The Return of the Circuit Rider

By David Robert Hinshaw

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 David Robert Hinshaw
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-1184-9

Contents

The Circuit Rider.....................................1Just a Man............................................1What God Can't Do.....................................2The Span..............................................3Good News.............................................4Our Own Backyard......................................5Can Anybody Say Amen..................................6A Whisper and a Roar..................................7I Will................................................9He Knows My Name......................................10The Journey...........................................12I Can't Go On.........................................13Get Together..........................................14The Rock..............................................15Sound the Trumpet.....................................16Rainbow in the Sky....................................17Teach Us To Pray......................................18The Scroll............................................19Ever Present Help.....................................20The Highest Mountain..................................21The Lock..............................................22We Love You Jesus.....................................24Daddy's Song..........................................25Yes I Can.............................................26Eternal Choices.......................................27He Is.................................................28The Truth.............................................29You Are There.........................................31Heaven Help Us........................................32The Circuit Rider.....................................33The Journal of the Circuit Rider......................34The Circuit Rider's Journal...........................34The Lion And The Bear.................................35When My Faith.........................................37Oh Lord Above.........................................38The Greatest Story....................................39My Treasure...........................................40What You've Done For Me...............................41You Are...............................................42Undeserving...........................................44I Talk To You.........................................45Light a Candle........................................47My Calling............................................48All Things............................................49I'll Worship Him......................................50Lord Remember Me......................................52The Newborn King......................................53Resurrection Sunday...................................54I'll Live For Him.....................................56You Took My Place.....................................57Beautiful.............................................58Contrary Winds........................................59Blind Faith...........................................61Grace from Heaven.....................................63The Mountain and the Mustard Seed.....................64The Contemporary Circuit Rider........................65In The Book...........................................65View from a Park Bench................................66Christmas 247-365.....................................67Zip Code..............................................68The Last One Hundred Years............................69The Victim's Prayer...................................70Christmas Lights......................................71Let Me Go.............................................72I Claim It............................................73My Best...............................................75Can't Dance...........................................76Change Our Hearts.....................................78All Aboard............................................80Gone, But Not Forgotten...............................81Heaven's Keys.........................................82What We Need..........................................83Like No Other.........................................84A Vapor in the Wind...................................85Walls or Bridges......................................87Memories of Dad.......................................88A Few Thoughts To Stan................................90Do The Math...........................................92Famine, Flood and Fire................................93Nine Pound Hammer.....................................95Reflection............................................97The Diamond...........................................98God in a Box..........................................99Rise Up...............................................100A Brand New World.....................................102Living Stones.........................................104The Perfect Christmas Song............................105No Room at the Inn....................................106Lord of the Ages......................................107Out of Darkness.......................................108The Gavel.............................................109Broken Pieces.........................................110

Chapter One

    Just a Man
    (The Circuit Rider's Lament)


    Help me Lord, I'm just a man
    Help me do the best I can
    Let me choose what's relevant
    When I've convinced myself I can't

    Lord, I know my faith is small
    When I must trek through mountains tall
    And swim the raging river's tide
    To safely reach the other side

    The road I'm on is rough and steep
    With deserts dry and valleys deep
    And when it forks, my steps grow slow
    How can I know which way to go

    I've had my share of pain and grief
    That's almost shaken my belief
    In all that's good and right in life
    When words have cut me like a knife

    At times I travel through the night
    Searching for a guiding light
    To lead me 'til the world awakes
    And light my path 'til morning breaks

    I've failed at everything I've tried
    Help me Lord, I need a guide
    Help me do the best I can
    Remember Lord.....I'm just a man!

           D.R.H.

(Reprinted with permission)

    What God Can't Do
    (The Circuit Rider's Comfort)


    He's strong but He is gentle too just like the summer wind
    He'll be there when you need Him even closer than a friend
    He even sees the sparrow fall and hears the baby cry
    But there is something He can't do.....He cannot lie!

    He never lies, His eyes are always open and He never sleeps
    His word endures, you can be sure His promises He keeps
    And He has said "don't be afraid, no need for you to grieve
    I will be with you to the end.....I'll never leave!"

    When His heart was filled with sorrow, we're told Jesus cried
    And then to save the world from sin, we know that Jesus died
    He can frown, He can smile, He can laugh and weep
    But there is something He can't do.....He cannot sleep!

