By Faith

By faith the heroes of the past have lived,
That faith that trusteth in the saving blood,
That faith that makes us righteous through God’s grace,
That faith that loves the Holy Word of God.

By faith a man named Abel served the Lord
By giving to the Lord his much-loved lamb.
By faith Enoch was translated to Heav’n
So that He wasn’t found by any man.

By faith, yet being warned of things not seen,
One moved with fear, yea, Noah built an ark
And Abraham, by faith, when called to go,
Did into unforeseen country depart.

By faith, Sarah conceived past bearing age
And bore to Abraham the promised son.
Then Isaac, in his turn, by faith did bless
Both of his sons concerning things to come.

By faith, as Jacob died his grandsons blessed.
Likewise, when Joseph died he told his sons
About his bones and of the Promised Land
Instructing those to come what should be done.

By faith, hidden three months was Moses born,
Then stood he for the Lord rather than men.
By faith the harlot Rahab saved the spies
Danger enduring for the sake of them.

By faith, Gideon, Barak, Jephthah too,
Fought battles for the glory of the Lord
By faith, they subdued kingdoms, valiant, strong.
By faith they were saved from the en’mies sword.

By faith at night Samuel hear the Lord call.
By faith David did kill Goliath tall
By faith did Samson do work for the Lord
By faith the walls of Jericho did fall.

By faith today I’ll live and trust in Christ.
For as He was with these, He’ll be with me.
I place my faith in Him and step ahead
Relying on Him ever may I be.


Based on Hebrews 11
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, February 7, 2008
All rights reserved.

Jesus - Hope So Sure and Strong

Through the storms of doubt assail
I have hope within the Veil.
Sure and Steadfast, without fail,
Hope of death, joy of life – Jesus Christ.
Chorus

Chorus:
Jesus – Hope so Sure and Strong
Steadfast through the danger long,
Through the darkness my Sweet Song,
Lord to Thee, alone, I belong.

Thou the Anchor of my soul
Through the sea is in turmoil.
By Thee, I’ll walk Heaven’s soil.
Future Rock, Hold of Past – First and Last.
Chorus

Through the mountains, thou my Guide
Keep me safely by Thy side.
In me, I in Thee, abide.
Joyous Stroll, Peaceful Climb – Thou art Mine!
Chorus



Based on Hebrews 6:17-20
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, February 6, 2008
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Blotted Out

Once I carried a burden of sin and woe
So despairing I knew I was lost.
Then I found life eternal, the path of joy
At the foot of Mt. Calvary’s cross.
Chorus

Chorus:
“Blotted out,
As a thick cloud,
Your transgressions and all your sin.
My Redeemed One, shout!
You’re forgiven your account
Ev’ry sin has been blotted out!”

When I came to the fountain of Jesus’ blood
He forgave me and now I am free.
Still I hear His voice when I trip or fall
In His love He says to me:
Chorus

In the times of temptation, I fight and strive.
Still I often fall from the way.
Still the words of the Savior, they echo long
As I hear the Savior say:
Chorus

Won’t you come let Him cleanse you from all your sin?
At the cross won’t you with Jesus meet?
Faithful now, as in past times, if you will come
You will hear these words so sweet:
Chorus



Based on Isaiah 44:22-23
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, February 5, 2008
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: I’ve Been Changed

Our God is Great and Wise in Heart

Our God is great and wise in heart
His ways past finding out.
He moveth mountains, by His hand
Compasses me about.

Our God is great and wise in heart
He never sleeps or slumbers
His wonders cannot all be named
Nor can they be numbered.

Our God is great and wise in heart
In strength the Mighty One.
Creation joins to sing His praise
He spoke and it was done.

Our God is great and wise in heart,
He makes the sun to shine.
The earth trembles at His command.
To think that He is mine!




Based on Job 9: 4-10
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, February 4, 2008
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: Am I a Soldier of the Cross?

I Will Seek

I will seek the Lord my Savior.
He is with me night and day.
He will not forget, forsake me
Close beside me He will stay.
When I am in tribulation
Trouble is upon my heart
Still I hear my Savior calling:
“Seek Me now, so come apart.
Come apart to meet me solely,
Seek My will and heart to do.
If you seek me so, you’ll find me.
Child, I love and care for you.”

Based on Duet. 4:29-31
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, February 3, 2008
All rights reserved.

