"Do Not Be Afraid"

We hear that phrase over and over again in the Christmas story—whenever there’s an angel around. And the angels were very busy! Do you ever wonder what those heavenly beings looked like? Their appearance must have been something spectacular, because every time they showed up, it caused a good bit of fear! For instance, Luke’s account of the Christmas story tells of three such occasions where angels were sent to deliver a message from God. In all three encounters, the message begins with... “Do not be afraid”.

The angel Gabriel appeared to a priest named Zacharias while he was performing his priestly duty—alone, in the temple. It must have been very startling, because Zacharias was “troubled when he saw him, and fear gripped him.” But Gabriel told him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias.” Gabriel told him that God had heard his prayers, and now, after many years of waiting, he and his wife Elizabeth were going to have a son—a very special son. Zacharias became the father of John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way—for Jesus.

Several months later, Gabriel had another message to deliver—this time to a young woman named Mary. Mary was at home in Nazareth when Gabriel appeared to her. As he came in, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Wow! That sounds like good news. But Mary “was greatly troubled at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be.” Evidently, it was all pretty overwhelming. Gabriel reassured her, “Do not be afraid, Mary.” He told her that she had found favor with God. This very young woman had proven herself to be someone who loved God, and who would obey Him. So He chose her to play a critical role in His plan to fix the problem of sin for all of mankind. She would be the earthly mother—of Jesus.

After His birth, there was another angelic message—this time to a group of shepherds. It was nighttime, and they were out in the fields, tending to their sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood before them, “and the glory of the Lord shone around them”. Now that had to be awesome! Evidently it was, because “they were terribly frightened.” Listen closely to the angel’s message, because it was not just for the shepherds—it is for us, as well. He said,

“Do not be afraid;
for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy
which shall be for all the people;
for today in the city of David
there has been born for you a Savior,
who is Christ the Lord.”

This was the greatest news ever told! On that day, there was born for you and for me—a Savior. Jesus, God the Son, who began His earthly life in a manger, finished His work—on the cross. He came to pay the price for our sins, because He loves us, and He knew we couldn’t pay it ourselves. He’s in heaven now, preparing a place for those who accept His gift of eternal life. It is the best Christmas gift—ever!

Zacharias, Mary, and the shepherds—they were all living their normal, day-to-day lives, one day pretty much the same as the next—and then suddenly they came face to face with something totally unexpected, startling, and more than a little frightening. And that still happens today. It may not be an angelic visit, but every once in a while we all face circumstances that jolt us out of our comfort zones. It happened to me just a few years ago. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease was totally unexpected, startling, and more than a little frightening. But I am thrilled to say that God is the same today as He was 2,000 years ago. He still hears and answers prayers, He still bestows His favor on those who love Him, He still offers salvation through the Savior whose birth we celebrate— and He still sends messages! He gave me one soon after the diagnosis, when I was a good bit frightened. He didn’t send it through an angel, but through His Word and His Spirit, He spoke it directly into my heart. It was as if my name was printed right there on the page, and He said, “Janet—

Do not be afraid,
for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Christmas is not just what happened 2,000 years ago—Christmas is right here and now, day in and day out. Christmas is God with us—always.

Out in those fields, after the angel’s message was delivered, the shepherds got an extra treat. “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” A “multitude” of the heavenly host! I wonder how many angels are in a “multitude”. Wouldn’t you have loved to have seen it? I guess we’ll see that and much more once we get to heaven.

Angels—they are experts at worship. They’ve been praising Him for a long time. This year, as the real meaning of Christmas sinks deep into my heart... I find myself joining them.

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o’er all the earth.
Ye who sang creation’s story,
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Come, and worship,
Come, and worship,
Worship Christ the newborn King!

Merry Christmas!

