Month: December 2019

Nothing is wasted

Ruth Kirk
Photo: MichaelGaida

Jesus said to his disciples,
“Gather up the broken pieces that are left over,
so that nothing is wasted”
(John 6:12; NET).

1. Nothing, Lord, is wasted
In your kingdom –
All things work together
For our gain.

2. May we accept what comes,
Both good and bad, Lord,
With thanks for every pleasure,
Loss, and pain.

3. Help us to learn
From all our trials and sorrows,
Rejoicing in your wisdom
And your name,

4. Then, even that which breaks us
Won’t be wasted,
For we will comfort those
Who share the same.

References

1. The Kingdom of God is already among you (Luke 17:21; NLT).

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28; NLT).

2. Should we accept only good from the hand of God, and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT).

Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

3. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows (John 16:33; NLT).

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name (Psalm 33:21; NLT).

4. I am like a broken vessel (Psalm 31:12; NKJV).

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4; NLT).

Sparks fly up

Ruth Kirk
Photo: 6015548

1. Sparks fly up throughout the night;
In the morning: blinding light.

2. At mid-day, the sun descends;
Three o’clock: your torment ends.

3. Then, as night falls, you are laid
In a tomb our hands have made.

4. When the Sabbath day is done,
Women haste to mourn God’s Son,

5. But death can’t keep you in its thrall,
For you are Christ, who saves us all.

References

1. Peter followed him [Jesus] at a distance and went right into the high priest’s courtyard. There he sat with the guards, warming himself by the fire (Mark 14:54; NLT).

Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, “Look, here is the man!” (John 19:5; NLT).

As the crowds gathered before Pilate’s house that morning, he asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you – Barabbas, or Jesus?” (Matthew 27:17; NLT).

2. By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone (Luke 23:44-5; NLT).

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last (Luke 23:46; NLT).

3. [Joseph] took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock (Luke 23:53; NLT).

Because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the time was close at hand, they laid Jesus there (John 19:42; NLT).

4. Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared (Luke 24:1; NLT).

5. God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip (Acts 2:24; NLT).

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15; NLT).

The Word of God

Ruth Kirk
Photo: barbaraserafym

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life
(John 3:16; NLT).

1. Jesus is the Word of God,
His much-loved, only Son,
Who comes to live with us on earth
And make all people one.

2. Jesus is the bread of God,
Who comes to feed each soul,
To heal in body, heart and mind
So we can be made whole.

3. Jesus is the Lamb of God,
Who comes to pay the price
For all our sins and weaknesses:
A perfect sacrifice.

4. Jesus is the Love of God,
His unveiled, human face,
Who comes to live within us all,
For Jesus is God’s grace.

References

1. He wore a robe dipped in blood and his title was the Word of God (Revelation 19:13; NLT).

This is my dearly loved Son (Mark 9:7; NLT).

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one (John 17:22; NLT).

2. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33; NLT).

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5; RSV).

3. John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29; NLT).

By the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:14; NLT).

4. Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39; NLT).

God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6; NLT).

Then the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom (Mark 15:38; NKJV).

When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39; NLT).

Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).

God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:9; NLT).

Without complaint

Ruth Kirk
Photo: Antranias

1. Jesus Christ, the Son of Man,
I love you.
May I bear my cross
Without complaint,
Rejoicing in your presence
Day and night, Lord,
And loving all I meet
Without restraint.

2. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace,
I love you.
May I bear my cross
Without reproach,
Thanking you for all,
Both good and bad, Lord,
And bringing those who suffer
Your fresh hope.

3. Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
I love you.
May I bear my cross
Without lament,
Praying for the world, Lord,
Without ceasing,
And praising you,
The Saviour 
God has sent.

References

1. Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24; NLT).

Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).

Be kind to everyone (2 Timothy 2:24; NLT).

2. Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

Should we accept only good from the hand of God, and never anything bad? (Job 2:10; NLT).

3. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word (Isaiah 53:7; NLT).

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16; NLT).

