Sunday Worship Program

July 5, 2009

2009-07-05T08:33:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 271 Standing on the Promises
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 399 Higher Ground
Scripture Reading: Psalm 12
Morning Prayer Hymn 175 Hallelujah, What a Savior!
Message Matthew 18: 5 - 9
Hymn Battle Hymn of the Republic (insert)
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE DARK GUEST

O LORD,
Bend my hands and cut them off, for I have often struck thee with a wayward will, when these finger should embrace thee by faith. I am not yet weaned from all created glory, honour, wisdom, and esteem of others, for I have a secret motive to eye may name in all I do. Let me not only speak the word sin, but see the thing itself. Give me to view a discovered sinfulness, to know that though my sins are crucified they are never wholly mortified. Hatred, malice, ill-will, vain-glory that hungers for hunts after man's approval and applause, all are crucified, forgiven, but they rise again in my sinful heart. O my crucified but never wholly mortified sinfulness! O my life-long damage and daily shame! O my indwelling and besetting sins! O the tormenting slavery of a sinful heart! Destroy, O God, the dark guest within whose hidden presence makes my life a hell. Yet thou hast not left me here without grace; The cross still stands and meets my needs in the deepest straits of the soul. I thank thee that my remembrance of it is like David's sight of Goliath's sword which preached forth thy deliverance. The memory of my great sins, my many temptations, my falls, bring afresh into my mind the remembrance of thy great help, of thy support from heaven, of the great grace that saved such a wretch as I am. There is no treasure so wonderful as that continuous experience of thy grace toward me which alone can subdue the risings of sin within: Give me more of it.

June 28, 2009

2009-06-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 76 O for a Thousand Tongues
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 4 How Great Thou Art
Scripture Reading: Psalm 11
Morning Prayer
Hymn 275 How Firm a Foundation
Message Matthew 18: 1 - 4
Hymn 66 To God Be the Glory
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

YET I SIN

ETERNAL FATHER,
Thou art good beyond all thought, But I am vile, wretched, miserable, blind; My lips are ready to confess, but my heart is slow to feel, and my ways reluctant to amend. I bring my soul to thee; break it, wound it bend it, mould it. Unmask to me sin's deformity, that I may hate it, abhor it flee from it. My faculties have been a weapon of revolt against thee; as rebel I have misused my strength, and served the foul adversary of thy kingdom. Give me grace to bewail my insensate folly, Grant me to know that the way of transgressors is hard, that evil paths are wretched paths, that to depart from thee is to lose all good. I have seen the purity and beauty of thy perfect law, the happiness of those in whose heart it reigns, the calm dignity of the walk to which it calls, yet I daily violate and contemn its precepts. Thy loving Spirit strives within me, brings me Scripture warnings, speaks in startling providences, allures by secret whispers, yet I choose devices and desires to my own hurt, impiously resent, grieve, and provoke him to abandon me. All these sins I mourn, lament, and for them cry pardon. Work in me more profound and abiding repentance; Give me the fullness of a godly grief that trembles and fears, yet ever trust and loves, which is ever powerful, and ever confident; Grant that through the tears of repentance I may see more clearly the brightness and glories of the saving cross.

June 21, 2009

2009-06-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 26 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 297 I Love to Tell the Story
Scripture Reading: Psalm 10
Morning Prayer Hymn 279 Faith of Our Father
Message Matthew 17: 22 -27
Hymn 270 Wonderful Words of Life
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

SELF-KNOWLEDGE

SEARCHER OF HEARTS,
It is a good day to me when thou givest me a glimpse of myself; Sin is my greatest evil, but thou art my greatest good; I have cause to loathe myself, and not to seek self-honour, for no one desires to commend his own dunghill. My country, family, church fare worse because of my sins, for sinners bring judgment in thinking sins are small, or that God is not angry with them. Let me not take other good men as my example, and think I am good because I am like them, For all good men are not so good as thou desirest, are not always consistent, do not always follow holiness, do not feel eternal good in sore affliction. Show me how to know when a thing is evil which I think is right and good, how to know when what is lawful comes from an evil principle, such as desire for reputation or wealth by usury. Give me grace to recall my needs, my lack of knowing thy will in Scripture, of wisdom to guide others, of daily repentance, want of which keeps thee at bay, of the spirit of prayer, having words without love, of zeal for thy glory, seeking my own ends, of joy in thee and thy will, of love to others. And let me not lay my pipe to short of the fountain, never touching the eternal spring, never drawing down water from above.

