Hymns

Oh, How I Love Jesus!

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments 
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10 ESV

Sixty-five years ago, I visited a nursing home for the first time. I went as part of a youth group and we sang various songs, enthusiastically and a bit off key. How shocked I was to see tears streaming down the faces of grateful residents. After we finished, we greeted of the people and as I passed by, one sweet lady, took hold of my shirt sleeve and as I turned, she asked, “Why did you come to visit us?” For a minute, I was somewhat befuddled as to what to answer, but regaining my composure I simply blurted out, “Because I love Jesus!” That lady’s question remains in the memory banks of my heart. Though I could list lots of statistics about the numbers of people in nursing homes, or the failure of families to stay in touch with their loved ones in long-term care, the real reason remains simple: I go because I love Jesus! 

There is a name I love to hear
I love to sing its worth
It's music in the sinner's ears
The sweetest name on earth

Oh. How I love Jesus
Oh! How I love Jesus
Oh! How I love Jesus!
Because He first loved me!

Oh, How I Love Jesus
1855 - Fredrick Whitfield

What a Day!

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 NLT

Most Christians and even many non-believers are familiar with and take some comfort with this verse. But knowing and truly standing on this precious promise in the face of difficulty is sometimes a different thing. The reality that one day there will be no more sickness no pain, no sorrow or tears can feel far away. But on that morning when we walk that distant shore with Jesus, it will be worth it all! I have discovered that our residents at the nursing home understand this better than most. One dear lady wiped the tears from her eyes after we sang it yesterday. Close your eyes and try to imagine that you can hear her voice in the background and allow the Lord to touch your own heart today!

His Eye is On the Sparrow

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Did you know that Jesus not only commands us to give thanks, but that He also gave thanks Himself? He thanked God for bread, before He fed the five thousand and even more amazingly, when He gave it to the disciples at the Last Supper. Jesus, knowing that everyone would run away, and that Judas would betray Him, still gave thanks. It strikes me that the anxious thoughts, problems and struggles that frustrate and keep me awake at night are nowhere near what Jesus faced. And yet in the middle of it all He was thankful. I am learning that when I let go of circumstances that are way beyond my control and trust them into the hands of God a miracle happens. The peace of God that is way beyond my understanding comes to keep and guard my mind in Christ Jesus. I may not see the answer to my prayers today or in the way I hoped, but God will be honored, I will be guided in the way He wants and in the end His blessing will be more than worth it all!