Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come, thou Fount of every blessing;  

tune my heart to sing thy grace;  

streams of mercy, never ceasing,  

call for songs of loudest praise.  

Teach me some melodious sonnet,  

sung by flaming tongues above;  

praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,  

mount of God's unchanging love!  

Here I raise my Ebenezer;  

hither by thy help I'm come;  

and I hope, by thy good pleasure,  

safely to arrive at home.  

Jesus sought me when a stranger,  

wandering from the fold of God;  

he, to rescue me from danger,  

interposed his precious blood.  

O to grace how great a debtor  

daily I'm constrained to be!  

Let that grace now, like a fetter,  

bind my wandering heart to thee.  

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,  

prone to leave the God I love;  

here's my heart; O take and seal it;  

seal it for thy courts above.

                             - Robert Robinson

Tune your senses to see His grace.

                             - John Piper

Wait, My Daughter

Wait, My daughter,

    until you find out what happens.

                               – Ruth 3:18

Watch and pray

Stay the course

Whatever you do, 

    do it unto the Lord

I Will Not Be Afraid

I will trust God and 

    not be afraid

I will not be afraid

I will look upward and 

    travel onward

        and not be afraid

                   - quoted by Elisabeth Elliot 

Even Through This?

Will you still Follow Me

    even through this?

Will you still Trust Me

    even through this?

Will you still Love Me

    even through this?
 

Will you still Praise Me

    even through this?

I’ll Praise You In This Storm

And I'll praise You in this storm  

And I will lift my hands  

For You are who You are  

No matter where I am  

And every tear I've cried  

You hold in Your hand  

You never left my side  

And though my heart is torn  

I will praise You in this storm

                   - Bernie Herms / Mark Hall

Trust In The Living God

The care that is filling your mind 

    at this moment, 

or but waiting till you lay the book aside 

    to leap upon you --

that need which is no need, 

    is a demon sucking at the spring

        of your life. 

"No; mine is a reasonable care -- 

    an unavoidable care, indeed."

Is it something you have to do 

    this very moment? 

"No."

Then you are allowing it to usurp 

    the place of something that is required 

        of you this moment. 

"There is nothing required of me 

    at this moment."

Nay but there is --

    the greatest thing that can be 

        required of a person. 

"Pray, what is it?"

Trust in the living God….

"I do trust Him in spiritual matters."

Everything is an affair of the spirit.

                           - George MacDonald

Let It Go!

Do not worry about tomorrow, 

    for tomorrow will worry about itself. 

Each day has enough trouble 

    of its own.

                                      - Matthew 6:24

Humble yourselves, therefore, 

    under God's mighty   hand, 

that He may lift you up 

    in due time. 

Cast all your anxiety on Him 

    because He cares for you. 

                                      - 1 Peter 5:6-9

Praise be to the Lord, 

   to God our Savior, 

      who daily bears our burdens.

                                      - Psalm 68:19

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

   in you I trust, O my God.

Show me your ways, O LORD,

    teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

    for you are God my Savior,

    and my hope is in you all day long.

                                      - Psalm 25:1-2,4-5

The Lord is close to the 

    brokenhearted 

and saves those who are 

    crushed in spirit.

                                      - Psalm 34:18

The Next Hour Is God’s

This hour is mine 

    with its present duty;

the next is God’s,

    and when it comes,

        His presence will come with it.

                                             - Unknown

The Act of Faith

The act of faith 

  is being willing to trust 

    in the wisdom and 

        the will of God 

    without knowing the 

         outcome.  

                              ~ Dr. Charles Stanley

In Acceptance Lieth Peace

A trial won’t do any good 

  to you spiritually 

    unless you accept it.

And it is in just these tiny acts

  of acceptance of situations 

    that we can’t change 

  that we are in the process of 

    growing spiritually.

We regress instead of grow spiritually

  when we reject what God sends. 

                                - Elisabeth Elliot

Prayer Is A Powerful Weapon

Prayer is a powerful weapon. 

It is an indispensable weapon.

It takes practice to wield it.

It takes courage and time and 

  spiritual energy.

                                   – Elisabeth Elliot 

Providence and Prayer

As we pray we are engaged 

  in an exercise designed 

    to benefit our own souls.

We pray so that we may not lose heart.

When we are engaged in prayer,

  something happens to us.

We are changed by the experience.

Prayer is a vital part of a 

  living relationship we have with God.

In prayer we have the opportunity 

  to learn of the character of the Father.

Indeed, prayer is one of the 

  most effective means we have 

    to discern the invisible hand of Providence. 

                                        - R.C. Sproul

The Cardinal Point of Faith

This is the cardinal point of faith,

  that whatever comes to pass,

    no matter how calamitous it may appear 

      in the moment,

  there is a reason for joy and confidence.

That God is for us

  is the cardinal point of 

    the doctrine of Providence.

One of the most difficult tasks 

  of the practicing Christian 

involves not only believing in God 

  but believing God.

