I wonder how many will celebrate this evening.........as Israel and Hamas continue a fight that could lead to conflagration. Some Arab countries are canceling celebrations due to the dire events and bloodshed. Will America cancel its reveling? No matter what side of the conflict you are on, consider a time of reflection tonight. Who can make sense of the situation.......even Palestinians are divided about who is to blame. Some reports indicate that the Palestinian Authority is complicit in the destruction of Hamas. Regardless, lives are being lost and this could escalate to unprecedented horrors.
It is easy for me to fast and pray. I have no social plans anyway. Will those who do have plans sacrifice anything to petition the LORD in prayer? Perilous times are upon us. The hatred spills over to our cities. A molotov cocktail was lobbed at a synagogue in Chicago on Monday.
We must seek God, pray for understanding, and take the side of righteousness and justice.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.......Psalm 91
12/31/2008
12/27/2008
Psalm 1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly
Nor standeth in the way of sinners
Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful
But his delight is in the law of the LORD
And in His law doth he meditate day and night
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water
That bringeth forth his fruit in his season
His leaf also shall not wither
And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper
The ungodly are not so
But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Nor standeth in the way of sinners
Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful
But his delight is in the law of the LORD
And in His law doth he meditate day and night
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water
That bringeth forth his fruit in his season
His leaf also shall not wither
And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper
The ungodly are not so
But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
12/24/2008
.....Notwithstanding....Christ is Preached......(Phil. 1:18)
I was not aware that Handel's Messiah was a Biblical Gospel Presentation in song. I have never seen a performance. I came across the "lyrics" and was impressed because of the faithfulness to Scripture. Click on the title link for a news article about the wealth of word painting the artist incorporated into this masterpiece. Apparently I have been missing something I might enjoy. I hope those who have attended a performance, participated in one, or who listen to a recording fully appreciate the truths conveyed.
Handel's Messiah
George Frederic Handel (1695-1759)
[The libretto for Messiah was designed and selected from the New and Old Testaments with utmost care by Charles Jennens (1700-73), a literary scholar and editor of Shakespeare's plays who was educated at Balliol College, Oxford.]
Part I
(1) Overture
(2) Comfort Ye
Isaiah 40:1-3
1. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. . . .
3. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
(3) Every Valley
Isaiah 40:4
4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.
(4) And the Glory of the LORD
Isaiah 40:5
5. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
(5) Thus Saith the LORD
Haggai 2:6,7
6. For thus saith the LORD of Hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7. And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come
Malachi 3:1
1. The LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: Behold, He shall come, saith the LORD of Hosts.
(6) But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?
Malachi 3:2
2. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire.
(7) And He shall Purify
Malachi 3:3
3. And He shall purify the sons of Levi. . . that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
(8) Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive
Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew 1:23)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name EMMANUEL, God with us.
(9) O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion
Isaiah 40:9
9. O Zion that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
Isaiah 60:1
1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
(10) For Behold, Darkness shall Cover the Earth
Isaiah 60:2,3
2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
(11) The People that Walked in Darkness
Isaiah 9:2 (Matthew 3:16)
2. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
(12) For Unto Us a Child is Born
Isaiah 9:6
6. 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.
(13) Pastoral Symphony
(14) There were Shepherds Abiding in the Field
Luke 2:8
8. There were.....shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
Luke 2:9
9. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(15) And the Angel Said unto Them
Luke 2:10,11
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(16) And Suddenly there was with the Angel
Luke 2:13
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(17) Glory to God
Luke 2:14
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(18) Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion
Zechariah 9:9,10 (Matthew 21:5)
9. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee. He is just, and having salvation... 10. . . And he shall speak peace unto the heathen.
(19) Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind
Isaiah 35:5,6
5. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.
(20) He Shall Feed his Flock like a Shepherd
Isaiah 40:11
11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Matthew 11:28, 29
28. Come unto [Him], all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and [He shall] give you rest. 29. Take [His] yoke upon you, and learn of [Him]; for [He is] meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
(21) His Yoke is Easy
Matthew 11:30
30. [His] yoke is easy, and [His]burden is light.
Part II
(22) Behold the Lamb of God
John 1:29
29.Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world.
(23) He was Despised
Isaiah 53:3
3. He is despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. . . Isaiah 50:6 [He]gave [His] back to the smiters, and [His] cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: [He] hid not [His] face from shame and spitting.
