We had this beagle named Freckles. Freckles was a great dog. She nurtured kittens and visited neighbors. She played with growing toddlers and searched out lost bunnies. She nuzzled her way into the heart of our family. But Freckles’ great love was trailing. She would periodically escape the confines of the yard and take off […]
Following Hard — GraceSpeak
16 This is what the Lord says:
“Restrain your voice from weeping
and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,”
declares the Lord.
“They will return from the land of the enemy.
17 So there is hope for your descendants,”
declares the Lord.
“Your children will return to their own land.
18 “I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning:
‘You disciplined me like an unruly calf,
and I have been disciplined.
Restore me, and I will return,
because you are the Lord my God.
19 After I strayed,
I repented;
after I came to understand,
I beat my breast.
I was ashamed and humiliated
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’
20 Is not Ephraim my dear son,
the child in whom I delight?
Though I often speak against him,
I still remember him.
Therefore my heart yearns for him;
I have great compassion for him,”
declares the Lord.
21 “Set up road signs;
put up guideposts.
Take note of the highway,
the road that you take.
Return, Virgin Israel,
return to your towns.
22 How long will you wander,
unfaithful Daughter Israel?
The Lord will create a new thing on earth—
the woman will return to[a] the man.”
23 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “When I bring them back from captivity,[b] the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The Lord bless you, you prosperous city, you sacred mountain.’ 24 People will live together in Judah and all its towns—farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
26 At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.
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Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of my sickness into Thy health, Out of my want and into Thy wealth, Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee! |
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Out of my shameful failure and loss, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into the glorious gain of Thy cross, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm, Out of life’s storm and into Thy calm, Out of distress to jubilant psalm, Jesus, I come to Thee! |
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Out of unrest and arrogant pride, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into Thy blessed will to abide, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of myself to dwell in Thy love, Out of despair into raptures above, Upward for aye on wings like a dove, Jesus, I come to Thee! |
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Out of the fear and dread of the tomb, Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come! Into the joy and pleasure, Thine own, Jesus, I come to Thee! Out of the depths of ruin untold, Into the flock Thy love doth enfold, Ever Thy glorious face to behold, Jesus, I come to Thee! |
