The LORD JESUS be magnified!

Poor, weak and sinful though I am,
I have a heav’nly Friend;
Christ Jesus is His precious Name,
He loves me without end.

Though I was ruined by the fall,
Christ bore my guilt and blame;
He died and saved my sinful soul,
His praise I will proclaim.

In seeking grace my Brother-Friend
Pursued this wand’ring sheep;
He rescued me from sin and death,
And He my soul will keep.

Each day new blessings from above,
My Friend supplies for me;
He fills my heart with joy and peace,
And guides unerringly.

Someday my life on earth shall end
And I will leave this place;
Then shall the greatest joy be mine,
To see my dear Friend’s face.

Tune to "O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES" CM Words by JIM BYRD


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GOD’S PROMISE TO HIS NATION

There is a promise that belongs to God’s redeemed and believing people in every age and in every circumstance.  It is the promise of peace.  Not peace without turmoil but peace in the midst of turmoil.  This world, no matter what group rules it, since they are all sinners like us, will have trouble.  Greed, thirst for power and glory, the very displays of the same fallen nature that plagues us will be demonstrated by them.  So our peace will not come by what they do and certainly not by fretting over the state of affairs in our nation and world.  No, this promise of peace is found in Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” 

But as in all the promises of God there is a character described of those to whom it belongs.  In this promise it is, “him… whose mind is stayed upon Thee.”  It belongs to those “looking unto Jesus.”  Those who trust in God.  “In God We Trust” is inscribed on the money of our nation but it has long been erased from the hearts and minds of most of its citizens.  But by grace, within this troubled and declining nation is another.  The apostle calls it “a holy nation.” “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him Who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).  

It is the nation of God’s elect, redeemed and therefore believing people.  Men and women from other nations are also a part of this “holy nation.”  Their holiness is in Christ Jesus.  He is our Lord and Ruler.  He is ruling all things with a sovereign, steady and almighty hand.  None can stay His hand, not the most powerful leaders of nations.  Our King has made peace with God on our behalf by the blood of His cross.  It is a perfect peace and through His work He gives us a peace that passes understanding.

No matter what might be taking place in our earthly nation which might concern us, we know that we are as all God’s people, strangers and pilgrims passing through.  This world is not our home.  As our Savior, we are not of this world.  We are children of the great King who works all things together for our good and His glory.  He is the One Who, in the midst of the greatest trouble, says, “Peace be still” and the waves of unrest die to a quiet calm.  Instead of fretting (see Psalm 37) let us pray to our gracious and wise God that He might give us this peace by enabling us to trust Him.  This is our peace, “Alleluia, the Lord God omnipotent reigns!”

-Gospel report by preacher Gary Shepard