Resting in Jesus' Arms

2 Corinthians 1:3

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of comfort.

This past summer was very difficult as my only brother passed away.  I had not seen him in 20 years as he was estranged from the family.  His death really hit me hard and my emotions have been all over the place trying to come to terms with his death.  I had been praying for years that he would be reconciled with the family and now I have had to accept that that will never happen.

Death is normal in our life here on earth, but not very welcome.  Those of us with assurance of eternal life with our Lord Jesus have something to look forward to after death, but we still can be overwhelmed with sorrow when a loved one goes on before us.

Just last week I heard from a cousin that his daughter and son-in-law lost their baby while she was 18 weeks pregnant.  Around 25 years ago, I had lost two babies in a row around that same time, so I understand something of what they are now going through.  I was trying to figure out what I could say to bring them comfort and a song started forming in my head. 

As I was composing, I realized that the song is for anyone who has lost a loved one.  I wrote two first verses – one for my cousin’s daughter and one about my brother. 

Laura and Jake, may be you comforted by the Lord’s overwhelming goodness and faithfulness to His beloved.

And to my family, I pray the same hope and comfort for you.

Resting in Jesus’ Arms

Oh my Lord Jesus, my heart is breaking,   

My arms are empty, I hurt deep inside.   

For my small babe has gone on before me,       

And now I must face, face a world without him now.   

I cannot understand why this has happened.

Why does a loving God allow suffering?

But He is faithful so I will just trust Him,

And there I will stay, safely resting in His arms.   

Then there will come the day, my life will be over.

My Lord will call me home, and to Him I’ll go.

Tears will be erased, my loved one then I’ll see,

And there we will stay, safely resting in His arms.

Alternate first verse:

Oh my Lord Jesus, my heart is breaking,

My life feels empty, I hurt deep inside.

For my brother has gone on before me,

And now I must face, face a world without him now.

Written 9/19/2015

So there are two videos for this song, with the two different first verses.

For Laura and Jake:

Or watch it on:YouTube

For my family:

Or watch it on:YouTube

Create in Me A Clean Heart

Ps. 51:10

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 51 – David’s song of confession after he sinned with Bathsheba.  It gives us an intimate look into David’s heart and gives us an example of true repentance.

I am dedicating this song to my mother – Virginia Kliewer.  She died when I was 11, so I don’t have a lot of memories of her, but I remembered how much she loved God and singing hymns.  She taught me right from wrong and what it means to be a Christian.  I finished this on her birthday, so that is why it is only fitting that I dedicate to her.

Create In Me A Clean Heart

O God, have mercy upon me, according to Thy loving kindness.  

According to Thy mercies, blot out my transgressions and,    

Wash me thoroughly, O God, from all of my iniquity.

Cleanse me from all of my sins, wash me whiter than snow and,

I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.

Against Thee only have I sinned and done evil in Thy sight so,

Hide Thy face from all of my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Cast me not out of Thy presence, take not Thy Holy Spirit and,

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, O Lord, my God.

I will sing of Thy righteousness; my mouth will shew forth Thy praise, so

Chorus:

Create in me, in me, a clean heart, O Lord.

And renew and renew, and renew and renew, a right spirit in me.

Psalm 51

Written 10/21/2014

or watch it on YouTube:

Only Fear the Lord

1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you.

One Sunday morning in church, the pastor preached on I Samuel 12.  This verse stayed with me and a new song was written. 

Only Fear the Lord

Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth.        

Only serve Him with all of your heart.                

For consider what great things He has done;    

What great things He has done for you.                 

Only praise the Lord for His mighty deeds.

All things came to be by His spoken word.

Nothing is too hard, He can do all things.

He cares for you, and provides all your needs.

Only trust the Lord, depend on His Word.

Has He not spoken and will He not do?

He’ll never leave you, no never forsake you.

He’ll be your guide, even unto death.

Only thank the Lord for what He has done.

His death on a cross, His conq’ring the grave,

His resurrection, His ascension on high,

Soon to return, to rapture His bride.

I Sam. 12:24, Numbers 23:19, Deut. 31:6b, Ps. 48:14

Written 9/11/2014

Or watch it on YouTube: