Consider It Joy

Long centuries ago, a scripture was penned,

Enlightening the Christian's night
A precept to show, and blessing defend,
It still gives to Christian's their sight
This word in the flame, when taken to heart,
Will comfort, bring hope, and uplift
In floods, just the same, a gift t'will impart,
To buoy those who feel they're adrift

So what is this word, this most precious thought,
That cheers those who heed it's advice?
That tests those who've heard, entreating for naught,
The ones who make gloom to suffice?
Oh, "Count it all joy", is Heaven's high word,
To all who face trial and test
When troubles annoy, and grief seems assured,
This note rings above all the rest

Consider it joy, and count it the same,
When troubles and trials surround
When fear would destroy, all peace in the flame,
Faith holds, and so joy can abound
This joy will not come, apart divine grace,
- It's song is a gift from above -
But will overcome, in trial's dark face,
Through faith in God's mercy and love!

Stand for God

      The Hebrew worthies stood when the world bowed. What do we do? Do we bow to personal favor, popularity, or temporal pursuits? When human achievements call, do we answer and bow to them? Do we bow with the world, or do we stand with God? God stood. The three noble Hebrews stood. What about you and I?


Stand for God in a bow-down world,
Christ stands for me and you
When Satan's colors are unfurled,
We may to God be true

When all within us would bow down,
Christ offers us His hand
By faith behold a better crown,
Through faith in Jesus stand

We're called as witnesses for Christ,
And yet to stand we fear
But He who calls us knows the price,
And says, Be of good cheer

The One for whom we're called to stand,
Stood by the noble three
In flames, though bound by human hand,
With Jesus they were free!

Speak Lord

Oh may I hear the whisper,
Each faintest, softest call
And quickly send an answer,
To heaven's waiting hall
Speak Lord, for Your servant hears,
Enlighten now my mind
Open now my deafened ears,
That You my soul may find

The Spirit speaks with power,
Convicting me of sin
Unpleasant though the hour,
Again I say within
Speak Lord for Your servant hears,
Please quiet not Your voice
Though it's message comes in tears,
Conviction is my choice

The voice of God brings healing,
To those who are in need
He knows with what we're dealing,
His word restores indeed
Speak Lord for your servants hear,
What are our woes to You?
You beckon to "Be of good cheer",
For You will see us through