June 14, 2009

2009-06-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 58 This Is My Fathers World
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 67 The Love of God
Scripture Reading: Psalm 9
Morning Prayer Hymn 408 Have Faith In God
Message Matthew 17: 14 - 18
Hymn 542 When We All Get to Heaven
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

TRUE RELIGION

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,

I ask not to be enrolled amongst the earthly great and rich, but to be numbered with the spiritually blessed. Make it my present, supreme, persevering concern to obtain those blessings which are spiritual in their nature, eternal in their continuance, satisfying in their possession. Preserve me from a false estimate of the whole or a part of my character; May I pay regard to my principles as well as my conduct, my motives as well as my actions. Help me never to mistake the excitement of my passions for the renewing of the Holy Spirit, never to judge my religion by occasional impressions and impulses, but by my constant and prevailing disposition. May my heart be right with thee, and my life as becometh the gospel. May I maintain a supreme regard to another and better world, and feel and confess myself a stranger and a pilgrim here. Afford me all the direction, defence, support, and consolation my journey hence requires, and grant me a mind stayed upon thee. Give me large abundance of the supply of the Spirit of Jesus, that I may be prepared for every duty, love thee in all my mercies, submit to thee in eery trial, trust thee when walking in darkness, have peace in thee amidst life's changes. Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief and uncertainties.

June 7, 2009

2009-06-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 106 Praise Him! Praise Him!
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 495 Heaven Came Down
Scripture Reading: Psalm 8
Morning Prayer Hymn 410 My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Message Matthew 17: 14 - 18
Hymn 409 I know Whom I Have Believed
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE 'NEVERS' OF THE GOSPEL

O LORD,
May I
never fail to come to the knowledge of the truth, never rest in a system of doctrine, however scriptural, that does not bring or further salvation, or teach me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, or help me to live soberly, righteously, godly; never rely on my own convictions and resolutions, but be strong in thee and in thy might;never cease to find thy grace sufficient in all my duties, trials, an conflicts; never forget to repair to thee in all my spiritual distresses and outward troubles, in all the dissatisfactions experienced in creature comforts;
never fail to retreat to Him who is full of grace and truth, the friend that loveth at all times, who is touched with feelings of my infirmities, and do exceeding abundantly for me;
never confine my religion to extraordinary occasions, but acknowledge thee in all my ways; never limit my devotions to particular seasons but be in thy fear all the day long; never be godly only on the sabbath or in thy house, but on every day abroad and at home; never make piety a dress but a habit, not only a habit but a nature, not only a nature but a life. Do good to me by all thy dispensations, by all means of grace, by worship, prayers, praises,And at last let me enter that world where is not temple, but only thy glory and the Lamb's.

May 31, 2009

2009-05-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 275 How Firm a Foundation
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 297 I Love to Tell the Story
Scripture Reading: Psalm 7
Morning Prayer Hymn 204 Rock of Ages
Message Matthew 17: 1 - 13
Hymn 66 To God Be the Glory
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

A NEOPHYTE'S DEVOTION

GLORIOUS AND HOLY GOD,
Provocations against thy divine majesty have filled my whole life, My offences have been countless and aggravated. Conscience has rebuked me, friends have admonished me, the examples of others have reproached me, thy rod has chastised me, thy kindnesses allured me. Thou hast seen and abhorred all my sins and couldst easily and justly have punished me, yet thou hast spared me, been gracious unto me, given me thy help, invited me to thy table. Lord, I thankfully obey thy call, accept of thy goodness, acquiesce in thy gospel appointments. I believe that Jesus thy Son has plenteous redemption; I apply to Him for His benefits, give up my mind implicitly to His instructions, trust and glory in His sacrifice, revere and love His authority, pray that His grace may reign in my life. I will not love a world that crucified Him, neither cherish nor endure the sin that put Him to grief, nor suffer Him to be wounded by others. At the cross that relieves my conscience let me learn lessons of self-denial, forgiveness and submission, feel motives to obedience, find resources for all needs of the divine life. Then let me be what I profess, do as well as teach, live as well as hear religion.

