Let Jesus ~ 2 Samuel 22:2-4

(stop at 2:36)
Let Jesus
©Deborah Bolack 2003
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let Jesus be your Lord,
is my constant prayer for you,
and may you always seek God’s wisdom,
knowing his word is true.
~
Let Jesus be your refuge from the struggles of this world.
Let Jesus be your strength, for the arm of flesh will fail.
Let Jesus be your Shepherd to guide you with his light.
Let Jesus be your rock and salvation, for in him alone is life.
~
Trust Jesus in your trials,
for he will bring you through,
and may you give God all the glory
in everything you do.
~
Let Jesus be your refuge from the struggles of this world.
Let Jesus be your strength, for the arm of flesh will fail.
Let Jesus be your Shepherd to guide you with his light.
Let Jesus be your rock and salvation, for in him alone is life.
~
Let Jesus be Lord.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

2 Corinthians 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Psalm 62: 6,7 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

2 Samuel 22:2-4a And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised:

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 This is my prayer for all of my children. Unfortunately, I haven’t always put this prayer into practise in my own life. I’ve often failed to seek God’s wisdom, even though I know his word is true. I haven’t always trusted him during the trials of my life, choosing instead to find my own way through. I’ve looked to others to be my refuge, rather than hiding my life in Christ. I’ve too often depended on my own strength, in spite of past failures. I’ve stumbled through dark days, while my Shepherd was waiting to guide me. I’ve tried to build on sinking sand instead of standing on the solid rock. There have been too many times that I’ve allowed the dead man inside me to take control when it’s only in Jesus that I have life. I’m ashamed that I haven’t been a better example. In spite of all my failings, I pray that my children will see that Jesus is the only refuge, strength and shepherd, and in Him alone is life and salvation.

Where Will You Leave Your Glory?

©Deborah Bolack 2004
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Where will you leave your glory

when you leave this world behind?
Where have you given your heart and soul?
Where have you spent your time?
~

Will it be in the souls you led to Christ;

in the children you have raised?
Will it be in a work you’ve done for the Lord;

in the difference your life made?
Or will your glory stand as a monument

that towers above your grave;
made by a man with marble and stone,

on a base of wood and hay?

~
Where will you leave your glory,

when you leave this world behind?
Where have you given your heart and soul?
Where have you spent your time?
~
Will it be in the houses and land you own;

in the money you have saved?
Will it be in the work you’ve done for the world;

in the name that you have made?
Or will your glory stand as a heritage,

extending beyond your grave,
made by a man in service to God,

on his faith in Jesus Christ?

~
Where will you leave your glory,

when you leave this world behind?
Where have you given your heart and soul?
Where have you spent your time?
~

What have you done for the Lord?

~~~

Isaiah 10:3 d ...and where will ye leave your glory?
1 Corinthians 3:12,13 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
2 Corinthians 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

~~~

When people tour my parents’ garden, my dad often will dig up a bit of a perennial for them to take home to plant. Although they could probably make a substantial amount of money selling their plants, my dad prefers to give them away. One day he jokingly said, “I’d rather have the glory.” I knew what he meant...the reward that comes from freely sharing our bounty and our gifts far outweighs any monetary reward the world might give. Of course, the ultimate gift that we can share is our faith in the Lord, and it’s often those little kindnesses toward others that open the door to share that gift.

Shortly after my conversation with Dad, I heard a message by Bro Sam Gipp called, "Where Will You Leave Your Glory?" A story he told about Fanny Crosby stayed with me. Apparently, she visited the grave of P.T. Barnum. As she felt around the very ornate monument, she commented on what the cost of such an elaborate memorial must have been. She then stated that her own grave should be marked by just a simple stone. That stone now sits just steps away from Barnum's and is one of the smallest in the cemetary. It reads simply," Aunt Fanny She hath done what she could Fanny J, Crosby"

I smiled, knowing I would soon be writing this song. Money and possessions are only temporary, and a monument in a cemetery will one day crumble, but we can lay up treasure in heaven by the way we live each day.

What a Work the Lord Can Do!

©Deborah Bolack 2006
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We’re siblings in a family, and at times we disagree,
but we’re here to serve our Saviour; there’s no time for rivalry.
God has placed us in this family, each with talents for his use.
If we all support each other, what a work the Lord can do!

What a work the Lord can do,

when we speak with love and grace;
When we lift each other up, and don’t need to be first place.
What a work the Lord can do, when we’re all in one accord;
When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, and we’re guided by his word.
　
We’re runners in this life’s race, and we’re looking for the prize,
but we’ve lost sight of our Saviour, if we’ll push someone aside.
God has placed us on our own track,

and he’s mapped out each one’s route.
If we’ll all just run our own race, what a work the Lord can do!

What a work the Lord can do,

when we speak with love and grace;
When we lift each other up, and don’t need to be first place.
What a work the Lord can do, when we’re all in one accord;
When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, and we’re guided by his word.
　
We’re soldiers in God’s army, contending for the faith.
We’ve been called to serve our Saviour;

stand for mercy, truth and grace.
God has placed us in this company;
we must help each other through.
If we’ll march as one together, what a work the Lord can do!

