Closer To You

Closer to me I'm tired and I'm weak
And every breath within me is longing just to be
Closer to You
So I face the road ahead
Cause I know there's no comparing
To what's waiting at the end

So let the rain start falling where it will
And I will run through this valley
Just to climb to that hill
And if they ask why I'm smiling
After all I've been through
It's cause I'm just a day closer to You

Closer to me I hear You whisper on the wind
You say although my life is ending
A new one will begin
Closer to You
And I know I'm not alone
Cause I can hear You in the distance
Saying, you are nearly home

So let the rain start falling where it will
And I will run through this valley
Just to climb to that hill
And if they ask why I'm dancing
Though my days may be few
It's cause I'm just a day closer to You

Closer to me You're in the laughter and the tears
Of the ones I leave behind me
Who have prayed me through the years
Closer to You
And I know it won't be long
Till You're running down the pathway
Just to take me in Your arms

So let the rain start falling where it will
And I will run through this valley
Just to climb to that hill
And if they ask why I'm singing
Though my life's almost through
It's cause I'm just a day closer
I'm just a day closer
I'm just a day closer to You


by Mark Schultz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_qVV4-xmcQ

Blessings

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Songwriter: LIZ STORY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Cor 12:9).

Your Grace Still Amazes Me

My faithful Father, enduring Friend
Your tender mercy’s like a river with no end
It overwhelms me, covers my sin
Each time I come into Your presence
I stand in wonder once again

Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me

Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole
You are the Author and the Healer of my soul
What can I give You, Lord, what can I say
I know there’s no way to repay You
Only to offer You my praise

It’s deeper, it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
It’s deeper it’s wider
It’s stronger, it’s higher
than anything my eyes can see

No More Night

The timeless theme, Earth and Heaven will pass away

It's not a dream, God will make all things new that day

Gone is the curse from which I stumbled and fell

Evil is banished to eternal hell

No more night, no more pain

No more tears, never crying again

Praises to the great, "I AM"

We will walk in the light of the risen Lamb

See all around, now the nations bow down to sing

The only sounds are the praises to Christ, our King

Slowly the names from the book are read

I know the King, there is no need to dread

No more night, no more pain

No more tears, never crying again

Praises to the great, "I AM"

We will walk in the light of the risen Lamb

Look over there, it's a mansion prepared for me

Where I can live with my Savior eternally

No more night, no more pain

No more tears, never crying again

Praises to the great, "I AM"

We will walk in the light of the risen Lamb

We will walk in the light of the risen Lamb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH2nAWTuZO8&feature=youtu.be

Even so, it is well with my soul.

When peace like a river attendeth my way

When sorrows like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say

It is well, It is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul

It is well, It is well with my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought

My sin, not in part, but the whole

Has been nailed to the cross

So I bear it no more

Praise The Lord, praise The Lord, oh my soul.

It is well, It is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul

It is well, It is well with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll

The trump shall resound and The Lord shall descend

Even so, it is well with my soul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkHeoM2Fys0

A Sinner Saved By Grace

If you could see what I once was
If you could go with me
Back to where I started from
Then I know you would see
A miracle of love that took me
In it's sweet embrace
And made me what I am today
Just an old sinner saved by grace.

I'm just a sinner saved by grace.
When I stood condemned to death
He took my place.
Now I live and breathe in freedom
With each breath of life I take.
Loved and forgiven
Back with the living
I'm just a sinner saved by grace.

How could I boast of anything
I've ever seen or done?
How could I dare to claim as mine
The vict'ries God has won?
Where would I be had God not brought me
Gently to this place?
I'm here to say I'm nothing but
A sinner saved by grace.

I'm just a sinner saved by grace.
When I stood condemned to death
He took my place.
Now I live and breathe in freedom
With each breath of life I take.
Loved and forgiven
Back with the living
I'm just a sinner saved by grace.

By Mitch Humphries and William and Gloria Gaither

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlB7XDz_soQ

Lord of Life

Though we rose to this tearful sunrise

With sadness for the dawn,

Now we find the grave-stone rolled aside,

Declaring Christ has gone.

 

Here we stand, trembling as an angel speaks,

We can't believe our eyes.

What a marvel, oh, what a mystery:

It's heaven's great surprise.