The Greatest Miracle

What if Jesus healed me? How awesome would that be? I can't help but indulge the thought for a minute...sleeping without pain, moving freely (without pain), no more shaking, no more weakness, no more stiffness...at full strength. And there's more...no more depression or anxiety, peace - physical peace - in my heart. No more falling asleep in my chair, actually staying awake through a movie or tv show, thinking clearly - all the time. No more pills. No more surgery. No more degeneration, no more deterioration...but, wait a minute - is that true?

If Jesus healed me of Parkinson's - that would undoubtedly be wonderful. But, eventually, I would get older, and weaker, and get sick with something else...and die.

When Jesus was on this earth, He healed many, many people - and every single one was an awesome miracle: the leper whose skin became perfectly whole with just a touch, the paralytic whose body came back to life in an instant, the woman who had been sick for twelve years who was immediately and fully healed the moment she touched His garment, the man who had been blind from birth who could see for the first time in his life, and Lazarus - who Jesus did not just heal, but raised from the dead. Awesome, incredible miracles. But all of those people, including Lazarus, eventually died (in Lazarus' case - died again). Jesus had compassion on them, and healed them of their current, physical need - but that wasn't His greatest miracle.

His greatest miracle was when He Himself rose from the grave - because when He did that, He conquered death, once for all. And because He lives - we can live, too - forever. ("because I live, you shall live also." John 14:19b)

Parkinson's is not my main problem - it is just a symptom of living in a fallen world, where sin and death are the reality. My problem is my sin nature, and that I am a sinner - and the wages of sin is death (eternal separation from a holy God).

Jesus is able to heal me of the Parkinson's - but that is totally up to Him. I don't know if He will or not - He knows what is best. But as much of a miracle as that would be - the greater miracle, the greatest miracle, is that He has solved my greatest problem. He died on the cross, bore the wrath of God, and paid the price, the wages, for my sin. And I don't have to wonder about that one - it is already done. In fact, He said Himself, "It is finished."

Having Parkinson's, or any other disease, isn't the end of the world. The fact is, we're all human, we're all mortal, and everyone must face the reality of death. I don't pray for the miracle of healing, because I've set my sights higher - "keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2) I already have the miracle of salvation, the miracle of eternal life, the miracle of being made holy - all through Jesus Christ. No, I don't pray for the miracle of healing - I pray that my life will glorify Him - because the greatest miracle...is already mine.


"Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victoy. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Romans 12

The answers to so many problems...

Forgive me, Father. Transform me. Renew my mind.

Romans 12

I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

The Rollercoaster

(Upward Soccer Testimony, Spring, 2008)

Around this time of year, as the weather gets warmer, our kids start getting anxious to get to Kings Dominion and ride the roller coasters—and let me tell you, they ride them all! It doesn’t matter how big they are, how fast they go, or how many times they turn you upside down—they’ll ride it. Recently, I was thinking about roller coasters, and I told Kenny that I feel like I’m on one. But when I say that, I’m not thinking of those huge monsters the kids ride—I’m thinking of the Rebel Yell (that’s more my speed). And my kids just look down their noses at that, and say, “Mom, that’s not a real roller coaster!” But in my day it was! If you’ve ever ridden that before, then you know that as you slowly creep up that first big hill, there’s plenty of time to think, and get nervous, because you know once your reach the top of that hill, you’re in for quite a ride. And it’s too late to change your mind—once the ride is started, you can’t get off. If you look around you at the other people on the ride, you’ll see some with their heads down, eyes closed, and they’re holding on as hard as they can, because, basically, they’re scared to death. I’ve ridden it that way. But others will have their eyes wide open, their hands up in the air, and will be yelling their heads off and enjoying that ride for all it’s worth. And I’ve ridden it that way, too.

Well, this roller coaster ride that I feel like I’m on now started just a few years ago when I found out, surprisingly/unexpectedly that I have Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s is a brain problem—the signals from the brain to the rest of the body do not function properly anymore, and it just messes things up! Especially, movement. For instance, this tremor on my right side (that I try to hide, but can’t) is one of the symptoms. Although there are many medications, and even some procedures that help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s, there is no cure for it. And it is a progressive, degenerative disease, which means it will continue to get worse.