What a work the Lord can do,

when we speak with love and grace;
When we lift each other up, and don’t need to be first place.
What a work the Lord can do, when we’re all in one accord;
When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, and we’re guided by his word.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Philippians 2:3,4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Colossians 3:12,13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Luke 17:1 Then said he unto his disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come.

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God has created each of us with our own unique personality and he has given each of us specific talents. He doesn’t expect or want us all to be the same, or to serve him in exactly the same capacity. However, he does require that we serve him together, in our local church. Some are called to positions of leadership, while some of us are given ‘supporting roles.’ When we work in cooperation, not competition, what a work the Lord can do!

Fan the Flame

©Deborah Bolack 2003
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A young boy listens enraptured to the stories he’s told.
Declares with excitement, the message of old.
With no fear of men, his preaching is bold.
His heart is untarnished by the ways of this world.

~

Fan the flame! Never let it grow cold.
Fan the flame! Stir those embers ‘till they glow.
Fan the flame! Keep it burning for the Lord.
Fan the flame! Set a blaze across the world!

~

A young girl hastens to help out; doesn’t wait to be told.
Sings out with such passion, her praise to the Lord.
With love, and through tears, she tells of God’s word.
Her heart is so burdened with the needs of this world.

~
Fan the flame! Never let it grow cold.
Fan the flame! Stir those embers ‘till they glow.
Fan the flame! Keep it burning for the Lord.
Fan the flame! Set a blaze across the world!
~
They are so tender and open for God’s hand to mold.
So eager to serve him, whatever the roll.
Oh, kindle the fire in each youthful soul,
and pray they stay yielded to the Spirit’s control.
~

Fan the flame! Never let it grow cold.
Fan the flame! Stir those embers ‘till they glow.
Fan the flame! Keep it burning for the Lord.
Fan the flame! Set a blaze across the world!
~

Keep it burning for the Lord!

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Hebrews 3:13a But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day;
Acts 14:22a Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith,

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Our son, Justin, has always shown an interest in the things of God, but to see him, at the age of eight, prepare to preach a message for his Sunday School class was amazing! I couldn’t have been happier. Around the same time, a young lady in our church was preparing for service on the mission field. As I watched her around our church, she was always busy; helping out wherever she could, and taking time to play with all the little children. It’s a wonderful thing to see a child or teenager who is on fire for the Lord, and not something to be taken for granted. Praise God when a young man wants to get up before the congregation and preach the word! Get excited when a young person declares that God has called them into full time service as a missionary or preacher! Even the desire of a small child to sing and recite memory verses for the Lord should thrill the hearts of parents. It’s so important to kindle that fire; that passion for the Lord! Our kids and young people need all the encouragement they can get.

Sitting In the Window ~ Acts 20:9a

Acts 20:9a And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus,

©Deborah Bolack 2002
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He’s sitting in the window, checking out the view;
wondering which way he should go, questioning what is true.
He’s sitting with one foot in, leaning further out.
Feeling the tug of some sin, he’s giving in to his doubts.
~

Someone’s sitting in the window, choosing for eternity.
A view of the Saviour is their heart’s greatest need.
To see his grace and love shine through you and me,
May pull them through that window to faith that sets them free.

(short instrumental)

She’s sitting in the window, seeing things so new;
Feeling so very alone, desiring what is true.
She’s peaking in from the world, edging further in.
Feeling the tug of the Lord, she’s longing for peace within.
~
Someone’s sitting in the window, choosing for eternity.
A view of the Saviour is their heart’s greatest need.
To see his grace and love shine through you and me,
May pull them through that window to faith that sets them free.
~

Help pull them through that window to faith that sets them free.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Acts 20:9a And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus,

The story behind the song:

  He sat with his Bible in his lap, staring straight ahead. His sullen expression was all too familiar...I'd seen it on my own son's face so many times.
What was he thinking? I wondered.
 He was sitting in Church, surrounded by family and friends, but I could picture him sitting, gazing out a window...It was a window looking out on the world, where everyone seemed to be laughing and having a great time. I could see his desire to go out there and find what he might be missing. Now and then he would glance toward his family, but with each passing moment, he leaned further out the window. I wondered how long it would be before he gave in to his doubts.
 I also wondered what part we, his church family, may have played in nudging him toward that window. I remembered the day he stood before the congregation, giving his testimony. I saw his desire to serve the Lord. What had happened to quench that flame?
 My heart aches for these young people who are so filled with questions, doubts and fears. They aren't able to walk by faith; they need something tangible. They need to see God's grace and His love, and they can only see it if it's shining through you and me.
 What he doesn't realize is that on the other side of that window is someone else looking in. She's longing for a glimpse of something real that she can trust and hold on to in a world where smiles and laughter are often just a mask.