May 24, 2009

2009-05-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 97 All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 201 Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Scripture Reading: Psalm 6
Morning Prayer
Hymn 410 My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Message Matthew 17: 1 - 13
Hymn 286 Blest Be the Tie That Binds
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE GREAT DISCOVERY

GLORIOUS GOD,
I bless thee that I know thee. I once lived in the world, but was ignorant of its creator, was partaker of thy providences, but knew not the provider, was blind while enjoying the sunlight, was deaf to all things spiritual, with voices all around me, understood many things, but had no knowledge of thy ways, say the world, but did not see Jesus only. O happy day, when in thy loves sovereignty thou didst look on me, and call me by grace. Then did the dead heart begin to beat, the darkened eye glimmer with light, the dull ear catch thy echo, and I turned to thee and found thee, a God ready to hear, willing to save. Then did I find my heart at enmity to thee, vexing thy Spirit; Then did I fall at thy fee and hear thee thunder, 'The soul that sinneth, it must die', But when grace made me to know thee, and admire a God who hated sin, thy terrible justice held my will submissive. My thoughts were than as knives cutting my head. Then didst thou come to me in silken robes of love, and I saw thy Son dying that I might live, and in that death I found my all. My soul doth sing at the remembrance of that peace; The gospel cornet brought a sound unknown tome before that reached my heart - and I lived - never to lose my hold on Christ or His hold on me. Grant that I may always weep to the praise of mercy found, and tell to others as long as I live, that thou art a sin-pardoning God, taking up the blasphemer and the ungodly, and washing them from their deepest stain.

2009-05-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 8 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 89 Our Great Savior
Scripture Reading: Psalm 5
Morning Prayer
Hymn 382 Be Thou My Vision
Message Matthew 16: 27, 28
Hymn 307 Send the Light
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

AMAZING GRACE

O THOU GIVING GOD,
MY heart is drawn out in thankfulness to thee, for thy amazing grace and condescension to me in influences and assistances of thy Spirit, for special help in prayer, for the sweetness of Christian service, for the thoughts of arriving in heaven, for always sending me needful supplies, for raising me to new life when I am like one dead. I want not the favour of man to lean upon for thy favour is infinitely better. Thou art eternal wisdom in dispensations toward me; and it matters not when, nor where, nor how I serve thee, nor what trials I am exercised with, if I might but be prepared for thy work and will. No poor creature stands in need of divine grace more than I do, And yet none abuses it more than I have done, and still do. How heartless and dull I am! Humble me in the dust for not loving thee more. Every time I exercise any grace renewedly I am renewedly indebted to thee, the God of all grace, for special assistance. I cannot boast when I think how dependent I am upon thee for the being and every act of grace; I never do anything else but depart from thee, and if ever I get to heaven it will be because thou willest it, and for no reason beside. I love, as a feeble, afflicted, despised creature, to cast myself on thy infinite grace and goodness, hoping for not happiness but from thee; Give me special grace to fit me for special services, and keep me calm and resigned at all times, humble, solemen, mortified, and conformed to thy will.

May 10, 2009

2009-05-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 275 How Firm a Foundation
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 270 - Wonderful Words of Life
Scripture Reading: Psalm 4
Morning Prayer Hymn 299 Rescue the Perishing
Message Matthew 16: 24 - 27
Hymn 449 Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

A CHRISTIAN'S PRAYER

BLESSED GOD,
Ten thousand snares are mine without and within, defend thou me; When sloth and indolence seize me, give me views of heaven; When sinners entice me, give me disrelish of their ways; When sensual pleasures tempt me, purify and refine me; When I desire worldly possessions, help me to be rich toward thee; When the vanities of the world ensnare me, let me not plunge into new guilt and ruin. May I remember the dignity of my spiritual release, never be too busy to attend to my soul, never be so engrossed with time that I neglect the things of eternity; thus may I not only live, but grow towards thee. Form my mind to right notions of religion, that I may not judge of grace by wrong conceptions, nor measure my spiritual advances by the efforts of my natural being May I seek after an increase of divine love to thee, after unreserved resignation to thy will, after extensive benevolence to my fellow creatures, after patience and fortitude of soul, after a heavenly disposition after a concern that I may please thee in public and private. Draw on my soul the lineaments of Christ, in every trace and feature of which thou wilt take delight, for I am thy workmanship, created Christ Jesus, thy letter written with the Holy Spirit's pen, thy tilled soil ready for the sowing, then harvest.

