'Come Before His Presence with Thanksgiving'

Psalms 95:1-3 (KJV)

1) O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

2) Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

3) For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Ed, An Honored Father

At times, we may think that some people are going to be around forever and then their time comes and they pass away. We look around us and think--"it's just not going to be the same anymore without so and so around." I experienced this feeling this week after my stepfather Ed passed away following a lengthy illness. I have to say, "It's just not going to be the same anymore without Ed around." If you knew Ed, you would know exactly what I mean.

I have to say, though, my sisters, Treasa, Sonia and Becky helped Ed out during his sickness and had I been back home I would have helped too. It is the family thing to do. All of my sisters helped Ed out to some extent during his sickness. Sonia and Becky were especially helpful all the way to the end. They were by Ed's bedside when he peacefully departed this old world. Sonia and Becky honored their father (Exodus 20:12).

A Hymn for Christian Soldiers

After last week's blog post, I had the 19th century hymn--"Onward Christian Soldiers" on my mind throughout the week. Here are the words written by Sabine Baring-Gould:

Verse 1

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before; Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the foe; Forward into battle, See, His banners go!

Chorus (Repeat after each verse)

Onward, Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

Verse 2

Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod; We are not divided, All one body we; One in hope and doctrine, One in charity.

Verse 3

Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane; But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain; Gates of hell can never 'Gainst that Church prevail; We have Christ's own promise, Which can never fail.

Verse 4

Onward, then, ye people! Join our happy throng; Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song; Glory, laud, and honor, Unto Christ the King; This thro' countless ages Men and angels sing.