   So many kids who grow up in church go through a period of questioning and doubting. Some of them feel like they are missing out, and are drawn to the world. They’re in church, but they’re on the verge of walking away. Saved or lost, these kids are about to make a decision that will have lasting consequences. On the other hand, there are kids who have not been raised in church, and know very little, if anything about God or Christ. Some have experienced pain and rejection, even abuse, or perhaps they just have the feeling that something is missing in their life. Sometimes those kids have an opportunity to visit church, or to spend time with a Christian family. Whether they are looking out, or peaking in from the world, these kids all have the same need; Jesus Christ! They need to see that the love of Christ is real. Seeing the Lord at work in our lives may be what makes the difference in which way they choose to go.

Take The High Road ~ Proverbs 16:17

Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

 Sometimes when we make poor choices in life, we’d like to be able to blame God, and say he led us along the path we took. But often, we didn’t really seek God’s direction or guidance, before taking that fork in the road. Oh sure, we prayed about it, but did we really wait for the Lord’s answer, or did we just jump in and go our own way? And before we know it we find ourselves at a dead end, and wonder how we got there. 

 Thankfully, it’s never too late to ask God for directions. He’s always there, waiting for us to let him take the wheel. Sadly though, taking the wrong path often has negative consequences that don’t suddenly go away once we put God in control again. So, before we make that detour, we better check the map, and make sure that the Lord is the one who put the roadblocks up!

Proverbs 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

Jeremiah 31:21a Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway,

Proverbs 4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

Forgiveness Flows Gently Ephesians 4:1-3

©Deborah Bolack 2003
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Like a stone thrown in a river,

the wounds of a friend or a foe
should cause but a little ripple,

then be lost in the water’s flow.

Forgiveness flows gently from Jesus

on the billows of his living stream,
When I rest in the strength of his meekness,

forgiveness flows gently through me.

Like my footprints by the ocean,

all trace of the teardrops I’ve cried
will last but a passing moment,

washed away by the ebbing tide.

Forgiveness flows gently from Jesus

on the billows of his living stream,
When I rest in the strength of his meekness,

forgiveness flows gently through me.

(bridge) From the depth of Jesus love

flows a wellspring in my heart,
giving power to overcome,

and strength to rise above.

Forgiveness flows gently from Jesus

on the billows of his living stream,
When I rest in the strength of his meekness,

forgiveness flows gently through me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Psalm 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God great price.

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I think when people hear the word meek, they sometimes mistake it for the word weak. In reality the two words couldn’t be more different. When I think of meekness, I think of a person with great patience, who is able to endure difficult circumstances without reacting adversely; someone who has compassion and empathy, and the ability to stay calm and even tempered, no matter what comes. That is not to say they don’t feel emotions such as hurt and rejection, but that they have a strength that makes them able to forgive and to let those feelings go without holding onto a bitter spirit.
How I long to be a person of meekness! I know that in Christ, that depth of character is possible. If only I could learn to rest in him, and draw on his strength in every situation, he would give me the power to walk through any ordeal with grace.

Words Fitly Spoken, Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

(stop play bar when song ends at 4:00,)
©Deborah Bolack 2000
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When you see someone that's hurting, do you say,

“Friend, come let’s pray,”
and do you share their burden, and brighten up their day?
Do you give them some comfort, as the word of God you share,
or do you ease their heartache, by showing that you care?

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

When a loved one who’s estranged seems to be 
weighing on your heart,
don’t let the moment pass by; just call or send that card.
You’ll quickly mend some fences when you take that step of faith,
for there’s no wound or chasm too deep for God’s great grace.

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

When a long forgotten friend suddenly comes into your mind,
don’t push that thought aside; don’t say I’ll waste my time.
A friendly hand extended may just help someone in need,
so kindle an old friendship, and allow the Lord to lead.

When we heed the Spirit’s prodding

to share God’s love and grace,
we’ll never have regrets for the choices we have made.
And we may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

We can make a difference with a few words fitly spoken.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Philippians 2:1,2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  I have to confess that this is an area where I need to do better. I’m never quite sure what to say when someone has lost a loved one, or they’re coping with a serious illness. My heart goes out to them, and I pray for them, but those ‘words fitly spoken’ don’t always come out when I want them too. I know there have been times in my own life when it would have helped to just have someone come and offer to pray. Just knowing that someone cares enough to lift us up in prayer makes our burdens that much easier to bear.
There have also been times when someone has come to my mind, and I’ve planned to send a note or a card, but never did. I’ll never know what the Lord had planned, because I didn’t heed his prodding.

Make Things Right

©Deborah Bolack 2000
(stop at end of song)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So many times I stumble over hurt and wounded pride.

So many times I fail to look to Jesus as my guide.

I take my eyes off him, and dwell on each small slight,

forgetting that forgiveness is the way to make things right.

Lord, help me let go the hurt, and put bitterness aside.

Renew a right spirit within me; let joy and peace abide.

Give me a tender heart, and teach me to forgive.

Lord, help me make things right, each and every day I live.

So many times I'm humbled by such mercy shown to me.

So many times I fail to see the way your eyes would see.

I'll set my eyes on you, and dwell within your light.

Forgiving and forgetting are the way to make things right.

Lord, help me let go the hurt, and put bitterness aside.

Renew a right spirit within me; let joy and peace abide.

Give me a tender heart, and teach me to forgive.

Lord, help me make things right, each and every day I live.

Help me make things right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~