GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP 2017 IN-COUNTRY DEVOTIONAL

Transcription

1 GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP 2017 IN-COUNTRY DEVOTIONAL Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1 Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you - I whom you have delivered. -Psalm 71:23 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of his wonderful acts. -Psalm 105:2

2 Following two weeks of spiritual preparation looking at the expectations of living a Christian life, we now focus on our in-country devotions. Rather than relying on our usual attempt to call your attention to the majesty and glory of our Creator, the authority of His Word and His plans for us during the week, we will defer to some of history s greatest songwriters whose biblically based words have been a blessing to countless believers. Hymns are an essential part of our worship. They invite the Spirit of the Lord to enliven our spirit as we come before God. They often do this more quickly than anything else we may do. We are drawn nearer to God through music than through any other thing except prayer. Hymns can teach us, lift us up, and comfort us. What exactly is a hymn? A hymn is a song of praise. In ancient Greek culture, a hymnos was musical praise directed to the gods or heroes of the day. In Christianity, hymns are directed to the one true God, of course. God s people have sung hymns in honor of the Almighty since the time of Moses and before (Exodus 15:1). David sang the new song God gave him and taught others to sing a hymn of praise to our God (Psalm 40:3). Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn together at the Last Supper (Mark 14:26). The early church sang hymns as part of their regular gatherings (1 Corinthians 14:26). Paul and Silas, with their feet in stocks in a Philippian jail, were praying and singing hymns to God (Acts 16:25). Technically, a hymn is a metrical poem meant to be sung. The subject matter of a hymn is what distinguishes it from the psalms and spiritual songs mentioned in Ephesians 5:19. A hymn addresses and celebrates God and has the purpose of praise and adoration. Ephesians 5:18 19 says there is a direct connection between being filled with the Spirit and singing: Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. A Spirit-filled Christian is a singing Christian. Music is the natural overflow of a heart in fellowship with the Lord. The songs the church sings are not to be simply a musical exercise; they must be in the heart and not just in the mouth. The hymns the Spirit prompts are a means by which believers edify, encourage, and teach each other (see also Colossians 3:16). Hymns are a valuable aid to worship because they help to focus our attention on the goodness and glory of the Lord. The hymn How Great Thou Art, for example, reminds us of God s majesty revealed in creation, His perfect sacrifice on the cross, and His coming return for His own all matters of praise. Each day s devotional will focus on one of the great hymns of the Church. These great hymns teach scriptural truths in a form other than reading or preaching and serve to further reinforce those truths. Read or sing the words of each amazing hymn and consider anew God s holiness. Marvel at the amazing grace He demonstrates by saving sinful people. Read the words carefully. Do we always understand what we sing on Sunday mornings? Hopefully our team will gain a greater understanding of the power of Hymns as a critical component of our worship. Each day s hymn will be sung at the next day s morning devotion. LPC Mission Committee

3 Saturday, February 11 COME. LET US WORSHIP AND BOW DOWN (Psalm 95:6) Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker. Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand, just the sheep of His hand. (DOXOLOGY) PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSING FLOW Thomas Ken ( ) was an ordained Anglican priest. He served as Rector of several parishes, was briefly chaplain to Princess Mary, and later to the British fleet. He published many poems, along with a Manual of Prayers. After his parents died, Thomas was enrolled by his sister into an all-boy's school, Winchester College. He would return to the same school as Chaplain many years later. In order to motivate his students in their devotions, Thomas wrote a three stanza hymn -- one verse to be sung upon waking and one before bed. The third verse was to be sung at midnight, if a boy found sleep difficult. In Thomas' day, the writing of this hymn for such a purpose was somewhat revolutionary. For centuries hymns of the church were sung only by monks. Although at this point in history protestant churches in some countries were beginning to introduce hymns into congregational singing, it would be several years before England would officially sanction the practice For this reason, Thomas Ken has been called 'England's first hymnist.' The refrain to Thomas' hymn has since become one of the most widely-sung songs in the world, and is referred to in many circles simply as, The Doxology Towards the end of his life, Thomas Ken was imprisoned by King James II, for his forward Protestant thinking. Upon his release, he quietly retired from the priesthood and went to live with some friends until his death, on March 11, The Doxology was sung at his funeral. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Here I Am, Lord, also known as "I, the lord of sea and sky," is a well known Christian hymn written by Dan Schutte in Its words are based on Isaiah 6:8 and 1 Samuel 3. When I was a young Jesuit, studying theology in Berkeley, California, a friend came to me one day asked me for a favor. Dan, I know this is late notice, but I m planning the diaconate ordination ceremony and need a piece of music set to the text of Isaiah chapter 6. He saw the look of shock on my face knowing I was well aware that the ceremony was only three days away. I told him that I was sick with an awful case of the flu and didn t know if I could compose anything suitable in that short time.

