Friday, September 7, 2007

Judges 5:11

11 the voice of the singers at the watering places.
They recite the righteous acts of the LORD,
the righteous acts of his warriors in Israel.
"Then the people of the LORD
went down to the city gates.

This passage is imbedded in the middle of the Song of Deborah. It give us a couple of insights into why we sing:
  1. "the voice of the singers at the watering places"–what did people do when they were getting water for their animals (i.e. hanging out and waiting around)? They sang! What did they sing about?
  2. They sang about what God had done for them (the righteous acts of the LORD) and what he had done through them (the righteous acts of his warriors in Israel)
Now for a modern application question: What should we sing about in church? What kind of hymns should a congregation sing? What kind of songs should a choir sing? What kind of hymns should a hymnal publish? Judges 5:11 once again gives us some insights:
  1. We should sing about what God has done for us and tell His story in hymn and song, and
  2. We should sing about the righteous acts God has done through us.
If all a hymn or song does is repeat "praise God" over and over and over again and never says what we should be praising Him for, we are not reciting the righteous acts of the LORD. We are not telling why God should be praised. We are, at best, a clanging gong or a crashing cymbal.

If all a hymn or song does is to say how we feel about God but never points our attention and understanding back to God, then we are only praising ourselves.

An example of a hymn which tells of God's righteous acts:
I'd love to hear your examples of hymns and songs which "recite the righteous acts of the LORD" and hymns and songs which tell of the righteous acts God has done through us.

UPDATE: You no longer need a Google Account to post a comment to my choir blog. The new due date for posting a comment is Friday, Sep. 14, 2007

86 comments:

  1. I think that this reminds me of "Amazing Grace" in the Christian Worship Hymnal #379. Because it says,"That saved a wretch like me!" I think that that was an awesome thing that he did for us, and there are many other things that he has done for us also.

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  2. Well I have lots of songs that I know that fit but one that I think of is one called That's Why We Praise Him it's fitting for this you can tell just by the title but part of the lyrics say "That's why we bow down and worship this king Cause he gave his everything" This song is from Integrity's Worship theres a web site www.iworshipnow.com and if you would like me to bring the cd to class I could. It's unfathomable what God has done for us and we can't even come close to comprehending, but he gives us a chance to further extend our knowledge of his greatnes every time we sing a song to him.

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  3. I chose the hymn On Eagle's Wings becuase it reminded me that no matter what happens to us God will be there to guard and protect us

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  4. I think that this reminds me of this it the day the lord has made. Hymn 225 because it tells us what the lord does and and it tells us to be thankful in what he has made

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  5. http://synergy_2.tripod.com/lyrics/garden.html
    "In The Garden" is a song that not only says what God has done, but what is doing right now. He's walking with us through life.

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  6. This reminds me of hymn #391 "God Loved The World So That He Gave" I think that God sending Jesus was the best that that God ever did.

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  7. I chose the hymn On Eagle's Wings becuase it reminded me that no matter what happens God will be there to guard and protect us.

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  8. I'd have to say hymn #146 His Battle Ended There. Its probly my favorite hymn and it tells of God sending his son to redeem us from sin and his battle with Satan.

    SECOND COMMENT BABY!!!!!

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  9. hi mr. witte. i also chose the hymn "amazing grace" in the christian worship hymnal page 379, but i thought that the phrase (well actually two) "'tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home" because it reminds me of how Christ died for me and how through his grace i am saved and brought home to Christ in heaven when i die. it also reminds me that he has brought me this far and i am still safe. i know also that i never have to worry with him by my side.

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  10. The song that I chose was Hymn #103 "Glory be to Jesus." I chose this Hymn because it gives glory to Jesus,(Glory be to Jesus), while telling us what he did to save us from our sins,(poured for me the life blood from his sacred veins). this hymn has always been one of my personal favorites because of its great message.

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  11. It reminds me of two hymns and one song. The first hymn is 440 "On Eagles Wings" because it talks about how God loves us and will protect us because he loves us. The second hymn is 411 "What a Friend we have in Jesus" We can remember that Jesus is our friend and he came to die for us. The song that it reminds me of is "Open My Heart" by you Mr. Witte. It says how bad we are and that God is disappointed but he still loves us and we do his because we want to, and also we ask God to help us in that song.