May 3, 2009

2009-05-03T08:11:00.001-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 267 Come, Thou Almighty King
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Special Music - Gary McKinny
Scripture Reading: Psalm 3
Morning Prayer
Hymn 210 Jesus Paid it All
Message Matthew 16: 21 - 23
Hymn 66 To God be the Glory
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

KEPT BY GOD

JEHOVAH GOD,
Thou creator, upholder, proprietor of all things, I cannot escape from thy presence or control, nor do I desire to do so. My privilege is to be under the agency of omnipotence, righteousness, wisdom, patience, mercy, grace. Thou art love with more than parental affection; I admire thy heart, adore thy wisdom, stand in awe of thy power, abase myself before thy purity. It is the discovery of thy goodness alone that can banish my fear, allure me into thy presence, help me to bewail and confess my sins. When I review my past guilt and am conscious of my present unworthiness I tremble to come to thee, I whose foundation is in the dust, I who have condemned thy goodness, defied thy power, trampled upon thy love, rendered my self worthy of eternal death. But my recover cannot spring from any cause in me, I can destroy but cannot save myself. Yet thou hast laid help on One that is mighty, for there is mercy with thee, and exceeding riches in thy kindness through Jesus. May I always feel my need of Him. Let thy restored joy be my strength; May it keep me from lusting after the world bear up heart and mind in loss of comforts, enliven me in the valley of death, work in me the image of the heavenly, and give me to enjoy that first fruits of spirituality, such as angels and departed saints know.

April 26, 2009

2009-04-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 292 God of Grace and God of Glory
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Special Music - Les Waldrop
Scripture Reading: Psalm 2
Morning Prayer

Hymn 277 The Church's One Foundation

Message Matthew 16: 18 - 20
Hymn 116 Take the Name of Jesus with You
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

LIVING FOR JESUS

O SAVIOUR OF SINNERS,
Thy name is excellent, thy glory high, thy compassions unfailing, thy condescension wonderful, thy mercy tender. I bless thee for the discoveries, invitations, promises of the gospel, for in the them is pardon for rebels, liberty for captives, health for the sick, salvation for the lost. I come to thee in thy beloved name of Jesus; re-impress thy image upon my soul; Raise me above the smiles and frowns of the world, regarding it as a light thing to be judged by men; May thy approbation be my only aim, thy Word my one rule. Make me to abhor that which grieves thy Holy Spirit, to suspect consolations of a worldly nature, to shun a careless way of life, to reprove evil, to instruct with meekness those who oppose me, to be gentle and patient towards all men, to be not only a professor but an example of the gospel, displaying in every relation, office, and condition its excellency, loveliness and advantages. How little have I illustrated my principles and improved my privileges! How seldom have I served my generation! How often have I injured and not recommended my redeemer! How few are those blessed through me! In many things I have offended, in all come short of thy glory; Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

April 5, 2009

2009-04-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 8 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 46 God Leads Us Along
Scripture Reading: Luke 19: 29 - 40
Morning Prayer
Hymn 176 Lead Me to Calvary
Message Matthew 16: 5 - 12
Hymn 460 All the Way My Savior Leads Me
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

FREEDOM

O HOLY FATHER, thou hast freely given thy Son,
O DIVINE SON, thou hast freely paid my debt,
O ETERNAL SPIRIT, thou dost freely bid me come,
OTRIUNE GOD, thou dost freely grace me with salvation.

Prayers and tears could not suffice to pardon my sins, nor anything less than atoning blood, but my believing is my receiving, for a thankful acceptance is no paying of the debt. What didst thou see in me? that I poor, diseased, despised sinner should be clothed in thy bright glory? that a creeping worm should be advanced to this high state? that one lately groaning, weeping, dying should be as full of joy as my heart can hold? that a being of dust and darkness should be taken like Mordecai from captivity, and set next to the king? should be lifted like Daniel from a den and be made ruler of princes and provinces? Who can fathom immeasurable love? As far as the rational soul exceeds the senses, so does the spirit exceed the rational in it s knowledge of thee. Thou hast given me understanding to compass the earth, measure the sun, moon, stars, universe, but above all to know thee, the only true God. I marvel that the finite can know the Infinite, here a little, afterwards in full-orbed truth; Now I know but a small portion of what I shall know, here in part, there in perfection, here a glimpse, there a glory. To enjoy thee is life eternal, and to enjoy is to know. Keep me in the freedom of experiencing thy salvation continually.