4 I had always loved the particular Scripture passage (Isaiah 6) where God calls Isaiah to be his servant and messenger to the people and Isaiah responds with both hesitation and doubt, but also with a humble willingness to surrender to God. If it was going to work, it would have to be God's power and grace making it happen. Much like Isaiah I was not very sure that I could meet the request my friend had made, but I was willing to try. I sat at my desk with a blank music score in front of me and asking God to be my strength. As I sat there praying for help, I remembered the call of Samuel, where God came calling in the middle of the night and asked Samuel to do something beyond what he thought he was capable of. I worked for two days on the piece and I remember being exhausted. I was making last minute changes as I walked it over to my friend who lived several blocks away. I remember being very unsure of myself, but hoped that it would be what he had wanted for the ordination. And it was okay. It was more than okay. From the very beginning, people loved the piece and clearly identified with the dialogue between God and us that is the core of the song. In the years following, so many have spoken to me or written how they had their own experience of God "calling in the night" and being given the courage to respond. For me, the story of Here I Am, Lord tells of the God who overshadows us, giving power to our stumbling words and the simple works of our hands, and making them into something that can be a grace for people. The power God gives is far beyond what we could have planned or created. Here I am Lord I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin, my hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? Refrain Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them, my hand will save Finest bread I will provide, til their hearts be satisfied. I will give my life to them, whom shall I send? Refrain Read the three hymns/songs again. Think about the meaning of each line. Which line touches you? 1. Have you ever kneeled in prayer? Why is kneeling important? What does it signify? 2. Do you really believe that all good things are of God? If so, how do you show it? 3. Have you been sent to Guatemala by God? You are making their darkness bright by bearing the light of God to those you come in contact with. Prayer: Here I am Lord, it is I Lord. I have heard you calling in the night. I have come, Lord, and you are leading me. I will hold your people in my heart.

5 Sunday, February 12 HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Author: Reginald Hebner, Composer; John B. Dykes, Reginald Heber was a Bishop in the Church of England. He wrote the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty in 1826 for Trinity Sunday celebration (first Sunday after Pentecost). After Heber's unexpected death at age 43, his wife found the song amongst some of his writings, and passed it on to noted musician John B. Dykes, who composed and arranged the hymn. Heber wrote the lyrics for 57 hymns. During his lifetime his most famous hymn was "From Greenland's Icy Mountains," which exhorted missionary efforts to be made in the more difficult and remote cultures and climates. The hymn that has stood the test of time on earth, and whose words echo the ongoing worship of heaven, is the beautiful Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. The words of this incredible hymn emphasize the holiness of God. Saying that God is holy means that He is entirely separate or set apart from sin. He is pure and without blemish, while we are sinful. Sadly, these truths are often neglected or forgotten by believers today. Consider the reaction of Isaiah when he had a vision of God sitting on His throne. Seraphim around the throne covered their eyes and cried out, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory! (Isaiah 6:3). Keep in mind that Isaiah was undoubtedly a godly man and then think about how you might respond if you were in his place. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in Three Persons, bless'd Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love, and purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in Three Persons, bless'd Trinity! The words paraphrase Revelations 4:11: And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

6 BE THOU MY VISION Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. - Proverbs 29:18 Our visionary attitude throughout life is often the difference between success and mediocrity. For the Christian, vision is a true awareness of Christ in all of His fullness and enabling power. This ancient 8th century hymn text from Ireland is still meaningful for us today with its expression of a yearning for the presence and leading of God in our lives. The text states that when we allow God to have first place in our lives, He becomes our treasure; we care no more for the pursuit of riches or man s empty praise. The Irish poem was first translated into English in 1905 by Mary Byrne. Several years later Eleanor Hull put the prose into verse form. The melody for this hymn is a traditional Irish tune. Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art - thou my best thought, by day or by night; waking or sleeping, thy presence my light. Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word; I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord. Thou my great Father; thine own may I be, thou in me dwelling and I one with thee. Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise; thou mine inheritance, now and always; thou and thou only first in my heart, high King of heaven, my treasure thou art. High King of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven s joys, O bright heaven s sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all. Read the hymns again. Think about the meaning of each line. Which line touches you? Prayer: Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Teach me to come to you early each and every morning. Only you are holy, merciful and mighty. Every part of your creation cries out to you to praise your name and only your name. God give me vision of some task that I can do for you that will require me to completely rely on your enabling power to accomplish it well.

