Expectant Prayers ®

You know, I have to admit that I still love the old hymns.  One of my main reasons for this appreciation is that many were penned outpourings of the heart.  They were personal testimonies of what God had accomplished - not just someone sitting in a little room cranking out song after song because that is their job.   I have had songs that have flowed out of my own heart because of what God did in my life.  Those songs are special to me and still to this day make me praise Him.

Over the years, I have not been impressed with the direction modern songs have gone.  I especially detest the songs that have irreverence and take on a sensuality.  We are supposed to love God, but not in the way the carnal mind thinks as some songs depict.   Others blur some key doctrinal issues.  Frankly some Christian songs we hear/sing today are not worthy of crossing our lips!  There are several song writers out there that bank on using aspects of the world to sell their songs.   Sure, there are still wonderful songs being composed today, but have you noticed that songs just don't cover the full range of our beliefs like they used to?

I appreciate that I can pick up my hymnal and still sing about the blood of Jesus, the power of the cross, the Holy Spirit's fire, how God can set me free from sin and bring me out of the miry clay.  We can hear about the great physician, amazing grace, reaching out and touching the Lord, trusting and obeying, and even the rapture.  Is there any question why hymns are still relevant to today? They teach the old way... and I am not ashamed to embrace them or teach them to my children!

One such hymn was on my heart yesterday and I will share it with you.  Considering how we are  being called to stand our ground and fight for the very values and morals we believe in as Christians... I say, "Onward, Christian Soldiers"!



Onward Christian Soldiers
Onward Christian soldiers!  Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before;
Christ the Royal Master, leads against the foe; forward into battle, see His banners go!
Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.

Like a mighty army, moves the church of God; brothers we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we; one in hope and doctrine, one in charity!
Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, but the church of Jesus constant will remain
Gates of hell can never 'gainst that church prevail; we have Christ's own promise, which can never fail!
Onward Christian soldiers!  Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before.

Onward, then ye people! Join our happy throng, blend with us your voices in the triumph song,
Glory laud and honor unto Christ the King.  This thro' countless ages men and angels sing.
Onward Christian soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before!




May God put a song in your heart today and don't be afraid to crack open your hymnal once in awhile... you will find something there that speaks to your heart and blesses the soul!