.
Christ’s Spirit lives
with power within:
at sin he grieves, –
keep peace with him.

Tune: 6666 88 eg Millenium

Simon Peter:

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

Three times he denied,
three times he replied,
confessing his love,
– for though he was frail,
(no longer self-confident),
Christ’s grace would not fail.
Completely dependent,
desiring to serve
the loving and living,
forgiving Lord Jesus,
he’ll labour in love,
watch over and feed
Christ’s young new-born sheep
– who constantly need
God’s Word that will keep
them safe in his Way.

Citizenship

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

(1&2 Timothy, Titus, Ephesians)
We must promote a peaceful life,
where we can speak God’s Word;
and pray for rulers calming strife;
ourselves obey the Lord.

Be ready, Christian, always,
ready to do what’s good;
be loving, kind, don’t slander –
– more like your Father God.

Be peaceable, considerate,
show true humility
towards all, – free from malice, hate,
pursuing purity.

Be ready, Christian, always,
eager to do what’s good;
devote yourself for service, –
vessel prepared for God.

Avoid unwholesome, godless talk,
arguments foolish leave.
Instruct those who in folly walk –
maybe they will believe.

Be ready, Christian, always,
ready to teach what’s good.
Christ gave himself to save us.
We’ve been redeemed for God.

Don’t quarrel, and be kind to all,
never resentful, pray
that some will see the truth, and call,
turn from the devil’s way.

Be ready, Christian, always:
kindness and love of God –
not what I’ve done, – but mercy,
saved me to do much good.

Tune: CM+ eg Quiet Rest

‘Love … always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres’ (1 Corinthians 13:7a)

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

Love does not assume evil motive,
but looks for some good intent;
not gullible, foolishly trusting,
but hopes that no ill is meant.

Protects and trusts,
Love hopes and protects, on and on.
Love trusts, and hopes,
love hopes and protects when it can.

Love shows it expects kindly actions,
encourages such from all,
protects the one who is slipping,
supports, helps him not to fall.

And show that you really believe that
it’s possible they could reach
a better standard of loving,
and gain from the words you teach.

With God mighty changes can happen,
and battles with sin are won.
He’s willing to hear sinners calling,
and gladly will help each one.
Tune: Redeemed

To die, to live

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

Philippians 1:21
Paul said, ‘For me to die is gain’.
He’d often known upholding grace
when facing death, and troubles, pain;
and longed to see Christ face to face.

‘To live is gain’, – in fellowship,
to bring him glory, serve each day,
that people may be saved, built up,
God’s children helped upon the Way.

Paul wanted them to live this way, –
Philippians, Christians everywhere –
to serve our Master day by day,
until we go to Jesus there.

Sure Joy

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

Philippians 4:4
Joy flows from Jesus through faith in his Word:
Joy that is sure
purchased inheritance safely is stored,
perfect, for ever secure.
Joy in the LORD –
always rejoice in his wonderful Word!

Many the times when we sorrow or groan,
yet we have hope;
joy incorruptible, pure, we have known;
sometimes we struggle and grope;
yet we have still
cause to rejoice that he’s working his will.

Empty hilarity’s worthless and vain, –
soon it will end:
Satan deceives men to folly and pain.
God is a merciful Friend; –
true godly fear
brings with it joy to press on, persevere.

Robbed of our joy by temptation to sin –
help me to turn,
not to be selfish or proud, but like him,
bitterness, hatred, to spurn:
walk in God’s ways,
gaining real pleasure, and bringing him praise.

Those who the name of Christ Jesus revere,
sorry for sin,
will not be frightened when soon he draws near, –
joyfully welcoming him;
trials all past,
nothing to hinder enjoyment at last!
Tune: 10 4 10 7 4 10 e.g. Wonderful Love by F.L.Wiseman

Press on

~ rhiannonshymns ~ Leave a comment

Romans 12:9-13
Insight into love divine
incites to copy love sublime –
incentive to be selfless, kind:
his Spirit touching will and mind.

Repelled by evil, shrink away
from malice, into greed don’t stray.
Attracted to the pure and good –
cling to such things, as Jesus would.

So serve with fervour and with zeal,
renewed, refreshed when sloth you feel.
Be patient, joyful, hope-ful, share,
and faithful in you work and prayer.