7 Monday, February 13 A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD Author & Composer: Martin Luther, This hymn is the work of the man who may be the most popular hymn writer yet: the great reformer, Martin Luther. Among his voluminous works, Luther wrote some 36 hymns. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, however, is far and away the most well-known. Based on Psalm 46, the hymn is a celebration of the sovereign power of God over all earthly and spiritual forces, and of the sure hope we have in him because of Christ. After its publication, it gained immense popularity throughout Reformed Europe. It was sung at Augsburg during the Diet, and in all the churches of Saxony, often against the protest of the priest. It was sung by poor Protestant emigrants on their way into exile, and by martyrs at their death. It is woven into the web of the history of Reformation times, and it became the true national hymn of Protestant Germany. The hymn became closely associated with Luther himself, as it embodied in its words and melody so much of the character of its author bold, confident, defiant in the face of opposition. This association is symbolized in the monument to Luther at Wittenberg where the first line of the lyrics was engraved on the base. There are at least 7 documented theories on the time and circumstances in which the hymn was written. The most likely story is that it was written in October 1527 as the plague was approaching. The evidence for this date is the printing history surrounding it (no copies beforehand, and a growing number of copies afterwards). There is debate about where the tune came from. In times past, it was believed to have been borrowed by Luther, perhaps from an old Gregorian melody. More recently, however, scholars are inclined to believe that Luther wrote it himself. A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing; Our shelter He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and pow r are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth is His name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle. And tho this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us; We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly pow rs No thanks to them abideth: The Spirit and the gifts are ours Thro Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; The body they may kill: God s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever. The song is to be sung boldly! How bold is your faith? How do you proclaim it?

8 Pray a prayer of thanks to God for reformers such as Martin Luther, who laid the foundations for our evangelical faith. And for those leaders today who a bold enough to say they will not stray with the culture that wants to mold scripture and God to their world view. GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS Author: Thomas O. Chisholm, Composer: William M. Runyan The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him. -Lamentations 3:22-24 You don t need to be rescued from life-threatening danger or see God s miraculous provision in the direst of financial crises to truly know the faithfulness of the Lord. God remains faithful day in and day out in the largest and smallest of circumstances. Thomas Chisholm wrote Great Is Thy Faithfulness 1n 1925 as a testament to God s faithfulness through his very ordinary life. Born in a log cabin in Franklin, Kentucky, Chisholm became a Christian when he was twenty-seven and entered the ministry when he was thirty-six, though poor health forced him to retire after just one year. During the rest of his life, Chisholm spent many years living in New Jersey and working as a life insurance agent. Still, even with a desk job, he wrote nearly 1,200 poems throughout his life, including several published hymns. Chisholm explained toward the end of his life, My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness. With each new day, God gives us the chance to prove His faithfulness. And throughout history, He s never once been proven wrong, for His mercies are new every morning, no matter what. Great Is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father! There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Though changest not, thy compassions, they fail not, as Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be. Refrain: Great Is Thy faithfulness, Great Is Thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me! Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, sun, moon, and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness to Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. Refrain Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Refrain 1. How bold is your faith? How do you proclaim it? 2. The spirit and the gifts are yours. Have you claimed them? 3. Do you constantly have an attitude of gratitude? 4. How great is your faithfulness? Pray for boldness of faith and the strength to proclaim it.

