InTouch Ministries
GALATIANS 5:22-26
The Holy Spirit is vital to the Christian life. Read about the fruit of the Spirit in today's passage, and ask, Can I be such a good person on my own? We need divine intervention to live as God expects. That's why He gives each believer a Helper, whose job is to produce Christ-like character.
The heavenly Father knows that His children need assistance to comply with His commands. Even Jesus Christ's most faithful followers were, on their own, helpless to obey—for instance, Peter, who pledged to be loyal until death, denied even knowing Christ (Matt. 26:69-75).
Just before returning to heaven, Jesus ordered the disciples to put their missionary work on hold until the Holy Spirit arrived (Luke 24:49). Only with the Spirit's aid could Peter the Coward become Peter the Rock and preach a challenging sermon that convicted many (Acts 2).
The Holy Spirit enters a believer's life at the moment of salvation and immediately sets about the work of producing spiritual fruit. This is the outward expression of a transformed heart. When we yield to God's nurturing hand, our actions and attitudes become more loving, more joyful, more kind, more gentle, . . . He reaps a harvest of service from our life—good works that grow our own faith and expand His kingdom.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to bring forth Christlike character is not passive. Our part is to meditate upon the Bible so that we can identify righteous qualities. Then, instead of satisfying our flesh, we must make wise decisions each day that allow the Spirit to develop godliness in our life.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Reason for Confidence
InTouch Ministries
PHILIPPIANS 4:5
Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more unshakeable trust in Him will become.
As Christians, we have every reason to live with assurance—we have the very presence of God living within us (Phil. 4:5). But in addition, we also have His peace (v. 7), His power (v. 13), and His provision (v. 19).
Our world is full of distrust, fear, and uncertainty. Don't allow yourself to listen to negative messages, which can make you lose the confidence God gives His children. Instead, focus on the truth in Scripture and the glory and victory of Jesus. Let His perfect love cast out your fear (1 John 4:18).
PHILIPPIANS 4:5
Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more unshakeable trust in Him will become.
As Christians, we have every reason to live with assurance—we have the very presence of God living within us (Phil. 4:5). But in addition, we also have His peace (v. 7), His power (v. 13), and His provision (v. 19).
Our world is full of distrust, fear, and uncertainty. Don't allow yourself to listen to negative messages, which can make you lose the confidence God gives His children. Instead, focus on the truth in Scripture and the glory and victory of Jesus. Let His perfect love cast out your fear (1 John 4:18).
Confidence That Empowers
InTouch ministries
PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13
Our world emphatically proclaims the importance of self-esteem, which is a favorable impression of oneself. Surely, we are told, an individual who values himself highly will accomplish much. Yet Scripture tells us that true confidence flows, not from self, but from our identity in Christ.
In God's Word, we learn that Paul experienced this appropriate assurance. He expressed certainty regarding the message and ministry God gave him (Gal. 1:15-17; Rom. 1:16). The apostle was also sure of eternal security in Jesus (Rom. 8:37-39). What's more, today's passage shows that Paul stood firmly on his belief that He could do anything in God's will because Jesus was living through him.
The Holy Spirit is the basis for our confidence—not positive thinking, right circumstances, or the ability to think highly of ourselves. Even in the midst of difficulty, we can live with boldness because the Spirit of the living God dwells within our being and enables us to follow Him.
Of course, we have a role too. The Spirit directs us and strengthens us, but we are responsible to listen, obey, and diligently follow His guidance each day. We can have assurance in an unstable world because almighty God provides everything we need to live triumphantly.
Are you facing situations that make you feel inadequate or insecure? Search the Bible for descriptions of His character. Realize that this sovereign, almighty God—the Beginning and the End—lives inside of you. Find your confidence in the one who is your Creator, Redeemer, and Friend.
PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13
Our world emphatically proclaims the importance of self-esteem, which is a favorable impression of oneself. Surely, we are told, an individual who values himself highly will accomplish much. Yet Scripture tells us that true confidence flows, not from self, but from our identity in Christ.
