Glory to GOD in the Highest Algoa Bay Port Elizabeth

For Our Pastor

Written when he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour
February 2006

My life is in Your loving hands – the best place it could be
And I am mindful that You are “the Lord Who healeth me.” 1
No matter what may come my way, whatever trials I’ll face,
I’m strengthened 2 and encouraged by Your overwhelming grace.

You never said my path on earth would always turn out straight,
And sometimes answers to my prayers would not be “Yes” but “Wait”,
And as I put my trust in You, I know You’ll lead and guide,
Through troubled times You’ll carry me, You’ll never leave my side. 3

You are my Father, I’m Your child, for whom You want the best,
And just as gold is purified, I must go through this test, 4
It’s not for me to question why right now I should be ill,
Your Word gives life and so I rest in Your own perfect will.

Your Word is like a lamp to me, to lighten up my way, 5
Your promises, like precious jewels, are steadfast day by day,
Your purposes will be fulfilled, of this one thing I’m sure 6
And You will never ask of me more than I can endure. 7

Your Holy Spirit in me equips for every task,
And all my needs You will supply – I simply have to ask; 8
Though feelings change and fears arise, Your truth I’ll boldly speak
and in the dark and lonely hours it’s Your face I will seek.

You also faced the struggles through which we, too, must go, 9
And You had pain and anguish that we could never know;
How good to trust a Saviour Who my every day has planned 10
Who never errs or makes mistakes, Who will always understand.

And so I thank You for Your gifts, for FAITH when I would fall 11
for HOPE when things seem hopeless, 12
for LOVE (best gift of all);
And nothing that I ever do can make You love me less 13
for Your heart is turned towards me, to enrich, inspire and bless.

So much must be accomplished in the service of my King,
And my life is like an offering which to Your feet I bring;
And in Your time I’ll hear You call and meet You, blessed Lord
to hear those age-old words, “Well Done!” will be my great reward. 14

1. Exodus 15:26b “…..for I am the Lord Who healeth you.”
2. Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.”
3. Hebrews 13:5 “God has said, `I will never leave you or forsake you.’”
4. Job 23:10 “But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”
5. Psalm 119:105 “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
6. 2 Timothy 1:9b “….Not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace.”
7. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”

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8. Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
9. Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have One Who has been tempted in every way , just as we are, yet was without sin.”
10. Deuteronomy 33:25 “As your days, so shall your strength be.”
11. 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain : faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
12. Romans 15:4 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
13. Romans 8:37-39: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
14. Matthew 25:21 “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Reproduced with Permission
SJA
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