Tried With Fire

1 Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in His hand Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand. 2 King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth He stood, Lord of lords, in human vesture - in the body and the blood. He will give to all the faithful His own self for heavenly food. 3 Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its wings on the way, as the Light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day, that the pow'rs of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away. 4 At His feet the six-winged seraph, cherubim, with sleepless eye, veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, “Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, Lord most high!”

1. Sometimes a light surprises The Christian while he sings; It is the Lord Who rises With healing in His wings: When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again A season of clear shining, To cheer it after the rain 2. In holy contemplation We sweetly then pursue The theme of God’s salvation, And find it ever new; Set free from present sorrow, We cheerfully can say, Let the unknown tomorrow Bring with it what it may. 3. Tomorrow can bring us nothing, But He will bear us through: Who gives the lilies clothing Will clothe His people, too: Beneath the spreading heavens No creature but is fed; And He Who feeds the ravens Will give His children bread. 4. Though vine nor fig tree neither Their wonted fruit should bear, Though all the fields should wither, Nor flocks or herds be there Yet, God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice; For, while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice. Words: William Cowper, Kevin Twit Music: Kevin ...

Chorus: To see the Law by Christ fulfilled, To hear His pardoning voice, Changes a slave into a child And duty into choice. 1. No strength of nature can suffice To serve the Lord aright And what she has, she misapplies, For want of clearer light. 2. How long beneath the Law I lay In bondage and distress I toiled the precept to obey, But toiled without success. 3. Then to abstain from outward sin Was more than I could do Now if I feel its power within I feel I hate it too. 4. Then all my servile works were done, A righteousness to raise Now, freely chosen in the Son, I freely choose His ways. (The album only has verses 2 & 4) Words: William Cowper Music: Kevin Twit

1. Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song, The joy of my heart. and the boast of my tongue; Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last, Hath won my affections, and bound my soul fast. 2. Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here; Sin would reduce me to utter despair; But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive, And He that first made me still keeps me alive. 3. Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart, Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart; Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground, And weep to the praise of the mercy I’ve found. 4. Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own, And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son; All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine. All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine. Words: John Stocker Music: Sandra McCracken

1. On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand, And cast a wishful eye To Canaan’s fair and happy land, Where my possessions lie. 2. All o’er those wide extended plains, Shines one eternal day; There God the Son forever reigns, And scatters night away. Chorus: I am bound (I am bound) I am bound (I am bound) I am bound for promised land, I am bound (I am bound) I am bound (I am bound) I am bound for promised land. 3. No chilling winds nor poisonous breath Can reach that healthful shore; Sickness, sorrow, pain and death, Are felt and feared no more. (Repeat chorus) 4. When shall I reach that happy place, And be forever blessed? When shall I see my Father’s face, And in His bosom rest? (Repeat chorus) Words: Samuel Stennett  Music: Christopher Miner

1. Upon a Life I have not lived, Upon a Death I did not die, Another’s Life; Another’s Death, I stake my whole eternity. 2. Not on the tears which I have shed, Not on the sorrows I have known, Another’s tears; Another’s griefs, On these I rest, on these alone. Chorus: O Jesus, Son of God, I build on what Thy cross has done for me; There both my death and life I read, my guilt, and pardon there I see. 3. Lord, I believe; O deal with me, As one who has Thy Word believed! I take the gift, Lord, look on me, As one who has Thy gift received. (Chorus) Words: Horatius Bonar, Music: Kevin Twit

1. Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched, Weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus, ready, stands to save you, Full of pity, joined with power. He is able, He is able; He is willing; doubt no more. 2. Come ye needy, come, and welcome, God's free bounty glorify; True belief and true repentance, Every grace that brings you nigh. Without money, without money Come to Jesus Christ and buy. 3. Come, ye weary, heavy laden, Bruised and broken by the fall; If you tarry 'til you're better, You will never come at all. Not the righteous, not the righteous; Sinners Jesus came to call. 4. Let not conscience make you linger, Nor of fitness fondly dream; All the fitness He requires Is to feel your need of Him. This He gives you, this He gives you, 'Tis the Spirit's rising beam. 5. Lo! The Incarnate God, ascended; Pleads the merit of His blood. Venture on Him; venture wholly, Let no other trust intrude. None but Jesus, none but Jesus Can do helpless si...