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  12. Hey Mr. Witte. I wanted to pick a hymn that not many other people would pick so that you wouldn't get a bunch of the same ones. The hymn that I chose is "There is a Balm in Gilead." It reminds us that when we feel like nothing is going right and we are down in the dumps Jesus is there to make us feel whole again. Also, it tells us that we don't have to be the best speakers like Peter and Paul to spread the word of God.

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  13. Hi Mr. Witte
    I chose the Hymn "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me" because it tells about Jesus's suffering and death and how from that we have eternal life in his name. http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh361.sht

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  14. I think that this reminds me of a lent sonh. Christ the Life of All the Living in the Christian Worship Hymnal. This explains that Christ suffered and died and faced the worse all so that we could inherit eternal life.

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  15. The hymn Christ the Life of All the Living (CW#114) is a great hymn because it shows that Christ endured the worst sufferings all for us. He did this so that we could inherit eternal life and be free of our sins. This truely an awesome thing

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  16. I chose "A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth" (CW 100). It reminds us of what God did for us to save us from eternal damnation. It reminds us that God sent his Son willingly to redeem us, not because we earned or deserved it.

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  17. Another song that tells us what God has done for us is "Me and God" by Josh Turner...."He forgives me when I'm wrong."http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/joshturner/meandgod.html

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  18. Another song that tells us what God has done for us is "Me and God" by Josh Turner...."He forgives me when I'm wrong."http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/joshturner/meandgod.html

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  19. Hey Mr.witte
    Im pretty sure you wont get this one again...
    Im not sure if it HAD to be a hymn but I found one that I like
    Its by a guy named Seth Boyte from Oshkosh West
    He actually has a cd out at the christian bookstore in Oshkosh and I have it if you would like to hear it sometime
    It is called "Without You"
    These are the lyrics

    Look at me, Look what I turned out to be. Take my hand, I cant move on, I cant stand
    Without your touch, without you near me
    I need you now more then ever before
    Chorus
    without you I cant go on
    without you Ill never be the same
    without your touch, without your love
    WITHOUT YOU

    You lift me up, high above my stormy seas
    I need you now, IM sinking under I cant breathe.
    You ease my mind, when my world is upside down
    You're by my side, when it seems im lost I know Im found

    chorus

    Ill never let go of all your promises
    You said youd always be by my side
    How can I describe you with the simple words I say
    How can I describe you with the simple words I say

    Without you I cant go on
    Without you Ill never be the same
    Without your touch without your love
    WITHOUT YOU

    This song is a wonderful example of why we sing to God. We sing to him because he is always here with us. He'll never leave us in the dark
    He is always there
    We are truly blessed

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  20. oops sorry... I forgot to put my name on it... =)

    That was Kristen G. by the way

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  21. Hey Mr Witte.
    I thought of alot of songs.
    But my all time favorites are

    Abide with Me- Hymn #552

    I first hear this song @ my great gmas funeral.
    Thats when I fell in love with it.

    It reminds me that God is in control,
    that he will watch over me,
    and protect me.
    It reminds me of what Jesus has done for me.
    And what he is still doing for me.

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  22. i think Amazing Grace tells about what Jesus did for us.

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  23. I think that the TC's song "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is a perfect example of God's mercy to us. "Prone to Wander, Lord I feel it", which is what we do every day. Yet God always guides us back to him, and never holds our shortcomings against us. How AMAZING a God this must be!

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  24. This reminds me of hymn 440, "On Eagles Wings" because this hymn talks about how Jesus protects and keeps you under his arms. It also reminds me about how he will always be there for me.

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  25. i think that a good hymn would be a mighty fortress is our god, hymn 200 or 201, because it praises God for his great power to defeat the devil and promise us a place in heaven!

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  26. I chose the song Eagles Wings because it tells us of how he shields us from all evil and how he will bring us safely to heaven.