Well, that was the beginning of my ride, and as I headed up that first big hill, things that I’ve done easily for most of my life, without hardly thinking about it, started to become difficult. And as I started thinking about what was coming in the days and years ahead, I guess you could say I put my head down, closed my eyes, and tightened my grip on the handles. Because I was scared.

And that was the point when God let me know, unmistakably, that He loved me, He cared about me, and He was going to help me. When you’re on the Rebel Yell, high up in the air, if you open up your eyes, and look around, it’s a pretty neat view. Things look different when you’re looking at them from above. God got me to open up my eyes and start looking at things from His viewpoint. And all of a sudden the things that really aren’t all that important started to fade away. And the things that really matter became crystal clear. And for that I am so thankful.

He has taught me so much, and one of the most important things was that this diagnosis was not an end to hope, by any means, but a new beginning. Through this experience, I am coming to know and love Jesus in a way that I never have before. (I don’t mean learning about Him, I mean getting to know Him, the way you get to know a friend.) Jesus has become my hope—for today, tomorrow, and forever.

Each and every day, no matter what that day might bring, Jesus is with me, and He’ll never leave me, and I have nothing to fear. I don’t need to worry about tomorrow, next year, or five years from now—because the future is in His hands. He has a plan for me and I just need to take it one day at a time, and leave the rest to Him. And although I will most likely have this disease for the rest of my life here on earth, this is not all there is—this is not my true home. Because I have accepted God’s incredible gift of eternal life, I know that when I die, I will be with Him in heaven. And that’s my real home—that’s where I belong. And when I get there, I’ll get a new body that won’t shake, won’t hurt, won’t have Parkinson’s or any other disease, and I’ll live forever—with Jesus.

I don’t have to close my eyes and hold on in fear while I’m on this ride. I may not be able to get off of it, but I have a Savior who loves me, who gives me hope beyond measure, and nothing, absolutely nothing, can happen to me that He does not allow. So I will keep my eyes open, lift my hands in praise, raise my voice in thanksgiving, and enjoy the ride for all it’s worth. And once the ride is over, Jesus, my Savior, my Friend—He’s going to take me home. And what a glorious day that will be!

God is a God of hope. The hope that He offers is available to everyone. I’ve told you my story, and everyone here has their own story. We all face troubles and difficulties in our lives. That’s because we live in a world corrupted by sin, full of people who are sinners. And I wish I could say I’m talking about all of those other people, you know, the mean, nasty, bad ones somewhere “out there”. But we are all sinners—it’s a common denominator among the human race. Even if our lives look pretty decent on the surface, and our sins are not very obvious, they’re still there. My family, who lives with me, could tell you of the many times I’ve just plain blown it— fallen short of God’s standard—every single day. And even those things that I might be able to hide from them, attitudes and thoughts in my heart that are wrong—God sees it all. And it doesn’t matter if we’ve sinned more or less than anyone else—just one sin qualifies us as a sinner.

Why is our sin such a big deal? Because of who God is. The Bible says that God is love, but that’s not all it says. God is holy, and just. Our sin separates us from Him, because of His holiness— and because He is just, He must punish sin. There is a price that must be paid. That paints a pretty bleak picture for us, but that’s not the end of the story.

God, because of His love for us, provided the answer—in the Person of Jesus Christ. Jesus, God the Son, who has always and forever been fully God, became fully man—He left heaven, came to earth as a baby, grew up, and lived an amazing, sinless life. But that amazing life was not the main reason He came. He came to die on the cross—because when He was on that cross, He was taking our place, He was taking the punishment that we deserved. He bled and died to pay the price for our sins. How do we know that what He did was good enough—that it satisfied a holy God? Because although they put His body in a tomb, and sealed that tomb with a huge, massive stone, and guarded that tomb with Roman soldiers, nothing, absolutely nothing, could keep Him in the grave. He rose from the dead, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was satisfied, and the debt was paid in full. Jesus paid it all. And now, sin’s burden is lifted, death has been defeated, and God offers eternal life to you and me as a gift—all we have to do is accept it by faith—simply trust in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. (That’s why it’s called “The Gospel”, “Gospel” means “good news”, and this is the best news in the world!)