In God's Word, we learn that Paul experienced this appropriate assurance. He expressed certainty regarding the message and ministry God gave him (Gal. 1:15-17; Rom. 1:16). The apostle was also sure of eternal security in Jesus (Rom. 8:37-39). What's more, today's passage shows that Paul stood firmly on his belief that He could do anything in God's will because Jesus was living through him.
The Holy Spirit is the basis for our confidence—not positive thinking, right circumstances, or the ability to think highly of ourselves. Even in the midst of difficulty, we can live with boldness because the Spirit of the living God dwells within our being and enables us to follow Him.
Of course, we have a role too. The Spirit directs us and strengthens us, but we are responsible to listen, obey, and diligently follow His guidance each day. We can have assurance in an unstable world because almighty God provides everything we need to live triumphantly.
Are you facing situations that make you feel inadequate or insecure? Search the Bible for descriptions of His character. Realize that this sovereign, almighty God—the Beginning and the End—lives inside of you. Find your confidence in the one who is your Creator, Redeemer, and Friend.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
John 14 "The Comfort Chapter"
Sermon by John McArthur
Click on this link to read the sermon:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg1544.htm
John 14:1-6 says, "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And where I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not where thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
One of my favorite take aways from a sermon I once heard is "Maybe Today." We should wake up every day in happy anticipation that this might be the day that Jesus comes back for us, not because we are unhappy but because we love Him.
Click on this link to read the sermon:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sg1544.htm
John 14:1-6 says, "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And where I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not where thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
One of my favorite take aways from a sermon I once heard is "Maybe Today." We should wake up every day in happy anticipation that this might be the day that Jesus comes back for us, not because we are unhappy but because we love Him.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Reflection Questions for 2009
Reflection Questions for 2009
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
Became closer to God. Learned to surrender and pray.
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
The truth.
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
The truth is better than a lie.
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
People prefer to tear down rather than build up.
5. Pick three words to describe 2009.
Revealing, humbling, blessed.
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
Not Very Fun!
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2009 (again, without asking).
Glad It's Over!
8. What were the best books you read this year?
The Marriage Builder by Dr. Larry Crabb, One Month to Live by Kerry Shook, Desiring God by John Piper
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
Family.
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
I overcame anxiety and fear and faced reality through God's eyes.
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I am more understanding of others.
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
I am more forgiving. I am realizing more and more how much God loves us.
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
Gained weight, lost weight, gained weight.
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
My marriage is much stronger and my family is much closer.
15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?
Getting out the clutter and developing a schedule!
16. What was your most challenging area of home management?
Getting rid of the clutter!
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Facebook.
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Prayer and daily devotions.
19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
God loves me more than I could ever imagine and... He can do all things if I stop resisting His will.
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for year
"Bring the rain."
Romans 8:17-18 (King James Version)
17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
"Bring The Rain"
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Thursday, December 31, 2009
God's Purpose for Intimacy
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.5710053/k.4ECA/God8217s_Purpose_for_Intimacy.htm
God’s Purpose for Intimacy
By Dr. Charles F. Stanley
For most of my life, I believed that the heavenly Father and I shared a relationship for my benefit. However, His primary purpose for creating intimacy with believers is to reveal Himself. The greatest tragedy for anyone, but especially for a churchgoer, is to die without knowing the Lord personally. But like any friendship, intimacy with God requires effort.
In a genuinely loving relationship, each person wants to know more about the other. As believers, we’re sometimes guilty of taking a more self-interested approach and forget that God is the rightful center of attention. Instead, we head to church or into quiet time looking for something to inspire us, motivate us, or help us.
Part of the problem is that we would like to practice our faith in the safest way possible. Bible study, prayer, and church are relatively easy, compared to stepping out in faith or enduring persecution. But to know God intimately is not a purely intellectual pursuit. A truth about the Lord is not truly ours until He works it into our daily life.
First, we must spend time with Him. Bible studies and church are good, but they don't count toward this requirement. We need to be alone with God, away from distractions and anything that might interfere with our communion. Susanna Wesley was mother to 18th-century evangelist John, hymn-writer Charles, and seven other children who survived to adulthood. She had her quiet time on a kitchen stool with her apron pulled over her head. When was the last time you got alone with the Lord and asked Him to speak to your heart?