                                        - R.C. Sproul

The Sacrifice of Praise

If we understand the Providence of God 

  and love the God of Providence, 

we are able to worship Him 

  with the sacrifice of praise

    He inherently deserves 

when things occur that bring pain, 

  sorrow, and affliction into our lives.

This understanding of Providence 

  is vital to all who would worship God.

It is a worship of faith 

  that is rooted in trust.

                                        - R.C. Sproul

Worry, Wealth and Worldliness

The seed falling among the thorns 

  refers to someone who hears the word, 

but the worries of this life 

  and the deceitfulness of wealth 

    choke the word, making it unfruitful.

                                       - Matthew 13:22

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, 

  hear the word; but 

the worries of this life, 

  the deceitfulness of wealth 

    and the desires for other things 

come in and choke the word, 

  making it unfruitful. 

                                       - Mark 4:18-19

The seed that fell among thorns 

  stands for those who hear, 

but as they go on their way 

  they are choked by life's worries, 

    riches and pleasures, 

      and they do not mature.

                                       - Luke 8:14

Surrender, Sovereignty. Suffering, Trust

Surrender  +  Sacrifice

Sovereignty  +  Acceptance 

Suffering  +  Glory

Trust  +  Faith

To bring the sacrifice of thanksgiving 

  means to sacrifice our understanding 

    of what is beneficial 

  and thank God for everything 

    because He is benevolent. 

A sacrifice of thanks 

  lays down our perspective 

    and raises hands in praise anyways 

      — always. 

A sacrifice is, by definition, 

  not an easy thing — 

    but it is a sacred thing.

                                     - Ann Voskamp

We bring the sacrifice of praise

into the house of the Lord.  

We bring the sacrifice of praise

into the house of the Lord.

And we offer up to You 

the sacrifices of thanksgiving

And we offer up to You

the sacrifices of joy.

                                       - Kirk Deerman

Provision Has Been Made

It has taken me a good many years 

    to realize that in the school of faith, 

what I am required to do 

    I am enabled to do.

Provision has been made

I am not alone 

    and there is nothing to fear.

                                  - Elisabeth Elliot

In What Do You Have Your Being?

In Him we live and move

    and have our being.

                                       - Acts 17:28

He will be the sure foundation 

    for your times. 

                                       - Isaiah 33:6

Those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

                                       - Isaiah 40:31

But I trust in your unfailing love;

    my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord, 

    for he has been good to me.

                                       - Psalm 13:5-6

Keep your lives free 

  from the love of money and 

      be content with what you have,

  because God has said,

      "Never will I leave you; 

           never will I forsake you."

                                       - Hebrews 13:5

No one can serve two masters. 

Either you will hate the one 

     and love the other, 

  or you will be devoted to the one 

     and despise the other. 

You cannot serve both God 

     and money."

                                       - Luke 16:13

The Burden of Tomorrow

Oh, ask not thou, How shall I bear

The burden of to-morrow?

Sufficient for to-day, its care,

Its evil and its sorrow;

God imparteth by the way

Strength sufficient for the day.

                                 - J. E. Saxby

No person ever sank 

  under the burden of the day. 

It is when tomorrow’s burden 

  is added to the burden of today

    that the weight is more 

       than a person can bear. 

Never load yourselves so, my friends. 

  if you find yourselves so loaded,

    at least remember this: 

      it is your own doing, not God’s. 

He begs you to leave 

    the future to Him,

       and mind the present. 

                                  - George MacDonald

Many things about tomorrow,

I don't seem to understand;

But I know Who holds tomorrow,

And I know Who holds my hand.

                             - Ira Forest Stanphill

To take on the burdens of tomorrow 

    is to sap the strength needed 

to carry out the work 

    assigned for today.

                                 - Elisabeth Elliot 

Today is mine.

Tomorrow is none of my business.

If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future,

  I will strain my spiritual eyes

    so I will not see clearly

      what is required of me now.

                                 – Elisabeth Elliot

We may bring any difficult situation

  to our Heavenly Father,

laying it before His eyes,

  and asking not for instant escape

but for strength to sustain 

  the burden and to do 

    what we ought to do.

                                - Elisabeth Elliot

It is not for the flock of sheep to know 

   the pasture the Shepherd 

       has in mind.  

It is for them to simply 

    follow Him.

                                  - Elisabeth Elliot 

Surrender to the Will of God

The will of God is not something 

  you add to your life.

It's a course you choose. 

You either line yourself up 

  with the Son of God…

    or you capitulate to the principle 

      which governs the rest of the world.

                               - Elisabeth Elliot 

Not According to Our Expectations

In this world 

    you will have trouble. 

But take heart!

    I have overcome the world.

                              -  John 16:33

God’s Sovereignty – 

    not according to our expectations. 

When “life as it is”

   turns out to be very different 

      then “life as it is supposed to be.”

