Sunset at the Ocean

The light at day's end
  enlightens family well;
Joy and laughter blend,
  as one with another dwells.

The sand, the waves, the setting sun,
  the joy at sunset with love given;
The mem'ries, thoughts, reflections—
  tangible pictures of eternal heaven!

- D. Benning

The Use of Trials

Until I learned to trust, I never learned to pray;
And I did not learn to fully trust ’til sorrows came my way.
Until I felt my weakness, His strength I never knew;
Nor dreamed ’til I was stricken that He could see me through.

Who deepest drinks of sorrow, drinks deepest, too, of grace;
He sends the storm so He Himself can be our hiding place.
His heart that seeks our highest good, knows well when things annoy;
We would not long for heaven if earth held only joy.

William Coltman 1924-1956

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"The cardinal error against which the Gospel has to contend is the inveterate tendency of men to rely on their own performances. The great antagonist to the truth is the pride of man, which causes him to imagine that he can be, in part at least, his own savior."

 

- A. W. Pink

Praise to the Lord!

Praise to the Lord!
Maker of the Heavens and the earth.
All creation give Him oblation
And tell out His worth.
Praise now His Name!
Praise Him for the work of redeeming Love!
Joy unending: the Spirit's sending
Us daily Grace from above.


     Great is our Lord: Repeat the story
     of saving Love that saved a wretch like me!
     Shout out His praise—the God of Glory
     has made me His child, set this sinful captive free!

Sing to the Lord!
Praise Him earth and angels in the heights;
Stars give glory and tell the story
When heav'n first saw Light!
Great is His Grace!
Great the Love and Mercy He showed to me:
God descended and then befriended
A wretched sinner like me!

     Great is our Lord: Repeat the story
     of saving Love that saved a wretch like me!
     Shout out His praise—the God of Glory
     has made me His child, set this sinful captive free!

Yes, I will praise—
Praise the Rock that never will be moved!
Jubilation and exultation
Since all my sin's removed!
Sing out for joy!
Praise the Lord of Hosts and loudly exclaim:
Fetters broken since Grace has spoken;
Oh shout and praise His dear name!

     Great is our Lord: Repeat the story
     of saving Love that saved a wretch like me!
     Shout out His praise—the God of Glory
     has made me His child, set this sinful captive free!


This has been set to music (©1999)—

• See the score below.
  
• Direct link to the mp3

Proclaim His Wonders

Yes!  We'll proclaim all His wonders;
We will shout aloud His Grace.
To all those now found under
Heaven's high exalted space.

We will speak to our children,
Generations not yet known;
Though on earth we're all pilgrims,
We make sure God's deeds are shown.

- D. Benning

Ah, Friday!

 
Ah, fair Friday, thou hebdomadal friend,
Thou fecund fount of frivolous fancying,
O Zephyrus flow of fecund refreshment,
What did fetter Thine influx,
Or frustrate Thy festive fires?
O Friday, flashy form of weekend frolic and effort,
Fumble Thou not now nor fuss and fight,
But unfurl Thy flag and be welcome sight!

- D. Benning