Hymns

Washed in the Blood

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments 
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 ESV

When I first became a Christian, the old HYMN “Are You washed in the Blood?” was popular in our church. it soon became my favorite because it was lively and easy to sing, and it expressed the joy I had in my newfound life. It is strange to think of blood washing something, because blood stains are some of the hardest to remove. But God doesn’t do things according to our way of thinking. In His plan, the blood of Jesus Christ is the perfect cleansing solution for the sin stains on our hearts. But how does it work? How can the blood of Jesus wash away my sin? Today’s verse explains that we have to begin by walking in the light. In other words, we must be honest with God. We need to come to God without pretending and confess our sins to Him. He knows the truth anyway and sent Jesus to die so that we could be forgiven. Secondly, we learn that when we are honest with God, we can begin to walk with Him. Since God always tells us the truth, if we will tell Him the truth, we begin our new journey with Him. Last of all the Bible tells us that walking with God means more than just trying to keep up with him like a toddler rushing after His parent. It means having fellowship with Jesus Christ. He is the one whose blood washed away our sin because He wanted us as His children and friends forever. Since we have His promise that He wants to have a relationship with Him, what are we waiting for? One year as we drove through rural South Carolina we noticed a sign on a small church with a great question:

“Mosquitoes know there is power in the blood. Do you?”

Wonderful Jesus

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment 
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 KJV

Who says that nursing home music has to be slow, sad and in hushed tones? Our folks at Life Care Center love nothing more than to celebrate just how wonderful Jesus is! Every Friday they come expecting to meet with Him and we who get to lead, are so amazingly blessed to hear them singing, clapping or simply smiling as Jesus is lifted up and His presence fills the room! Yes, “Isn’t the love of Jesus something wonderful?!” Why not join us and sing along and lift up the name of our Mighty God, our Prince of Peace, our Everlasting Father and our Wonderful Counselor?

I’d Rather Have Jesus

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

Matthew 13:45-46 NIV
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

In 1922 Rhea Miller penned these words in a poem that got the attention of the mother of George Beverly Shea. George’s amazing vouce earned him a measure of success singing both in churches and on the radio. When he was just 23 George seriously considered a contract he was being offered to use his talent singing for a secular broadcaster. Then one night George discovered these words left by his mom on his piano.

"I'd rather have Jesus 
Than silver or gold
I'd rather be His
Than have riches untold."

Intrigued by those opening lines, George began to put them to music and its message carried the day in his heart. Soon George began singing “I’d rather Have Jesus” everywhere. Later, Billy Graham, hearing of this young man’s commitment, invited him to sing regularly at his crusades.

Now our commitment to following Christ will rarely lead to such dramatic results here on earth, but it will always reap an unfadimg eternal reward. Would you truly trade away all life has to offer for Jesus? Is He the pearl of greatest price to you today?