Can a Little Child, Like Me? (Father, We Thank Thee)

Here is the second song that illustrates a child-like faith, written by others and sung often as a solo by Frank's daughter, Joyce, at a young age. 

Words by Mary Mapes Dodge, Music by W.K. Bassford

Can a little child like me thank the Father fittingly?
Yes, oh, yes, be good and true, patient, kind, in all you do;
love the Lord and do your part; learn to say with all your heart:
Father we thank Thee, Father we thank thee,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

For the fruit upon the tree, for the birds that sing of Thee,
for the earth in beauty dressed, father, mother, and the rest.
For Thy precious loving care, for Thy bounty everywhere
Father we thank Thee, Father we thank thee,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

For our comrades and our plays and our happy holidays;
for the joyful work and true that a little child may do.
For our lives but just begun, for the great gift of Thy Son
Father we thank Thee, Father we thank thee,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee! Amen.

From Salvation Songs for Children: Number One, p. 37
©1939, compiled by Ruth P. Overholtzer, Child Evangelism Fellowship
Recorded by permission on LP 467: A Joyful Christian, side two



Picture: depositphotos.com #1812927, standard license

Obedience – The Secret

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”
    says the Lord.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
    they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
    you will eat the good things of the land;
but if you resist and rebel,
    you will be devoured by the sword.”
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 1:18-20

The willing and obedient
shall eat the good of the land
whether men or nations,
God’s word shall ever stand.
Why choose to learn the hard way,
and forfeit what is best?
Why live in constant turmoil?
Your option is sweet rest.

Oh, yes, life has its sorrows
and disappointments, too,
but God has ways of turning
them into good for you.
Your life with His approval
can know real joy and peace;
from fear, oppression, worry,
you can obtain release.

Avoid the vexing puzzle
where you’re daily asking, “Why?”
Not finding real answers 
until the day you die.
To be informed and ready
to move at God’s command,
will give you calm assurance—
things won’t get out of hand.

“Praise God from whom all blessings”—
now, don’t just sing that song;
learn early to believe it,
for life that’s rich and long.
The key words, then, are “willing”
and next, “obedient”
to gain real satisfaction
and know a life well spent.

fpn / June 1982



Picture: depositphotos.com #50422709, standard license

If You Love Me

John 14:15

“If you love me”—can you prove
that your faith in God is real?
What you say is not enough,
telling others how you feel!

“If you love me,” folks can see
by your actions what you love;
if your mind’s on things below,
or your treasures up above.

“If you love me,” Jesus said,
you will surely keep my words;
my sheep follow—know my voice;
such is faith that undergirds.

“If you love me,” you will bear
fruit, yes, much fruit that will bless
all of those who cross your path;
friends and enemies, no less.

“If you love me,” there’s no fear;
you will witness and succeed.
Winning others for your Lord,
they will listen as you plead.

“If you love me,” you’ll take time
to be with me privately,
fellowshipping with your God,
and with others where they pray.

“If you love me,” I will then 
manifest myself to you;
and I’ll come and take you soon
to my home beyond the blue.

fpn 9/82



Picture: The Communion of the Apostles by J.J. Tissot (1836-1902), accessed online July 8, 2017