... a very hot day, and genuine challenges to my spiritual growth



O worship the King, all glorious above,
O gratefully sing His power and His love;
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.

O tell of His might, O sing of His grace,
Whose robe is the light, Whose canopy space,
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.

The earth with its store of wonders untold,
Almighty, Thy power hath founded of old;
Established it fast by a changeless decree,
And round it hath cast, like a mantle, the sea.

Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.

O measureless might! Ineffable love!
While angels delight to worship Thee above,
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall all sing Thy praise.



Tune: Hanover
[url=http://www.opc.org/books/TH/old/Blue013.html]http://www.opc.org/books/TH/old/Blue013.html[/url]

[url=http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/o/o719.html]http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/o/o719.html[/url]



[b][size=small][color=006699][font=Courier New]2 John 1:10

If anyone comes to you

and does not bring this doctrine,

do not receive him into your house

nor greet him; [/font][/color][/size][/b]

... being able to receive directly from Him, all that I need, and for the ministry of other saints



For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the Apostles’ glorious company,
Who bearing forth the Cross o’er land and sea,
Shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,
Like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
Is fair and fruitful, be Thy Name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
Saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
And seeing, grasped it, Thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!



Tune: Sine Nomine
[url=http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/a/fallthes.htm]http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/a/fallthes.htm[/url]




[b][size=small][color=006699][font=Courier New]2 John 1:11

for he who greets him

shares in his evil deeds.[/font][/color][/size][/b]

... His unfailing love in action



The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want.
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

My soul He doth restore again;
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
Even for His own Name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill;
For Thou art with me; and Thy rod
And staff my comfort still.

My table Thou hast furnishèd
In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God’s house forevermore
My dwelling place shall be.



Tune: Orlington (repeat third line)
[url=http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/o/r/l/orlington.mid]http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/o/r/l/orlington.mid[/url]

Slower - more worshipfully...
[url=http://ccel.org/cceh/0010/001017a.mid]http://ccel.org/cceh/0010/001017a.mid[/url]



[b][size=small][color=006699][font=Courier New]2 John 1:12

Having many things to write to you,

I did not wish to do so with

paper and ink; but

I hope to come to you and speak

face to face,

that our joy may be full. [/font][/color][/size][/b]

... a new victory through His very practical word



Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy
Thou art worthy, O Lord
To receive glory, glory and honour
Glory and honour and power
For Thou hast created, hast all things created
Thou hast created all things
And for Thy pleasure they are created
Thou art worthy, O Lord


[i]© 1975 Fred Bock Music/Kingsway?s Thankyou Music[/i]


Sorry, midi only available to purchase:
[url=http://www.audiblefaith.com/pages/sg853458]http://www.audiblefaith.com/pages/sg853458[/url]



C . . . . . . . . . . .
Holy, holy, holy
. . . . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Is the Lord God Almighty
. . . . . G7 . .. . . . . . . . . . . . C
Who was, and is and is to come
C7 . . . . . . . . . . .
Holy, holy, holy
. . . . . F . . . . . . . . Dm
Is the Lord God Almighty
. . . . . C . . . . . F . . . . G . . C . . . (A7)
Who was, and is and is to come

D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Worthy, worthy, worthy
. . . . . A . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .
is the Lord God Almighty
. . . . . A7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D
Who was, and is and is to come
D7 . . . . . . . . . . .
Worthy, worthy, worthy
. . . . . G . . . . . . . . Em
is the Lord God Almighty
. . . . . D . . . . . G . . . A . . D . . . (B7)
Who was, and is and is to come

E . . . . . . . . . . .
Glory, glory, glory
. . . . . B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
To the Lord God Almighty
. . . . . B7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E
Who was, and is and is to come
E7 . . . . . . . . . . .
Glory, glory, glory
. . . . . . A . . . . . . . . F#m
To the Lord God Almighty
. . . . E . . . . . A . . . . B7 . E . . .
Who was, and is and is to come

E7 . . . . . . . . . . .
Glory, glory, glory
. . . . . . A . . . . . . . . F#m
To the Lord God Almighty
. . . . E . . . . . . A . . . B7. . E . . .
Who was, and is and is to come



Holy, holy, holy!
[url=http://newhopemusic.com/songs.h-m/holy.htm]http://newhopemusic.com/songs.h-m/holy.htm[/url]



[b][size=small][color=006699][font=Courier New]2 John 1:13

The children of your elect sister greet you.

Amen. [/font][/color][/size][/b]

... another new piece of ground taken by the sole of my foot



THOU hidden love of God, whose height,
Whose depth unfathomed, no man knows,
I see from far Thy beauteous light,
Inly I sigh for Thy repose;
My heart is pained, nor can it be
At rest, till it finds rest in Thee.

Thy secret voice invites me still
The sweetness of Thy yoke to prove;
And fain I would; but though my will
Seems fixed, yet wide my passions rove;
Yet hindrances strew all the way;
I aim at Thee, yet from Thee stray.

'Tis mercy all, that Thou hast brought
My mind to seek her peace in Thee;
Yet, while I seek but find Thee not,
No peace my wandering soul shall see;
O when shall all my wanderings end,
And all my steps to thee-ward tend!