March 29, 09

2009-03-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 478 Soldiers of Christ, Arise
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 279 Faith of Our Fathers
Scripture Reading: John 19: 31 - 42
Morning Prayer
Hymn 275 How Firm a Foundation
Message Matthew 16: 1 - 4
Hymn 471 The Way of the Cross Leads Home
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

VICTORY

O DIVINE REDEEMER,
Great was thy goodness in undertaking my redemption, in consenting to be made sin for me, in conquering all my foes; Great was thy strength in enduring the extremities of divine wrath, in taking away the load of my iniquities; Great was thy love in manifesting thyself alive, in showing thy sacred wounds, that every fear might vanish, and every doubt be removed; Great was thy mercy in ascending to heaven in being crowned and enthroned there to intercede for me, there to succour me in temptation, there to open the eternal book, there to receive me finally to thyself; Great was thy wisdom in devising this means of salvation; Bathe my soul in rich consolations of thy resurrection life; Great was thy grace in commanding me to come hand in hand with thee to the Father, to be knit to him my rest, to find in Him my peace, to behold His glory, to honour Him who is alone worthy; in giving me the Spirit as teacher, guide, power, that I may live repenting of sin, conquer satan, find victory in life. When thou art absent all sorrows are here, when thou art present all blessings are mine.

March 22, 2009

2009-03-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 262 Holy, Holy, Holy

Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 435 What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Scripture Reading: John 19: 17 - 30
Morning Prayer
Hymn 441 Take Time to Be Holy
Message Matthew 15: 29 - 39
Hymn 527 Glory to His Name
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE LIFE LOOK

O GOD,

I bless thee for the happy moment when I first saw thy law fulfilled in Christ, wrath appeased, death destroyed, sin forgiven, my soul saved. Ever since, Thou hast been faithful to me, daily have I proved the power of Jesus' blood, daily have I known the strength of the Spirit, my teacher, director, sanctifier. I want no other rock to build upon than that I have, desire no other hope than that of gospel truth, need no other look than that which gazes on the cross. Forgive me if I have tried to add anything to the one foundation, if I have unconsciously relied upon my knowledge, experience, deeds, and not seen them as filthy rags, if I have attempted to complete what is perfect in Christ; May my cry be always, Only Jesus! only Jesus! In Him is freedom from condemnation, fullness in his righteousness, eternal vitality in His given life, indissoluble union in fellowship with Him; In Him I have all that I can hold; enlarge me to take in more. If I backslide, let me like Peter weep bitterly and return to Him; If I am tempted, and have no wit, give me strength enough to trust in Him; If I am weak, may I faint upon his bosom of eternal love; If in extremity, let me feel that He can deliver me; If driven to the verge of hope and to the pit of despair, grant me grace to fall in His arms. O God, hear me, do for me more than I ask, think or dream.

March 8, 2009

2009-03-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 10 O Worship the King
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 58 This Is My Father's World
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 169 - 176
Morning Prayer
Hymn 410 My Faith Looks Up to Thee
Message Matthew 14: 34 - 15: 20
Hymn 399 Higher Ground
Benediction
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

ASSURANCE

ALMIGHTY GOD,
I am loved with everlasting love, clothed in eternal righteousness, my peace flowing like a river, my comforts many and large, my joy and triumph unutterable,my soul lively with a knowledge of salvation, my sense of justification unclouded. I have scarce anything to pray for; Jesus smiles upon my soul as a ray of heaven and my supplications are swallowed up in praise. How sweet is the glorious doctrine of election when based upon thy Word and wrought inwardly within the soul! I bless thee that thou wilt keep the sinner thou hast loved, and hast engaged that He will not forsake thee, else I would never get to heaven. I wrong the work of grace in my heart if I deny my new nature and my eternal life. If Jesus were not my righteousness and redemption, I would sink into nethermost hell by my misdoings, shortcomings, unbelief, unlove; If Jesus were not by the power of His Spirit my sanctification, ther is no sin I should not commit. O when shall I have His mind! when shall I be conformed to His image? All the good things of life are less than nothing when compared with His love, and with one glimpse of thy electing favour. All the treasures of a million worlds could not make me richer, happier, more contented, for His unsearchable riches are mine. One moment of communion with Him, one view of His grace, is ineffable, inestimable. But O God, I could not long after thy presence if I did not know the sweetness of it; And Such I could not know except by thy Spirit in my heart, nor love thee at all unless thou didst elect me, call me, adopt me, save me. I bless thee for the covenant of grace.