Led, Fed, and Sped

Through my life the Lord my God hath led me
All along the way He’s been my Guide.
Through I meet the foes of sin and striving
Still I rest, for God is on my side.
When I cannot see the path before me
Still I hear and answer His sweet call:
“Wait on Me, I’ll give you wings as eagles.
I will lead you, be your All in All.”

Through my life the Lord my God hath fed me
Through the precious pages of His Word.
Thorugh the hours spent in sweet communion
Talking with my Father, Friend, and Lord.
Putting sin and self and flesh behind me
Closer to my God that I might be.
This I seek, yea, this is my delighting,
That He might say: “Child, I’m pleased with thee.”

Through my life the Lord my God hath sped me
As I press on to His higher plain.
For all things are possible through Jesus
As I ask Him and His promise claim.
So in faith I turn my eyes upon Him
He will lead, and fed and sped me on.
For I serve a great and faithful Master.
Through my life I’ll follow Christ, the Son.




Based on Duet. 8:15-20
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, February 2, 2008
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: Day by Day

Faithful Jesus

Faithful Jesus, guide, direct me
Through the wandering paths of life.
With Thee by me to protect me
I shall need not fear earth’s strife.
Many pathways stretch before me
Which I follow, which I tread?
I am weary, Lord restore me
Feed me with thy Daily Bread.

Faithful Jesus, guide and cheer me
Often weary still I grow.
Yet Thou promised to be near me
Savior, pray, how shall I go?
Though I only see a few feet
Of the pathway that I trod
Trusting Thee, the steps are sure, sweet,
Each one closer to my God.



Copyright Miriam Rainwater, January 16, 2008
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: What a Friend We Have in Jesus!

At the Foot of the Cross

At the foot of the cross,
There my retreat
There where I found my Lord
His mercy Sweet.
There found I Heaven’s grace
His presence in that place
There at His feet,
There at His feet.

At the foot of the cross,
There my retreat.
From earth’s great driving wind,
Or scorching heat.
There I find open arms
Safety from all world’s harms
There at His feet
There at His feet.

At the foot of the cross
There my retreat.
There ev’ry morn and night
I Jesus meet.
There I find joy and rest
There I find Heaven’s best
There at His feet,
There at His feet.



Copyright Miriam Rainwater, January 16, 2008
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: More Love to Thee

One Word of Thine

One word of Thine can calm my fearing soul,
Thou whisperest “Peace”; I cannot be dismayed.
For Thine Assurance over me still rolls
And on Thy Rock I am secure and stayed.
One word of Thine can calm each doubt and fear,
Thou whisperest “Peace”; I know that Thou art near.

One word of Thine can bring my wand’ring heart
Back to the fold where Thou in patience waits.
Thou whisperest “Grace”; and sets my soul apart
Thy full forgiveness is the diff’ring trait.
One word of Thine can bring me back to Thee.
Thou whisperest “Grace”; from sin I now am free.

One word of Thine can grasp my shaking hand.
Thou whisperest “Come”; walkest the road with me.
Thy word hath promised perfect is Thy plan
Therefore I follow, holding tight to Thee.
One word of Thine can lead me through the night.
Thou whisperest “Come”; I press toward Heaven’s light.

One word of Thine can lead my unsure feet.
Thou whisperest “Trust”, in faith I step ahead.
Through mountains, valleys, everywhere is sweet
Where Jesus is. By Him my soul is fed.
One word of Thine can guide me all the way
Thou whisperest “Trust”; Thou art my strength and stay.

One word of Thine, nay, six I long to hear:
“Well done, my child!” and these two: “Welcome home!”
So toward the mark I press, I persevere.
That I might bring Thee glory, Thou alone!
One word of Thine I’ll hear with earth behind
When Thou wilt whisper “Joy”; Lord, I am Thine!



Copyright Miriam Rainwater, January 15, 2008
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: Be Still My Soul

I’ve Found the Living Water

I searched in vain for something
To satisfy my soul
But in earthly venues found not anything.
‘Til the day I heard the sweetness
That made me spirit whole
‘Twas the melody of Heaven’s Living Spring.

Chorus:
I’ve found the Living Water,
The Fountain of His love.
By the still waters He leads me by and by.
If the valley lies below me,
Or storm clouds reign above,
Still by Jesus Christ my soul is satisfied.

