Attempting to summarise scripture teaching in brief verse
How far would you go to help a friend?
How far did God go? – was it easy to send
as a babe to this world, his magnificent Son
for that which would prove a hard labour begun?
– and who were his friends? – as yet not one,
until he had bought them,
and brought them to see
that it wasn’t too far to go to be
sorry, and willing to ask for what
he’d laboured and suffered for them,
so that
they now could be friends and live for ever, –
and nothing that tie and peace could sever.
From right outside this universe,
and this material sphere,
came One, confusion to reverse,
with truth for us to hear,
truth that is true, unchangeable,
from One who knows, reliable.
Life-bringing message to accept
– escape from living death,
his promises he’s always kept
his words are priceless wealth:
for this world isn’t all there is
but Jesus came awhile to this!
to show us what is now amiss,
and how to find the missing bliss.
Psalm 23 – the testimony, and the offer
My Lord is the King of the universe,
a Shepherd who’s caring and true,
Protecting in dangers both subtle and fierce;
and he will be good to you too,
if you ask for his care, and will take him to be
your King and your Shepherd, his goodness you’ll see.
Green pastures around, by his Word well fed,
restoring my soul when I slide,
refreshed by still waters, in righteousness led
to honour my Teacher and Guide.
If you ask for his care, and will take him to be
your King and your Shepherd, his goodness you’ll see.
When death’s shadow is near me, I will not fear
any evil, – I travel with God.
When mortal life fails me, his power avails,
and daily his staff and his rod
rebuke me, and comfort, encourage, mature:
you too could discover this Comforter sure.
My enemies notice my feast prepared.
My joy overflows, and you too
can enjoy every day goodness, mercy, love shared,
with assurance of heaven now in view
if you ask for his care, and will take him to be
your King and your Shepherd, his goodness you’ll see.
Matthew 1:21,23
Jesus, Saviour was his name,
for to save, redeem he came;
cleansed, we could to God draw near,
without guilt, or sin, or fear.
So he is Immanuel,
God Almighty come to dwell
in the manger, on the cross,
now resides with us to bless.
Human child he had to be,
but conceived miraculously:
born of Mary, free of sin,
– saving mission could begin!
We remember loss in war,
suffering of those who bore
much, in order to restore
freedom for the many more.
Every Sunday we remember
him whose love fills us with wonder,
wine and bread speak of a Saviour:
conflict, victory greatest ever.
on Titus 2:11-14
With one eye looking back to when
the grace of God appeared,
and one eye looking on to where
all history is steered,
we navigate our path through ‘now’,
while treasured, guided here below.
He came, and gave himself for us,
redeemed us from our sin,
and slavery to wickedness,
to purify within:
we will turn from ungodliness,
and atheistic foolishness.
And as we wait for his return,
we’re eager to do good;
enticing, passing passions spurn,
set store on things of God;
preparing for his presence soon,
our loving and beloved Bridegroom
Freedom from oppression,
cruel domination,
manipulation, exploitation,
– universal greed for gain;
freedom from the pace and stress, –
peers-pressuring excess;
freedom from imprisoning chain,
and from all ill-health, and pain;
freedom from my guilt and shame,
self-convicting, well-earned blame.
Freedom from the pull of habit,
– want to quit, but cannot snap it:
paradox, that strength for progress
comes with heavenly bonds of service:
quickened aptitude,
grace and gratitude.
Some have had to fight, with gun,
those who kill, enslave and maim;
some have had to flee, and run
to a place where once again
they their families may feed,
worship God, with godly creed, –
from coercion, and the greed,
of those power-abusers, freed.
Perfect freedom: coming kingdom,
perfect law, and no-one poor,
never crime, nor aggravation,
universal full submission
to that perfect legislation;
harmony, and satisfaction.
“O son, you know my life was such a mess,
– brought others, and myself distress;
you know things now are so much better,
since, by God’s grace, I broke that fetter,
and found the freedom for a life
that doesn’t injure children, wife;
and so you know why now I urge
you, – follow his good ways, and purge
away temptations fierce, by grace,
(the things you saw your Dad embrace),
and care for family and friends,
with work, and trust, and make amends
where possible, for wrong, but pray,
– for God’s full pardon none can pay,
procured by Christ on that good day;
and with his Spirit’s help his way
you’ll walk, in freedom, loving all
these precious guidelines, firm foundation.
So study his communication
beneficial, – you’ll not fall,
as I did into deadly thrall.”
based on passages like Proverbs 1:1-19; 4:1-17
“Everyone believes it! – it must be true!”
“Scientists have proven it!”
– No!, that they cannot do!
some may feel that it fits quite well,
and quite determined now to tell
you that it must be so,
– “the missing facts we soon will know” –
they say.
But many know the evidence,
fits very well, and makes good sense,
with words of God that he made all,
but then withdrew some good control,
when people he’d created chose
to live rejecting his good laws.
There now will one day have to be
removal of all wickedness,
and then his skill supreme we’ll see,
as all is healed, works perfectly.
So, what’s concluded, who’s deluded?
Their theory makes no demands,
[– keep fit, no morals, no commands],
– an easier life? but is it true?
God says we all are in his view,
and he’s amazed, amused, and sad,
that many think that he is bad ,
– in kindness, he will urge, provide,
and welcomes all who will decide
to search him out, and swallow pride.
Sowing kindness, love and care,
patience, willingness to share;
sowing selfishness and greed,
no concern for those in need.
‘As you sow, so you will reap’:
And we weep,
negligence regretting, –
not forgetting
thoughtless actions,
and omissions.
God, in Christ, can pardon failure,
help us in our future
‘sowing’,
knowing,
proving
his kind loving.
rhiannonshymns.co.uk 
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