Is there a thing beneath the sun
That strives with Thee my heart to share?
Ah, tear it thence, and reign alone,
The Lord of every motion there!
Then shall my heart from earth be free,
When it hath found repose in Thee.

O hide this self from me, that I
No more but Christ in me may live!
My vile affections crucify,
Nor let one darling lust survive;
In all things nothing may I see,
Nothing desire or seek, but Thee!

O Love, Thy sovereign aid impart,
To save me from low-thoughted care;
Chase this self-will through all my heart,
Through all its latent mazes there,
Make me Thy duteous child, that l
Ceaseless may, " Abba, Father," cry!

Ah no! Ne'er will I backward turn;
Thine wholly, Thine alone, I am:
Thrice happy he who views with scorn
Earth's toys, for Thee his constant flame!
O help, that I may never move
From the blest footsteps of Thy love!

Each moment draw from earth away
My heart, that lowly waits Thy call;
Speak to my inmost soul, and say,
"I am thy love, thy God, thy all!"
To feel Thy power, to hear Thy voice,
To taste Thy love, be all my choice.


[i]Charles Wesley[/i]



Tune: Solid Rock (Repeat words of last lines.)
[url=http://www.ccel.org/cceh/0003/x000337.htm]http://www.ccel.org/cceh/0003/x000337.htm[/url]

Tune: Pater Omnium
[url=http://www.ccel.org/cceh/0007/x000768.htm]http://www.ccel.org/cceh/0007/x000768.htm[/url]


(Young) 1 Corinthians 8:9 - 13
But victuals do not commend us to God, for neither if we may eat are we in advance; nor if we may not eat, are we behind;

but see, lest this privilege of yours may become a stumbling-block to the infirm, for if any one may see thee that hast knowledge in an idol's temple reclining at meat--shall not his conscience--he being infirm--be emboldened to eat the things sacrificed to idols, and the brother who is infirm shall perish by thy knowledge, because of whom Christ died?

And thus sinning in regard to the brethren, and smiting their weak conscience--in regard to Christ ye sin;

wherefore, if victuals cause my brother to stumble, I may eat no flesh--to the age--that my brother I may not cause to stumble.

:-D My fiance, who in five days will be my bride!

... the new work He's doing in my soul



Come, Saviour Jesu, from above,
Assist me with Thy heavenly grace,
Withdraw my heart from worldly love
And for Thyself prepare the place.

O, let Thy sacred presence fill
And set my longing spirit free,
Which pants to have no other will,
But night and day to feast on Thee.

While in these regions here below
No other good will I pursue;
I'll bid this world of noise and show,
With all its flattering snares, adieu.

That path with humble speed I'll seek
Wherein my Saviour's footsteps shine;
Nor will I hear, nor will I speak
Of any other love than Thine.

To thee my earnest soul apsires,
To Thee I offer all my vows;
Keep me from false and vain desires,
My God, my Saviour and my Spouse.

Henceforth may no profane dlight
Divide this consecrated soul;
Posses it Thou, who has the right,
As Lord and Master of the whole.

Wealth, honour, pleasure, or what else
This short-enduring world can give,
Tempt as you will, my heart repels,
To Christ alone resolved to live.

Thee I can love, and Thee alone,
With holy peace and inward bliss;
To find Thou tak'st me for thy own,
O, what a happiness is this!

Nothing on earth do I desire
But Thy pure love within my breast:
This, only htis, will I require,
And freely give up all the rest.


[i]Charles Wesley[/i]



Tune: Wareham
[url=http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/online/tlh-634.mid]http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/online/tlh-634.mid[/url]

[url=http://ccel.org/cceh/0004/x000456.htm]http://ccel.org/cceh/0004/x000456.htm[/url]



(Young) 1 Corinthians 10:18 - 33
See Israel according to the flesh! are not those eating the sacrifices in the fellowship of the altar? What then do I say? That an idol is anything? Or that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything? -- No, but that the things that the nations sacrifice -- they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not wish you to come into the fellowship of the demons.

Ye are not able the cup of the Lord to drink, and the cup of demons; ye are not able of the table of the Lord to partake, and of the table of demons; do we arouse the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

All things to me are lawful, but all things are not profitable; all things to me are lawful, but all things do not build up; let no one seek his own--but each another's.

Whatever in the meat-market is sold eat ye, not inquiring, because of the conscience, for the Lord's is the earth, and its fulness (Ps 24:1); and if any one of the unbelieving do call you, and ye wish to go, all that is set before you eat, nothing inquiring, because of the conscience; and if any one may say to you, `This is a thing sacrificed to an idol,' -- do not eat, because of that one who shewed it, and of the conscience, for the Lord's is the earth and its fulness: and conscience, I say, not of thyself, but of the other for why is it that my liberty is judged by another's conscience?

And if I thankfully do partake, why am I evil spoken of, for that for which I give thanks?

Whether, then, ye eat, or drink, or do anything, do all to the glory of God; [b]become offenceless, both to Jews and Greeks, and to the assembly of God[/b]; as I also in all things do please all, not seeking my own profit, but that of many -- that they may be saved.

