Sunday, April 04, 2010

there is a Hope and He has a Name


There is a HOPE


Live Worship from Ireland

(lyrics are located below the photos - scroll down to read as you listen)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."

~1 Peter 1: 3-9


I began this week really immersing myself in the lyrics of this modern hymn... and I was sure (or at least hopeful) we would sing it at church this Easter morning... We did!- with full choir and orchestra. This was greatly encouraging to me and I was caught up barely able to "sing" (which is not a sad thing at all as I use the term "sing" lightly when applied to myself... I more or less croak and squeak and always feel the need to apologize to whomever sits in front of me). HOPE for the believer is not something that might happen or might come or might materialize ... HOPE for the believer is a promise... a guarantee and THAT is the Hope we sing about... the HOPE we celebrate! ~Katey

(you can watch/listen to that Easter service HERE)




THERE IS A HOPE
by Stuart Townend and Mark Edwards
Copyright (c) 2007 Thankyou Music.


There is a hope that burns within my heart,
That gives me strength for ev'ry passing day;
a glimpse of glory now revealed in meager part,
Yet drives all doubt away:
I stand in Christ, with sins forgiv'n;
and Christ in me, the hope of heav'n!
My highest calling and my deepest joy,
to make His will my home.

There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
A consolation strong against despair,
That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
I find the Savior there!
Through present sufferings, future's fear,
He whispers, "Courage!" in my ear.
For I am safe in everlasting arms,
And they will lead me home.

There is a hope that stands the test of time,
That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
When I behold His face!
When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
and every longing satisfied,
then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
For I am truly home.

Blessings ~ Katey

~(my ART)~