Whatever difficulties you might be facing, whatever ride you find yourself on, you don’t have to hold on in fear. Jesus offers you hope—for today, for tomorrow, and forever. If you’ll put your trust in Him, and what He did for you, not only will He take you home with Him one day, but in the meantime, He’ll give you joy...for the ride.


"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

"Heaven's Hands"

Lift up your eyes on high,
And consider what you see...
The vast expanse that reaches far beyond our grasp.
The heavens are telling of His glory,
Consider the works of His hands.

Billions of stars,
No two are the same,
The Creator knows their number and their name;
His fingers worked with skill,
The galaxies were filled,
By the word of His power they are sustained.

From the sun that never fails to bring the morning,
To the birds that call to worship at the dawn,
O consider every atom of creation,
And lift a song of praise where it belongs!

His mighty hands stretched out the heavens like a curtain,
Heaven’s hands shaped the earth and formed the seas,
Heaven’s hands fashioned man in His own image;
Nothing that was made, was brought to be...apart from His hands.
O consider the works of Heaven’s hands.

*********************

Before there even was a beginning,
Before the foundation was laid;
He was clothed with majesty and splendor,
The radiance of His glory was displayed.

He laid aside His glory like a garment,
He left heaven, and took on humanity;
From Mary’s womb His life began as the Son of Man,
No difference from His brothers could be seen...

But those were Heaven’s hands that held on to His momma’s fingers,
Those were Heaven’s hands that learned their craft at His daddy’s side,
And Heaven’s hands unrolled the scrolls that told His story;
Fully human, they were also so divine!

He walked the dusty roads, and told His story,
He spoke with grace and all authority;
His touch was filled with power and with healing,
The lame could walk, the leper cleansed, the blind could see.
They were amazed at the works of Heaven’s hands.

*********************

The hour came to work His greatest wonder,
He set His face like flint to Jerusalem;
Although He was the Son, He prayed, “Thy will be done,"
And was delivered into the hands of mortal men.

And Heaven’s hands—were bound without a struggle,
Heaven’s hands did not try to intervene;
As the blows and the hatred rained upon Him,
His blood began to form the cleansing stream.

His back received the stripes that brought our healing,
He was silent as the soldiers played cruel games;
As He struggled down the road that led to Calv’ry,
He never flinched - He endured, despising the shame!

And Heaven’s hands stretched out and took the nails that pierced them,
Those were Heaven’s hands that hung on a cross of rugged wood;
He bore the wrath of a holy God for our redemption,
Heaven’s hands were the only Ones that could!
O consider the works of Heaven’s hands!

*********************

The tomb where He was laid became a birthplace,
As He arose, defeating death once for all;
He bore the marks of Calv’ry back to glory,
Where forever we will sing the new refrain...
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!”

Heaven’s hands have my name inscribed upon them!
And Heaven’s hands, they will not let me go!
Heaven’s hands will receive me into glory,
Where it will take all of eternity to know,
And consider the works of Heaven’s hands!

My Jesus, I will follow in Your footsteps,
I take up my cross, and surrender to Your will.
In life and in death, I commit my spirit…
Into Your hands, Your nail-scarred hands.
In life and in death, I commit my spirit…
Into Heaven’s hands.


(by Janet Doyle)

Please read Songs for further information.