It’s not just that you make us

Ruth Kirk
Photo: qimono

Lord,

1. It’s not just that you make us:
You’re creation.

2. It’s not just that you’re timeless:
You are time.

3. It’s not just that you’re living:
You are life, Lord.

4. It’s not just that you light our way:
You shine.

5. It’s not just that you feed us:
You are bread, Lord.

6. It’s not just that you give us drink:
You’re wine.

7. It’s not just that you care for us:
You’re love, Lord.

8. It’s not just that I’m yours, Lord:
You are mine.

References

1. The Word gave life to everything that was created (John 1:1; NLT).

2. For you, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours (Psalm 90:4; NLT).

3. I am the way the truth and the life (John 14:6; NIV).

4. God is more glorious than the moon; he shines brighter than the stars (Job 25:5; NLT).

5. I am the living bread the came down from heaven (John 6:51; NLT).

6. He took a cup of wine […] and he said to them, “This is my blood” (Mark 14:23-4; NLT).

7. God is love (1 John 4:16; NLT).

8. I am yours (Psalm 119:94; NLT).

Lord, you are mine! (Psalm 119:57; NLT).

Change

Ruth Kirk
Photo: Ben_Kerckx

For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage,
so that I could gain Christ and become one with him
(Philippians 3:9; NLT).

1. May we give up our will for yours,
Dear Father;

2. May we change, growing much more like
Your Son;

3. May we be filled
With your most Holy Spirit –

4. Then we will live in you,
Becoming one.

References

1. I want your will to be done, not mine (Luke 22:42; NLT).

2. Change your hearts before the Lord (Jeremiah 4:4; NLT).

The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT).

3. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you (Acts 1:8; NLT).

4. All who live in love live in God, and God lives in them (1 John 4:16; NLT).

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one (John 17:22; NLT).

Hidden with Christ in God

Ruth Kirk


You died, and your life now is hidden with Christ in God.
(Colossians 3:3; NIV).

1. May I be hidden, Lord,
With you,
So I’m a witness
At your birth.

2. May I be hidden, Lord,
With you,
So I can share
Your life on earth.

3. May I be hidden, Lord,
With you,
So I can mourn
Your sacrifice.

4. May I be hidden, Lord,
With you,
For evermore
In paradise.

References

1. She gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling-cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn (Luke 2:6-7; RSV).

2. Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23; NIV).

3. A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women (Luke 23:27; NLT).

4. Today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43; NLT).

Enlightenment

Ruth Kirk
Photo: ESTIPINCHASI

The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world (John 1:9; HNV).

He is a light to reveal God to the nations (Luke 2:32; NLT).

1. Jesus,
You’re a candle
Enlightening my mind,
Showing me God’s narrow way:
Love everyone; be kind.

2. Jesus,
You’re a lantern
Shining in my heart,
Showing me God’s narrow way:
Help those whose lives are dark.

3. Jesus,
You’re a beacon
Blazing in my soul,
Showing me God’s narrow way:
Befriend; support; console.

References

1. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12; NIV).

The gateway to life is very narrow and the road difficult, and only a few ever find it (Matthew 7:13-14; NLT).

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them (Romans 12:9; NLT).

Be kind to everyone (2 Timothy 2:24; NLT).

2. O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness (2 Samuel 22:29; NLT).

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light (Isaiah 9:2; NLT).

Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all (Mark 9:35; NIV).

3. I am the light of the world (John 8:12; NIV).

Trust in the Lord, and do good (Psalm 37:3; NLT).

You are my friends (John 15:15; NLT).

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4; NLT).

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).

Joy

Ruth Kirk
Photo: geralt

A little child will lead them all (Isaiah 11:6; NLT).

Lord God,

1. You sent a little boy
To flood us with your Spirit’s joy,

2. To sacrifice his flesh and blood
For us, and fill our hearts with love.

3. For he, Lord, is your only Son,
The Christ, who came to make us one

4. With him, with you, and all the earth –
Lord, thank you for our Saviour’s birth.

References

1. The baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35; NLT).

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-3; NRSV).

2. He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19-20; NIV).

We have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ (Romans 5:9; NLT).

3. God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16; NLT).

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one (John 17:22; NLT).

4. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:9; NLT).

You are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).

Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other (Romans 12:4-5; NLT).

There is […] one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all (Ephesians 4:5-6; NLT).

The Saviour – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:11; NLT).

Listening

Ruth Kirk
Photo: falco

In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

Lord,

1. I’m neither strong,
Nor energetic.

2. There’s very little
I can do for others.

3. But I can listen patiently,
Offering love and comfort,

4. Sharing the load
Of those I meet

5. Who struggle with life’s
Burdens, trials, and sorrows.

References

1,2. He knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust (Psalm 103:14; NLT).

3. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-3; NRSV).

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them (Romans 12:9; NLT).

[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4; NIV).

4. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles (Matthew 5:4; NLT).

As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus (Luke 23:26; NLT).

Mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15; NRSV).

5. Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30; NLT).

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows (John 16:33; NLT).

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).