Cross

The cross. The cross must be borne, carried; we are not at liberty to step over it, or go round to avoid it. Richard Baxter

 

Then said Jesus unto His disciples, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24).

 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle, to the glory of God: Lift High the Cross: 

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim, till all the world adore his sacred name (George W. Kitchin, 1887).

God's Purposes

God's purposes always have Gods provision.  John Blanchard.

 

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20).

 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: 

Who Is On the Lord's Side?

 ---- Fierce may be the conflict, strong may be the foe, but the King's own army none can over throw; round his standards ranging, vic-t'ry is secure; for his truth unchanging makes the triumph sure. Joyfully enlisting by thy grace divine, we are on the Lord's side, Savior, we are thine (fourth stanza). --- Frances R. Havergal, 1877

Gratitude

A grateful mind is both a great and happy mind. ---- William Secker

 

O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people. Remember His marvelous works that He has done; His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth; for He remembered His holy promise...and He brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen with gladness...  Praise ye the LORD (Psalm 105:1-43, 45a).

 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle, to the glory of God: Let Us Praise God Together: "Let us praise God together, let us praise; let us praise God together all our days. He is faithful in all His ways, He is worthy of all our praise, His name be exalted on high." -----(James E. Seddon, 1982) 

Wisdom

The wisdom that guides believers to heaven is found in God's answers to believing, undoubting prayer. ---- Alec Motyer.

 

Wisdom from God: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ...If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously unto all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting... (James 1:2-6a).

 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle, to the glory of God:

What a Friend We Have in Jesus. 

"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God  in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer" (Joseph Scriven, ca. 1855).

 

Revelation

The doctrines of revelation are coals of heavenly fire on the altar of the religious heart. ---- Alexander Whyte

 

Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? (Jeremiah 23:29).

 

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired ae they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb (Psalm 19:7-10).  

Thine Be The Glory

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son;

   endless is the victory Thou o'er death hast won;

angels in bright raiment

   rolled the stone away,

kept the folded grave-clothes

   where the body lay.

 

Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb;

   lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom;

Let the Church with gladness

   hymns of triumph sing,

for her Lord now liveth

   death hath lost its sting.

 

No more we doubt Thee,

   glorious Prince of life;

life is naught without Thee;

   aid us in our strife;

Make us more than conquerors,

   through Thy deathless love;

bring us safe through Jordan

   to Thy home above.

 

Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the victory Thou o'er death hast won! 

Edmund Budry, 1884

Endurance

When you get in trouble for righteousness, God doesn't send somebody, He shows up Himself. ---- Anonymous

 

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when HIs glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you (I Peter 4:12-14).

 

A hymn to read, sing, hum, or whistle to the glory of God: GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, JEHOVAH. Give thanks unto the Lord, Jehovah. In a large place the Lord has set me; in my distress He heard my cry. I will not fear; the Lord is with me ---- what can man do, when God is nigh? The Lord is chief among my helpers; and I shall see my foes o'er-thrown:  far better than in man or princes, my trust I place in God alone (second stanza). From Psalm 118:1-9, 17-25. Strasbourg Psalter, 1545.