O the melody of the Jesus,
His presence in this place,
O, the ocean depths of His great victory,
O, the floodgates of His mercy,
The wide seas of His grace,
This and more the blessings that He gave to me!

As I press on, persevering,
I lift my voice in song
Singing praises to the Source of strength and life.
I shall never need to wander
Or thirst, or seek, or long,
For I find my All in All in Jesus Christ!


Copyright Miriam Rainwater, January 15, 2008
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: Lily of the Valley
Based on John 4:1-30

His Smile Shall Be My Reward

His smile shall be my reward,
His heart shall be my own.
His burdens for the lost, now mine;
Serving my Lord alone.
Who will step forward, who will go?
Here I am, Lord, send me.
Reaching souls for Jesus
For eternity!

Chorus:
Lord, smile on me!
Lord, smile on me!
Not for man’s praise; only this:
Lord, smile on me!
(repeat)

His smile shall be my reward
I will give my all.
The fields around the world are white,
Gladly I heed the call.
If I serve in foreign land
Or on my native soil.
Always for my Jesus I will
Work and toil.

His smile shall be my reward
Oh, how I long to hear:
“Child you lived in righteous faith,
Charity, Godly fear.
These, the souls you’ve helped to win:
Treasures in heaven stored.
Well done; enter into the joy
Of your Lord!”

Opt. Tune: Love Lifted Me
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, 2007

Once I Tried to Use Him

Once I tried to use Him
To satisfy my soul
How foolish I! For ‘twas a gift,
That cleansed and made my whole.
Once I thought my goodness,
My works, could set me free.
Once I tried to use Him –
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
I took His grace for naught.
Sinning that grace might abound
Not living as I ought.
Asking Him for strength
Using all day for ‘me’.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
To save my soul from hell
I was afraid His love to show
When Jesus whispered “Tell”.
I’d turn away with this reply:
“I’m scared. What if? Not me.”
Once I tried to use Him,
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him,
Now vain I see those days.
I pray that He will use me –
That He receives the praise.
I see Him so much greater
His majesty I see.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

How sweet the path has grown
Since I’ve yielded to His care
No need to ask for anything –
For HE is always there.
No need to ask for grace –
It rolleth like the sea.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
Now forevermore I’ll live.
For Him who died on Calvary
For He such freedom gives.
And then when I behold Him
That His words to me might be:
“Once you let me use you;
Child, I am pleased with thee.”

Copyright Miriam Rainwater, October 16, 2007
All rights reserved.

The Job Transfer

Having just moved to a new house, this story, written several years ago for school, has taken on new meaning:


Miriam yanks me up and plops me flat on my back on an envelope. “Ouch!” Rubbing her fingers across my face, I feel as if I have just been run over by a train. I watch while she picks up Pen and scrawls letters close to my frilly collar. Miriam does not seem to notice my panicked face in the morning sun as she carries me out to place me inside a dark box beside the street. Hours pass, and I wait in anxiety and dread while I wonder why Miriam would leave me all alone. The box opens, and a beam of light makes me squint. I rejoice at the hope of getting out, but my joy turns to alarm as I feel a hand lift me out and rather incompassionately toss me in a stifling crate. I begin to get a headache as I travel along the bumpy road with other crying, frightened, address labels, envelopes, and stamps like myself. “Where are we going?” “What is going to happen to us?” some are asking. Oh, how I wish I knew!

After a rather lengthy ride with many stops, I can hardly breathe from my place in the stack. Soon I feel the crate turn over, and, without warning, I slide out into the open. The light and elbow room feel good, and I take big breaths in and out before I am shoved into an even larger box. After what seems like forever, I again slide out and suffer bright lights and machines that stomp and roll over me with no regard at all for my comfort or pleasure. Stomp, roll, Stomp, roll, flash! The blinding lights and ‘pounders’ make me ache to the core. When will this be over? Why would Miriam send me here? I try to console myself with the thought that maybe I’ll be free after all of this is finished, but my hopes crumble as I once more get dropped into a huge box. The fear of what will happen next seems to hover over me, and I wonder if I will ever recover from all the bends and bruises I feel. Others around me in the dark are sleeping, their snores penetrating the stuffy silence. Hurt and discouraged, I fall into a restless sleep.

