Jun 24, 2007



The other day I was singing some hymns and playing guitar next to Ian's chair. While I was singing the hymn In Chirst Alone, Ian slowly lifted his arm in the air; it was strikingly clear he was worshiping God. In our church, raising your hands is a common expression of praise to God, something Ian did frequently prior to the accident. Even though he couldn't sing along, I could tell he was joining with me in worship to God.

Let this encourage us that God has not forgotten Ian! God has given Ian a reason to worship him.

-Ben


In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.

17 comments:

John Q said...

Ben,

It is so good of you to serve your brother that way. It is God working through you. Keep doing it!

And I can only imagine the blessing and encouragement it is for Ian.

And what an encouragement for us to read of this response from Ian!

Praying,

John Q

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful picture. I am encouraged personally and for Ian. We will keep praying.
Gina (for the Plains from CCL)

Anonymous said...

Dear Ben
your statements touch my heart... I have tears.
God Bless all of you
Praying
Phyllis

Anonymous said...

Ben,
What a blessing to have YOU be the one who ministers to Ian during those nightwatches!- a great answer to prayer from our loving Father.
Aunt Terry

Anonymous said...

Wow, how encouraging! It's great to hear of Ian's physical progress, but it's even more wonderful that his heart continues to be inclined to His Lord. :)

m&a said...

Amen!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

That's amazing, and I'm crying, just thinking about it!!

Still praying!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Ian, nothing can bring God greater glory than you worshipping Him.

Thank you for your outstanding example. I was so encouraged by this post today. Keep leading the way Ian.

Vicki G.

Anonymous said...

That is completely amazing! How wonderful and tenderhearted our Savior is!

Catoe Family said...

wow thats soo encouraging!!!! I continue to pray for ian

Anonymous said...

Praise God for the family and friends Ian has around him!! And praise Him, too, for giving all of you clear signs such as this that Ian is still in there!

Anonymous said...

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!

Anonymous said...

my favorite thing that you said is that God has given Ian a reason to worship Him. This is such an encouraging post, Ben. Thanks so much for including the lyrics to the hymn.

kristi

Anonymous said...

Jesus is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
But, Ben, as a brother, you sticketh pretty close, too!
:-)
God bless you for your service to Ian!

Still Praying!

Mary Ann K.

Anonymous said...

Praying for Ian in Tennessee..

Anonymous said...

THanks Ben.

Anonymous said...

That's amazing. I love that song, and it is now even more encouraging to hear. Thanks so much, and I will keep praying.