 

Hear the tomb as it echoes its refrain,

Which shouts of Jesus' pow'r;

Hear it ring with a triumph that proclaims

Salvation's finest hour.

 

Glory to the Great Redeemer,

Glory to the Risen Christ!

Our God reigns forever;

He is the Lord of life!

 

So all saints, let your loudest anthems ring;

We stand with hearts amazed.

Let us join as the heav'nly angels sing,

"He's worthy of all praise!"

 

Glory to the Great Redeemer,

Glory to the Risen Christ!

Our God reigns forever,

He is the Lord of life!

 

Hallelujah for this, our victory,

The end of sin's dark night.

As He lives once again then so shall we;

He is the Lord of life!

 

He is the Lord of life!

words and music by Tony Wood and Phillip Keveren

 

http://listeninglab.stantons.com/title/lord-of-life/424108/?s=1

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace.

 

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

 

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

 

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uPGqH3EEhM

All I Have Is Christ

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way

The sin that promised joy and life

Had led me to the grave

I had no hope that You would own

A rebel to Your will

And if You had not loved me first

I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state

And led me to the cross

And I beheld God’s love displayed

You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me

Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone

And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me

O Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose

And let my song forever be

My only boast is You

Music and words by Jordan Kauflin
http://sovereigngracemusic.bandcamp.com/track/all-i-have-is-christ

By Our Love

Brothers, let us come together,
Walking in the Spirit: there's much to be done.
We will come reaching from our comforts,
And they will know us by our love.

Sisters, we were made for kindness;
We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us.
We will come reaching with a song of healing,
And they will know us by our love.

The time is now: Come, Church, arise.
Love with His hands, see with His eyes,
Bind it around you, let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love!

Children, you are hope for justice;
Stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above.
You will be reaching long after we're gone,
And they will know you by your love!
(And they will know us by our love!)

The time is now: Come, Church, arise.
Love with His hands, see with His eyes,
Bind it around you, let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love!

The time is now: Come, Church, arise.
Love with His hands, see with His eyes,
Bind it around you, let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love.
And they will know us by our love.

by Christy Nockels and Phillip Keveren

http://listeninglab.stantons.com/title/by-our-love/443078/?s=1

High A's :(

This past week I've been practicing several pieces from Mozart's Requiem for a classical concert at our church on March 2nd.  Originally, my director had in mind that I would sing the alto line, which was fine with me.  I enjoy singing alto as well as second soprano.  However, it ends up he needs me to sing second soprano.

That's all well and good, but classical pieces don't generally have second soprano lines, only soprano lines.  And many times the soprano lines, if performed in the original key, are quite high. 

So I'm in the soup.  I have the Latin words and the soprano line pretty much down now, but there are several places where I'm supposed to sing a high A.  Being a second soprano, I've had very little practice doing this, though.

I've been doing vocal scale exercises this week, hoping they will extend my range. And really, the high A doesn't sound all that bad when I briefly pop up to it.  Sustaining it, though, is a different story.  It can only be described as a screech.

The question is, if I keep practising the Mozart pieces AND vocal scales, will I learn to sustain a beautiful-sounding high A by March 2nd?  Or is it a lost cause.  I'm beginning to think that high A's aren't really meant to be sung by me.

Christ Was Born For This

Christmas is almost here, but “peace on earth” certainly isn't. "Good will toward men" can be found in spots, I suppose.  But like prosperity, "world peace" is just around the corner. And that corner is "the coming of the Prince of Peace" (Isa 9:6-7).  When "the Lord of hosts" returns to earth to take David’s throne and bring peace to earth, "He will be a garland of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people" (Is 28:5-6, 16; 62:1-12).

He came to earth once and was crowned with many thorns. Instead of a throne of peace and glory, He went to a cross of shame and suffering. But there He made peace by the blood of His cross (Col 1:20). "Christ is our peace." He was born of Mary that He might taste death for every man and deliver us from the wrath to come (Heb 2:9; 1 Thes 1:10).  Christ was born for this!

We have just finished up our Christmas concerts at church, and this song was one of my favorites that we sang and played (choir and orchestra). The words and music present so clearly the reason why Christ was born.

Upon a starry night,
By golden candlelight,
Love came down, a Rose so fair
And bloomed within a stable bare.

To the shadows Christ was born,

A gentle Rose to bear the thorn.

Christ was born for this.

Christ was born for this.

