You never let go

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won’t turn back

I know You are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

Chorus: Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We’ll live to know You here on the earth

Chorus:

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Matt Redman's "You never let go"

Are you real?

"Until you have given up your self to Him you will not have a real self."

C. S. Lewis, from Mere Christianity

Music in the sinner's ears

"Jesus! the name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease; ’Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’Tis life, and health, and peace. He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me."

...vs. 3 and 4 of "O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING," by Charles Wesley. Originally a poem written in the late 1730's, this hymn has been widely sung among believers across both hemispheres; it also happens to be one of my favorites. One might ask, "How can a revamped poem from the 18th century be so enjoyable?" Basically, it is because its words rephrase biblical truths and convey much hope to a sinner like me. To be reminded of the power of Jesus Christ who has canceled our debts against Him, set us free from our bondage to sin, made us totally clean before God, all by the shedding of His perfect blood is certainly good news to my ears and my heart.

If you are tempted to feel sad, to fear, to be depressed, discouraged, or disappointed, look to these truths and to the work our Savior has done. Pray that God would allow you to see more closely the things that He has done in your life, and what He will yet do. In this, He will charm your fears, your sorrows will cease, you shall have great joy, and peace will be added to your portion. Thus far, God has not yet failed in this, and His word tells me that He never will.

Ashley

Please continue to pray for a little girl named Ashley, who is suffering from various illnesses and medical complicatins. She and her family are struggling as they are all separated right now (some in Nebraska and some in Texas) during her treatments. Pray that God would heal her, and that her family could live together under the same roof again. Pray that they would have faith and not lose hope. Pray that God would make himself known to all those around her, and that he would receive glory in all things. http://ashleyadamsjournal.blogspot.com/

Joy that is inexpressible

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

1 Peter 1: 3-9

A little child is easily quieted and amused with gaudy toys and dolls and rattles, so long as it is not hungry; but once let it feel the cravings of nature within, and we know that nothing will satisfy it but food. So it is with man in the matter of his soul. Music and flowers and candles and incense and banners and processions and beautiful vestments and confessionals and man-made ceremonies of a semi-Romish character may do well enough for him under certain conditions. But once let him 'awake and arise from the dead', and he will not rest content with these things. They will seem to him mere solemn triflings and a waste of time. Once let him see his sin, and he must see his Saviour.
J.C. Ryle

Weddings

Why do we get all tingly and emotional at weddings? Is it because of the music? Does it remind us of that spectacular moment when we found our own true love? Or is it because it's usually just so darn hot in those ceremonies?! In any case, I like them. Congratulations Rex & Lisa.