Songs In The Night

Exhortation To Prayer by William Cowper What various hindrances we meet In coming to a mercy seat! Yet who that knows the worth of prayer, But wishes to be often there? Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw, Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw, Gives exercise to faith and love, Brings every blessing from above. Restraining prayer, we cease to fight; Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright; And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees. While Moses stood with arms spread wide, Success was found on Israel's side; But when through weariness they fail'd, That moment Amalek prevail'd. Have you no words? Ah, think again, Words flow apace when you complain, And fill your fellow-creature's ear With the sad tale of all your care. Were half the breath thus vainly spent To heaven in supplication sent, Your cheerful song would oftener be, "Hear what the Lord has done for me." Romans 12:10-13 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brother...

These past two weeks at the Gospel Mission we started doing something new: having all the staff on the same page as far as Devotionals go. So our Chaplain decided to do a series on James, where each meal devotion covered the next few verses. Thinking about these different messages from the book of James (such as trials and their purposes, how our enticements to sin comes from inside us, friendship with the world being enmity with God, the tongue and how hard it is to tame our tongue and ourselves, how it is when we humble ourselves before the Lord that He lifts us up, and this last one of when we repent and return to the Lord, He removes the sickness/trial that He was using to chastise us), here is a James-inspired song that I wrote. When I think of depression and my past struggles with it, and not wanting to fall back into it, I often picture a chasm that I am standing on the brink of, looking down dizzily into it, and so scared of falling back into the pit I came out of - this song i...

Slow Down, Daddy! "Slow down, Daddy, I just can't run that fast!" The little voice calls out to you, as you walk on past. "Wait for me, Daddy, I'm trying hard to follow you..." Walking closely in your footsteps - where are you leading to? "Hey Daddy, hey Daddy, come take a look at me!" The call goes on unheeded; too caught up in your thoughts to see. "Come over here, Daddy, can you stop a minute and play?" The little voice laughs aloud, but you are distracted by your day. "Oh Daddy, guess what we learned in class today. Jesus loves me, this I know. And then we knelt to pray... Tell me Bible stories about Jesus - I really love those parts... I got saved today, Daddy, Jesus now lives in my heart!" "I love you, Daddy, I thought of you all day long... We had so much fun - but I miss you when you're gone. Good night, Daddy, it's been a long, long, day. I'm so sleepy, Daddy, but I love it when you pray." ...

It's Jesus There's a refuge to be found in the midst of life's storms, There's a peace so profound it will guard your heart from harm, Where is this shelter under the everlasting arms? It's Jesus. There's only one Saviour who died to make men free, One source of Living Water that flows abundantly, One plan of salvation - Are you thirsty? Come and see. It's Jesus. God was manifest in the flesh when He came down to earth, The Son of God who became a Man through the virgin birth, One sacrifice for sins forever - His love gives us worth, It's Jesus. There's only one sinless Man whose life He gave, Only one Man who arose victorious over the grave, There's only one Saviour who can ever save, It's Jesus. There's only one fountain of blood that can cleanse from all sin, Only one Spirit of Life that will dwell within, True righteousness is found only in Him - It's Jesus. October 22nd, 2003 (Edited slightly and added middle verse on February 19...

"Rock Of Ages" "Rock of Ages, cleft for me," Thoughtlessly the maiden sung; Fell the words unconsciously From her girlish, gleeful tongue. Sung as little children sing, Sung as sing the birds in June; Fell the words like bright leaves down On the current of the tune: "Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee!" "Let me hide myself in thee," Felt her soul no need to hide- Sweet the song as song could be, And she had no thought beside. All the words unheedingly Fell from lips untouched by care; Dreaming not that each might be On some other lips a prayer. "Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee!" "Rock of Ages, cleft for me-" 'Twas a woman sung them now Pleadingly and prayerfully; Every word her heart did know. Rose the song as storm-tossed bird Beats with weary wing the air- Ev'ry note with sorrow stirred, Every syllable a prayer- "Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee!...

Jacob's Well (The Samaritan Woman in John 4) About to draw some water from Jacob's well The Samaritan woman heard Him speak. She wondered, Who is this man; why is he here? He looks so wearied, dusty, and weak. You are a Jew, I am a lowly Samaritan, What have you to do with me? She tried to think, We are the ones you look down upon, We are your enemies, yet you ask for a drink. Who is this man that speaks of living water? He has nothing to draw with and the well is deep. What is this passion that I long after? This water, how can I obtain it? Is it mine to keep? And what is this - He speaks of eternal life? He offers a well springing up inside. How can he know I am a despised housewife? He knows my deepest shame, I cannot hide. He must be a prophet, he knows the true me. What can I ask him - Oh, let me see, "Sir, where is the place we are to worship God?" He speaks so boldly, yet the answer's odd. Salvation is of the Jews; yes, I've heard it before, But he goes...

