Walk in Agreement with Your Friend Jesus

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?--Amos 3:3 (KJV)

Words of Jesus:

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you. --John 3:15 (KJV)

Following are the words for the hymn that many of you know as "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."  I came across a version in a hymnal called Melodies of Praise with a 1957 copyright that had the title abbreviated--"What a Friend."  According to Wikipedia, Joseph Scriven wrote the words and Charles C. Converse wrote the music:

Verse 1

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Ev'rything to God in pray'r!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Ev'rything to God in pray'r!

Verse 2

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in pray'r.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness, Take it to the Lord in pray'r.

Verse 3

Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care?--
Precious Savior, still our refuge,--Take it to the Lord in pray'r.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in pray'r;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

Fear Not the Rebellious

Many times Christians are surrounded by rebellious sinners who do not want to hear the Words they have to say.  These rebellious sinners are known as briers, thorns and scorpions in Ezekiel 2:6.  Christians are not to be "...afraid of [the words of the rebellious] nor dismayed at their looks."  As believers, we are to share the Lord's Words when He instructs us whether the rebellious hear or recieve them or not.  As Christians, we are not to become rebellious like them, but are to nourish ourselves with the Spiritual food that God provides (Ezekiel 2: 6-8).

Personal note: The words from Ezekiel 2:6-8 have been weighing on my heart for some time.  I can relate the words to environments that I am in at times.  It turns out for me to share these verses on the eve of my Counsellor's birth-- "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Presence of the Lord Ushered in by a Friend

God's presence can be ushered in through praise music as well as through fellowship with dear ones!  this morning as I was chatting on facebook with a dear friend, Martha, the presences of the Lord was in our midst.  Although Martha and I are many miles apart, the Spirit of the Lord knows no boundaries as I experienced the Lord's presence during our live chat.  As a result, Martha and I are supporting one another in the name of Jesus our our Spiritual walk!  Glory to God! Miracles are in our midst!

This Song Ushered in the Presence of the Lord for Me!

I had hoped to post from youtube the song called "King of Glory" (Christmas Offering version) by the Contemporary Christian group Third Day, but it would not post to my blog entry.  Sorry about that.  It was the song that ushered the Lord into my presence on the 25th of November.  When you have the opportunity, I hope you pull the video up and experience the presence of the Lord also!

'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.