In the day when silent sorrow Seems to shake me to the core Then I hear the heavenly comfort, "You will weep no more." God Himself will dry your tears God Himself will soothe your fears In the day when earthly weakness Weighs your weary spirit down All around you seems a burden All above you seems a frown God Himself will dry your tears God Himself will soothe your fears In the day when sin oppresses And the battle rages strong When the victory seems doubtful Or triumphant seems the wrong God Himself will dry your tears God Himself will soothe your fears God Himself will dry your tears God Himself will soothe your fears Oh I hear the heavenly comfort, "You will weep no more." © 2016 Detuned Radio Music. Written by Matthew S. Smith, based in part on a text by Horatius Bonar.

I journey forth rejoicing From this dark vale of tears To heavenly joy and freedom From earthly bonds and fears Where Christ our Lord shall gather All His redeemed again, His kingdom to inherit-- Goodnight, goodnight till then Why thus so sadly weeping Beloved ones of my heart? The Lord is good and gracious Though now He bids us part Oft have we met in gladness And we shall meet again All sorrow left behind us-- Goodnight, goodnight till then I go to see His glory Whom we have loved below I go, the blessed angels The holy saints to know. Our lovely ones departed I go to find again And wait for you to join us-- Goodnight, goodnight till then I hear the Savior calling-- The joyful hour has come The angel-guards are ready To guide me to our home Where Christ our Lord shall gather All His redeemed again, His kingdom to inherit-- Goodnight, goodnight till then

Words by Henry Lyte  Music by Bill Moore 1. Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee. Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be. Perish every fond ambition, All I’ve sought or hoped or known. Yet how rich is my condition! God and heaven are still my own. 2. Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Savior, too. Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like them, untrue. O while Thou dost smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might, Foes may hate and friends disown me, Show Thy face and all is bright. 3. Man may trouble and distress me, ’Twill but drive me to Thy breast. Life with trials hard may press me; Heaven will bring me sweeter rest. Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me While Thy love is left to me; Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me, Were that joy unmixed with Thee. 4. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure, Come disaster, scorn and pain In Thy service, pain is pleasure, With Thy favor, loss is gain I have called Thee Ab...

1. From the cross uplifted high Where the Savior deigns to die What melodious sounds I hear Bursting on my ravished ear Love¹s redeeming work is done Come and welcome, sinner, come. 2. Sprinkled now with blood the throne Why beneath thy burdens groan On my pierced body laid Justice owns the ransom paid Bow the knee and kiss the Son Come and welcome, sinner, come. 3. Spread for thee the festal board See with richest dainties stored To thy Father¹s bosom pressed Yet again a child confessed Never from His house to roam Come and welcome, sinner, come. 4. Soon the days of life shall end Lo, I come, your Savior, Friend Safe your spirit to convey To the realms of endless day Up to my eternal home. Come and welcome, sinner, come. Come and welcome, sinner, come. Words - Thomas Hawels, Music - Matthew Perryman Jones

1. Poor sinner come, cast off thy fear, And raise thy drooping head Come, sing with all poor sinners here, Jesus, who once was dead 2. Salvation sing no word more meet To join to Jesus' name Let every thankful tongue repeat "Salvation to the Lamb", "Salvation to the Lamb" 3. Saints from the garden to the cross Your conquering Lord pursue Who, dearly to redeem your loss Groaned, bled, and died for you 4. Now reigns victorious over death The glorious great I am Let every soul repeat with faith Salvation to the Lamb. Salvation to the Lamb 5. When we incurred the wrath of God Alas! What could be worse? He came, and with His heart's own blood Redeemed us from the curse 6. This Paschal Lamb, his blood can meet And cleanse ye from each stain Repeat, ye ransomed souls, repeat "Salvation to the Lamb." "Salvation to the Lamb." Words - Justin Smith, Joseph Hart.  Music - Justin Smith

Though troubles assail and dangers affright, Though friends should all fail and foes all unite; Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide, The scripture assures us, the Lord will provide The birds without barn or storehouse are fed, From them let us learn to trust for our bread: His saints, what is fitting, shall ne'er be denied, So long as it's written, the Lord will provide We may, like the ships, by tempest be tossed On perilous deeps, but cannot be lost. Though Satan enrages the wind and the tide, The promise engages, the Lord will provide. His call we obey, like Abram of old, Not knowing our way, but faith makes us bold; For though we are strangers we have a good Guide, And trust in all dangers, the Lord will provide When Satan appears to stop up our path, And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith; He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried, This heart-cheering promise, the Lord will provide He tells us we're weak, our hope is in vain, The good that we seek we ...