Today Help me to place in Thy hands today The thing that my heart most fears— Tomorrow’s anguish and bitter pain, Tomorrow’s sorrows and tears; The long, long years, and the loneliness, The silence, the vacant chair . . . The grief of today is enough, dear Lord, But tomorrow’s I cannot bear! Ease Thou my burden and lighten my load Till only today is left. Soft comes His voice in the hush of my soul, “O broken heart, and bereft, “My grace is sufficient for thee today, Pillow upon My breast Thy weary head, in My circling arms Today thou shalt find rest. “Today I can meet thine every need, Today My love can fill The echoing chambers of thine heart. Then rest thee, and be still.” Be still and trust . . . tomorrow’s tears May all be wiped away By God Himself . . . O grieving heart, Thy Lord may come today! ~Martha Snell Nicholson~

I found this in one of my saved emails and wanted to post it along with the poem, to give the thoughts behind writing it: Dear friends, The following poem was written by Jerry Bouey in response to our article "Not Forgetting the Children." This is an excellent poem that truly conveys the spiritual truth we wanted to convey. It also speaks to the real spiritual problem in rearing our children to serve the Savior and why many fail to do so. We hope it is an encouragement to you. Pastor Terry L. Coomer Hope Biblical Counseling Center Terry, I just wanted to say thank you for all your messages. They are a blessing to me. I do not have children, but want to glean all the wisdom I can in preparation for a Godly home some day - if the Lord wills me to be married. Many of the points you emphasized today, as well as the main verse - Proverbs 23:26, were preached on at our church Sunday night. The Lord loves getting our attention and repeating what He wants His children to hear! ...

I have created a new blog for my devotional outlines. Please stop by and bookmark it if you are interested. I wanted to have an outlet to post less developed studies or outlines from messages I have preached at the Gospel Mission. I have entitled it A Shadow Of Things To Come Lord willing, I will be posting more regularly there, as I am still regularly preaching at the Mission, but don't always find the time to work on writing up my studies. The first few studies I will be posting will be a series I am currently preaching through on the I Ams of Jesus from the Gospel of John. The first sermon outline posted is pretty long ( I Am The Bread Of Life ), but most of them will not be anywhere near that length. These outlines will also contain links or quotes from other articles and poems that I have used in my devotionals. I have about 10-15 minutes to preach at a time, and sometimes I find a solid poem can really hit home the point after covering the related Bible passages. It is also ...

The Weaver My Life is but a weaving Between my Lord and me; I cannot choose the colors; He worketh steadily. Oft times He weaveth sorrow, And I, in foolish pride, Forget He sees the upper, And I the under side. Not til the loom is silent And the shuttles cease to fly, Shall God unroll the canvas And explain the reason why. The dark threads are as needful In the Weaver's skillful hand, As the threads of gold and silver In the pattern He has planned. He knows, He loves, He cares, Nothing this truth can dim. He gives His very best to those Who leave the choice with Him. ~Author Unknown~ (Doing an online search reveals various editions of this poem. Most editions do not contain the last stanza, so it was probably not part of the original poem - though it is a welcome addition to me.)

My Name Is I Am I was regretting the past and fearing the future. Suddenly my Lord was speaking: "My name is I AM" He paused. I waited. He continued, "When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WAS. When you live in the future, with its problems and fears, it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WILL BE. When you live in this moment it is not hard. I am here, My name is I AM." ~Helen Mallicoat~

The 23rd Psalm - Assurance THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD... That's Relationship! I SHALL NOT WANT... That's Supply! HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES... That's Rest! HE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS... That's Refreshment! HE RESTORETH MY SOUL... That's Healing! HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS... That's Guidance! FOR HIS NAME SAKE... That's Purpose! YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH... That's Challenge! I WILL FEAR NO EVIL... That's Assurance! FOR THOU ART WITH ME... That's Faithfulness! THY ROD AND THY STAFF THEY COMFORT ME... That's Shelter! THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES... That's Hope! THOU ANOINEST MY HEAD WITH OIL... That's Consecration! MY CUP RUNNETH OVER... That's Abundance! SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE... That's Blessing! AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD... That's Security! FOREVER... That...

Lately, I have been preaching on the I Ams of Jesus from the Gospel of John. Exodus 3:14  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. John 4:25-26  The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. John 8:58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. I Am Jesus I Am the Good Shepherd; I gave My life for My sheep. I Am the Resurrection and the Life - Your comfort when you weep. I Am the Light of the World That shines upon you each day - In this perilous journey of life, I Am the only Way. I Am the True Vine - There is no real living apart from Me. I Am the Door of Salvation; Eternal life is knowing Me. I Am the Messiah, who died From sin to set you free; For everything you are searching for - I that speak to you Am He. I Am the...