Second, intimacy with God depends on our ability to listen. Most of the time, He will speak through Scripture. That's why we need to give reading and meditation high priority.
Third, we must speak to God transparently and hold nothing back. A loving relationship is built upon honesty. Each person should feel comfortable expressing both positive and negative emotions while still trusting the other's love. Of course, God already knows what is in our heart. But we must learn to trust Him with our deepest secrets.
Our Father wants His children to understand how He operates. The only way to gain that knowledge is by allowing God to unveil Himself in our life experiences. That means we must be willing to go through difficulty and pain as well as happiness and peace. A man can read that the Holy Spirit is the believer’s Comforter, but he does not know this truth until he has need of solace.
None of us would dare say that the God who saved us is not worthy of our attention. Yet many Christians act as if this were true. Intimacy with the Lord is a privilege. Do not waste the opportunity to be close to Him.
The Christian life is not about feeling good and deriving the greatest personal benefit from our connection to God. Rather, the Lord builds an intimate relationship with each of His followers. In that way, He can reveal more about Himself—truth by truth—as a believer needs that knowledge. What a privilege!
God’s Purpose for Intimacy
By Dr. Charles F. Stanley
For most of my life, I believed that the heavenly Father and I shared a relationship for my benefit. However, His primary purpose for creating intimacy with believers is to reveal Himself. The greatest tragedy for anyone, but especially for a churchgoer, is to die without knowing the Lord personally. But like any friendship, intimacy with God requires effort.
In a genuinely loving relationship, each person wants to know more about the other. As believers, we’re sometimes guilty of taking a more self-interested approach and forget that God is the rightful center of attention. Instead, we head to church or into quiet time looking for something to inspire us, motivate us, or help us.
Part of the problem is that we would like to practice our faith in the safest way possible. Bible study, prayer, and church are relatively easy, compared to stepping out in faith or enduring persecution. But to know God intimately is not a purely intellectual pursuit. A truth about the Lord is not truly ours until He works it into our daily life.
First, we must spend time with Him. Bible studies and church are good, but they don't count toward this requirement. We need to be alone with God, away from distractions and anything that might interfere with our communion. Susanna Wesley was mother to 18th-century evangelist John, hymn-writer Charles, and seven other children who survived to adulthood. She had her quiet time on a kitchen stool with her apron pulled over her head. When was the last time you got alone with the Lord and asked Him to speak to your heart?
Second, intimacy with God depends on our ability to listen. Most of the time, He will speak through Scripture. That's why we need to give reading and meditation high priority.
Third, we must speak to God transparently and hold nothing back. A loving relationship is built upon honesty. Each person should feel comfortable expressing both positive and negative emotions while still trusting the other's love. Of course, God already knows what is in our heart. But we must learn to trust Him with our deepest secrets.
Our Father wants His children to understand how He operates. The only way to gain that knowledge is by allowing God to unveil Himself in our life experiences. That means we must be willing to go through difficulty and pain as well as happiness and peace. A man can read that the Holy Spirit is the believer’s Comforter, but he does not know this truth until he has need of solace.
None of us would dare say that the God who saved us is not worthy of our attention. Yet many Christians act as if this were true. Intimacy with the Lord is a privilege. Do not waste the opportunity to be close to Him.
The Christian life is not about feeling good and deriving the greatest personal benefit from our connection to God. Rather, the Lord builds an intimate relationship with each of His followers. In that way, He can reveal more about Himself—truth by truth—as a believer needs that knowledge. What a privilege!
The God To Whom We Pray Part 2
http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4943225/k.9234/Audio_Archives.htm
Click the link above and go to the December 31st, 2009 message. Then click start.
This is one of the best messages I have heard lately because it is about prayer and Dr. Stanley really understands prayer. In the message Dr. Stanley says that our view of God affects our prayers. Do you see God primarily as a giver. Is he just a bell hop sitting in Heaven waiting on you to call on Him for something else? Do you ever say Lord I want to know you better. Dr. Stanley asked God in prayer, "What is is about You that You want me to know in my life above anything else?" God answered right away, "How much I love you." The best thing about prayer is not always the answer to prayer. Are you interested in the giver Himself or just the gift?