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  27. I chose the hymn "precious Lord,take my hand" which is hymn number 451 in the christian worship.I chose it because the words show that even through storm and night,he will lead us on.

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  28. one of my favorite bands to listen to is Steller Kart and the other day i was listening to one of my favorite songs that they sing called "Gone Fishin" and in one of the verses it says- It seems like yesturday i was lost but now i'm found i've got a great job that pays to spread God's joy around many have been led astray ill tell them what they've been missin Jesus is the only way-thats why i've gone fishin so basically this song tells us that we shouldnt be ashamed of our faith we should be proud to shout out to the world that we r saved becuse nothing is better then when u get to see the joy on peoples faces when they finally come to realize that Jesus is the only way and that they have been saved.

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  29. I think that hymn 100 is an example of God's righteousness.

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  30. hi, Mr. Witte!!! :)

    a hymn that i really love is called "How Great Thou Art" (CW #256). i sing this hymn to myself every day. it talks about how we look around at God's creation and praise Him for it. it's a beautiful hymn that everyone should enjoy.

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  31. for the hymn that i chose was On Eagle's Wings in the Christian Worship Hymnal #440. the reason is that it reminds me that when you are having problems you should always rely on God to help you and that when you are introuble you know that you dont need to worry about it,he is there for you.

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  32. I think hymn #152 is perfect cuz it talks about what Jesus did for us.

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  33. Alright the song I think of is "To God Be The Glory" In this hymn it says that "So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
    Who yielded His life an atonement for sin," I can't think of what would be a better reason than this to praise Him.

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  34. hey Mr.witte...
    the hymn that pop'd into my head right away was on eagle wings. in the hymnal 379. but then i thought more and then one hymn that i thought of was jesus sinners does recieve hymn 304. it shows us that jesus takes away all are sins even though we dont deserve it he still took away or sins and he does alot for us. even when we dont desever it. but keeps forgiven us.

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  35. Mr. Witte I have choosen the song "Open My Heart" because it tells us our hearts are broken as we read the law he wrote for us, focus us on him and see the cross, fix our minds on him so we can trust in him, He hands we opened and pierced with nails, and so we know his will.
    I love this song and I think it tells it best what God has done.

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  36. hey Mr.witte...
    the hymn that pop'd into my head right away was on eagle wings. in the hymnal 379. but then i thought more and then one hymn that i thought of was jesus sinners does recieve hymn 304. it shows us that jesus takes away all are sins even though we dont deserve it but he still takes away or sins.

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  37. Hi! This is Hannah Schermerhorn. The righteous acts of the LORD reminds me of how God takes such good care of every single person and is always there for us. It's amazing how he loves everyone so much, and it reminds me of the song After The World by Disciple

    Was I there for the worst of all your pain?
    And was I there when your blue skies ran away?
    Was I there when the rains were flooding you off your feet?
    Those were My tears falling down for you, falling down for you

    I’m the One that you’ve been looking for
    I’m the One that you’ve been waiting for
    I’ve had My eyes on you ever since you were born
    I will love you after the rain falls down
    I will love you after the sun goes out
    I’ll have My eyes on you after the world is no more

    Did I arrange the light of your first day?
    Did I create the rhythm your heart makes?
    Could you believe when your candle starts to fade?
    I want to be the One that you believe
    Could take it all away, take your heart away

    Isn’t My life a clear sign since I have crossed over this chasm
    To fill the space between Me and you?
    And I will do it all over again
    Just look for Me, just wait for Me

    The One you’ve been looking for
    The One you’ve been waiting for
    You won’t have to look anymore

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  38. amazing grace is a good one. i think all the words just spell out exactly what God did for us, hymn 379

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  39. uhm hymn #412 (I think...I really thought it was #247 but when I looked it up it said otherwise... ??) is one of my favorites.... "Earth and All Stars" -- hardly anyone even knows this hymn but I love it! www.dragonvet.com/html/hymns/hymn412.htm - 5k
    I dunno if I did that right but sure there ya go! The whole hymn tells of all the beautiful things God has created for us and through him we sing songs of praise to tell the world about the saving message. We sang this almost every day and choral camp at Wisco in Milwaukee and we all just had a blast singing this one being the little people we were... st. peter's kids all got mad at me because I picked this hymn EVERY TIME I got the choice... =) it just really shows all the things we can be thankful for... even things that SEEM bad, like snowstorms(and I would think loud pounding hammers.) There's always a reason to sing him a new song!!!