"Just Believe in Me"

When my heart is overwhelmed, and my soul cries from within,
And once again, my feet have lost a place to stand.
When the waves of troubles roll, and I feel I’m going under,
I reach out in desperation… and find Your hand.
As You lift me from the waters, You remind me that I’m Yours,
And that Your truth remains, regardless of the storm.
As I quietly surrender to Your wise and perfect plan,
The thunder and the lightning fade away.
The power of the storm is gone,
And I can hear You say...

“When you’re trembling with fear - I give you peace.
When your smile has disappeared - I give you joy!
There is nothing that can separate you from My perfect love,
I give you love, so walk in love.
When you’re weary from the fight - I give you strength.
When despair turns out the light - I give you hope!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ll be with you, I’ll see you through…
You’re not alone.

When you were shackled by your sin - I gave My body.
When you were guilty from within - I gave My blood.
I have bought you with My sacrifice, and given you new life!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ve paid it all, and when the trumpet calls…
I’ll take you home!

Where the trembling will cease - there’s only peace!
Where the smiles will never fade - there’s only joy!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me,
That where I am, there you may be...

Where the weary will find rest - the battle’s done!
Where we’ll be forever blessed - the tears are gone!
Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me,
That where I am, there you may be…
Forever home...forever home.

Let not your heart be troubled, just believe in Me.
I’ll be with you, I’ll see you through…
I’ll bring you home.

(by Janet Doyle)

Please see Songs for further information.

"All My Days"

Instead of re-inventing the wheel, I'll just post a portion of the bulletin insert from when this song was first sung at our church...

I will extol Thee, my God, O King;
And I will bless Thy name forever and ever,
Every day I will bless Thee,
And I will praise Thy name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.
(Psalm 145:1-3)

This morning’s “Call to Worship” is a chorus that God gave to me about ten years ago. I had written down the words and music - and then forgotten all about it. Just recently, I stumbled across it, and was amazed to find that the words were a perfect expression of something that God has been teaching me - today.

I have learned from the 145th Psalm that I must make a commitment to praise God every day—no matter what. And what a blessing that commitment has turned out to be, as I am reminded each and every day of who God is, and all that He has done, and that He is worthy of praise. Nothing can change that. Therefore, I can trust Him and rest in Him—always. David’s words have become my own - “Every day I will bless Thee.”

"All My Days"

Give honor to the Lord,
Give glory to His name,
Surrender to His will and to His way;
His name forever praise,
Our hands forever raise,
O bless the Lord, my soul, for all my days.

(by Janet Doyle)

(It's a simple chorus, just arranged for SATB choir.)

Please see "Songs" for further information.

"Come and Join Me" (The King and the Beggar)

"Evangelism Explosion" (EE) has had a huge impact in my life. Not only did I come to understand the gospel much more deeply than ever before, not only did I learn how to simply and clearly present the gospel to people...I presented the gospel to people - and had the great and awesome privilege of sharing in the process - of God saving a soul. I really don't think there's a greater blessing than that. EE utilizes many illustrations to help people understand important truths, much like Jesus used His parables. One of those illustrations really "got to me" - and this song came from it.


"Come and Join Me"
(The King and the Beggar)

A king in his carriage was riding one day
Down a long, dusty road when he spied
A dirty old beggar with rags for his clothes,
He was struggling for each weary stride.

The king cried out, “Halt!” and he stepped down to meet
The beggar’s surprised and startled eyes –
He said to him, “Why are you out here alone?”
“My kingdom is just over that rise!”

“Come and join me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you,
Come and join me, I’ll show you the way,
Clean clothes and a home – are waiting for you.”

The beggar was trembling, as he fell to his knees,
The tears just poured from his eyes.
He said, “I’ve got nothing to offer, my lord.”
“I really thought you would just pass me by.”

The king reached out to that beggar,
and he wiped the tears so tenderly,
“Your heart is all that I’m asking,” my child.
“And that you freely give it to me.”

“So, come and join me, the kingdom’s prepared,
And there’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join me, I’ll show you the way,
Clean clothes and a home are waiting for you.”

