We love him because he first loved us
(1 John 4:19; NKJV).
You love me, Lord:
I love you, in return.
You speak to me:
I listen, mark, and learn.
You comfort me:
I know your words are true.
You are my guide:
I want to grow like you.
You lived for me:
I follow, and obey.
You died for me:
I long for you each day.
You rose again from death,
To set me free:
So I can live in you,
And you in me.
Whoever lives in love lives in God,
and God in them
(1 John 4:16; NIV).
1. Lord, you are my sacred source,
My Maker, and my God.
You give me life, and breath, and food;
A mind, a heart, a voice.
2. You give me faith; a conscience, Lord;
Remorse, forgiveness, hope.
You give me independence, and invention,
Insight, choice.
3. You give me trials and sorrows, Lord;
You give me joy and peace.
You give me worship, prayer, and praise;
Delight, and comfort, too.
4. You give me help; salvation, Lord,
And your unfailing love.
Then you embrace my soul in death,
For I am one with you.
References
1. Everything we have has come from you (1 Chronicles 29:14; NLT).
He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else (Acts 17:25; NIV).
2. It is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8; NIV).
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10; NLT).
3. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows (John 16:33; NLT).
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3; NLT).
4. He helps me (Psalm 28:7; NLT).
The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).
Image: Free-Photos, Pixabay
🤎
1. You know me so well, Lord,
And see all I do.
You know me in full,
Having watched, as I grew.
2. You know me so well,
For you hear all I say,
And help me to govern
My tongue every day.
3. You know me so well,
For you read every thought,
And help me to capture each one,
As I ought.
4. You know me so well,
For you sense how I feel.
You live in my heart,
Where you share each ordeal.
5. You know how I suffer,
And help me to cope.
You stay by my side,
Bringing comfort and hope.
6. You know all that happens
To me every day.
You see how I stumble
On your narrow way.
7. You know me completely,
And love me so well,
Although I am nothing –
A frail, empty shell.
8. You always know best,
So I bow to your will,
Accepting whatever you send,
Good or ill.
🤎
References
1. All that I now know is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely (1 Corinthians 13:12; NLT).
2. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely (Psalm 139:4; NIV).
The tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:6-8; NLT).
3. You perceive my thoughts from afar (Psalm 139:2; NIV).
We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5; NIV).
4. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; NIV).
The Lord sees every heart and knows every plan (1 Chronicles 28:9; NLT).
You are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).
In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).
5. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested (Hebrews 2:18; NLT).
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).
6. The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race (Psalm 14:2; NLT).
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand (Psalm 37:24; NIV).
The gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life (Matthew 7:14; NASB).
7. You have searched me, Lord, and you know me (Psalm 139:1; NIV).
He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).
He knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust (Psalm 103:14; NLT).
Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence! (Psalm 89:47; NLT).
8. God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything (1 John 3:20; NLT).
I send good times and bad times (Isaiah 45:7; NLT).
Should we accept only good things from the hand of God, and never anything bad?
(Job 2:10; NLT).
Image: Ruth Kirk
❤️
Lord,
1. Your cross
Is part of me,
And I am part
Of you.
2. It’s always with me,
Day and night,
In all I think, and say,
And do.
3. It gives me courage,
Comfort, peace,
When I am anxious,
Or in pain –
4. Reminding me
How Jesus lived
And suffered,
Died, and rose again.
🌺🌺🌺
References
1. If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me (Luke 9:23; NLT).
Whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17; NIV).
2. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).
3. I am full of the courage that the Lord’s Spirit gives (Micah 3:8; NET).
I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever (John 14:16; KJV).
Peace I leave you; my peace I give you (John 14:27; NIV).
In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).
4. The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction. But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18; NLT).
“The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead” (Luke 9:22; NLT).
Image: Jaroslav Pitonák, Pixabay
🌺
1. Trust in God.
His will is perfect,
And his timing
Consummate.
2. Trust in God.
His love is perfect:
Father, Shepherd,
Advocate.
3. Trust in God.
His way is perfect;
All his promises
Are true.
4. Trust in God.
His peace is perfect;
He will help
And comfort you.
Your Father in heaven is perfect
(Matthew 5:48; NLT).
🌺
References
1. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:2; NLT).
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners (Romans 5:6; NLT).
2. Perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love (1 John 4:18; NLT).
Because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6; NLT).
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1; KJV).
He is my advocate (1 Samuel 24:15; NLT).
3. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true (2 Samuel 22:31; NLT).
4. You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you (Isaiah 26:3; NLT).
He helps me (Psalm 28:7; NLT).
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).
Image: Claire Diaz, Pixabay
🤎
The eternal God is your refuge,
and his everlasting arms are under you
(Deuteronomy 33:27; NLT).
1. Crossing the desert,
We walk side by side –
Lord, you protect me,
You comfort, and guide.