Luke 22:52-53 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. The Dark Tomb The Light of the world flickered and dimmed; The Lord of Glory was crucified. Darkness veiled the whole world from Him As blood poured from His wounds and side. His loved ones gathered around His cross, Heard, "It is finished," as Jesus cried - Their souls overwhelmed by grief and loss, Watched as He gave up His life and died. They laid Him in a rich man's tomb; Sealed His grave with a heavy stone. As night brought on its sorrow and gloom, His friends left - heavy-hearted and alone. Three dark days passed by - troubled by fears, While their Hope lay silent in the grave. Defeated, discouraged, filled with tears - Conquered by death? How then could He ...

Two worldviews contrasted - that of humanism/atheism (ie. the world's vain philosophies) versus that of true Christianity (ie. of faith). Which view is yours? Which one reflects the condition of your heart? Invictus Out of the night that covers me, Black as the Pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul. by William Ernest Henley The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God... Psalm 14:1 My Captain Out of the night that dazzles me, Bright as the sun from pole to pole, I thank the God I know to be For Christ the conqueror of my soul. Sinc...

O Lord, My Strength Thee will I love, O Lord, my strength, My rock, my tower, my high defense; Thy mighty arm shall be my trust, For I have found salvation thence. Death, and the terrors of the grave, Stood round me with their dismal shade; While floods of high temptations rose, And made my sinking soul afraid. I saw the opening gates of hell, With endless pains and sorrows there, Which none but they that feel can tell; While I was hurried to despair. In my distress I called my God, When I could scarce believe Him mine: He bowed His ear to my complaint, Then did His grace appear divine. With speed He flew to my relief, As on a cherub’s wing He rode; Awful and bright as lightning shone The face of my Deliverer, God. Temptations fled at His rebuke, The blast of His almighty breath; He sent salvation from on high, And drew me from the deeps of death. Great were my fears, my foes were great, Much was their strength, and more their rage; But Christ, my Lord, is conqueror still, In all the w...

This is one of two poems that offer a comforting look back (to the day a loved one went home to Heaven) and forward to spending eternity with the Lord ourselves. The first one is: Since Yesterday . Eternity I stood with God on the edge of the world, and my hand was in His hand. I looked down the road of the past, as it stretched away in the dim distance, till it was shrouded in the mists of time. And I knew it had no beginning, and a little chill wind of fear blew about my head. God asked, "Are you afraid?" And I said, "Yes, because I cannot understand how there can be no beginning." So God said, "Let us turn and face the other way." And I looked into glory, and my heart rejoiced with joy unspeakable. And then my mind went ahead, a billion, billion years, and I knew there would be no end, and again that little chill wind of fear began to blow. And God asked me again, "Are you afraid?" And I answered, "A little, because I cannot understand ho...

This is a poem written by a friend to comfort me, just hours before my Mom went home to be with the Lord, around 2 am on September 22nd/2005. I edited a couple of the words in it (and removed my name), so as to post a poem that could be a source of comfort to others and not just myself. I am not able to contact Theresa, so I hope she will not mind these few words changes. The original version (as well as words of comfort from her email) can be found on this page: God's Grace In Our Trials . I am printing up a second edition of my poetry book, The Seasons Of Your Pilgrimage , and this is one of the poems I will be adding to the 2nd edition, as a testimony to the comfort these words offered me and my sister at the time of our Mom's graduation to Heaven. I hope it is a blessing to you. Prayer For Comfort Father, bless my friend today, as he trusts You in his pain, This one who's leaving him, he knows, will surely live again. He loves You, Lord, and he is holding to Your loving...

The New Testament Matthew portrays Christ as a great King, As through it’s wondrous discourses ring; The Mighty man, the princely Prince, Matthew, the author, set to evince. Mark sees Jesus as a humble servant, Who preaches a message of Truth so fervent; And teaches of the Miraculous One, The Christ, God’s beloved Son. Luke, who sees Him as a Man, The doctor sees as few people can; The suffering Christ depicted here, The human aspect, a human tear. John sees Christ as Almighty God, Deity, Israel’s Mighty Ephod; Deals with the spirit and souls of men, With eternal life, world without end. Acts, the Book of the church’s zeal, The book with the apostles’ mighty seal; The acts of holy men of old, Has the gospel story often told. The Romans, written to Christians in Rome, By Paul himself, from his prison home; Full of doctrines and practical Truth, For men in their prime, or in their youth. First Corinthians with errors exposed, The church rebuked, its judgment imposed; Many chapters of lov...

No Other Way? Is there no other way open, God, Except through sorrow, pain, and loss, To stamp Christ’s likeness on my soul - No other way except the cross? And then a voice stills all my soul, As stilled the waves of Galilee, "Can’st thou not bear the furnace heat If midst the flames I walk with thee? "I bore the cross. I know its weight. I drank the cup I hold for thee. Can’st thou not follow where I lead? I’ll give thee strength. Lean hard on Me." ~Author Unknown~ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28