Return to Hope

Oh, how I missed my church! There is nothing like being in a room full of believers, singing out to the Lord and hearing everyone's voices combine in praise. It choked me up a bit. There is nothing like being away from it for awhile to make you realize how powerful it is. Really. Here's one of my new favorites:

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

Words and Music by Stuart Townend

©1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music

(find a midi file here)

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That he should give his only son,

To make a wretch his treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turned his face away

As wounds which mar the chosen one,

Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross,

My sin upon his shoulders

Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice

Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held him there

Until it was accomplished

His dying breath has brought me life;

I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything:

No gifts, no power, no wisdom

But I will boast in Jesus Christ;

His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from his reward?

I cannot give an answer

But this I know with all my heart:

His wounds have paid my ransom

The sermon today was on abortion; our pastor approached the topic with grace and understanding, and I think he did a great job. He countered all of the popular justifications for it, with the simple biblical reasoning and common sense he's great at using. It made me feel really convicted that I don't do more to help the cause. I'm going to try to work on that.

It felt soooo good to be there.