    Laura Halter


    Hope I did that right. ??

    I AM comment numbmer 31! which would be a veir and an eins in German....idk how to put them together??

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  40. The song that comes to my mind that reminds me of the righteous acts of the LORD is the song El Shaddai by Amy Grant
    http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/amy+grant/el+shaddai_20007609.html
    It says
    "Through your love and through the ram,
    You saved the son of Abraham;
    Through the power of your hand,
    Turned the sea into dry land.
    To the outcast on her knees,
    You were the God who really sees,
    And by your might,
    You set your children free."

    I grew up with this song and I just have loved it since I could remember!

    I also have the song "Lazarus Come Forth" by Carman come to mind because it has like all of the Bible people gathered together talking about Jesus and I don't know it's hard to explain but here's the website to the lyrics!
    http://www.lyrics007.com/Carman%20Lyrics/Lazarus%20Come%20Forth%20Lyrics.html
    It's just another song that I grew up listening to and have loved!

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  41. Hey Mr. Witte, One of my favorite hymns would be hymn #433, "Jesus, Savior, Pilot me" It's such a true and awesome song...It tells us that when we go through all the "bad times", He has and will always be there to "Pilot" us forever onward in our lives.

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  42. Hey Mr witte... So I was layin in bed and I was like ooops I forgot to leave a comment... so, I'm doing it now at 10:20 on Sunday nite...

    Anyway I finally came up with one,

    Awake, my soul, to joyful lays Hymn #340 (I think that's the number)

    My Favorite verse is verse three:

    3.When I was Satan's easy prey
    And deep in debt and bondage lay,
    He paid His life for my discharge,-
    His loving-kindness, oh, how large.

    It says to me that even at the worst times (when satan is ALWAYS tempting us) he's there and all I have to do is beleive that he is there for a reason: to help me whenever I need his help. I really like this one!

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  43. so many songs...the first one that comes to mind is a hymn. Its a song that my classmates and I sang a lot and probably one of the first hymns we ever memorized. Hymn 587 vs. 3 was a song we sang as a closing prayer often in gradeschool.
    "Lord Jesus since you love me, Oh spread your wings above me, And shield me from alarm, Tho Satan would asail me, Your mercy will not fail me, I rest in your protecting arms." It reminds us that God never leaves our side. Then back onto the righteous acts of the LORD, there's a group called Casting Crowns and I have one of their piano books and my favorite song is While You Were Sleeping and its about the most righteous act of the LORD.
    "Oh little town of Bethlehem, looks like another silent night. Above your deep and dreamless sleep, a giant star lights up the sky. And while you're lying in the dark, there shines an everlasting light for the King has left His throne and is sleeping in a manger tonight. Oh Bethlehem what you have missed while you were sleeping for God became a man and stepped into your world today. Oh Bethlehem, will you go down in history as a city with no room for its King, While you were sleeping.
    Oh little town of Jerusalem, looks like another silent night. The Father gave his only Son; the Way, the Truth, the Life had come, But there was no room for him in the world he came to save. Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping the Savior of the world is dying on your cross today. Jerusalem will you go down in history as a city with no room for its King, While you were sleeping.
    United States of America looks like another silent night, as we're sung to sleep by philosophies that save the trees and kill the children. And while we're lying in the dark there's a shout heard across the eastern sky, for the Bridegroom has returned and has carried His bride away in the night. America what will we miss while we are sleeping? Will Jesus come again and leave us slumbering where we lay? America will we go down in history as a nation with no room for its King? Will we be sleeping. United States of America looks like another silent night."
    It's about how God sent his Son for us and how so much of this world takes THE MOST righteous act(Jesus being our Savior) for granted, including those from the times of Jesus through today.

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  44. I'd say On Eagle's Wings beacuse God is always with us no matter what happens.