Sermon Outline
The Power of a Personal Relationship
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943677&ct=6698883
excerpt:
When you begin to pursue a personal relationship with God:
A. He protects you from wasting your life, wrecking your body, following false ideologies, and wasting your finances.
B. You will feel that the Lord is near. You will begin to call him “my Father” and consider Jesus Christ to be your best friend.
C. You won’t feel alone. You may have times of loneliness, but you will be able to sense His presence with you. He promised to never leave you nor forsake you.
D. Sin will begin to lose its appeal.
E. The Holy Spirit will speak through you.
F. You will have a desire for God to be exalted through your life, through your walk, your words, and your work.
Conclusion
Ask yourself the question: Do I have a personal relationship with God, or do I just know about Him? He desires to have an intimate relationship with you that will lead non-believers to Christ.
Click the link above and go to the December 31st, 2009 message. Then click start.
This is one of the best messages I have heard lately because it is about prayer and Dr. Stanley really understands prayer. In the message Dr. Stanley says that our view of God affects our prayers. Do you see God primarily as a giver. Is he just a bell hop sitting in Heaven waiting on you to call on Him for something else? Do you ever say Lord I want to know you better. Dr. Stanley asked God in prayer, "What is is about You that You want me to know in my life above anything else?" God answered right away, "How much I love you." The best thing about prayer is not always the answer to prayer. Are you interested in the giver Himself or just the gift?
Sermon Outline
The Power of a Personal Relationship
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943677&ct=6698883
excerpt:
When you begin to pursue a personal relationship with God:
A. He protects you from wasting your life, wrecking your body, following false ideologies, and wasting your finances.
B. You will feel that the Lord is near. You will begin to call him “my Father” and consider Jesus Christ to be your best friend.
C. You won’t feel alone. You may have times of loneliness, but you will be able to sense His presence with you. He promised to never leave you nor forsake you.
D. Sin will begin to lose its appeal.
E. The Holy Spirit will speak through you.
F. You will have a desire for God to be exalted through your life, through your walk, your words, and your work.
Conclusion
Ask yourself the question: Do I have a personal relationship with God, or do I just know about Him? He desires to have an intimate relationship with you that will lead non-believers to Christ.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A New Year's Prayer
http://www.allaboutprayer.org/a-new-years-prayer-faq.htm
Lord, my precious Savior and God, help me turn to You through this New Year’s prayer. May I be grateful for every breath. Dear Lord, as circumstances and issues came against me last year and have followed me into this New Year, I cry out to You. Empower me with Your Holy Spirit to overcome these obstacles with a good perspective, realizing You allow trials in my life to mold me into the image of Your marvelous Son.
I need a Father to truly love and care for me. You are that Father, though at times I don’t feel Your presence. Remind me that You will never leave or forsake me. Teach me to find rest for my troubled heart. Lord, let Your Word renew my mind day after day in this New Year. Protect me from the enemy who is on the prowl to devour me.
This New Year, help me trust in You rather than be clothed with discouragement. My desire is to follow You wholeheartedly this New Year. Let my mind be renewed, refreshed, and returned to the joy of Your salvation.
Heavenly Father, let me be not only a hearer of Your Word, but also a doer, practicing Your teachings, no longer quenching the Holy Spirit. Cause me to act on opportunities instead of apathetically overlooking them. This readiness involves praising and worshipping You with a pure heart.
This New Year, I trust Your closeness and care. I have no need for fear because You lavish Your love on me. My Father, I purpose to know more and more of You, seeking Your Kingdom and reign over my life. May my actions prove I treasure the Holy Spirit indwelling inside me.
Let this New Year and the following years consist of You reigning in me. Let me take the time daily to lift Your name on high. Let me realize all the marvelous gifts that come from above: rain, sunshine, blessings. Then, I will bless You with all my soul.
