For One Another

Our Lord commands that we should think of all,
Of all who dwell within His sacred fold;
Pray, pray for one another in His church.

Then serve and honor, bearing then with all
And trust His word and then in Him be bold;
Let all you do by Spirit then controlled—
Our Lord commands that we should think of all.

Agree with them and do not give to brawl,
Remember that He bids us be as one,
To take the harm and do not let them shun
A weaker member of His church as none—
Agree, agree with one another in His church.

And patient we should be in our complaint:
An inward character of humbleness—
Remember pride our Lord will never bless—
Make judgments right and God's Word then confess,
Pray for your friend and then yourself see less—
Our Lord commands that we should help the faint.

Then love as Christ has love His precious Bride:
Encourage, sacrifice, and seek her good—
For Christ our model and our attitude—
Be taught of God in zealous magnitude!—
Encourage each through holy fortitude—
And use the Gospel then to be renewed:
Love, encourage one another in His church.

Then come what may and on that Day,
Our Lord will bless His saints with Joy.
So seek the good of saints you've viewed—
His unity you'll then enjoy!

- D. Benning

A summary of the Retreat Message, 21-24 June 2018

God Gives His Love

God gives His love—abundantly poured out:
A supernatural gift of Spirit's pow'r;
A Fruit that flourishes 'spite earthly drought;

A family trait that shines through darkest hour
Then joys with others' great prosperity;
Its strength is as an other-centered tow'r

That glories in the Lord, in unity;
That does not take the honor to its own,
But joys in Truth and all God's verity.

It never fails but seeks to make Christ known;
It overcomes and sees through all the worst,
And longs to bring the other to God's Throne.

This love is all because He loved us first,
And came to pay our debt and take our curse.

- D. Benning

Based on a message by Pastor, Sat, am, 23-Jun-18.

Behold the Money

Behold the money, gilded glitz and all,
   The fabled gold and rubies without end.
   See money's pow'r attract and then enthrall,
   But downward it will wend, and trend, and send,
   Till further loss with woe will then attend.
   But lips that speak true knowledge are most rare—
   Like jewels rich with extra dividend—
   A pastor speaks the Gospel with great care,
And ministers unto his flock with grace and prayer.

- D. Benning

Based on words preached from Prov. 20:15.  Sat. am, 23-Jun-18, by Pastor.

God Calls Us Live In Unity

God calls us live in unity and love:
   Restored with Him, we love because of Him;
   This love does not remain just aimed Above
   But works itself out midst the dark and dim
   Of struggles, labors—trite and sometimes grim.
   We're called to one another here on earth:
   Our loving labor sings a joyful hymn
   That tells of Sovereign Grace and our Lord's worth.
This working out in time and space shows our new birth!

- D. Benning

Based on a message from Sat. 23-Jun-18 by Pastor.

On Jesus Fix Your Eyes

On Jesus, O my soul, then fix your eyes:
Look to His promises and precious Word,
And seek Him only as your treasured prize.

Seek Him as goal and source—your joy preferred—
Ambition, aim, and your inheritance.
Press forward into Him then undeterred!

But fathom this: 'Tis Providence, not chance,
That brings you to the center of His gaze;
His tender thoughts, each careful, loving glance,

Each drop of Grace that's lit by Mercy's rays
All point with wonder and with great surprise
That ever more shall fill eternal days.

No marvel that we treasure Paradise,
But God has set vile us as His own prize!

- D. Benning

Based on considering Deut. 7:6  and  Mal. 3:17, where we are called God's Treasured Possession! After hearing Pastor read several scriptures detailing how we are God's inheritance!