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  45. The one that I came up with was Hymn 225: This is the day the Lord has made because it tells us about what the Lord has done...and still does and that we should always be thankful for that...everyday
    -Lindz

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  46. I chose the hymn What Wondrous Love is This #120 vs. 1 and 2
    "What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
    What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
    What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
    To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
    To bear the dreadful curse for my soul."

    "When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
    When I was sinking down, sinking down,
    When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
    Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
    Christ laid aside His crown for my soul."
    These words tell of how Jesus sacrificed himself to save us and it reminds us that He will always be there for us when we are in need. The next two verses tell how we praise him for everything he has done for us and we rejoice in him who has so marvelously created us and protects us.

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  47. I chose hymn 38 because I wanted to be different and have a Christmas hymn,and also because it talks about how Jesus would be the joy of the earth and save us from our sins.

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  48. I think that hymn 200 is a fitting hymn because it tells us what God has done for us and that he will always gaurd and protect us.

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  49. This reminds me of "What a Friend we Have in Jesus" http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/f/wafwhij.htm

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  50. This makes me think of hymn #120 in Christian Worship "What Wondrous Love Is This," because Jesus underwent a lot of pain for us, and sometimes I don't think we realize it as much as we should.

    It also reminds me of the song "Angels in Chorus" by the Christian Rock band Stellar Kart. This song tells how we keep God's name inside, and don't spread it, and tells how the angels praise him.It's just a good song, and I like it a lot. Here are the lyrics:


    "Angels In Chorus"

    I’ve lived in silence
    Held on to you like
    You were my
    Private piece of truth
    But everything’s changing
    ‘cause I can’t contain
    When there’s a whole world
    Waiting to hear your name

    [chorus]
    Angels in chorus
    Join in my song
    You are my glorious,
    You are my God

    Grace is contagious
    When it gets out
    Tears fall as my voice changes
    Into a crowd
    Together now hallelujah, hallelujah

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  51. hey mr. witte the hymn i found was 445 Throgh Jesus' blood and merit. i talks about what jesus did for us and how he is with us all the time.

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  52. This reminds me of Hymn 256 "How Great Thou Art." Right off the bat, in the 2nd line of the first verse, it gives a reason why we should praise God. "When I, in awesome wonder, consider all the works your hand has made."

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  53. I thought of hymn 391 God loved the world so that he gave. It deffinately tells what God did for us

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  54. The song that i was thinking of to show what Jesus did for us, is "For the Moments I Feel Fain" by Relient K. This song is saying that when we think that we are so terrible and we think that no one can help us in our sin, God is there and her can do anything! It also says that we should place evverything in Gods hands because he is the one who takes all our sin away!
    Althrough out the song it says Never Underestmate The Power Of My Jesus, I think thats a great way to live you life. Never think there is something to big for Christ!

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  55. I think the song "Took my Place" by Third Day fits well because it simply says what Jesus did when he died on the cross.
    "Searchin' desperately to find
    Someone who could save me
    Then along came from out of nowhere
    Precious as the light of day
    You gave me something no one could take away
    When you took my place"


    You can look up the lyrics at http://www.christianlyricsonline.com/artists/third-day/took-my-place.html

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  56. I chose the song the tree of life because it sums up pretty much everything we want to hear when we listen to God's word and when we hear that gospel we can truly see just how much God loves and cares for us.

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  57. This passage reading reminds me of hymn 488 "Savior Thy Dying Love," because it thanks the Lord for sending his Son into the world to pay for the sins of the everyone. Also, it shows His wonderful grace and mercy. For all this, we ought to thank and praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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  58. Hey Mr.Witte! The first song that came to mind was "Awesome God." There have been many different versions of this song used. Here's what I pulled off of the internet:
    When He rolls up His sleeves
    He ain't just puttin' on the ritz
    (our God is an awesome God)
    There is thunder in His footsteps
    And lightning in His fist
    (our God is an awesome God)
    Well, the Lord wasn't joking
    When He kicked 'em out of Eden
    It wasn't for no reason that He shed his blood
    His return is very close and so you better be believing
    that our God is an awesome God