2. Crossing the mountains,
Deep valleys below –
You climb at my pace, Lord,
Though I am so slow.
3. Crossing the lake,
You reach out for my hand –
I’m sinking, Lord, terrified,
Far from dry land.
4. Crossing the sea,
You take hold of my arm –
No matter what happens,
I’m safe from all harm.
Into your hands I commit my spirit
(Psalm 31:5; NIV).
🤎
References
1. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect me and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).
He guides me along right paths (Psalm 23:3; NLT).
2. Give glory to the Lord your God before it is too late. Acknowledge him before he brings darkness upon you, causing you to stumble and fall on the darkening mountains (Jeremiah 13:16; NLT).
He gently leads those that have young (Isaiah 40:11; NIV).
3. The disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves (Matthew 14:24; NLT).
Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him (Matthew 29-31; NLT).
4. He led Israel across the sea as if it were a desert (Psalm 106:9; NLT).
I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely (Psalm 63:8; NLT).
Image: Hans Braxmeier, Pixabay
💛
Each of you must repent and turn to God, and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
(Acts 2:38; NLT).
1. Repent,
And turn to God.
Open your mind –
Then wait,
Until his Spirit comes
To help you.
2. Repent,
And turn to God.
Open your heart –
Then wait,
Until his Spirit comes
To teach you.
3. Repent,
And turn to God.
Open your soul –
Then wait,
Until his Spirit comes
To cheer you.
4. Repent,
And turn to God.
Open your hands –
Then wait,
Until his Spirit comes
To fill you.
5. Repent,
And turn to God.
Open your eyes –
Then see, and love, and serve
His Son
In all.
💛
References
1. He will give you another Advocate, [Comforter, Encourager, Counsellor] who will never leave you (John 14:16; NLT).
Wait patiently for him (Psalm 37:7; NIV).
The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26; NLT).
2. The Spirit teaches you everything you need to know (1 John 2:27; NLT).
3. He will give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever (John 14:16; DBY).
4. We know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5; NLT).
5. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).
May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow (1 Thessalonians 3:12; NLT).
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40; NIV).
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them (Romans 12:9; NLT, my emphasis).
Image: jplenio, Pixabay
💙
Lord,
1. Guide me
In life’s wilderness,
2. And lead me
Through my darkest night.
3. Comfort
And support me, Lord –
4. Please take my hand,
And hold it tight.
5. Bring me to
Your sea of hope,
6. And help me cross
Your waves of light,
7. To reach, at last,
Your perfect love –
8. For all are precious
In your sight.
💙
References
1. Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path…
2. …nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take (Nehemiah 9:19; NIV).
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…
3. …thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).
Your right hand supports me (Psalm 18:35; NLT).
4. I will take you by the hand and guard you (Isaiah 42:6; NLT).
Your strong right hand holds me securely (Psalm 63:8; NLT).
5. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope (Psalm 119:114; NLT).
6. God is light (1 John 1:5; NIV).
7. God is love (1 John 4:16; NLT).
Perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love (1 John 4:18; NLT).
Love […] is the bond of perfect unity (Colossians 3:14; BSB).
8. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants (Psalm 116:15; NIV).
He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made (Psalm 145:9; NIV).
Image: Ruth Kirk
🧡
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction.
But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God
(1 Corinthians 1:18; NLT).
1. Your cross
Is all that gives me patience:
It’s my peace, my truth,
My guide.
2. Your cross
Is all that gives me comfort,
Showing me
You’re at my side.
3. Your cross
Is all that gives me courage
In my fear, and grief,
And pain.
4. Your cross
Is all that gives me strength
To call upon
Your holy name.
He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus,
just as he did for people everywhere
who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
their Lord and ours
(1 Corinthians 1:2; NLT).
🧡
Image: Dimitris Vetsikas, Pixabay
✝️
1. Look for the Father
Who dwells deep within,
Stirring our hearts
To repent of our sin.
2. Seek the Messiah
Who comes from above,
Sharing our anguish,
Outpouring his love.
3. Search for the Spirit
Who falls from on high,
Comforting everyone,
Hearing each sigh.
4. Turn to the Godhead
Who lives in us all –
Ask his forgiveness,
And welcome his call.
✝️
References
1. You are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16; NLT).
Repent of your sins (Matthew 4:17; NLT).
2. I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me (John 6:38; NLT).
In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).
Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).
3. The Holy Spirit fell upon them (Acts 11:15; NKJV).
He will give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever (John 14:16; DBY).
Don’t you realise that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16; NLT).
4. Turn to God (Matthew 4:17; NLT).
In him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9; ASV).
We will come and make our home with each of them (John 14:23; NLT).
Perhaps even yet they will turn from their evil ways and ask the Lord’s forgiveness before it is too late (Jeremiah 36:7; NLT).
He calls people (Romans 9:12; NLT).