May my mind focus on heavenly priorities: loving You and my neighbor. Lord, this New Year let me walk in humility, serving You, loving You, giving You glory and honor every day. Each day of this New Year may I acknowledge You in everything and for everything. I thank You for the work You do inside me by Your love, power, and might.
Thank You for this New Year. Let me do according to Your good pleasure and purpose, pleasing You in every area of this life. Thank You for Your mercy which makes all things new each morning -- even after a day of failure.
Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child. In this New Year, I cry Abba Father, thanking you for restoring a right relationship with me through the cross. Conform and transform me unto all godliness through the burdens and blessings You allow to cross my path.
Lord, thank You for hearing my prayer. You care intimately for me. May this New Year be truly about You – May I be all about God in my actions and attitudes. From this New Year’s prayer, let me not forget to listen carefully to You. Give me eyes to see and a heart to do Your will this New Year and each and every New Year to come.
Amen!
Lord, my precious Savior and God, help me turn to You through this New Year’s prayer. May I be grateful for every breath. Dear Lord, as circumstances and issues came against me last year and have followed me into this New Year, I cry out to You. Empower me with Your Holy Spirit to overcome these obstacles with a good perspective, realizing You allow trials in my life to mold me into the image of Your marvelous Son.
I need a Father to truly love and care for me. You are that Father, though at times I don’t feel Your presence. Remind me that You will never leave or forsake me. Teach me to find rest for my troubled heart. Lord, let Your Word renew my mind day after day in this New Year. Protect me from the enemy who is on the prowl to devour me.
This New Year, help me trust in You rather than be clothed with discouragement. My desire is to follow You wholeheartedly this New Year. Let my mind be renewed, refreshed, and returned to the joy of Your salvation.
Heavenly Father, let me be not only a hearer of Your Word, but also a doer, practicing Your teachings, no longer quenching the Holy Spirit. Cause me to act on opportunities instead of apathetically overlooking them. This readiness involves praising and worshipping You with a pure heart.
This New Year, I trust Your closeness and care. I have no need for fear because You lavish Your love on me. My Father, I purpose to know more and more of You, seeking Your Kingdom and reign over my life. May my actions prove I treasure the Holy Spirit indwelling inside me.
Let this New Year and the following years consist of You reigning in me. Let me take the time daily to lift Your name on high. Let me realize all the marvelous gifts that come from above: rain, sunshine, blessings. Then, I will bless You with all my soul.
May my mind focus on heavenly priorities: loving You and my neighbor. Lord, this New Year let me walk in humility, serving You, loving You, giving You glory and honor every day. Each day of this New Year may I acknowledge You in everything and for everything. I thank You for the work You do inside me by Your love, power, and might.
Thank You for this New Year. Let me do according to Your good pleasure and purpose, pleasing You in every area of this life. Thank You for Your mercy which makes all things new each morning -- even after a day of failure.
Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child. In this New Year, I cry Abba Father, thanking you for restoring a right relationship with me through the cross. Conform and transform me unto all godliness through the burdens and blessings You allow to cross my path.
Lord, thank You for hearing my prayer. You care intimately for me. May this New Year be truly about You – May I be all about God in my actions and attitudes. From this New Year’s prayer, let me not forget to listen carefully to You. Give me eyes to see and a heart to do Your will this New Year and each and every New Year to come.
Amen!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Prayer
“Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to earth. We not only celebrate His birth in the manger, but also the reason for His coming -- His death on the cross. We thank You for providing eternal life for each person who will accept His free gift of salvation.
“Father, I thank you for my family. Life is not always easy for us, but we know that You are always with us. As Your Word says, You will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for the love that holds us together and for always meeting our needs. Draw us closer together through this coming year. We love You and want our time of celebration to be memorable today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
http://www.allaboutprayer.org/christmas-dinner-prayer.htm
“Father, I thank you for my family. Life is not always easy for us, but we know that You are always with us. As Your Word says, You will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you for the love that holds us together and for always meeting our needs. Draw us closer together through this coming year. We love You and want our time of celebration to be memorable today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
http://www.allaboutprayer.org/christmas-dinner-prayer.htm
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
In the Bleak Midwinter Christina Rossetti (1872)
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.
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