March 1, 2009

2009-03-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 66 To God Be the Glory
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 517 I'd Rather Have Jesus
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 161 - 168
Morning Prayer
Hymn 389 More About Jesus
Message Matthew 14: 34 - 15: 20
Hymn 461 He Leadeth Me
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

CHRISTIAN CALLING

O LORD GOD,
The first act of calling is by thy command in thy Word, 'Come unto me, return unto me'; The Second is to let in light, so that I see that I am called particularly, and perceive the sweetness of the command as well as its truth, in regard to thy great love of the sinner, by inviting Him to come, though vile, in regard to the end of the command, which is fellowship with thee, in regard to thy promise in the gospel, which is all of grace. Therefore, Lord, I need not search to see if I am elect, or loved, for if I turn thou wilt come to me; Christ has promised me fellowship if I take Him, and the Spirit will pour Himself out on me, abolishing sin and punishment, assuring me of strength to persevere. It is thy pleasure to help all that pray for grace, and come to thee for it. When my heart is unsavoury with sin, sorrow, darkness, hell, only thy free grace can help me act with deep abasement under a sense of unworthiness. Let me lament for forgetting daily to come to thee, and cleanse me from the deceit of bringing my heart to a duty because the act pleased me or appealed to reason. Grant that I may be salted with suffering, with every exactment tempered to my soul, every rod excellently fitted to my back, to chastise, humble, break me. Let me not overlook the hand that holds the rod, as thou didst not let me forget the rod that fell on Christ, and drew me to Him.

February 22, 2009

2009-02-22T08:13:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 25 Immortal, Invisible

Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 436 Whiter Than Snow
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 153 - 160

Morning Prayer
Hymn 67 The Love of God
Message Matthew 14: 34 - 15: 20
Hymn 201 Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

ELECTION

HOLY TRINITY,
All praise to thee for electing me to salvation, by foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus; I adore the wonders of thy condescending love, marvel at the true believer's high privilege within whom all heaven comes to dwell, abiding in God and God in Him; I believe it, help me experience it to the full. Continue to teach me that Christ's righteousness satisfies justice and evidences thy love; Help me to make us of it by faith as the ground of my peace and of thy favour and acceptance, so that I may live always near the cross. It is not feeling the Spirit that proves my saved state but the truth of what Christ did perfectly for me; All holiness in Him is by faith made mine, as if I had done it; Therefore I see the use of His righteousness, for satisfaction to divine justice and making me righteous. It is not inner sensation that makes Christ's death mine for that may be delusion, being without the Word, but his death apprehended by may faith, and so testified by Word and Spirit, I bless thee for these lively exercises of faith, for the righteousness that is mine in Jesus, for grace to resign my will to thee; I rejoice to think that all things are at thy disposal, and I love to leave them there. Then prayer turns wholly into praise, and all I can do is to adore and love thee. I want not the favour of man to lean upon, for I know that thy electing grace is infinitely better.

February 15, 2009

2009-02-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 477 Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 389 More About Jesus
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 145 - 152
Morning Prayer
Hymn 432 From Every Stormy Wind That Blows
Message Matthew 14: 28 - 33
Hymn 363 More Love to Thee
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

REGENERATION

O GOD OF THE HIGHEST HEAVEN,
occupy the the throne of my heart, take full possession and reign supreme, lay low every rebel lust, let no vile passion resist thy holy war; manifest thy mighty power, and make me thine for ever. Thou art worthy to be praised with my every breath, loved with my every faculty of soul, served with my every act of life. Thou hast loved me, espoused me, received me, purchased, washed, favored, clothed, adorned me, when I was worthless, vile soiled, polluted. I was dead in iniquities, having no eyes to see thee, no ears to hear thee, no taste to relish thy joys, no intelligence to know thee; But thy Spirit has quickened me, has brought me into a new world as new creature, has given me spiritual perception, has opened to me thy Word as light, guide, solace, joy. Thy presence is to me a treasure of unending peace; No provocation can part me from thy sympathy, for thou hast drawn me with cords of love, and dost forgive me daily, hourly. O help me then to walk worthy of thy love, of my hopes, and my vocation. Keep me, for I cannot keep myself; Protect me that no evil befall me; Let me lay aside every sin admired of many; Help me to walk by thy side, lean on thy arm, hold converse with thee, That henceforth I may be salt of the earth and a blessing to all.