(24) Surely He Hath Borne our Griefs
Isaiah 53:4,5
4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . 5. . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him,
(25) And With His Stripes we are Healed
Isaiah 53:5b
5. And with His stripes we are healed
(26) All we Like Sheep have Gone Astray
Isaiah 53:6
6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
(27) All They that See Him Laugh him to Scorn
Psalm 22:7
7. All they that see [Him] laugh [Him] to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying:
(28) He Trusted in God
Psalm 22:8 (Matthew 27:43)
He trusted [in God] that he would deliver Him: let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him.
(29) Thy Rebuke hath Broken His Heart
Psalm 69:20
20. Reproach hath broken [His] heart; [He is] full of heaviness. [He] looked for some to take pity [on Him], but there was none; and for comforters, but [He] found none.
(30) Behold, and See if There be any Sorrow
Lamentations 1:12
12. Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto [His] sorrow. . .
(31) H He was Cut Off out of the Land of the Living
Isaiah 53:8b
8. He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of [Thy] people was He stricken.
(32) But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul in Hell
Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2:27)
10. [But] thou [didst] not leave [His] soul in hell; neither [didst] thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
(33) Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates
Psalm 24:7-10
7. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. 8. Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. 10. Who is this King of Glory? The LORD of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.
(34) Unto Which of the Angels Said He at Any Time
Hebrews 1:5 (Psalm 2:7)
5. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?
(35) Let All the Angels of God Worship Him
Hebrews 1:6b
6. "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
(36) Thou art Gone Up on High
Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8)
18. Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
(37) The Lord Gave the Word
Psalm 68:11
11. The LORD gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
(38) How Beautiful are the Feet
Romans 10:15 (Isaiah 52:7)
15. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(39) Their Sound is Gone Out
Romans 10:18 (Psalm 19:4)
18. Their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
(40) Why Do the Nations so Furiously Rage Together?
Psalm 2:1,2 (Acts 4:25-26)
1. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Anointed, saying
(41) Let us Break their Bonds Asunder
Psalm 2:3
3. Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(42) He that Dwelleth in Heaven
Psalm 2:4
4. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.
(43) Thou Shalt Break Them
Psalm 2:9
9. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(44) Hallelujah
Revelation 19:6
6. Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Revelation 11:15
15. . . . the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 19:16
16. . . . KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS.
Part III
(45) I Know that my Redeemer Liveth
Job 19:25, 26
25. I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
1 Corinthians 15:20
20. [For] now is Christ risen from the dead. . . the firstfruits of them that [sleep].
(46) Since by Man came Death
1 Corinthians 15:21,22
21. Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
(47) Behold I Tell you a Mystery
1 Corinthians 15:51,52
51. Behold, I shew you a mystery: We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed, 52. In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;
(48) The Trumpet Shall Sound
1 Corinthians 15:52b-53
52. The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(49) Then Shall be Brought to Pass
1 Corinthians 15:54b (Isaiah 25:8)
54. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'
(50) O Death Where is Thy Sting?
1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (Hosea 13:14)
55. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
(51) But Thanks be to God
1 Corinthians 15:57
57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(52) If God Be For Us
Romans 8:31, 33, 34
31. If God be for us, who can be against us?
33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.
(53) Worthy is the Lamb
Revelation 5:12, 13
12. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13. . . . Blessing, and honour, and glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen.
Credit to Bruce Johnson for the lyrics and basic format. I made some slight edits to conform to KJV text.
worshipmap.com
Handel's Messiah
George Frederic Handel (1695-1759)
[The libretto for Messiah was designed and selected from the New and Old Testaments with utmost care by Charles Jennens (1700-73), a literary scholar and editor of Shakespeare's plays who was educated at Balliol College, Oxford.]
Part I
(1) Overture
(2) Comfort Ye
Isaiah 40:1-3
1. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. . . .
3. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
(3) Every Valley
Isaiah 40:4
4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.
(4) And the Glory of the LORD
Isaiah 40:5
5. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
(5) Thus Saith the LORD
Haggai 2:6,7
6. For thus saith the LORD of Hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7. And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come
Malachi 3:1
1. The LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: Behold, He shall come, saith the LORD of Hosts.
(6) But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?
Malachi 3:2
2. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire.
(7) And He shall Purify
Malachi 3:3
3. And He shall purify the sons of Levi. . . that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
(8) Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive
Isaiah 7:14 (Matthew 1:23)
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name EMMANUEL, God with us.
(9) O Thou that Tellest Good Tidings to Zion
Isaiah 40:9
9. O Zion that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
Isaiah 60:1
1. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
(10) For Behold, Darkness shall Cover the Earth
Isaiah 60:2,3
2. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. 3. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
(11) The People that Walked in Darkness
Isaiah 9:2 (Matthew 3:16)
2. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
(12) For Unto Us a Child is Born
Isaiah 9:6
6. 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.
(13) Pastoral Symphony
(14) There were Shepherds Abiding in the Field
Luke 2:8
8. There were.....shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
Luke 2:9
9. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
(15) And the Angel Said unto Them
Luke 2:10,11
10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
(16) And Suddenly there was with the Angel
Luke 2:13
13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
(17) Glory to God
Luke 2:14
14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(18) Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion
Zechariah 9:9,10 (Matthew 21:5)
9. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee. He is just, and having salvation... 10. . . And he shall speak peace unto the heathen.
(19) Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind
Isaiah 35:5,6
5. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.
(20) He Shall Feed his Flock like a Shepherd
Isaiah 40:11
11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Matthew 11:28, 29
28. Come unto [Him], all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and [He shall] give you rest. 29. Take [His] yoke upon you, and learn of [Him]; for [He is] meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
(21) His Yoke is Easy
Matthew 11:30
30. [His] yoke is easy, and [His]burden is light.
Part II
(22) Behold the Lamb of God
John 1:29
29.Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world.
(23) He was Despised
Isaiah 53:3
3. He is despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. . . Isaiah 50:6 [He]gave [His] back to the smiters, and [His] cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: [He] hid not [His] face from shame and spitting.
(24) Surely He Hath Borne our Griefs
Isaiah 53:4,5
4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . 5. . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him,
(25) And With His Stripes we are Healed
Isaiah 53:5b
5. And with His stripes we are healed
(26) All we Like Sheep have Gone Astray
Isaiah 53:6
6. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
(27) All They that See Him Laugh him to Scorn
Psalm 22:7
7. All they that see [Him] laugh [Him] to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying:
(28) He Trusted in God
Psalm 22:8 (Matthew 27:43)
He trusted [in God] that he would deliver Him: let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him.
(29) Thy Rebuke hath Broken His Heart
Psalm 69:20
20. Reproach hath broken [His] heart; [He is] full of heaviness. [He] looked for some to take pity [on Him], but there was none; and for comforters, but [He] found none.
(30) Behold, and See if There be any Sorrow
Lamentations 1:12
12. Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto [His] sorrow. . .
(31) H He was Cut Off out of the Land of the Living
Isaiah 53:8b
8. He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of [Thy] people was He stricken.
(32) But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul in Hell
Psalm 16:10 (Acts 2:27)
10. [But] thou [didst] not leave [His] soul in hell; neither [didst] thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
(33) Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates
Psalm 24:7-10
7. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. 8. Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. 10. Who is this King of Glory? The LORD of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.
(34) Unto Which of the Angels Said He at Any Time
Hebrews 1:5 (Psalm 2:7)
5. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee?
(35) Let All the Angels of God Worship Him
Hebrews 1:6b
6. "Let all the angels of God worship Him."
(36) Thou art Gone Up on High
Psalm 68:18 (Ephesians 4:8)
18. Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
(37) The Lord Gave the Word
Psalm 68:11
11. The LORD gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.
(38) How Beautiful are the Feet
Romans 10:15 (Isaiah 52:7)
15. How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
(39) Their Sound is Gone Out
Romans 10:18 (Psalm 19:4)
18. Their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
(40) Why Do the Nations so Furiously Rage Together?
Psalm 2:1,2 (Acts 4:25-26)
1. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His Anointed, saying
(41) Let us Break their Bonds Asunder
Psalm 2:3
3. Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
(42) He that Dwelleth in Heaven
Psalm 2:4
4. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.
(43) Thou Shalt Break Them
Psalm 2:9
9. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
(44) Hallelujah
Revelation 19:6
6. Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Revelation 11:15
15. . . . the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 19:16
16. . . . KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS.