9 Tuesday, February 14 BE STILL MY SOUL Author: Katharine von Schlegel, ? Composer: Jean Sibelius, Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! - Psalm 46:10 Spiritual revivals have always been accompanied by an outburst of song. This was especially true of the 16th century Reformation Movement when congregational singing was rediscovered. A hundred and fifty years later God again lit the fires of revival in Germany, similar to the Puritan and Wesleyan movements in England. The encouragement of singing gave birth to a great number of hymns characterized by genuine piety, depth of feeling, rich Christian experience, and faithfulness in scripture. Katharina von Schlegel was an outstanding woman of this revival movement. Little is known of her other than she was a Lutheran and may have been the canoness of an evangelical women s seminary. She contributed a number of lyrics to a collection of spiritual songs published in She wrote many additional verses for this particular hymn, but not all were translated. This hymn was translated into English by Jane Borthwick, who ranks second only to Catherine Winkworth for excellent translation of German hymns into English. Jean Sibelius was Finland s best known composer. His music is generally characterized by a nationalistic fervor. This hymn tune is an arrangement of one movement of Finlandia, a tone poem written in 1899 depicting the majestic natural beauty of the composer s native land. This hymn teaches so well the biblical truth that we all need to relearn daily: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength Isaiah 40:31 Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake To guide the future, as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below. Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on When we shall be forever with the Lord. When disappointment, grief and fear are gone, Sorrow forgot, love s purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past All safe and blessed we shall meet at last

10 BLESSED ASSURANCE Author: Fanny J. Crosby, Composer: Phoebe P. Knapp, Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. -Hebrews 10:22 Some people claim to have accepted Christ as Savior, yet they live in the tragic uncertainly of doubting their personal relationship with God. The Scriptures teach, however, that we can know with absolute confidence that we have the life of God within us (1 John 5:13). This confidence is not based on inner feelings or outer signs. Rather, this assurance is founded upon the promises of a faithful God and His inspired Word. It depends not on the amount of our faith but on the object of our faith - Christ Himself. It is estimated that Fanny Crosby wrote more than 8,000 gospel song texts. Her hymns have been and are still being sung more frequently than those of any other gospel hymn writer. Her many favorites have been an important part of evangelical worship for the past century. It is truly amazing that anyone, and especially a blind person, could write on this variety of spiritual truths and experiences with such proliferation. For a considerable period during her life she wrote three new hymns a week. Often the themes for her hymns were suggested by visiting ministers wishing to have a new song on a particular subject. At other times musician friends would first compose the music and then ask Fanny for the words. Such is the case for Blessed Assurance. The music for the hymn was composed by Mrs. Joseph Knapp, and amateur musician, and a close personal friend of Fanny s. One day Mrs. Knapp played this melody for the blind poetess and asked, What does this tune say? Fanny responded, Why, that says: Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. 1. Trouble quieting your soul? Tried leaving order and provision to God or are you still in charge? 2. Is blessed assurance your story? 3. Perfect submission is 100% submission. Are you there? Pray that you would have the strength to quiet your soul, to totally submit and put your trust in God and not in yourself.

11 Wednesday, February 15 IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL Author & Composer: Horatio G. Spafford, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. -Psalm 46:1 Horatio Spafford had known peaceful and happy days as a successful attorney in Chicago. He was the father of four daughters, an active member of the Presbyterian Church and friend of D. L. Moody. Then, a series of calamities began, starting with the great Chicago fire of 1871 which wiped out the family s extensive real estate investments. Spafford decided to lift the spirits of his family by taking them on a vacation to Europe. He also planned to assist the Moody evangelical meetings there. In November 1873, he was detained by urgent business, but he sent his wife and daughters as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Harve, planning to join them soon. Halfway across the Atlantic, the ship was struck by an English vessel and sank in 12 minutes. All four of his daughters were among the 226 who drowned. His wife was among the few who were miraculously saved. Spafford stood hour after hour on the deck of the ship carrying him to rejoin his sorrowing wife in Wales. When they passed the approximate place where his precious daughters had drowned, Spafford received sustaining comfort from God that enabled him to write, When sorrows like sea billows roll. it is well with my soul. What a picture of hope! When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain: It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But, Lord, tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, the sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul. I SURRENDER ALL Author & Composer: Judson W. Van De Venter, And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:38-39

