Category: trust

No better gift

Ruth Kirk

Image: Engin Akyurt, Pixabay

🔴

1. There is no better gift, Lord,
Than the faith you give each day.

2. There is no sweeter pleasure
Than to trust you, praise, and pray.

3. There is no higher joy, Lord,
Than to serve as you ordain.

4. There is no greater honour
Than to share your grief and pain.

5. There is no higher path, Lord,
Than to live as one, with you.

6. There is no finer witness
Than to serve in all we do.

7. There is no dearer hope, Lord,
Than to long for your embrace.

8. There is no deeper rapture
Than to see you face to face.

🔴

References

1. By grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8; NIV).

2. He is my God, and I trust him (Psalm 91:2; NLY).

This is my God, and I will praise him (Exodus 15:2; NLT).

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

3. Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40; NLT).

O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8;’ NLT).

4. If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).

5. God has united you with Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30; NLT).

6. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love (Galatians 5:6; NIV).

7. As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? (Psalm 42:1-2; NLT).

I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord (Psalm 84:2; NLT).

So he returned to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20; NLT).

8. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12; NIV).

Would you?

Ruth Kirk

Image: Roy N, Pixabay

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others
and to give his life as a ransom for many
(Mark 10:45; NLT).

1. Would you forgo your hope of rescue,
So a foreigner is saved?

2. Or forswear your dream of freedom,
So a friend is not enslaved?

3. Would you renounce your chance of healing,
So a neighbour is made whole?

4. Or surrender your survival,
Just to save a stranger’s soul?

5. Would you resign your reign above,
So enemies are welcomed in?

6. Or face death by crucifixion,
Bearing many people’s sin?

7. Would you believe the Father’s promise,
Trusting you will rise anew,

8. And then give up your life for others –
Just as Jesus did, for you?

 

References

1. Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).

2. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13; NLT).

3. Love your neighbour as yourself (Luke 10:27; NLT).

4. Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole (Isaiah 53:5; RSV).

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

5. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being (Philippians 2:6-7; NLT).

Love your enemies! (Matthew 5:44; NLT).

6. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8; NLT).

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24; NIV).

7. Those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! (Isaiah 26:19; NLT).

I trust in God (Psalm 56:11; NLT).

They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again (Mark 10:34; NLT).

8. We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16; NLT).

God gives

Ruth Kirk

Image: Jacques Gaimard, Pixabay

1. God gives us love,
So we can give back worship.

2. He gives us light,
So we can see our guilt.

3. God gives us truth,
So can grow in wisdom.

4. He gives us peace
Through Christ, whose blood was spilt.

5. God gives us faith,
So we can be united.

6. He gives us pain,
So we can learn to trust.

7. God gives us hope,
So we can build endurance.

8. He gives us grace
Through Christ, whose rule is just.

 

References

1. We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19: NIV).

Worship the Lord in all his holy splendour (1 Chronicles 16:29; NLT).

2. I am the light of the world (John 8:12; NLT).

I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me (Psalm 51:3; NIV).

3. Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6; NLT).

All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom (Psalm 111:10; NLT).

4. There is peace with God through Jesus Christ (Acts 10:36; NLT).

5. 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 pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one (John 17:21; NLT).

6. I am the one who wounds and heals (Deuteronomy 32:39; NLT).

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (John 14:1; NLT).

7. This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Saviour and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope (1 Timothy 1:1; NLT).

When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (James 1:3; NLT).

8. Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1; NLT).

I judge as God tells me. Therefore my judgement is just (John 5:30; NLT).

Loving you

Ruth Kirk

Image: Sebi6000, Pixabay; wording: RK

Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
all your soul, all your strength,
and all your mind
(Luke 10:27; NLT).

1. Lord,
I share my joy with you,
Loving you with all my mind,
Worshipping your holy name,
And praising you, for you are kind.

2. Lord,
I share my fear with you,
Loving you with all my might,
Putting all my faith in you,
And clinging to you day and night.

3. Lord,
I share my sin with you,
Loving you with all my heart,
Trusting in your clemency,
And knowing you will take my part.

4. Lord,
I share my pain with you,
Loving you with all my soul,
Resting in your tender arms,
And trusting you to make me whole.

 

References

1. Love the Lord your God […] with all your mind (Luke 10:27; NLT).

Your name is holy! (Psalm 99:3; NLT). 

How kind the Lord is! (Psalm 116:5; NLT). 

2. Love the Lord your God […] with all your might (Deuteronomy 6:5; RSV).

Your mercy is so plentiful (Psalm 69:16; NLT).

I cling to you (Psalm 63:8; NLT).

3. Love the Lord your God with all your heart (Deuteronomy 6:5; RSV).

He forgives all my sins (Psalm 103:2-4; NLT).