Part III
(45) I Know that my Redeemer Liveth
Job 19:25, 26
25. I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
1 Corinthians 15:20
20. [For] now is Christ risen from the dead. . . the firstfruits of them that [sleep].
(46) Since by Man came Death
1 Corinthians 15:21,22
21. Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
(47) Behold I Tell you a Mystery
1 Corinthians 15:51,52
51. Behold, I shew you a mystery: We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed, 52. In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;
(48) The Trumpet Shall Sound
1 Corinthians 15:52b-53
52. The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
(49) Then Shall be Brought to Pass
1 Corinthians 15:54b (Isaiah 25:8)
54. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory.'
(50) O Death Where is Thy Sting?
1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (Hosea 13:14)
55. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
(51) But Thanks be to God
1 Corinthians 15:57
57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(52) If God Be For Us
Romans 8:31, 33, 34
31. If God be for us, who can be against us?
33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.
(53) Worthy is the Lamb
Revelation 5:12, 13
12. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13. . . . Blessing, and honour, and glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen.
Credit to Bruce Johnson for the lyrics and basic format. I made some slight edits to conform to KJV text.
worshipmap.com
12/17/2008
Melchizedek: King of Righteousness and Justice
Music by Yanni (Snowfall/Turn of the Tide)
Lyrics by Renah
(click on title for Amazon link to music)
Here is another song written on the road as I pondered. This one was written in 2002/2003. Discussion welcome about the nature of Melchizedek. Has anyone else come to the same conclusion/revelation.....that Jesus/Yeshua and Melchizedek are synonymous?
Shadows and similitudes.......sublime teachings of Scripture (KJV)!
Melchizedek
Melchizedek, who is He
Melchizedek, could it be
The Holy One.....in disguise
I have come to realize....
Abraham gave tithe
To Melchizedek
Just who was this “Man”
He owed a debt......
(Repeat choruses)
An epiphany
A theophany
Like a symphony
God is One
Melchizedek....
(Genesis 14; Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 17:7; Luke 4:34; Hebrews 5, 6, 7)
Lyrics by Renah
(click on title for Amazon link to music)
Here is another song written on the road as I pondered. This one was written in 2002/2003. Discussion welcome about the nature of Melchizedek. Has anyone else come to the same conclusion/revelation.....that Jesus/Yeshua and Melchizedek are synonymous?
Shadows and similitudes.......sublime teachings of Scripture (KJV)!
Melchizedek
Melchizedek, who is He
Melchizedek, could it be
The Holy One.....in disguise
I have come to realize....
Abraham gave tithe
To Melchizedek
Just who was this “Man”
He owed a debt......
(Repeat choruses)
An epiphany
A theophany
Like a symphony
God is One
Melchizedek....
(Genesis 14; Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 17:7; Luke 4:34; Hebrews 5, 6, 7)
12/07/2008
Winter Wonder
Music by Yanni [True Nature/Snowfall...for music see sidebar]
Lyrics by Renah
This is a song written several years ago during the winter months of our driveaway travels. I was appreciating the beauty of winter and the changing seasons. Hormonal hot flashes helped me appreciate the chill of winter for the first time in my life. I continue to have “thermostat problems.” As a result, I can be described as snippy, clammy, and other less than flattering appellatives. I wonder when this transition will resolve. Ten years seems long enough.
It was interesting that the trees lost their leaves in places like Tennessee/Georgia for only about a month or six weeks. The temperatures stayed mild, but the deciduous trees still needed to rest awhile from their fruitfulness.
I also needed to rest awhile, retiring from the stresses of the highway in 2005....but it is time to get back to fruitfulness. I kind of miss the adventures of traveling and the opportunities to write songs. Yet I do not miss little old ladies spinning out in front of me in a Wyoming blizzard. Thank the LORD for the miracle of missing her as she came to a stop sideways in the middle of the highway. And the additional miracle of the semi behind me missing her as well. Then there was the time my windshield wipers froze and I could not see.......good thing we were at a crawl in another snowstorm, snaking our way up and down mountain highways......maybe I’ll continue to stay home where life is a little less exciting.