    He never lies, His eyes are always open and He never sleeps
    His word endures, you can be sure His promises He keeps
    And He has said "don't be afraid, no need for you to grieve
    I will be with you to the end.....I'll never leave!'

    He'll stand by us even closer than a brother would
    And light our path along the way 'till we have understood
    That we must view from up above the tapestry He'd weave
    And there is something He won't do.....He will not leave!

    He never lies, His eyes are always open and He never sleeps
    His word endures, you can be sure His promises He keeps
    And He has said "don't be afraid, no need for you to grieve
    I will be with you to the end.....I'll never leave!"

           D. R. H.

    The Span


    Who do I hear now calling today, saying
    Straight is the gate and narrow the Way
    Who am I Lord, for I've wandered astray
    Who asks me only to trust and obey

    What must I do Lord, to be saved from sin
    Be free of the guilt that I've been living in
    What is the prize set before me to win
    What a redemption you've given to men

    Why do You love me Lord, I'm at a loss
    To understand why You died on the Cross
    Why did You seek me Lord, when I was lost
    And why did You pay such a terrible cost

    Where will You send me Lord, so I can show
    The Way of Salvation to those who would know
    Where is the strength that I need as I go
    Where should I broadcast the seed I must sow

    When is the Kingdom of Heaven to be
    Lit like a city, whose brilliance we see
    When set on a hill, causing darkness to flee
    Whenever its luster is shining through me

    How can such mercy be shown unto man
    Praise to the One who has authored the plan
    How great was our trespass, but only He can
    How ere wide the chasm, bridge over the span

           D.R.H.


    Good News
    (The Circuit Rider's Message)


    Read all about it, got to shout it and tell it everywhere
    You can't deny it, keep it quiet, it's like thunder in the air
    You can accept it, or reject it, it's up to you to choose
    It's all for whosoever wants to hear about Good News!

    You can't buy it, don't you try it, 'cause it's never been for sale
    Who can tell just what He felt when the hammer met the nail
    It's freely given and all of Heaven is for us to win or lose
    It's all for whosoever wants to learn about Good News!

    Good News, it's a declaration, Good News, it's for every nation
    Good News, it's emancipation, got Good News and it's called
    SALVATION!!!

    Can you hear it, ringing clear like a trumpet on the wall
    No time to spare, we must declare we're answering the call
    To the battle, then that will be the charge we can't refuse
    It's all for whosoever wants to tell about Good News!

    Good News, it's a declaration, Good News, it's for every nation
    Good News, it's emancipation, got Good News and it's called
    SALVATION!!!

           D.R.H.


    Our Own Backyard
    (The Circuit Rider's Mission)

    You might find it anywhere, if you look close, you'll see it there
    You only need to be aware of what has been revealed
    It might be at the corner store, you'll see what you've been looking for
    Or maybe in the house next door, you'll find your mission field

    It isn't always 'cross the sea, that He has work for you and me
    He's only asking that we be, where hearts are needing healed
    It might be at our working place, that we will finally see the face
    Of one in need of Heaven's grace, and find our mission field

    Even though it might be hard, we always need to stay on guard
    It could be in our own back yard, we'll need our sword and shield
    It might be where we live or play, that we will need to find a way
    To say what He would have us say, to reach our mission field

    We all have friends and families, we know are living as they please
    Who've never fallen on their knees to have their sins repealed
    If we became a living book, would they then want to take a look
    And learn exactly what it took, to join our mission field

    Lord, I pray that I might show somebody else the way to go
    To find redemption there below the cross, where I once kneeled
    And show them what they need to know, as they begin to live and grow
    And teach them how to reap and sow in their own mission field

    It isn't always 'cross the sea, that He has work for you and me
    He's only asking that we be, where hearts are needing healed
    It might be at our working place that we will finally see the face
    Of one in need of Heaven's grace, and find our mission field

           D.R.H.

    (Inspired by a Ray Armstrong Sermon, Oct. 7, 2007)


    Can Anybody Say Amen
    (The Circuit Rider's Sermon)


    He 'rose from his chair with a confident aire, and moved to the podium
    With a serious look he read from the Book, "whosoever will may come"
    Then he raised his eyes up to the skies, I remember to this day
    'Cause I was moved by the words he used, when he began to pray

    Oh Lord, above we've seen Your love, and we know that You're our Friend
    But we've done right in our own eyes and we know that we have sinned
    We humbly pray, forgive our wicked ways, come down and heal our land
    Lord, help us do what You ask us to....can anybody say amen?