4. Love the Lord your God […] with all your soul (Deuteronomy 6:5; RSV).

The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you (Deuteronomy 33:27; NLT).

His hands make whole (Job 5:18; NKJV).

The mind of Christ

Ruth Kirk

Image: Manfred Antranias Zimmer, Pixabay

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus
(Philippians 2:5; NKJV).

1. I share my mortal dread with you:
Father,
Help me to do your will.

2. I share my agony with you:
Strengthen my faith 

To trust you still.

3. I share my dying breath with you:
Father,
Receive my sacrifice.

4. I share my endless joy with you:
For we are one,
In paradise.

Image: Free-Photos, Pixabay

References

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

He became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me (Matthew 26:37-8; NLT).

The thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me (Job 3:25; RSV).

If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine (Matthew 26:39; NLT).

2. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (Matthew 27:46; NIV).

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).

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

4. Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21; NLT).

I and the Father are one (John 10:28-30; NIV).

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

Cling to God

Ruth Kirk

Image: DarkWorkX, Pixabay

Cling tightly to the Lord your God (Joshua 23:8; NLT).

1. Lord,
I’m in the desert.
My faith is dry as dust.
May I, like Jesus, cling to you,
So I don’t lose all trust.

2. Lord,
I’m in the foothills.
My hope is almost gone.
May I, like Jesus, cling to you,
For you, alone, are strong.

3. Lord,
I’m in the mountains.
My love is weak and thin.
May I, like Jesus, cling to you,
Though I’m weighed down by sin.

4. Lord,
I’m in the valley,
The shadowland of death.
May I, like Jesus, cling to you,
As I take my last breath.

References

1. O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1; NLT).

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? (Psalm 56:4; NLT).

2. Our bones are dry, our hope is lost (Ezekiel 37:11; NKJV).

If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine (Matthew 26:39; NLT).

3. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever (Psalm 73:26; NLT).

I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me (Psalm 51:3; NIV).

4. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).

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

Prayer

Ruth Kirk

Image: Pexels, Pixabay

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

1. Prayer is less about speaking,
And more about listening.

2. Less about asking,
And more about trusting.

3. Less about wanting,
And more about caring.

4. Less about needing,
And more about sharing.

References

1. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord (Psalm 139:4; NLT).

Listen to his voice (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).

2. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8; NIV).

Trust in him at all times (Psalm 62:8; NLT).

3. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want (Psalm 23:1; KJV).

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, Love your neighbour as yourself (Luke 10:27; NLT).

4. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need (Matthew 6:33; NLT).

If we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering (Romans 8:17; NLT).

May I believe in you

Ruth Kirk

Image: Pablo Juan, Pixabay

1. Lord,
May I believe in you,
Follow you,
And trust you.

2. Lord,
May I remain in you,
Worship you,
And love you.

3. Lord,
May I have faith in you,
Live in you,
And serve you.

References

1. Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:29; NLT).

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).

Trust in God and trust also in me (John 14:1; NLT).

2. Remain in me, and I will remain in you (John 15:4; NLT).

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life (1 Peter 3:15; NLT).

May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:24; NLT).

3. You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26; NLT).

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7; NLT).

The Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God (Romans 14:17-18; NLT).

May I live in you

Ruth Kirk

Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them
(1 John 4:16; NIV).

1. Father,
May I live in you,
Following your Son
Along the way.

2. Father,
May I trust in you,
Praying in your Spirit
Every day.

3. Father,
May I hide in you,
Rejoicing in your presence
And your peace.

4. Father,
May I rest in you,
Knowing we are one, Lord,
Without cease.

References

1. In him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28, NIV).

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).

2. Trust in God and trust also in me (John 14:1; NLT).

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion (Ephesians 6:18; NLT).

3. Your life is now hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3; NIV).

Rejoice in his presence (Psalm 68:4; NLT).

You will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand (Philippians 4:7; NLT).

4. My soul finds rest in God (Psalm 62:1; NIV).

Whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17; NIV).

Stripped away

Ruth Kirk
Image: Belinda Cave, Pixabay

1. When all my faith and joy
Are stripped away,
You alone, in darkness, Lord, remain.

2. When all my trust and hope
Are stripped away,
You alone are here to share my pain.

3. When all my way of life
Is stripped away,
You alone, Lord, grasp that I’m bereft.

4. When all I thought I had
Is stripped away,
You alone are all that I have left.

References

1. You have taken away my companions and my loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend (Psalm 88:18; NLT).

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

3. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away (Job 1:21; NIV).

4. Even what they think they have will be taken from them (Luke 8:18; NIV).

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).

God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5; NLT).

He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need (Psalm 23:1; NLT).