    REFRAIN
    Our God(our God) is an awesome God
    He reigns(He reigns) from heaven above
    With wisdom(with wisdom) pow'r and love
    our God is an awesome God

    And when the sky was starless in the void of the night
    (our God is an awesome God)
    He spoke into the darkness and created the light
    (our God is an awesome God)
    Judgment and wrath he poured out on to Sodom
    Mercy and grace He gave us at the cross
    I hope that we have not too quickly forgotten that
    our God is an awesome God

    I think this is a great song, and if you've never heard it, let me know so I can bring the music some time! ~Charis

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  59. This part of the bible makes me think of the hymn I love to tell the story because you shouldnt be able to keep in how happy you are about what God has done for us. You should want to go out and shout how thankful you are that you have such a loving God and such a willing Savior to die on the cross not just for you but for the whole world. I know that I am thankful for that and that is why I thought of this song!

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  60. I think that On Eagles Wings fits this because God lifts you up when you are down.

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  61. It remindes me of the song "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" because he died for us then went to the grave then to the sky!!

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  62. Hello Mr. Witte,
    I am sorry it has taken me so long to comment you. The song I that has reminded me of everything Jesus has done for us, is "In Christ Alone." This song is not only a great reminded to us as Christians of everything we are thankful for but it is also a good song to use for witnessing. We can strengthen others in their faith or teach others that our destinies are in His hands.

    In Christ Alone Lyrics (Newsboys)


    Newsboys - In Christ Alone Lyrics


    In Christ alone my hope is found
    He is my light, my strength, my song
    This Cornerstone, this solid ground
    Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
    What heights of love, what depths of peace
    When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
    My Comforter, my All in All
    Here in the love of Christ I stand

    In Christ alone, who took on flesh
    Fullness of God in helpless babe
    This gift of love and righteousness
    Scorned by the ones He came to save
    'Till on that cross as Jesus died
    The wrath of God was satisfied
    For every sin on Him was laid
    Here in the death of Christ I live

    There in the ground His body lay
    Light of the world by darkness slain
    Then bursting forth in glorious Day
    Up from the grave He rose again
    And as He stands in victory
    Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
    For I am His and He is mine
    Brought with the precious blood of Christ

    No guilt in life, no fear in death
    This is the power of Christ in me
    From life's first cry to final breath
    Jesus commands my destiny
    No power of hell, no scheme of man
    Can ever pluck me from His hand
    'Till He returns or calls me home
    Here in the power of Christ I'll stand



    We sing to praise and thank God for lovingly sending His Son, who lovingly died to save us from eternal damnation.


    To listen to the song and watch a pretty great movie with the lyrics copy the url.


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo

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  63. I think that hymn 613, "Come, You Thankful People, Come" says alot about what God has done for us and through us. The Words "God our maker shall provide for our wants to be supplied" shows what he does for us everyday.

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  64. Hello Mr. Witte, The song that I believe recites the works and acts of the Lord is "The Valley Song" by Jars of Clay.

    AUDIO Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvHMjILrSJ0

    Lyric Link:
    http://www.actionext.com/names_j/jars_of_clay_lyrics/valley_song.html

    I think it really points to Jesus because we sing of his mercy. and that's what it's all about. Jesus took all the pain and sin that I have, and carried it on his back, nailed to the cross.
    always, Bethy

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  65. ok well i chose the hymn on eagles wings because it reminds me that no matter what i may be doing that God is always with us no matter what we may be doing that we can know that we can always look to God for help when we need it.

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  66. I chose the hymn Amazing Grace because it tells that we used to be lost but then God found us. God also provides us with everything that we need and he will never leave us in doubt. He is always there for us.

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  67. I chose the hymn Glory Be to Jesus.It reminds me of when Jesus died for my sins on the cross and that somday i can go to heaven wih him.

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  68. I chose Hymn 579 "Eternal Father Strong to Save"

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  69. I CHOOSE HYMN 271. WE SING THIS SONG AT MY HOME CHURCH. IT DISCRIBES THE TRIUNE GOD. WE SOMETIMES SING IT INSTEAD OF THE APOSTLES CREED. VERY HARD MELODY

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  70. I chose Amazeing Grace because it tells me what Jesus did to save me.