12 Van Deventer taught art in public schools in Sharon, Pennsylvania. He was active as a layman in his Methodist Episcopal Church, including participation in revivals held at the church. Based on his fervent faith and service to the church, friends encouraged him to leave his field of teaching and become an evangelist. It took five years for him to finally "surrender all" and follow the advice of his friends. Perhaps the most important influence that Van de Venter had was on the young evangelist Billy Graham. The Rev. Graham cites this hymn as an influence in his early ministry. His account appears in Crusade Hymn Stories, edited by Graham's chief musician, Cliff Barrows. One of the evangelists who influenced my early preaching was also a hymnist who wrote "I Surrender All" -- the Rev. J. W. Van de Venter. He was a regular visitor at the Florida Bible Institute in the late 1930's. We students love this kind, deeply spiritual gentleman and often gathered in his winter home at Tampa, Florida, for an evening of fellowship and singing. More than sixty of Van de Venter's hymns appeared in various twentieth-century hymnals, but "I Surrender All" (1896) is his most famous. One of the characteristics of many gospel songs is the repetition of a key word or phrase throughout the hymn. Each of the five stanzas begins with the line, "All to Jesus I surrender." The refrain includes the phrase, "I surrender all" three times in the melody. This means that the one who sings all five stanzas would sing the word "surrender" thirty times. The other key word "all" would be sung forty-three times! Stanza one stresses complete surrender: "all to him I freely give." In stanza two, the singer forsakes "worldly pleasures." Stanza three prays to "feel the Holy Spirit." Stanza four asks for Jesus' empowerment, to be filled with "thy love and power." In the final stanza, the singer "feels the sacred flame," an image of the Holy Spirit. All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. Refrain: I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. All to Jesus I surrender, humbly at His feet I bow; Worldly pleasures all forsaken, take me, Jesus, take me now. All to Jesus I surrender, make me, Savior, wholly Thine; Let me feel the Holy Spirit, truly know that Thou art mine. All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee; Fill me with Thy love and power. Let Thy blessing fall on me. All to Jesus I surrender, now I feel the sacred flame; Oh, the joy of full salvation! Glory, glory, to His Name! 1. Is it well with your soul? How about when sorrows like sea billows roll? Picture your sin, not in part but the whole, nailed to the cross, and bearing it no more. Have you accepted His perfect will and recognized His authority in every area of your life? 2. How much have you surrendered? What do you still need to let go of? Why is it so hard? Pray for enthusiasm for Christ and make a fresh surrender to His will and Lordship.

13 Thursday, February 16 IN CHRIST ALONE Author: Stuart Townend, Composer: Keith Getty to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27 Townend grew up as the youngest of four children in a Christian family in West Yorkshire, England, where his father was a vicar in the Church of England. As an artist, he has made two solo albums: Say the Word and Personal Worship. But it is perhaps as a songwriter that Stuart has made his most enduring contribution to the contemporary worship movement. And now one of his latest works, In Christ Alone, seems destined to take its place among other worship classics both in the UK and in the United States. Written in 2002, In Christ Alone was a collaborative effort between Townend and fellow songwriter (and now good friend) Keith Getty. The song came about in an unusual way, Townend explains. Keith and I met in the autumn of 2000 at a worship event, and we resolved to try to work together on some songs. A few weeks later Keith sent some melody ideas, and the first one on the CD was a magnificent, haunting melody that I loved, and immediately started writing down some lyrical ideas on what I felt should be a timeless theme commensurate with the melody. So the theme of the life, death, resurrection of Christ, and the implications of that for us just began to tumble out, and when we got together later on to fine tune it, we felt we had encapsulated what we wanted to say. Townend and Getty both admit they are motivated by the idea of capturing biblical truth in songs and hymns that will not only cause people to express their worship in church, but will build them up in their Christian lives. In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my all in all, here in the love of Christ I stand In Christ alone, who took on flesh, fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness, scorned by the ones He came to save 'Til on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid, here in the death of Christ I live There in the ground His body lay, light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious Day, up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand 'Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand

14 HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD Author & Composer: Chris Tomlin Tomlin said the following about this song: I wrote that song when I was living in Austin, Texas. I remember sitting on my sofa in my little apartment. And Psalm 104 was the psalm I was looking at. It said, 'You our lord are very great. You're clothed with splendor and majesty, wrap yourself with light as with a garment' through those opening verses and just describing a little bit of God, the glory of majesty, that little chorus came out. I started singing the chorus. I thought the chorus was just a little simple thing and it was. And I had no idea it would become such a song in the church, and a song that finds its way in so many different cultures, different languages. I remember I had the song, I thought it was finished. I didn't have a bridge to the song, and I met Ed Cash who produced that record it was on. First time meeting him and talking to him about maybe producing my new record. And I remember he picks his guitar up and says, 'This 'How Great is Our God' song, I think it's pretty good, but it's not finished.' And I'm like, 'What are you talking about? Who do you think you are?' And I remember him grabbing his guitar. I believe it was something about, 'What if you do something like this?' And I remember he just started singing, 'You're the name above all names, you are worthy of our praise.' And it's really good, but when you open up and let somebody else sneak in, it just makes it better. So that's when we knew it was taking it to another level." One of Tomlin's most popular songs, this won the awards for Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year at the Dove Awards in The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty, Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, and all will see, how great, how great is our God Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands Beginning and the end, beginning and the end The Godhead Three in One, Father, Spirit, Son The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb Name above all names, worthy of our praise My heart will sing, how great is our God How great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God, and all will see, how great, how great is our God 1. What is it like for you to stand in the love and power of Christ? 2. Has sin s curse lost its grip on you? Pray to God about how great he is; that his name is above all names and that he is worthy of our praise. State the glory of knowing and being known by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

15 Friday, February 17 HOW GREAT THOU ART Author & music arranged by: Stuart K. Hine (among others) Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:2-3 Southern Sweden was the place where How Great Thou Art had its beginning in It was written in the home of author and editor, Carl Boberg, a member of the Swedish Parliament from 1912 to The song was known in several countries before it finally reached the shores of the United States. Boberg said of the writing of his song, It was in 1885, and in the time of year when everything seemed to be in its richest coloring; the birds were singing in trees and wherever they could find a perch. On a particular afternoon, some friends and I had been to Kronobäck where we had participated in an afternoon service. As we were returning a thunderstorm began to appear on the horizon. We hurried to shelter. There were loud claps of thunder, and the lighting flashed across the sky. Strong winds swept over the meadows and billowing fields of grain. However, the storm was soon over and the clear sky appeared with a beautiful rainbow. After reaching my home, I opened my window toward the sea. The church bells were playing the tune of a hymn. That same evening I wrote a poem which I titled, O Store Gud. The poem was later set to a Swedish folk tune. In 1912, a Russian pastor, Ivan Prokhanoff, made a Russian adaptation. In the early 1920s, the Rev. and Mrs. Stuart K. Hine left their home in England and went to Poland as missionaries. It was there they learned the Russian version of Boberg s song, O Store Gud. Hine then wrote original English lyrics and made his own arrangement of the Swedish melody. J. Edwin Orr introduced Hine s translation of How Great Thou Art to audiences in the United States. A short time later, in 1957, it began its orbit around the world by way of the Billy Graham New York City Crusade where it was sung 99 times. O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made; I see the stars. I hear the rolling thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed. Refrain: Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art. Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art! When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur and see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. Refrain And when I think, that God, his Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, he bled and died to take away my sin. Refrain When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart! Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, and then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!" Refrain

16 AMAZING GRACE Author: John Newton Music from Carrell and Clayon s Virginia Harmony 1831 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Calling himself a wretch who was lost and blind, Newton recalled leaving school at age 11 to begin life as a rough, debauched seaman. Eventually he engaged in the despicable practice of capturing natives from West Africa to be sold as slaves. But one day the grace of God put fear into the heart of this wicked slave trader through a fierce storm. Fearful of a shipwreck, he was lead to a genuine conversion and dramatic change in his way of life. Feeling a definite call to study for the ministry, he was encouraged and influenced by John and Charles Wesley. At the age of 39 he became an ordained minister of the Anglican Church. To add further impact to his powerful preaching, he introduced simple heart-felt hymns rather than the usual psalms in his services. When enough hymns could not be found he began to write his own, often assisted by his friend William Cowper. In 1779 their efforts produced Amazing Grace. Until the time of his death he never ceased to marvel at the grace of God that transformed him so completely. Shortly before his death he is quoted as proclaiming with a loud voice during a message, My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior! Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see. Twas Grace that taught, my heart to fear. And grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead us home. The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise, than when we first begun. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now, I see. 1. Take time to think about the unfathomable greatness of God and His wonderful redeeming love for you. 2. Take time to ponder the magnitude of God s grace. Were you blind and now see? Do you still have blind spots? Fall to your knees for this prayer. Bow in humble adoration and proclaim, my God, how great Thou art. Allow your heart to sing out to God how great he is and how much you love him.