And in this world of woe,

This Child would learn and grow;

Teaching all the way of peace,

Reaching out to those in need.

Moving through the weary land,

He touched the sick with tender hands.

Christ was born for this.

Christ was born for this.

Bringing us hope,

Bringing us life.

Christ was born for this.

Christ was born for this.

From heaven's glory Christ came down

And laid aside His royal crown.

On the cross He paid the price,

And gave Himself a sacrifice.

Bethlehem to Calvary,

He came to set His people free.

Christ was born for this.

Christ was born for this.

Bring us healing.

Bringing us hope,

Bringing us life.

Christ was born to bring us healing.

Upon a starry night,

By golden candlelight,

Christ was born for this.

Christ was born for this.

Words by Joseph M. Martin

Music by Heather Sorenson

http://listeninglab.stantons.com/title/christ-was-born-for-us/470820/?s=1

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (Jn 3:16).

When Trials Come

Sometimes life gets overwhelming  — money problems, health concerns, family tensions, etc. — but in it all God is with us.  Even more, He is working through all these things to our benefit (Rom 8:28-30).

When trials come no longer fear
For in the pain our God draws near
To fire a faith worth more than gold
And there His faithfulness is told
And there His faithfulness is told

 

Within the night I know Your peace
The breath of God brings strength to me
And new each morning mercy flows
As treasures of the darkness grow
As treasures of the darkness grow

 

I turn to Wisdom not my own
For every battle You have known
My confidence will rest in You
Your love endures Your ways are good
Your love endures Your ways are good

 

When I am weary with the cost
I see the triumph of the cross
So in its shadow I shall run
Till He completes the work begun
Till He completes the work begun

 

One day all things will be made new
I'll see the hope You called me to
And in your kingdom paved with gold
I'll praise your faithfulness of old
I'll praise your faithfulness of old

by Keith and Kristyn Getty

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpScEpriWZs

 

Spring Hymn Sing

Last night was our annual spring Hymn Sing.  Even though the weather was rainy and cold, about 900 people from churches all over the area attended.  We had a great time again, as usual, singing the roof off the place.  One of my favorite songs of the evening was Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.  Such pretty music and wonderful lyrics:

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p_t2sGfsQ8&feature=related

Another of my favorites was His Name is Wonderful.  It brought back memories of singing this song as a child.  In the 60's our family attended a small evangelical free church in Baxter, MN, where Pastor David Martin would preach and lead the singing.  His Name is Wonderful must have been his favorite song because we sang it all the time.

Not many pastors can both preach and lead the singing well, but Pastor Martin could.  I remember singing in the church youth choir (which he started and led) from kindergarten through about the third grade.  Occasionally we would sing on their television program "Echos From Calvary."  Our family moved to Lincoln, NE when I was 10, but I'm sure the musical grounding I received under Pastor Martin helped me get into the Back to the Bible Youth Choir as few years later.

Another memory I have of Pastor Martin is that he sometimes called me "raspberry hucklesperry."  It was a word play on my last name "Sperry."  You see, not only did our family attend his church, we also lived just up the street from his family, and Ruthie (his 4th oldest daughter) and I were fast friends.  We spent many hours playing together.  So Pastor Martin saw me often and knew me quite well at that time.

Of the many talents Pastor Martin had, one of his greatest was in helping plant new churches.  The little evangelical free church we attended (Lakewood Evangelical Free Church) was one of them.  We met in the local Baxter Elementary School back then, but I hear they are one of the largest churches in the area now.

Pastor David Martin passed away last month.  He's with our wonderful Lord now, so I know I'll get to see him again someday.  I wonder, will he greet me by saying, "Well hi there, raspberry hucklesperry!"

His Name is Wonderful
His Name is Wonderful
His Name is Wonderful
Jesus My Lord.

He is the Mighty King
Master of everything
His Name is Wonderful
Jesus My Lord.

He’s the Great shepherd
The Rock of All Ages
Almighty God is He.

Bow down before Him
Love and adore Him
His Name is Wonderful
Jesus My Lord.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA24iJr_bZk

Our annual fall Hymn Sing will be on October 21, 2012, if you care to  join us.  We will be remembering many of the old radio broadcasts, such as Back to the Bible, Unshackled, Old Fashioned Bible Hour, etc.  Hope to see you there!

HALLELUJAH HE IS RISEN!!!



