To Die Is Gain

On one of our worship services at CCM last week, I was moved by the song below, a passage taken from Revelations 7:10-12 (sung by the great multitude in white robes):

Salvation belongs to our God
who sits upon the throne
and unto the lamb
be praise and glory, wisdom and thanks
honor, and power, and strength

be to our God forever and ever
be to our God forever and ever
be to our God forever and ever
AMEN

Hearing it was like as if I was already in heaven, singing it with the angels. It was so sweet!

The song expressed my deep longing to worship the One True God, to magnify Him and to surrender everything to Him.

I prayed, “Lord, you know how I desire to worship and glorify you in every aspect of my life. But I just fail at times, oftentimes. And it grieves my being. But you know my heart’s desire; you know how I much love you…”. Tears welled from my eyes.

At times, I long to be Home, knowing that sin is no more in Heaven. I believe in what Paul says in Philippians 1:21:

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

To die is gain. To be freed from the cunnings of the enemy, from the doubts and fears; to be washed as white as snow, to be blameless in His sight – it is a great gain!

And so I implored, “Come, Lord!”

(But while waiting for His coming, I also proclaim that “to live is Christ”. And so I pray, “Lord, be glorified. Lead me…”

Lord, Forgive Me

LORD, FORGIVE ME

Everytime I commit sin
I can’t help but cry
I ask myself, “Why?”
Then the answer is a sigh

The old nature in me
He already died right?
Why does he come back and fight
With my life that now has light?

I always try to resist him
Following the Spirit’s leading
But he’s strong and persisting
And I am just a weakling

Until I finally give in
I fall on his snares
The blessings of the Lord’s heir
I can no longer share

Tears just fall from my eyes
Knowing that I’ve hurt God
Gazing at His face that’s sad
I would really feel so bad

Then would I kneel
And ask for His mercy
“Lord, forgive me
I have sinned against Thee.”

The Lord answers,
“My child, I love you
I will never ever leave you
Nor turn my face against you.

Because you have repented
And acknowledged that you’ve disobeyed
My blood is here as an aid
To fulfil the promise I have made.”

I was just amazed
On learning how the Lord cared
“Praise you, Lord Jesus”,
Is all that I uttered

From time to time
I still do stumble
But all He would want
Is a heart that is humble

The glow in my eyes
The smile on my face
Tells about God’s assurance
In helping me to press on with the race.

(Koinonia Vol. 3 No. 1 )