The world is not created

    for our purposes, but for 

        God’s purposes.

Where do we get the belief 

    that life is supposed to be fair?

It wasn’t supposed to be this way! 

  is the cry of the heart toward God

    when circumstances take an 

       unexpected turn for the worse. 

The heart feels cheated, ripped off 

    and wronged - by God. 

<><  <><  <><  <><  <><  <><

We live in a fallen world where 

    broken ropes are a fact of life.

                                   - Steve Brown

I’ve Been Wronged, Lord

Do not seek revenge 

  or bear a grudge against anyone

    among your people, 

but love your neighbor 

  as yourself. 

I am the Lord.

                                  - Leviticus 19:18

Get rid of all bitterness, 

  rage and anger, 

    brawling and slander, 

      along with every form of malice.

Be kind and compassionate 

  to one other, 

    forgiving each other, 

      just as in Christ God forgave you. 

                                  - Ephesians 4:31–32

I Have Been Wronged, Lord

My Child,

I suffered evil, shame and wrong

Yet  I love all those who brought me pain.

I have not sinned, yet for a murderous throng

I gave my rights, and for their sins was slain.

My Child,,

My love was spurned by hateful men

And yet I gave, expecting no return.

They mocked and beat me, adding to their sin,

Yet I forgave – from my example learn. 

My Child,

My law, my first command I give:

Love me, your Lord, with all your strength and soul,

Then love your neighbor – when he’s wrong, forgive.

Forgive again: let love thus be your goal.

My Child,

Come follow me, my words obey.

One thing only – seek my will to do.

And give your love when wronged by men, for they

Will answer me, and I’ve forgiven you. 

                                         - Unknown 

This, Then Is Of Faith

This, then, is of faith, 

that everything, the very least, 

  or what seems to us great, 

every change of the seasons, 

everything which touches us in mind, 

  body, or estate, 

whether brought about through 

  this outward senseless nature, 

or by the will of man, 

  good or bad, 

is overruled to each of us 

by the all-holy and 

  all-loving will of God. 

Whatever befalls us, 

  however it befalls us, 

we must receive 

  as the will of God. 

If it befalls us through 

man’s negligence, or ill-will, 

  or anger, 

still it is, in every 

  the least circumstance, 

to us the will of God. 

For if the least thing 

  could happen to us 

without God’s permission, 

it would be something 

  out of God’s control. 

God’s providence or His love

  would not be what they are. 

Almighty God Himself 

  would not be the same God; 

not the God whom we believe, 

  adore, and love.

       ~ E. B. Pusey, from Daily Strength 

                  for Daily Needs

The Everlasting Arms

The eternal God is your refuge,
    and underneath are 

        the everlasting arms.

 

                                  - Deuteronomy 33:27

I tread no path in life 

    to Him unknown,

I lift no burden, 

    bear no pain, alone;

My soul a calm, sure 

    hiding place has found:

The everlasting arms 

    my life surround.

 

                                  - Robert Browning

As He Unfolds The Rose

I'll trust Him for His leading  

Each moment of every day  

And I'll look to Him for His guidance

Each step of the pilgrim way

For the pathway that lies before me  

My heavenly Father knows  

I'll trust Him to unfold the moments  

Just as He unfolds the rose

  

                              ~ Unknown

Confidence In God

It is His will that I should cast 

    my care on Him each day. 

He also bids me not to cast 

    my confidence away. 

But O, how foolishly I act 

    when taken unaware. 

I cast away my confidence 

    and carry all my care.

                               - James Seward

The Sheep Thinks It Knows

The sheep thinks it knows

    where it should be going;

The clay pot thinks it knows

    when it should be done;

The vine thinks it knows

    when pruning should be over;

But the Sovereign Lord does

    what's best for each one.

The sheep is not responsible 

          for running the ranch -

               the Shepherd is. 

The clay pot is not controlling 

          the  potter’s wheel -

               the Potter is.

The vine is not in charge 

           of the garden -

               the Gardener is.

Forever God Is Faithful

Give thanks to the Lord  

Our God and King  

His love endures forever  

For He is good, He is above all things  

His love endures forever  

Sing praise, sing praise

With a mighty hand  

And outstretched arm  

His love endures forever  

For the life that's been reborn  

His love endures forever

Sing praise, sing praise  

Sing praise, sing praise

Forever God is faithful  

Forever God is strong  

Forever God is with us  

Forever

From the rising to the setting sun  

His love endures forever  

By the grace of God  

We will carry on  

His love endures forever

Sing praise, sing praise  

Sing praise, sing praise  

Forever God is faithful  

Forever God is strong  

Forever God is with us  

Forever  

Forever

Sing praise, sing praise  

Sing praise, sing praise  

Oh, sing praise, sing praise  

Sing praise, sing praise

Forever You are faithful  

Forever You are strong  

Forever You are with us  

Forever  

Forever

                             - Chris Tomlin