February 8, 2009

2009-02-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 51 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 92 Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 137 - 144
Morning Prayer
Hymn 197 Lamb of Glory
Message Matthew 14: 22 - 33
The Lords Supper
Hymn 349 Trust and Obey
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

DELIVERANCE

O GOD OF UNSEARCHABLE GREATNESS,
Before thee I am nothing but vanity, iniquity, perishing; Sin has forfeited thy favour, stripped me of thy image, banished me from thy presence, exposed me to the curse of thy law; I cannot deliver myself, and am in despair. But a resource is found in thee, for without my desert or desire thou didst devise an everlasting plan, honourable to thy perfections, and which angels desired to look into. And the Word which announces all the glory of this goodness is nigh me, invites me, beseeches me. May I, a convinced and self-despairing sinner, find Jesus as the power unto salvation, His death the centre of all relief, the source of all gospel-blessings. Help me to repair to that cross, be crucified to the world by it, and in it find deepest humiliation, motives to patience and self-denial, grace for active benevolence, faith to grasp eternal life, hope to lift up my head, love to bind me for ever to Him who died and rose for me. May His shed blood make me more thankful for thy mercies, more humble under thy correction, more zealous in thy service, more watchful against temptation, more contented in my circumstances, more useful to others.

February 1, 2009

2009-01-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 191 There Is Power in the Blood
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 186 The Old Rugged Cross
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 129 - 136
Morning Prayer
Hymn 385 Near the Cross
Message Matthew 14: 22 - 33
The Lords Supper
Hymn 493 It Is Well with My Soul
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

RECONCILIATION

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,
Thou art beforehand with men for thou hast reconciled thyself to the world through the cross, and dost beseech men to accept reconciliation. It is my responsibility to grasp thy overtures of grace, for if thou, the offended party, act first with the word of appeasement, I need not call in question thy willingness to save, but must deplore my own foolish maliciousness; If I do not come to thee as one who seeks thy favour, I live in contempt, anger, malice, self-sufficiency, and thou dost call it enmity. Thou hast taught me the necessity of a mediator, a Messiah, to be embraced in love with all my heart, as king to rule me, as prophet to guide me, as priest to take away my sin and death, and this by faith in thy beloved Son who teaches me not to guide myself, not obey myself, not to try to rule and conquer sin, but to cleave to the one who will do all for me. Thou hast made known to me that to save me is Christ's work, but to cleave to Him by faith is my work, and with this faith is the necessity of my daily repentance as a mourning for the sin which Christ by grace has removed. Continue, O God, to teach me that faith apprehends Christ's righteousness not only for the satisfaction of justice, but as unspotted evidence of thy love to me. Help me to make use of His work of salvation as the ground of peace, and of thy favour to, and acceptance of me the sinner, so that I may live always near the cross.

January 25, 2009

2009-01-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 21 Stand Up and Bless the Lord
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 176 Lead Me to Calvary
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 121 - 128
Morning Prayer
Hymn 210 Jesus Paid It All
Message Matthew 14: 14 - 21
Hymn 66 To God Be the Glory
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE SAVIOUR

THOU GOD OF ALL GRACE,
Thou hast given me a saviour, produce in me faith to live by Him, to make Him all my desire, all my hope, all my glory. May I enter Him as my refuge, build on Him as my foundation, walk in Him as my way, follow Him as my guide, conform to Him as my example, receive His instructions as my prophet, rely on His intercession as my high priest, obey Him as my king. May I never be ashamed of Him or His words, but joyfully bear His reproach, never displease Him by unholy or imprudent conduct, never count it a glory if I take it patiently when buffeted for a fault, never make the multitude my model, never delay when the Word invites me to advance. May thy dear Son preserve me from this present evil world, so that its smiles never allure, nor its frowns terrify, nor its vices defile, nor its errors delude me. May I feel that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on earth, declaring plainly that I seek a country, my title to it becoming daily more clear, my meetness for it more perfect, my foretastes of it more abundat; and whatsoever I do may it be done in the Saviour's name.