(Key Change)

The King of all kings, saw me lost and alone,
Dirty and ragged, no place to call home.
He stepped down to meet me, and much to my surprise,
He stretched out his arms, and He suffered and He died.

That old rugged cross is the doorway,
To the kingdom that He has prepared.
His song echoes down through the ages,
He invites us to meet Him there!

“Come and join Me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join Me, I am the way!
A white robe and a crown – are waiting for you.”

The King of all kings, He lovingly waits,
For us to come to Him, just as we are.
He offers life as a gift of His grace,
Won’t you freely, freely give Him your heart?

(Piano Only)

“Come and join Me, the kingdom’s prepared,
There’s a place at the table for you.
Come and join Me, I am the way,
A white robe and a crown – are waiting for you.”

(by Janet Doyle)


Please see "Songs" post for further information.

"Sunshine After Rain"

One of the sweetest lessons I have learned through this experience with PD, is that God uses our afflictions in a great and powerful way, if we will surrender to Him. He will use us as a testimony to others, but He will also use the affliction to prune and purge our own hearts - to break up the hard soil, and make it soft, fertile, and ready for the planting of seeds that will spring up into new growth. This passage from 2 Samuel 23:1-4 was the inspiration for this song.

Now these are the last words of David.

David the son of Jesse declares,

And the man who was raised on high declares,

The anointed of the God of Jacob,

And the sweet psalmist of Israel,

"The Spirit ofthe Lord spoke by me,

And His word was on my tongue.

The God of Israel said,

The Rock of Israel spoke to me,

'He who rules over men righteously,

Who rules in the fear of God,

Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises,

A morning without clouds,

When the tender grass springs out of the earth,

Through sunshine after rain.'"

"Sunshine After Rain"

Sometimes I just don’t understand,
Why you are holding back Your hand.
You let it rain,
You allow the pain.

Just when I think I cannot bear
Just one more day - You call, “I’m there!”
“Hold on to Me, hold tight to Me,
And let it rain. Oh, My child, let it rain.”

“Let the rain wash it all away -
All the guilt, the sin, and the shame.
Let it wash and cleanse your heart,
Prepare it for a brand new start.”

“Let the rain soak deep within
Let it soften every part—all that’s hard within your heart.
Let it rain.
Oh, My child, let it rain.”

“And when the dawn breaks through at last,
And the storm has finally passed -
New life will spring from you
Like the tender blades of grass
That spring anew—through sunshine after rain.”

Oh, may the water of Your word,
Turn my heart into fertile ground!
Oh, may I cling to You through the pain,
And surrender to the rain!

And when the dawn breaks through at last,
And the storm has finally passed -
Your glory I will see,
Your face will shine on me,
Your reflection, oh may I be.
You are the sunshine after rain.

So, if the storms are coming fast,
And you think you just can’t last,
Hold on to Him, oh, hold Him fast. Hold Him fast.
There will be sunshine,
He’s promised sunshine,
Look for the sunshine after rain.

(by Janet Doyle)

Please see "Songs" post for further information.

"Amazed"

This song was born from the first two chapters of Hebrews - which was the very first book of the Bible I studied using Precept Ministries Bible studies. The first chapter of Hebrews declares Jesus' deity, the second chapter, His humanity. At some point during that study, I was reading through the gospels, and kept seeing the word "amazed". The people were amazed at the things Jesus said, and the things He did. But when I really starting thinking about who He was - God, the Son - I started wondering, why were they so amazed at His power and wisdom? And then I began to realize, in a new way, what was truly amazing...


"Amazed"

A life in the dark, eyes that never saw light,
‘Til Jesus came... and gave sight.
A raging storm, crashing waves,
‘Til Jesus spoke, “Peace, be still”... and the seas obeyed.
And they were all so amazed.