Winter Wonder
Winter’s a wonder
Kentucky wonder
Softer than thunder
The snow upon the hillside
I’d like a sleigh ride
Across a frosty field
God made the seasons
And He knows the reasons
For trees to be barren
A chill in the air suits me
Winter’s a wonder
An Indiana wonder
So meek and mild
Where is the wild storm
Howling storm
Winter’s a wonder
It is a wonder
Softer than thunder
The snow upon the pine trees
I like a pine breeze
As I trot the trails
God made the seasons
And He knows the reasons
For trees to be barren
A chill in the air suits me
A chill in the air exhilarates me
Winter’s a wonder
A Wyoming wonder
The wind gets riled
Here is the wild storm
Raging storm
A grey snow sky
The gift of Adonai
Winter’s a wonder
It is a wonder
Softer than thunder
Snowflakes fall on me
God made the seasons
And He knows the reasons
For trees to be barren
A chill in the air suits me
A chill in the air invigorates me
A grey snow sky
The gift of Adonai........
Lyrics by Renah
This is a song written several years ago during the winter months of our driveaway travels. I was appreciating the beauty of winter and the changing seasons. Hormonal hot flashes helped me appreciate the chill of winter for the first time in my life. I continue to have “thermostat problems.” As a result, I can be described as snippy, clammy, and other less than flattering appellatives. I wonder when this transition will resolve. Ten years seems long enough.
It was interesting that the trees lost their leaves in places like Tennessee/Georgia for only about a month or six weeks. The temperatures stayed mild, but the deciduous trees still needed to rest awhile from their fruitfulness.
I also needed to rest awhile, retiring from the stresses of the highway in 2005....but it is time to get back to fruitfulness. I kind of miss the adventures of traveling and the opportunities to write songs. Yet I do not miss little old ladies spinning out in front of me in a Wyoming blizzard. Thank the LORD for the miracle of missing her as she came to a stop sideways in the middle of the highway. And the additional miracle of the semi behind me missing her as well. Then there was the time my windshield wipers froze and I could not see.......good thing we were at a crawl in another snowstorm, snaking our way up and down mountain highways......maybe I’ll continue to stay home where life is a little less exciting.
Winter Wonder
Winter’s a wonder
Kentucky wonder
Softer than thunder
The snow upon the hillside
I’d like a sleigh ride
Across a frosty field
God made the seasons
And He knows the reasons
For trees to be barren
A chill in the air suits me
Winter’s a wonder
An Indiana wonder
So meek and mild
Where is the wild storm
Howling storm
Winter’s a wonder
It is a wonder
Softer than thunder
The snow upon the pine trees
I like a pine breeze
As I trot the trails
God made the seasons
And He knows the reasons
For trees to be barren
A chill in the air suits me
A chill in the air exhilarates me
Winter’s a wonder
A Wyoming wonder
The wind gets riled
Here is the wild storm
Raging storm
A grey snow sky
The gift of Adonai
Winter’s a wonder
It is a wonder
Softer than thunder
Snowflakes fall on me
God made the seasons
And He knows the reasons
For trees to be barren
A chill in the air suits me
A chill in the air invigorates me
A grey snow sky
The gift of Adonai........
12/03/2008
A Maccabean History Lesson
1 Not long after this the king sent an old man of Athens to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers, and not to live after the laws of God:
2 And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of Jupiter the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the place.
3 The coming in of this mischief was sore and grievous to the people:
4 For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought in things that were not lawful.
5 The altar also was filled with profane things, which the law forbiddeth.
6 Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.
7 And in the day of the king's birth every month they were brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when the fast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.
8 Moreover there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews, that they should observe the same fashions, and be partakers of their sacrifices:
9 And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery.
10 For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their children; whom when they had openly led round about the city, the babes hanging at their breasts, they cast them down headlong from the wall.
11 And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep the sabbath day secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all burnt together, because they made a conscience to help themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.
12 Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not discouraged for these calamities, but that they judge those punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of our nation.
13 For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.
14 For not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their sins, so dealeth he with us,
15 Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he should take vengeance of us.
16 And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people.
17 But let this that we at spoken be for a warning unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of the matter in a few words.
18 Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and to eat swine's flesh.
19 But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment,
20 As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out against such things, as are not lawful for love of life to be tasted.
21 But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;
22 That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for the old friendship with them find favour.
23 But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his gray head, whereon was come, and his most honest education from a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore he answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send him to the grave.
24 For it becometh not our age, said he, in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar, being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange religion;
25 And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little time and a moment longer, should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.
