Preparing Our Hearts for Worship Glenn Dawson

“Near to the Heart of God,” is a simple hymn, expressing in a profound way the counsel of James 4:8, “ nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.”

Our song today is “I’d Rather Have Jesus”."I’d Rather Have Jesus" is a song written by Rhea Miller with the tune written by George Beverly Shea. This poem, penned in 1922, was left on a piano in the Shea home by Shea’s mother who wanted her son to find it and change the direction of his life. His mother often would leave poems and quotes around the house that she collected, in order to spiritually guide him.

One of my favorite hymns, "Jesus Paid it All". This hymn was written by Elvina Hall in 1865, and it expresses the wonderful truth that Jesus paid the full price for our sins on the cross, and that nothing we can do can add to or take away from his finished work.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the troubles of life? Have you ever faced a situation that seemed hopeless or unbearable? Have you ever wondered how you can cope with the pain, the loss, the fear, or the uncertainty that you are facing? If you have, you are not alone. Many people in the Bible and throughout history have experienced the same feelings. They have faced trials, tribulations, and temptations that tested their faith and their endurance. They have cried out to God for help, for relief, for deliverance, and for peace.

Our Song this week is one of my favorite hymns. The arrangement is beautifully moving and expresses the glory of the moment when we will see Jesus. Face to Face was written by Carrie E. Breck in 1898, and music composed by Grant Tullar and it expresses the longing of the Christian to see Jesus’ face to face in heaven

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is a Christian hymn that originated in the United States. The lyrics were written by Thomas O. Chisholm, a Methodist minister from Kentucky. He wrote the poem in 1923 about God’s faithfulness over his lifetime. The music was composed by William M. Runyan, a friend of Chisholm, specifically for the poem. The hymn was later popularized by the Moody Bible Institute and Billy Graham’s crusades.