They said, “Who is this man? Who can He be?
With a word, He calms the sea.”
They didn’t yet know, they had not yet seen…
That He was God, their Creator, and King.

A hungry crowd, only one boy’s meal,
‘Til Jesus blessed it... and all were filled.
A friend was gone, a beloved had died,
‘Til Jesus cried out, “Come forth!”... and the dead was alive!
And they were all so amazed!

Who is this man? Who can He be?
With a word, death’s captive is freed!
Some came to know, some came to see…
That He was God, their Creator, and King!.

He made the seas, He formed the eyes,
All power and wisdom are His;
Should we be amazed? Should we be surprised...
That His creation does what He bids?

What floods my heart with awe,
What brings me to my knees,
Is a hill called Calv’ry where I see…
My God, My Creator, My King...

Nailed to a cross, bloodied, and scorned,
A crown of thorns on His head,
Suffering alone, forsaken by all,
Bearing the sins of the world,
Oh, He is dying...
He is dying...
For (you and) me.

And I am amazed, I am amazed!
His love is so incredible!
I’ll sing His praise! I’ll sing His praise!
Forever I’ll sing His praise!

An empty tomb, a risen Lord,
Scars in His hands and His side.
He’s gone up in the sky, to His Father’s side,
And He’s waiting there…
He’s waiting for me!

And I am amazed! I am amazed!
His love is so incredible!
I’ll sing His praise! I’ll sing His praise!
Forever I’ll sing His praise!

(Choir to sing at the same time as the soloist sings the above chorus - optional)
When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise,
Than when we first begun!

I am amazed, and I’ll sing His praise!
Forever, I’ll sing His praise!

(by Janet Doyle)


Please see "Songs" post for further information.

Songs

Well, I've written a few songs. Some of them have been sung in our church, and people seem to respond to the message in the music. Are they publisher-worthy? I have no idea. And I have no idea how to go about it, if they are.

So, I'm just going to post them, the words anyway, here - on the blog. If anyone comes across them, and would like to use them in any way - feel free. If you'd like to put it to music yourself, go right ahead. If you're interested in what I came up with, email me at janet.doyle@yahoo.com, and I'll send you what I've got.

My name is on them because they come from my heart and my love for the Lord, and I'm not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus, and I am so thrilled and blessed to have the privilege of writing something that God might use to further His kingdom; but I'm not looking to make money off of them, or to make sure I get the credit for them. God will take care of me. I just want to pass along what He has planted in my heart, and glorify Him, and proclaim His gospel.

I would love to hear about it, though, if God uses these songs in any way! If so, please drop me a line via email, or here on the blog.

Thanks!

Janet

This Little Light of Mine

At church tonight, we started a study about sharing your faith. It reminded me of something that happened a few weeks ago. I got a little frustrated - with God. And I think that's okay. I don't think He minds. Sometimes, I look up to heaven, and He seems so silent, so distant... I mean, I know that He is real, He exists, He is who He says He is - it's just that sometimes it would be so nice to just actually see or hear something tangible, you know? Sometimes, I just wish He would come down from heaven and just lay it all out for the whole world to see - end the debates, just fill the world with His presence, so everyone will know Him.

And so, I prayed, and asked Him why He couldn't just do that. And then some verses came to mind - I could almost hear Jesus saying them...

"You are the light of the world."

"You are the salt of the earth."

He uses us, His children - to fill the world with His presence, and to let the whole world know - who He is, and what He has done - for us all.

What an honor and privelege and great blessing He has given us - to be the instrument through which He shines His light into a dark world.

Jesus, please forgive me for the times that I have been silent. Help me to be ready, everyday, to share my faith with whoever you place in my path.

Shine, Jesus, Shine.

As we gaze on Your kingly brightness,
So our faces display Your likeness,
Ever changing from glory to glory,
Mirrored here, may our lives tell Your story;
Shine on me.
Shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth Your Word, Lord, and let there be light.

(Graham Kendrick)