Hymns

Joy! Joy! Joy!

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Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! Psalm 47:1 ESV

Not that I always am well prepared, but I do prefer to have some semblance of a message and a list of hymns to get us started each week at Life Care Center. But, even on the weeks when I have everything carefully mapped out, I have found that the residents love having the chance to pick a song themselves. This week’s suggestion from one of our seasoned saints was so great and we had such a blast singing it together, that I wanted to share it. It just goes to show, that getting older, doesn’t require us to lose our joy or our sense of fun. I do hope you will not only get a smile from our impromptu session, but that you will sing along and experience the joy that only Jesus can give.

God Leads His Dear Children

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A few nights ago, as my wife and I went for a walk by our pond we were surprised to see a small alligator. Now, since we live in Florida this was not unheard of, but there had not been any alligators in our pond for a few years. A few minutes later as we made the turn around the end of the pond, we came upon a mother duck who must have also spotted that alligator, hurriedly leading her eight little ducklings to another pond. She had wisely decided that though the alligator was small, our pond was no longer a safe place for her babies!

As we watched her leading her ducklings with their tiny feet hurrying to keep up, I was reminded of the precious hymn, “God Leads His Dear Children Along.” The lyrics tell us that just like that mother duck, our Good Shepherd is watching out for us and leading us to safe green pastures. Sometimes the way is through the flood, sometimes through the fire, but no matter where He leads, He makes the way through the blood of Jesus. Our Good Shepherd knows the path ahead and no matter how steep the way, we need to remind ourselves that He always knows what is best for us!

Swing Low

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My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  John 14:2-3 NIV

Whatever the origins of Swing Low Sweet Chariot, the song has come to be a melody of hope to everyone who senses that they are waiting for Jesus to come. I especially enjoy singing it with my friends at long term care facilities. I believe that many in our little congregation understand better than I the nearness of Heaven and the promises of Jesus. Contrary to legend, neither Saint Peter, nor the Archangel Michael come to take us home. Our only method of transportation from earth to Heaven will be in the arms of the Good Shepherd who will one day come for us all. Are you ready to meet Him? Can He claim you as one of His flock. For Him to call us by name as members of His flock in glory, we must call on Him to be our Lord right here, before the chariot comes. I do hope you enjoy our impromptu version of this classic spiritual. Have a blessed day all!