26 For though for the present time I should be delivered from the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.
27 Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth,
28 And leave a notable example to such as be young to die willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws. And when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment:
29 They that led him changing the good will they bare him a little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.
30 But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul am well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.
31 And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his nation.
2 Maccabees 6
2 And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of Jupiter the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the place.
3 The coming in of this mischief was sore and grievous to the people:
4 For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought in things that were not lawful.
5 The altar also was filled with profane things, which the law forbiddeth.
6 Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.
7 And in the day of the king's birth every month they were brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when the fast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.
8 Moreover there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews, that they should observe the same fashions, and be partakers of their sacrifices:
9 And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery.
10 For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their children; whom when they had openly led round about the city, the babes hanging at their breasts, they cast them down headlong from the wall.
11 And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep the sabbath day secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all burnt together, because they made a conscience to help themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.
12 Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not discouraged for these calamities, but that they judge those punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of our nation.
13 For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.
14 For not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their sins, so dealeth he with us,
15 Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he should take vengeance of us.
16 And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people.
17 But let this that we at spoken be for a warning unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of the matter in a few words.
18 Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and to eat swine's flesh.
19 But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment,
20 As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out against such things, as are not lawful for love of life to be tasted.
21 But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;
22 That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for the old friendship with them find favour.
23 But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his gray head, whereon was come, and his most honest education from a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore he answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send him to the grave.
24 For it becometh not our age, said he, in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar, being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange religion;
25 And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little time and a moment longer, should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.
26 For though for the present time I should be delivered from the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.
27 Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth,
28 And leave a notable example to such as be young to die willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws. And when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment:
29 They that led him changing the good will they bare him a little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.
30 But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul am well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.
31 And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his nation.
2 Maccabees 6
12/02/2008
A Day in the Life
My daughter sent me this email yesterday. It brightened my day.
Good Morning and Good Night.........
Well, good morning Mom. I'm sure you will be getting up pretty soon. It's almost 4am. So probably in another hour, you will be up. Me? Well, I am getting ready to head to bed for the night. Why so late, you ask? Let me tell you....
I went to bed at midnight but Chris was reading in bed and I couldn't fall asleep with his little light on. So, I laid awake waiting for him to finish. About 12:45am, Chris and I both thought we heard Alexia cry but it was brief and we didn't hear it again. She had slept on the recliner in the gameroom upstairs...because she never wants to sleep in her own room. Since we didn't hear her anymore, we thought things must be fine...but something told me to get up and check. And boy were things not fine. Not fine at all. Alexia was downstairs and had just come out of the bathroom when she told me that she had gotten sick all over the place. I hadn't turned the light on yet, so I didn't see anything. I asked her where the mess was and she said you will know it when you see it. I turned the gameroom light on and there was purplish-red liquid sprayed all over the floor, recliner, 2 big blankets, teddy, blankie, and the stereo speakers. But wait.....that's not all. Then as she tried to run downstairs to get to the bathroom...she didn't quite make it. The last 5 stairs, surrounding wall and wood floor at the bottom...also sprayed with that nice purplish-red liquid. I didn't even know where to begin. Well, as I tried to think of what she had eaten that would come out that color...I remembered. What is the worst thing you could spill on a carpet? Yup...you guessed it....she had drank 100% pure Welch's grape juice for dinner and now it is all over my house. I used my carpet shampooer to suck up as much as I could. Then I tried every trick I've ever heard to clean grape juice out of carpets but nothing worked. Apparently, once you mix stomach acid with grape juice...there is nothing that can touch it. So, now I have a nice purple pattern on my stairs and gameroom floor that we will be stuck with until we replace the carpets...which we had no plans of doing anytime soon.
So, now I am wide awake at 4am after doing 2 loads of "sick" laundry and scrubbing the floors with every cleaning agent known to man. Alexia seems fine now...no more episodes, but she will stay home from school tomorrow just to be safe...plus I need to sleep sometime and if I went to work tomorrow, I would probably only get about 1 hour of sleep...if that.
So, as you get up and start your day with a nice cup of coffee and a little internet time...think of me and be glad you are where you are in life and that you are not here cleaning up the grape juice vomit of 8 year old little girls. I envy you.
Good morning and good night,
Denise
Addendum:
I wrote back with my sympathies, while indeed counting my blessings for my current lifestyle, and asked why Lexi decided to run all the way downstairs. I also suggested having a bucket or something handy in case of sickness, like we did back in the day. Her answer.......