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  71. I chose Amazing Grace because it tells me what Jesus did to save me.

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  72. i think i would choose the hymn "he stod before the court" because it tells of lots of things that jesus did for us

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  73. I chose hymn 624 "Saddle up your horses" by Steven Curtis Chapman because It tells us to get up and get out there and tell everyone God's Word. It says stuff like "going into the unknown", "our journey", and "God 's love will take us". It 's reminding us what God wants us to do, spread His word.

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  74. I think the hymn "On Eagle's Wings" is a good one, because it shows that no matter what, the LORD is always there for us and he'll never leave us. He promises to carry us along through everything we may run into.

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  75. JACOB TRAPP Lord of glory 4 several reasons it not only tells us to sing to God but also tells us why (Christ died for us.

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  76. I chose "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing" because it tells us about Jesus dying on the cross for us. Hymn 141.

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  77. hi mr. witt. i chose the song "How Awsome is This Place" (http://songsofpraise.org/song.php?songid=33) because it tells me how powerful God really is.

    jake herre.

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  78. I choose the hymn Love In Christ Is Strong and Living. Because it tells us everything God is and a few of the many things he does for us. It shows us why we should praise him.

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  79. I think the hymn "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" is a good song because it tells us of the blessings God has given us and how we should thank him for them.

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  80. I think that the hymn 440 reminded me of this because he guards and keeps us safe under his wings.

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  81. Hey Mr. Witte sorry that im late but it wasnt working before but i got it to now. ok so the one that popped into my head was awesome god because it says what he did for us and how he died on the cross for our sins.

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  82. Sorry for the delay. . . My choice for your question is "Abide with Me" in the Christian Worship Hymnal. This hymn was sung at my Grandma Malenke's funeral and Grandma Narges's as well. Singing the song at those times almost gave me chills on how hard the words hit home. They make it obvious how life on this world will end no matter what and things change, but God never changes and his assurance of life in His Son is all we need. God's love in taking us to our heavenly home can't help but make you feel good at times of death because you know it is all for the better. The last verse especially meant a lot for me with my Grandma Narges who was suffering from cancer. It was hard to see her go downhill over 3 months, but with nightly devotions and prayer we all knew her faith was strong. When this song was sung at her funeral, I couldn't help but imagine my grandma's last moments on this world where her family were all beside her:
    "Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
    Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
    Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
    In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me."
    This song gets me every time now.

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  83. Hey! I've got one more song for you. This is a non-secular piece that also hits home. The song is "Pride (In the Name of Love)" by U2 from the album "Rattle and Hum". Although you can interpret the lyrics anyway you want, I see the lyrics speaking about what is right, just, and God's righteous acts, be it directly from him or through his people. The music is also upbeat which is unique because rather than playing a typical tribute song that is slower and more saddening, this song helps remember the people it sings about in an attitude that helps celebrate what they have done. The person the band pays tribute to especially is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was able to speak for his people and invoke a sense of pride throughout America, no matter what race. King's life was cut short while serving to better the lives of his people, yet his legacy continues. The song is also unique because it mentions "One man betrayed with a kiss" which to me holds importance, because the song is not just showing the good that can come out of the bad from man, but how God himself had done an act that defines love. Jesus' love for us was enough to face his death and save us from sin. Jesus knew what was going to happen to him and the horrible times that were ahead of him, but he initiated his death with the kiss from betraying Judas. The song sums it up great that no matter it be a man fighting for his people's rights or a man fighting for all of mankind's lives, it was all done in the "name of love". I hope you will appreciate this song as much as me, and I want to hear your take on it. Thanks!

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  84. Hi! this song reminds me of "Praise to the Lord" because in that song we are also praising him for the wonderful things he has done for us.

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  85. my favorite hymn is Eagle's wings. God is always with you through tough times in our lives.

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  86. my favorite hymn is ' I Am Jesus Lamb' because it comforts me. i know that jesus will be with me wherever i go and that makes me feel great.

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