A Better Way?
That Sunday many years ago
When Jesus came as King
And entered old Jerusalem
As Lord of everything,
He sent disciples out to fetch
A donkey and her foal
Which He would ride as God had said
In Zechariah’s scroll.
What if the three had stopped to think
And talk along the way,
“A donkey seems so commonplace
For such a special day.”
“Yes, I agree it seems a horse
Would be a better ride
To show the Master’s royal right
Which simple things might hide.”
And what if they had brought a horse,
Expensive, regal, proud,
Instead of what the Lord could use
When welcomed by the crowd?
Lord, when you ask for simple things
I’ll give my best to You,
Just as You say – no more, no less –
Just as You’d have me do.
Christina Joy Hommes
When He Got Home
The Savior came and called him,
“Come home with me, my son.”
What joy in meeting Jesus
And hearing His “Well done!”
Christ led him through the entrance
To life that never ends
Where he was gladly greeted
By loved ones dear and friends.
A stranger ran to meet him,
“Don’t you remember me?
You told me of the Savior
Who set my spirit free!”
Another came, “You helped me
To spread the gospel’s light
To souls now praising Jesus
With hope and purpose bright.”
More people gathered round him
To thank him for his part
In pointing them toward heaven
And showing them God’s heart.
Perhaps he’s telling stories
Of battles fought and won,
Or at the throne rejoicing
In all the Lord has done.
If he was here, he’d tell us
“You can’t out-give the Lord,
So give Him time and talent
And watch for His reward.”
In loving memory of
Robert Whitehead
Christina Joy Hommes
2 Chronicles 15:7
Be strong and take courage
And be not dismayed
Stand firm and unyielding
In honor arrayed
Be busy and useful
And work for the Lord
Because He has promised
A certain reward
So don’t be discouraged
But strengthen your hands
In prayer and in service
As Jesus commands
The Savior is calling
And offers reward
To all who will labor
In love for the Lord
Christina Joy Hommes
“Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7
Why Do We Sin?
Why do we sin? Because like Eve
We think the fruit looks good
We think God wouldn’t really do
The things He’s said He would.
We do not stop to look around
And see the fruit God gave,
Instead the one that He forbids
We think we really crave.
We stop to hear the devil’s lies
And let him twist God’s Word,
We give it thought and let our hearts
Be moved by what we’ve heard.
We do not run from those who scorn
And boldly question God,
Who want to be like God themselves
While evil they applaud.
We do not pray for instant help,
For strength to meet each blow,
For wisdom and integrity
To do the things we know.
And so, like Eve, we take the fruit,
We eat and share it too –
We find its sting and feel its death
And say, “What did I do?”
But if like Christ we’ll use God’s Word
To meet the tempter’s lies
And run to Him for grace and strength
He’ll make us strong and wise.
Then, like the Lord, we’ll win the fight,
The flesh will have to flee,
For God will give to those who ask
The strength for victory.
Christina Joy Hommes
It’s Time to Praise the Lord
When things seem good, when times are tough
Our God’s the same and He’s enough –
No storm can rise which He can’t still,
No trouble come outside His will.
When weeks are short and seem so bright,
When days are long and turn to night,
The Lord is near – He’s always there –
We can’t escape His loving care.
When great success marks all we touch
Or loss removes our final crutch,
Christ Jesus stands with strength and grace
To help us through the things we face.
So when we laugh and when we cry,
When we’re knocked down or lifted high,
It’s time to praise the One whose love
Will keep us till we’re safe above.
Christina Joy Hommes
References: Job 1; Psalm 57:7; Philippians 4:11-13
O Day of Resurrection!
O day of resurrection
Alive with promise bright
Of endless life and glory
Beyond the shades of night,
We greet you with rejoicing,
With hymns and anthems sweet
Because our foes lie conquered
Beneath our Savior’s feet!
We lift our hearts in praises
To Him who rose to life,
Who bought with His own life-blood
The triumph in the strife;
He took our sins and sorrows
And died upon the tree
That for the vast forever
We might be fully free.
We bring our happy worship
With glad and joyful song
To honor our Redeemer
So loving, good, and strong;
For when He rose to glory,
He proved our debt was paid
Forever, fully canceled –
We need not be afraid
So on this happy morning
Above the rest we bring
Our joyful songs of praises
To Jesus Christ our King,
For by Your resurrection
You made us free and new –
Eternal hallelujahs
Be evermore to You!
Christina Joy Hommes