When I awake, I realize I must have traveled a good distance, and I wonder how many days have passed. As I fall off the roller and into a box, someone nearby shouts, “Here, Jim, the box for your morning route!” From the top of the box, the word gets passed that we are once again getting into a white truck like we came in. My heart leaps with joy as I think of perhaps seeing Miriam again. I breathe easier as each envelope above me is chosen and returned to boxes beside the street. I sing and shout for joy with my companions as we think of the happy prospect, and the wheels of the truck seem to sing “going home, going home; home at last, trouble past!”

My face shines with delight and joy as I am carefully lifted with other envelopes and placed in a box beside the street. I patiently wait, but I am tempted to bounce off the walls with gladness. When I am finally lifted for the last time, my face shines with happiness at the girl standing there. It does not worry me too much when I notice that the face is not Miriam’s. “Maybe Miriam is inside the house,” I console my fears. Once inside the girl holding me calls out, “Rachael, there is a letter for you in the mail!” Rachael? Wait a minute; where am I? In panic and worry, I am almost in tears. I thought I was going home!

Soon, I feel gentle hands lift me, and carry me back outside. I hardly notice the budding trees, the lake and flowers around me as I wallow in my own self-pity. Once seated Rachael flips me over, and for the first time, I see her face. Through my tears, I realize that in a way I was right. I was going home. This girl was like Miriam. There were some differences: this girl had beautiful curly hair, and she did not wear glasses. But there were many similarities too: Miriam had brown eyes, so did Rachael, they both wore sunny smiles and they were both seemed to relish my contents. In fact, I just might like it here. And then I realize Miriam sent me here to bring good news to Rachael; to make my home where she placed me. As I rest in confidence and surrender in Rachael’s hand, and I notice how easily the word seems to come off my tongue, HOME.

© Miriam Rainwater
Written May 4, 2005

Walking in His Presence

Walking in His presence, thus my heart is glad
In my Lord rejoicing with salvation clad.
He will hold me safely, He will not forsake,
Nothing can my faith in Christ my Savoir shake.

Chorus:
Walking in His presence, O, what joy!
Daily walking where none can annoy.
In His presence, ever I abide.
Christ before, behind, yea, even by my side.

Walking in His presence, all along the way
Following my Savior’s plans by night and day.
He will show the way of truth, the path of life.
Thus I press on, fearing not the toil or strife.

Walking in His presence, Satan cannot harm.
I am safe while lending firmly on His arm.
Any moment, He will hear my feeble call.
He is my Protector and my All in All.

Walking in His presence in the great and small;
Trusting Him to keep me humble, lest I fall.
I will do my best for Jesus in all things
For I am a servant of the King of Kings!

Walking in His presence, ‘till this life is o’er,
‘Till I go to spend forever with my Lord.
E’er then within His presence I will be
Walking in His presence for eternity!


Copyright Miriam Rainwater, September 15, 2007
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: Count Your Blessings

His Everlasting Arms are Mine

My everlasting help is He,
He gives me strength unto my need.
His arms are ever underneath
The King of Heaven, Prince of Peace.

Chorus:
His presence goes before, behind.
His everlasting arms are mine,
His everlasting arms are mine.

He makes me strong unto the day
When walking in His narrow way.
Though much I fail, ever I find,
My Savior just, faithful, and kind.

Though Satan would my life destroy,
I rest in Christ with highest joy.
Satan cannot do anything,
Without permission from my King.

Though come a storm with driving dust,
In Jesus' arms I rest and trust.
Though some I know may taunt and jeer
These have no pow’r while He is near.

And through the ages my hope is
I will be marked as one of His.
For He is mine; and safe from harm
I press on leaning on His arm.

Based on Deuteronomy 33:25, 27
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, September 5, 2007
All rights reserved.
Opt. Tune: The Solid Rock

Secure in Hope

Because there is hope in Christ
Thou shalt be secure.
For Christ’s promises are true.
Of this one thing be sure:
He will always be with you,
He will not leave you, e’er.
Because there is hope, on Jesus
Cast your care.

Chorus:
Thou art secure
Thou art secure
Because there is hope in Christ
Thou art secure.
Thou art secure,
Thou art secure.
Because there is hope in Christ
Thou art secure.
(On last stanza use “I am secure”)

Jesus promised, ”I will send
My Comforter to you.
He will live within your heart,
Teach you My will to do.
As you do My will, My plan,
Seeking to find My way.
You will see, My Child, I guide you,
All the way.
Chorus

When with thunder roaring low
When as the raindrops fall.
When I’m struggling within,
I hear my Father call:
My dear Child, though light and ray,
Storm clouds and rain obscure
Trust in Me and do not fear,
Thou art secure!”