    His voice was strong as we sang a song, then he raised that Bible high
    He preached the Word like a mighty sword, then he looked me in the eye
    If you're here tonight and you're life's not right, then you know you must repent
    Then he prayed again and the Light came in, and I knew what he meant

    Oh Lord, above we've seen Your love, and we know that You're our Friend
    But we've done right in our own eyes, and we know that we have sinned
    We humbly pray, forgive our wicked ways, come down and heal our land
    Lord, help us do what You ask us to.....can anybody say amen?

    Well I felt all bound so I went on down, 'cause I wanted to be free
    Now Lord, I guess that I've made a mess of the life You've given me
    Oh Lord, forgive me and help me live for You until I die
    Down on my knees He set me free, and here's the reason why

    Oh Lord, above I've seen Your love, and I know that You're my Friend
    But I've done right in my own eyes, and I know that I have sinned
    I humbly pray, forgive my wicked ways, come down and heal my land
    Lord, help me do what You ask me to.....can anybody say amen?

           D.R.H.


    A Whisper and a Roar
    (the Circuit Rider's Call)


    Can you hear it, can you now, ringing loud and clear
    The voice of the Almighty, sounding out for all to hear
    Telling us He's in control and not to live in fear
    Saying friend, "it's not the end, but the end is very near"

    Sometimes it's a whisper, sometimes it's a roar
    Blowing like a mighty wind like you ain't heard before
    Calling out "don't be afraid, I'm going to show you more,
    Follow Me, and you will see what lies beyond the door'

    It might make you wonder, if He's really calling you
    When you get a grip on what He's asking you to do
    It might not make a bit of sense, from your own point of view
    But He wants to see if you believe, what He's telling you is true

    March around the city seven times, then six again
    Take a nap on a lion's back down in the lion's den
    Walk up on the water when He calls you out and then
    Just say yes to Jesus, and turn your back on sin

    Go out and face the giant, with a sling and sack of stones
    Watch an army come to life in the valley of the bones
    Travel down to Egypt, where the future is unknown
    Just say yes to Jesus, and leave your comfort zone

    Step out in the ocean and then watch the waters part
    Take a mighty leap of faith, although it may seem hard
    He'll lead you on the journey but it's up to you to start
    Just say yes to Jesus, and let Him guide your heart

    Sometimes it's a whisper, sometimes it's a roar
    Blowing like a mighty wind like you ain't heard before
    Calling out "don't be afraid, I'm going to show you more"
    Follow Me, and you will see what lies beyond the door"

           D.R.H.


    I Will
    (The Circuit Rider's Vow)


    Help me to live, each day you give
    In the sunshine of Your smile
    Wherever You lead, give me what I need
    To travel one more mile
    Show me the way, as I journey each day
    Keep me in Your hand until
    Selfishness dies, and I realize
    If it's Your will.....I will

    I don't want gold or silver to hold
    Fortune and fame won't fulfill
    I'll only find, true peace of mind
    By losing myself in Your will

    Help me to die, and not question why
    I'm leaving the old life behind
    Lord if I can, be part of Your plan
    Show me what You have in mind
    Lord draw me near, allow me to hear
    You speak in a voice soft and still
    And may I reply, Lord here am I
    If it's Your will....I will

    I don't want gold or silver to hold
    Fortune and fame don't fulfill
    I'll only find, true peace of mind
    By losing myself in Your will

           D.R.H.


    He Knows My Name
    (The Circuit Rider's Assurance)


    I don't need fame or wealth, He provides my strength and health
    Don't need riches or applause, for my delight is in His laws
    Every night and every day, His word's a light unto my way
    In His presence I rejoice, the wind and waves obey His voice
    The raging storm will do His will when He whispers "Peace be still"
    He heals the sick and lame.....He knows my name!

    He sees me rise and sees me fall, He hears me when I call
    To my hand He firmly clings and bears me up on angel wings
    He supplies my daily bread and makes sure that my soul is fed
    No other shall I claim.....God knows my name!