Addendum:
Believe it or not we still have that old aluminum spaghetti pan. It served as an RV wash bucket in our Driveaway travels. A truly multi-use vessel. It is now enjoying semi-retirement on a shelf in the workshop. It has been around since my own childhood. I remember Mom's spaghetti and meatballs simmering on the stove. I also remember our own pot of spaghetti sauce and Pat getting mad at me one time and flinging it all over the floor and ceiling. Ahhh....the fond memories.
Good Morning and Good Night.........
Well, good morning Mom. I'm sure you will be getting up pretty soon. It's almost 4am. So probably in another hour, you will be up. Me? Well, I am getting ready to head to bed for the night. Why so late, you ask? Let me tell you....
I went to bed at midnight but Chris was reading in bed and I couldn't fall asleep with his little light on. So, I laid awake waiting for him to finish. About 12:45am, Chris and I both thought we heard Alexia cry but it was brief and we didn't hear it again. She had slept on the recliner in the gameroom upstairs...because she never wants to sleep in her own room. Since we didn't hear her anymore, we thought things must be fine...but something told me to get up and check. And boy were things not fine. Not fine at all. Alexia was downstairs and had just come out of the bathroom when she told me that she had gotten sick all over the place. I hadn't turned the light on yet, so I didn't see anything. I asked her where the mess was and she said you will know it when you see it. I turned the gameroom light on and there was purplish-red liquid sprayed all over the floor, recliner, 2 big blankets, teddy, blankie, and the stereo speakers. But wait.....that's not all. Then as she tried to run downstairs to get to the bathroom...she didn't quite make it. The last 5 stairs, surrounding wall and wood floor at the bottom...also sprayed with that nice purplish-red liquid. I didn't even know where to begin. Well, as I tried to think of what she had eaten that would come out that color...I remembered. What is the worst thing you could spill on a carpet? Yup...you guessed it....she had drank 100% pure Welch's grape juice for dinner and now it is all over my house. I used my carpet shampooer to suck up as much as I could. Then I tried every trick I've ever heard to clean grape juice out of carpets but nothing worked. Apparently, once you mix stomach acid with grape juice...there is nothing that can touch it. So, now I have a nice purple pattern on my stairs and gameroom floor that we will be stuck with until we replace the carpets...which we had no plans of doing anytime soon.
So, now I am wide awake at 4am after doing 2 loads of "sick" laundry and scrubbing the floors with every cleaning agent known to man. Alexia seems fine now...no more episodes, but she will stay home from school tomorrow just to be safe...plus I need to sleep sometime and if I went to work tomorrow, I would probably only get about 1 hour of sleep...if that.
So, as you get up and start your day with a nice cup of coffee and a little internet time...think of me and be glad you are where you are in life and that you are not here cleaning up the grape juice vomit of 8 year old little girls. I envy you.
Good morning and good night,
Denise
Addendum:
I wrote back with my sympathies, while indeed counting my blessings for my current lifestyle, and asked why Lexi decided to run all the way downstairs. I also suggested having a bucket or something handy in case of sickness, like we did back in the day. Her answer.......
Alexia slept in the gameroom, which is an open loft type room. Her bathroom options were mine or the one she shared with Austin or downstairs. She said she chose downstairs because there were less doors in her way to go through. She thought she had a better chance of running down the stairs and going straight into that bathroom rather than have to go through several doors. Her bathroom is between her room and Austin's room but can only be accessed by going through one of the bedrooms. None of them were very conveniently located. We don't usually set out "puke buckets" unless we know we have a problem. She wasn't sick when she went to bed. It came on suddenly in the middle of the night. So suddenly, she couldn't even get out of the chair. She was covered in it before she knew there was an issue. When we do use one though, we choose to use a small garbage can rather than a big spaghetti pan that we cook with later like I had growing up! Ahhh....the fond memories.
Addendum:
Believe it or not we still have that old aluminum spaghetti pan. It served as an RV wash bucket in our Driveaway travels. A truly multi-use vessel. It is now enjoying semi-retirement on a shelf in the workshop. It has been around since my own childhood. I remember Mom's spaghetti and meatballs simmering on the stove. I also remember our own pot of spaghetti sauce and Pat getting mad at me one time and flinging it all over the floor and ceiling. Ahhh....the fond memories.
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