This was the final piece of our Easter concerts — Hallelujah Chorus by Handel:

Hallelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth, Hallelujah!
The Kingdom of this world is become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
and he shall reign for ever and ever, Hallelujah!
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and he shall reign for ever and ever, Hallelujah!


Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever” (Rev 11:15). 

Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns” (Rev 19:6)

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Rev 19:16).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfiAsWR4qU

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed to hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that kept Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom [x2]

by Stuart Townend


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Voawjjqg8zw&feature=related

The Power of the Cross

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

(by Keith and Kristyn Getty)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqzQMf-1Kqc


God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins (1 Jn 4:9-10).

All We Like Sheep

Here's another piece we'll be doing in our Easter concerts.  The words and music were written by John Purifoy.  Such a beautiful piece, don't you think?  It has a similar feeling to a piece we performed during our Christmas concerts — Et In Terra Pax (And on Earth, Peace).  Good reason, too.  John Purifoy composed both of them. 

All we like sheep have gone astray.
We have turned, ev'ry one,to his own way.
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Surely, surely He has borne our griefs,
And carried our sorrows.
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God and afflicted.
He was wounded for our transgressions.
Surely, surely He has borne our griefs!

Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
And a sheep that before its shearers is silent.
He opened not His mouth.
He opened not His mouth.

Surely, surely He has borne our griefs,
And carried our sorrows.
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God and afflicted.
He was wounded for our transgressions.
Surely, surely He has borne our griefs!

All we like sheep have gone astray.
We have turned, ev'ry one,to his own way.
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

http://listeninglab.stantons.com/title/all-we-like-sheep/460618/?s=1

Hosanna to the King

Our church choir/orchestra/organ Easter concerts are just around the corner now — the weekend of March 30th. Again, we had been practicing separately from the orchestra and organ until very recently. We had a combined rehearsal last weekend and will have another one this evening. I love when we're all together. What a difference it makes in the sound!

This piece by Dan Forrest (below) is one of my favorites of the many pieces we're doing.  I chose to post this one first because it depicts John 12:12-15 — "On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, 'Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.' Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, 'FEAR NOT, DAUGHTER OF ZION; BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING, SEATED ON A DONKEY’S COLT.'" 

Amazing that all this took place mere days before they turned on Him crying, "Crucify, crucify Him!"


Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna,
Hosanna!  Hosanna!  Hosanna!

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna to the King!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna to the King!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna,
Hosanna!  Hosanna!  Hosanna!

Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.
Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.
In the name of the Lord.

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna to the King!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna to the King!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna,
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna to the King!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!

Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna, Hosanna!
Hosanna! 
Hosanna!  Hosanna! 
Hosanna!  Hosanna! 
Hosanna!  Hosanna!  Hosanna!  Hosanna!

Hosanna!

http://listeninglab.stantons.com/title/hosanna-to-the-king/347935/?s=1

Sing to Jesus

Our church choir sang this song during our Sunday morning traditional services several weeks ago.  We sang it at a slightly quicker tempo than what you'll hear if you click on the link below.  Such a beautiful song, though, with equally beautiful words!  Wouldn't you agree?

Come and see, look on this mystery
The Lord of the Universe, nailed to a tree
Christ our God, spilling His Holy blood
Bowing in anguish, His sacred head

Sing to Jesus, Lord of our shame
Lord of our sinful hearts.
He is our great Redeemer.
Sing to Jesus, Honor His name.
Sing of His faithfulness, pouring His life out unto death

Come you weary and He will give you rest
Come you who mourn, lay on His breast
Christ who died, risen in Paradise
Giver of mercy, Giver of Life

Sing to Jesus His is the throne
Now and forever,
He is the King of Heaven.
Sing to Jesus, we are His own.
Now and forever sing for the love our God has shown.

Sing to Jesus, Lord of our shame
Lord of our sinful hearts.
He is our great Redeemer.
Sing to Jesus, Honor His name.
Sing to Jesus His is the throne
Now and forever,
He is the King of Heaven.
Sing to Jesus, we are His own.
Now and forever sing for the love our God has shown.

Allelulia, Allelulia, Allelulia.

http://listeninglab.stantons.com/title/sing-to-jesus/363794/


(words and music by Fernando Ortega and Rich Nibbe, arranged and orchestrated by Robert Sterling)