I will run the race with faith,
Press on toward heaven’s plain.
Eternally safe am I
Whether in sun or rain.
Christ, my Savoir walks with me,
He will not let me go.
Of all things in life, this thing,
Yea, this I know:



Copyright Miriam Rainwater, June 16, 2007
All rights reserved.
Opt. tune: Love Lifted Me

Jesus, Reign

Jesus, reign; my life control
Continually Thy name extol.
Guard me from the Tempter’s power.
Keep me by Thy hand each hour,
Keep me by Thy hand each hour.

Jesus, reign; for I am weak.
Always, e’er, Thy strength I seek.
Though the enemy taunt and jeer,
I shall have no need to fear,
I shall have no need to fear.

Jesus, reign; my body, mind,
Soul, possessions, all are Thine.
Use them that the world may see
That Christ rules and lives in me.
That Christ rules and lives in me.

Jesus, reign; through life’s long day
O’er my spirit hold full sway.
‘Till in heav’n when life is past
I shall reign with Thee at last
I shall reign with Thee at last.


Copyright Miriam Rainwater, May 24, 2007
All rights reserved.
Opt. tune: Take My Life and Let It Be

A Child of God and Free from Sin

A child of God and free from sin,
Redeemed by Calvary.
I died with Christ upon the cross
And through Him I am free.
Chorus

Chorus:
Through Christ I am free;
Through Christ I am free.
Dead to sin, alive through Christ
As through Christ I am free.

A child of God and free from sin,
I bear this guilt no more
No condemnation I shall dread
Since I died with my Lord.
Chorus

A child of God and free from sin,
Dominion, sin has not.
I walk in newness of live and heart
For with His blood I am bought.
Chorus

Based on Romans 6
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, May 23, 2007
All rights reserved.
Opt. tune: Christ Liveth in Me

Rejoice in His Might

Ye children of light, rejoice in His might
He giveth us vict’ry o’er powers of night.
No one can defeat us, with Christ on our side
He giveth us strength as we in Him abide.
Chorus

Chorus:
Children of Light
Joy in His might.
The vict’ry is ours through Calvary won!
Sing and Rejoice
Lift up your voice
Be strong through the power of Jesus the Son.

Ye children of light, the battle is His
The breastplate of righteousness our Jesus is.
Our peace and salvation, our truth and our joy.
With Christ as our Captain, no foe can annoy.
Chorus

Ye children of light, yield not to the wiles
Of Satan, but count all things joy in you trials.
Resist the temptations, give Christ Satan’s lies.
Draw strength from Savior, your God, ever-wise.
Chorus

Based on Eph. 6
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, May 14, 2007
All rights reserved.
Opt. tune: Saved by the Blood of the Crucified One

Ye Shall Overcome the World

Saints of God, fresh courage take,
Ye shall overcome the world.
Born of God, through grace, by faith.
Ye shall overcome the world.
Fight bravely with the Sword
Depending on your Lord.
Eternal – your reward.
Ye shall overcome the world.

Joy in Christ, the battle’s His,
Ye shall overcome the world.
He your Help and Vict’ry is;
Ye shall overcome the world.
Ye fight not flesh and blood
But fight ye foes of God.
With His whole armor shod,
Ye shall overcome the world.

Rise up take your battle arms.
Ye shall overcome the world
Safe in Christ, by no man harmed
Ye shall overcome the world.
Stand, therefore in His might
Defeating pow’rs of night.
Christ by you in the fight,
Ye shall overcome the world.

Sound the trumpet, n’er retreat!
Ye shall overcome the world
Satan and his host defeat;
Ye shall overcome the world.
Saints, on to higher ground
‘Till in His likeness found.
Loud still His promise sounds:
“Ye shall overcome the world!”

Though ye may be tempted sore
Ye shall overcome the world
Drawing strength from His rich store
Ye shall overcome the world.
Stand firmly on His name.
Boldly His promise claim:
“Like as I overcame,
Ye shall overcome the world!”


Based on Rev. 2 and 3
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, May 14, 2007
All rights reserved.
Opt. tune: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus