Tried With Fire

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...

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

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...

1. Rock of Ages, when the day seems long From this labor and this heartache, I have come The skies will wear out, but you remain the same Rock of Ages, I praise your name 2. Rock of Ages, you have brought me near You have poured out your life-blood, your love, your tears To make this stone heart come alive again Rock of Ages, forgive my sin. Chorus: Rock of ages. Rock of ages. Bind your children until the kingdom comes. Rock of ages your will be done 3. Rock of Ages, when in want or rest, My desperate need for such a Savior I confess Pull these idols out from my heart embrace. Rock of Ages, I need your grace. 4. Rock of Ages, broken scorned for me. Who am I that you would die to make me free? To give me glory, (you) took the death and pain. Rock of Ages, my Offering. 5. Rock of Ages, "It is done!" you cried. The curtain's torn and I see justice satisfied Now write your mercy, on my heart and hands. Rock of ages, in faith I stand. 6. Rock of Ages, my great hope secure. Y...

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 ...

Words by William Gadsby, music by Katy Bowers and Matthew Perryman Jones 1. Poor sinner, dejected with fear, Unbosom thy mind to the Lamb; No wrath on His brow He does wear, Nor will He poor mourners condemn; His arm of omnipotent grace Is able and willing to save; A sweet and a permanent peace He’ll freely and faithfully give. 2. Come just as thou art, with thy woe, Fall down at the feet of the Lamb; He will not, He cannot say, “Go”, But surely will take out thy stain A fountain is opened for sin, And thousands its virtues have proved He’ll take thee, and plunge thee therein, And wash thee from filth in His blood. 3. The soul that on Jesus relies, He’ll never, no never deceive; He freely and faithfully gives More blessings than we can conceive; Yea, down to old age He will keep, Nor will He forsake us at last; He knows and is known by His sheep; They’re His, and He will hold them fast.

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 Abba Father, ...

This song is very fitting given current events and Sunday's sermon by a visiting pastor: Music and text by Kevin Twit and Mac Purdy, sung by Matthew Perryman Jones ©1995

We learned this retuned hymn on Sunday. The original verses are from a communion hymn by Horatius Bonar. edited: incorrect wording in title

Wonderful, comforting words for one of those days... O Heart Bereaved and Lonely , words by Fanny Crosby, tune by Christopher Miner, sung by Sandra McCracken 1. O heart bereaved and lonely, Whose brightest dreams have fled Whose hopes like summer roses, Are withered crushed and dead Though link by link be broken, And tears unseen may fall Look up amid thy sorrow, To Him who knows it all 2. O cling to thy Redeemer, Thy Savior, Brother, Friend Believe and trust His promise, To keep you till the end O watch and wait with patience, And question all you will His arms of love and mercy, Are round about thee still 3. Look up, the clouds are breaking, The storm will soon be o'er And thou shall reach the haven, Where sorrows are no more Look up, be not discouraged; Trust on, whate'er befall Remember, O remember, Thy Savior knows it all

My daughter was away for her June and July visitation back to back, so it was the longest time she's been away from home. Thankfully we were able to talk or Skype almost every day. When I hung up after speaking with her on Saturday, I realized that in all likelihood I will probably be alone for a good part of the rest of my life. At first it was a matter-of-fact acknowledgment, not a morbid pity party. But then the doubts started to creep in. "What will I do about [fill in the blank]? What will happen to me? Will I be okay?", etc. In my right mind, I do believe God's will is good and there will be grace for whatever He's ordained.  But if I'm honest, the unmortified part of my brain began to churn and fret. I could make excuses for myself and justify my right to be anxious, but the underlying unbelief that's coming to the surface is sin. It's a denial of God's character and questions whether or not He will keep  His word. It's the same old, ...