January 11, 2009

2009-01-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 92 Love Divine, All loves Excelling

Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 297 I Love to Tell the Story
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 105 - 112 Morning Prayer
Hymn 175 Hallelujah, What a Savior!
Message Matthew 13: 53 - 58
Hymn 405 My Faith Has Found a Resting Place
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE PRECIOUS BLOOD

BLESSED LORD JESUS,

Before thy cross I kneel and see the heinousness of my sin, my iniquity that caused thee to be 'made a curse', the evil that excites the severity of divine wrath. Show me the enormity of my guilt by the crown of thorns, the pierced hands and feet, the bruised body, the dying cries. Thy blood is the blood of incarnate God, its worth infinite, its value beyond all thought. Infinite must be the evil and guilt that demands such a price. Sin is my malady, my monster, my foe, my viper, born in my birth, alive in my life, strong in my character, dominating my faculties, following me as a shadow, intermingling with my every thought, my chain that holds me captive in the empire of my soul. Sinner that I am, why should the sun give me light, the air supply breath, the earth bear my tread, its fruits nourish me, its creatures subserve my ends? Yet thy compassions yearn over me, thy heart hastens to my rescue, thy love endured my curse, thy mercy bore my deserved stripes. Let me walk humbly in the lowest depths of humiliation, bathed in thy blood, tender of conscience, triumphing gloriously as an heir of salvation.

January 4, 2009

2009-01-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 2 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 271 Standing on the Promises
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 97 - 104
Morning Prayer
Special Music by Sunny Mckinny
Message Matthew 13: 47 - 52
Hymn 521 Redeemed
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE VALLEY OF VISION

LORD, HIGH AND HOLY, MEEK AND LOWLY,Thou has brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up,

that to be low is to be high,

that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all,

that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

that to give is to receive,

that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine; Let me find

thy light in my darkness,

thy life in my death,

thy joy in my sorrow,

thy grace in my sin,

thy riches in my poverty,

thy glory in my valley.

December 28, 2008

2008-12-28T08:25:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship
Hymn 106 Praise Him! Praise Him!
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 168 Who Is He in Yonder Stall?
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 89 - 96
Morning Prayer
Hymn 275 How Firm a Foundation
Message Matthew 13: 44 -46
Hymn 495 Heaven Came Down
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE MEDIATOR

EVERLASTING CREATOR-FATHER,
I have destroyed myself, my nature is defiled, the powers of my soul are degraded; I am vile, miserable, strengthless, but my hope is in thee. If ever I am saved it will be by goodness undeserved and astonishing, not by mercy alone but by abundant mercy, not by grace but by exceeding riches of grace; And such thou hast revealed, promised, exemplified in thoughts of peace, not of evil. Thou hast devised means to rescue me from sin's perdition, to restore me to happiness, honour, safety. I bless thee for the everlasting covenant, for the appointment of a mediator. I rejoice that He failed not, nor was discouraged, but accomplished the work thou gavest Him to do; and said on the cross, 'It is finished.' I exult in the thought that thy justice is satisfied, thy truth established, thy law magnified, and foundation is laid for my hope. I look to a present and personal interest in Christ and say, Surely he has borne my griefs, carried my sorrows, won my peace, healed my soul. Justified by His blood I am save by His life, Glorying in His cross I bow to His sceptre, having His Spirit I possess His mind. Lord, grant that my religion may not be occasional and partial, but universal, influential, effective, and may I always continue in thy words as well as thy works, so that I may reach my end in peace.

December 21, 2008

2008-12-21T08:36:00.000-08:00

Morning Worship

Hymn 133 Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Welcome and Puritan Prayer
Hymn 128 It Came upon the Midnight Clear
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1: 18 -2 5, Luke 2: 1 - 20
Special Music - Joshua McKinny
Morning Prayer
Hymn 123 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Message Philippians 2: 6 - 11
Hymn 147 Silent Night! Holy Night!
Benediction

The Valley of Vision

(A collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions)

THE GIFT OF GIFTS

O SOURCE OF ALL GOOD,
What shall I render to thee for the gift of gifts, thine own dear Son, begotten, not created, my redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute, His self-emptying incomprehensible, His infinity of love beyond the heart's grasp. Herein is wonder of wonders: He came below to raise me above, was born like me that I might become like Him. Herein is love; when I cannot rise to Him he draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to Himself. Herein is power; when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart He united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreate and the created. Herein is wisdom; when I was undone, with no will to return to Him, and no intellect to devise recovery, He came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost, as man to die my death, to shed satisfying blood on my behalf, to work out a perfect righteousness for me. O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds, and enlarge my mind; let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore, my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my eyes uplifted to reconciled Father; place me with ox, ass, camel, goat, to look with them upon my redeemer's face, and in Him account myself delivered from sin; let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart, embrace Him with undying faith, exulting that He is mine and I am His. In Him thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more.