    He's my Rock, my Sword and Shield, the Prince of Peace revealed
    He's a strong and mighty tower, who protects me by His power
    He's the Ruler of the nations, He's the Author of Salvation
    He is the King of Kings yet in the shelter of His wings
    I have found a hiding place where He saves me by His grace
    "Unworthy" I proclaim.....He knows my name!

    He sees me rise and sees me fall, He hears me when I call
    To my hand He firmly clings and bears me up on angel wings
    He supplies my daily bread and makes sure that my soul is fed
    No other shall I claim.....God knows my name!

    Back before the start of time, God laid out the great design
    And in the history of man, He saw where I fit in His plan
    He put me in this world to be only what He asks of me
    And asks me only if I've tried, to see His name be glorified
    And tells me not to be afraid, for in His image I am made
    He takes my sin and shame.....He knows my name!

    He sees me rise and sees me fall, He hears me when I call
    To my hand He firmly clings and bears me up on angel wings
    He supplies my daily bread and makes sure that my soul is fed
    No other shall I claim.....God knows my name!

           D.R.H.


    The Journey
    (The Circuit Rider's Hope)


    From our first day here on earth, we wake to draw a breath
    From the moment of our birth, 'til we close our eyes in death
    We have to battle all the way through victory and defeat
    Until we hear the Father say, "Your journey is complete"

    The journey may be quickly gone, when measured by the years
    Yet very long before it's done, when measured by the tears
    Some are asked to bear a load unduly filled with pain
    But at the ending of our road, there's a Heaven for us to gain

    Don't give up hope and don't despair, or linger in remorse
    Through stormy seas we will get there, if we just stay on course
    Trust the compass we've been given, the lighthouse on the shore
    We'll reach the harbor up in Heaven, and peace forevermore

           D.R.H.


    I Can't Go On
    (The Agony of the Circuit Rider)


    I can't go on another day, standing idly by
    When I see people that I know, perhaps about to die
    I can't go on just watching and never even try
    To bring to light the madness of it all
    I can't look the other way, then look them in the eye
    And tell them every thing's alright, when I know it's a lie
    I can't leave them wondering and never knowing why
    Their path has got them headed for a fall

    I can't go on pretending that everything is fine
    That their road to eternity, will work as well as mine
    When deep inside myself I know, their soul is on the line
    And only they can choose their destiny
    I can't go on speaking words deceptively benign
    When what I say should always be a challenge by design
    To seek the way of wisdom, by embracing the Divine
    And that alone will set their spirits free

    I can't go on ignoring those, who haven't got a clue
    Whose minds have been polluted, by an errant point of view
    Or those in such confusion, that they don't know what to do
    And find their judgment clouded by their pain
    If only they could realize, that what they're going through
    Is nothing that unusual, or anything that new
    It simply is the voice of God, reminding them what's true
    There is a Hell to shun, and Heaven to gain

           D.R.H.


    Get Together
    (The Circuit Rider's Plea for Unity)


    Let's get together, whether it's convenient or it's not
    Let's not start to pull apart the building blocks we've got
    We can't expand by human hand what God alone has wrought
    Let's state the case, we're saved by Grace, and by His blood we're bought

    For all it's worth, the virgin birth provides a grand connection
    To His life with all the strife, still lived in true perfection
    A gift from Heaven, to us given, His Word for our direction
    As non malleable and infallible as His death and resurrection

    Some have taught that we have got to sprinkle or immerse
    Be sure to note, that they can quote the chapter and the verse
    And as to when He'll come again, the argument's grown terse
    In all our ways let's give Him praise, who saved us from the curse

    And some insist we keep a list of laws we must obey
    With studied care repeat each prayer, rehearsing what we say
    And by our works we'll earn the perks that bring a brighter day
    But it's by Grace we'll see His face, there is no other way

    Without a doubt, it's not about the way we look or dress
    Or what we bring in offering, attempting to impress
    But rather He requires that we, our sinfulness confess
    So He can clothe our transformed souls in robes of righteousness

    Let's get together, whether it's convenient or it's not
    Let's not start to pull apart the building blocks we've got
    We can't expand by human hand what God alone has wrought
    Let's state the case, we're saved by Grace, and by His blood we're bought!

           D.R.H.

    (Inspired by a Ray Armstrong sermon June 1, 2008)

(Continues...)

Excerpted from The Return of the Circuit Riderby David Robert Hinshaw Copyright © 2011 by David Robert Hinshaw. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.