1. To Christ the Lord let every tongue Its noblest tribute bring When He’s the subject of the song Who can refuse to sing? Survey the beauties of His face And on His glories dwell Think of the wonder of His grace And all His triumphs tell 2. Majestic sweetness sits enthroned Upon His awful brow His head with radiant glories crowned His lips with grace overflow No mortal can with Him compare Among the sons of men Fairer He is than all the fair That fill the Heavenly train 3. He saw me plunged in deep distress He fled to my relief For me He bore the shameful cross And carried all my grief His hand a thousand blessings pours Upon my guilty head His presence gilds my darkest hours And guards my sleeping bed 4. To Him I owe my life and breath And all the joys I have He makes me triumph over death And saves me from the grave To Heaven the place of His abode He brings my weary feet Shows me the glories of my God And makes my joy complete 5. Since from Hi...

Words - William Sleeper, Music - Greg Thompson 1. Out of my bondage, sorrow and night, Jesus, I come; Jesus I come. Into Thy freedom, gladness and light, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of my sickness into Thy health, Out of my wanting and into Thy wealth, Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee. 2. Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come. Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm, Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm, Out of distress into jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee. 3. Out of unrest and arrogant pride, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come. Into Thy blessed will to abide, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out of myself to dwell in Thy love, Out of despair into raptures above, Upward forever on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to Thee. 4. Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come. Into the joy and light of Thy home, Jesus, I come to Thee. Out ...

Words - Charles Wesley, Music - Greg Thompson 1. Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high. Hide me, O my Savior, hide, ’Til life’s storm is past; Safe into the haven guide; Receive my soul at last. 2. Other refuge have I none, I helpless, hang on Thee; Leave, oh leave me not alone, Support and comfort me. All my trust on Thee is stayed, All help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head In the shadow of Thy wing. 3. Thou, O Christ, are all I want, Here more than all I find; Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind. Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness; False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace. 4. Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin; Let the healing streams abound; Make and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art, Let me take of Thee; Spring Thou up within my heart; For all eter...

Words by William Walsham How . Music by Christopher Minor 1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest, Who Thee by faith before the world confessed, Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Allelu... 2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might; Thou, Lord, their captain in the well fought fight; Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light. Alleluia, Allelu... 3. O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, And win with them the victor's crown of gold. Alleluia, Allelu... 4. The golden evening brightens in the west; Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest; Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed. Alleluia, Allelu... 5. But lo! There breaks a yet more glorious day; The saints triumphant rise in bright array; The King of glory passes on his way, Alleluia, Allelu... 6. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, Through gates of pearl ...

I normally post an excerpt from a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon, but my reading this week brought this hymn by William Cowper (1731-1800) to mind. This is very good news indeed. No strength of nature can suffice To serve the Lord aright: And what she has she misapplies, For want of clearer light. How long beneath the law I lay In bondage and distress; I toil'd the precept to obey, But toil'd without success. Then, to abstain from outward sin Was more than I could do; Now, if I feel its power within, I feel I hate it too. Then all my servile works were done A righteousness to raise; Now, freely chosen in the Son, I freely choose His ways. "What shall I do," was then the word, "That I may worthier grow?" "What shall I render to the Lord?" Is my inquiry now. To see the law by Christ fulfilled And hear His pardoning voice, Changes a slave into a child, And duty into choice. Ph...

1. He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase, To added affliction He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace. His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men, For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth and giveth and giveth again. 2 When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half-done, When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, Our Father’s full giving is only begun. Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932) Annie Johnson Flint's life behind the words.