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

To Him be glory for ever and ever, Amen

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Oh, who is all glorious?
Giving due notice
that He is victorious,
merciful, gracious?
but must not be scorned, or
derided, ignored,
and speaks clear Word of
His love and His sword.

Return to the Father
in heaven, the Saviour,
repenting, submitting
as surely is fitting,
and give Him the glory, the
praises, but hurry
grasp now for His hand – so
the King’s shelter found.

Tune: can be sung to 10 10 11 11 eg Houghton

When circumstances are difficult and puzzling

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Called out of darkness,
freed and released:
brought into freedom,
bondage has ceased.
Now in Christ’s kingdom –
in Him we have
Light, peace and wisdom,
assurance of love.

Darkness of troubles –
ignorant of ‘Why?’ –
may come upon us,
groans and deep sigh.
We have a Father
loving and wise –
the present and future
in His hands lies.

So we can trust on
in the dark days,
prayerful and waiting
for brighter days.
Gone is the greater
blindness of soul;
God has His purpose
and loves us through all.

“Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God; “ Isaiah 50:10

Tune: 54 54 54 54 eg ‘Thine own way’ by George Stebbins

The four ‘means of grace’

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

cf Acts 2:

The Scriptures, God’s Words to hear and to read,
to keep safe from error – we grow as we ‘feed’;
rich fellowship – all those in Christ love and share,
encourage each other in faith, loving care.

The meal of remembrance we keep as He said,
remember His death with the wine and the bread:
reminder of how our salvation Christ won:
His church tells the world of what He has done.

And gather together to pray to our Lord,
He wants us to pray and to trust in His Word,
and also to pray on our own by his grace –
we’ve access through Christ to his ear and embrace.

Tune: Houghton

Comfort in the darkness

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

Based on a Welsh hymn (much more or lesss translation) by William Williams, Pantycelyn (1716-1791)

Tedious night, how deep the darkness –
need to sense your fellowship,
grace almighty wise upholding,
comforting companionship.
Awful prospect
would be life without you, Christ.

Sinful nature is against me
like the stormy violent seas,
flood to overwhelm and batter:
only you, Lord, can, and, please
in your pity
give me righteousness and strength.

If you open up your heart, Lord,
to reveal the love so great
that flowed out on Calvary’s hillside
on that God-appointed date
pouring to me:
enables me to love you, Lord.

Empty thoughts abound distracting
from the faithful Friend and Lord –
tempting idols, pleasures luring
cannot draw me from your Word:
all are nothing
when compared to knowing God.

Tune: 87 87 47 eg Bryn Calfaria by William Owen tune of ‘Come, ye sinners, poor and needy

The Summary of all law, and how to live by it …

~ rhiannon ~ Leave a comment

cf. Matthew 22: 36-40

Do “Love the Lord your God “, He said.
But love like this can’t be aroused
by fear, obedience slavishly,
but opened eyes that truly ‘see’
His character, and grace to me
cannot but love Him wondrously.

And “Love your neighbour as yourself”.
Such love needs grace, the help of God.
And that is why the Saviour Lord
to free us from our guilt and loss –
died innocent upon the cross
to bring us life, to love, no less.

We can love God and folks we know!
The Bible words all clearly show
the explanation full to see
of finding love and grace so free
and thus enabled gradually
to live our life more lovingly.

Tune: 88 88 88 eg Sagina tune of ‘And can it be’ or
‘Solid Rock’ by W Bradbury or ‘Veni Emmanuel