... a word through a sister in the Lord, which has changed my thinking



Spirit of faith, come down,
Reveal the things of God;
Make to us the Godhead known,
And witness with the blood.
Thou dost the blood apply,
And give us eyes to see
That He Who did for sinners die
Hath surely died for me.

No man can truly say
That Jesus is the Lord,
Lest Thou take the veil away,
And breathe the living Word;
Then, only then, we feel
Our int'rest in His blood,
And cry, with joy unspeakable:
"Thou art my Lord, my God!"

O that the world might know
The all-atoning Lamb!
Spirit of faith, descend and show
The virtue of His Name;
The grace which all may find,
The saving pow'r impart;
And testify to all mankind,
And speak in ev'ry heart.

Inspire the living faith
(Which whosoever receive,
The witness in themselves they have
And consciously believe),
The faith that conquers all,
And doth the mountain move,
And saves whoever on Jesus call,
And perfects them in love.


[i]Charles Wesley[/i]



Tune: Diademata
[url=http://ccel.org/cceh/0000/x000052.htm]http://ccel.org/cceh/0000/x000052.htm[/url]

[url=http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/c/c396.html]http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/c/c396.html[/url]

Tune: ? and Carey
[url=http://www.paulusgemein.de/docs/songbook/spirit_of_faith_come_down.htm]http://www.paulusgemein.de/docs/songbook/spirit_of_faith_come_down.htm[/url]




(Tyndale) 1 Corinthians 14:26 - 33
How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every man hath his song, hath his doctrine, hath his tongue, hath his revelation, hath his interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak with tongues, let it be two at once, or at the most three at once and that by course: and let another interpret it. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the congregation, and let him speak to himself and to God.

Let the prophets speak two at once, or three at once, and let other judge. If any revelation be made to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may have comfort. For the spirits of the prophets are in the power of the prophets. For God is not causer of strife: but of peace, as he is in all other congregations of the saints.

... new practical progress



How do Thy mercies close me round!
For ever be Thy name adored!
I blush in all things to abound:
The servant is above his Lord.

Inured to poverty and pain,
A suffering life my Master led;
The Son of God the Son of Man,
He had not where to lay His head.

But lo! A place He hath prepared
For me, whom watchful angels keep;
Nay, He Himself becomes my Guard,
He smoothes my bed, and gives me sleep.

Jesus protects; my fears, be gone!
What can the Rock of Ages move?
Safe in Thine arms I lay me down,
Thine everlasting arms of love!

While Thou are intimately nigh,
Who, who shall violate my rest?
Sin, earth, and hell I now defy;
I lean upon my Savour's breast.

I rest beneath the Almighty's shade;
My griefs expire, my troubles cease;
Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed,
Wilt keep me still in perfect peace.

Me for Thine own Thou lov'st to take
In time and in eternity;
Thou never, never wilt forsake
A helpless worm that trusts in Thee.


[i]Charles Wesley[/i]



Tune: Retreat
[url=http://ccel.org/cceh/0002/x000244.htm]http://ccel.org/cceh/0002/x000244.htm[/url]

Tune: Puer Nobis Nascitur
[url=http://ccel.org/cceh/0007/x000778.htm]http://ccel.org/cceh/0007/x000778.htm[/url]

Tune: Pentecost (Boyd)
[url=http://ccel.org/cceh/0003/x000394.htm]http://ccel.org/cceh/0003/x000394.htm[/url]




[b][size=small][color=006699][font=Courier New]3 John 1:1, 2

THE ELDER,

To the beloved Gaius,

whom I love in truth:


Beloved, I pray that you may prosper

in all things and be in health,

just as your soul prospers. [/font][/color][/size][/b]

... spiritual and practical encouragements and fellowship with saints across miles, through the Holy Spirit



Come, let us to the Lord our God
With contrite hearts return;
Our God is gracious, nor will leave
The desolate to mourn.

His voice commands the tempest forth
And stills the stormy wave;
And though His arm be strong to smite,
’Tis also strong to save.

Long hath the night of sorrow reigned,
The dawn shall bring us light;
God shall appear, and we shall rise
With gladness in His sight.

Our hearts, if God we seek to know,
Shall know Him, and rejoice;
His coming like the morn shall be,
Like morning songs His voice.

As dew upon the tender herb
Diffusing fragrance round,
As show’rs that usher in the spring,
And cheer the thirsty ground.

So shall His presence bless our souls,
And shed a joyful light;
That hallowed morn shall chase away
The sorrows of the night.



Tune: Kilmarnock
[url=http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/l/cletustl.htm]http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/l/cletustl.htm[/url]

[url=http://ccel.org/cceh/0003/x000390.htm]http://ccel.org/cceh/0003/x000390.htm[/url]

Tune: Soho
[url=http://www.opc.org/books/TH/old/Blue516.html]http://www.opc.org/books/TH/old/Blue516.html[/url]



[b][size=small][color=006699][font=Courier New]3 John 1:3

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren

came and testified of the truth

that is in you,

just as you walk in the truth.[/font][/color][/size][/b]