Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Psalm 68:19
Our Savior has promised that He will daily bear our burden - all we have to do is bring it to Him in prayer. This hymn exhorts us to bring everything to the Lord in earnest prayer. One of my favorite stories from the Bible is what happened when Elijah prayed earnestly. James recounts it for us in the New Testament as he reminds us that the effective prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit. James 5:16-18
Elijah was a man with a nature like OURS - he was just a man. But he prayed earnestly, the Lord listened, and responded. I don't know about you, but this story is so encouraging to me. Are you waiting for an answer from the Lord? Keep praying earnestly!
The great thing is, we won't have to pray earnestly forever. Soon, when we are in glory bright there will be no need for prayer. Instead, we will praise and worship endlessly.
And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; for ALL THE NATIONS WILL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU, FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS HAVE BEEN REVEALED." Revelation 15:3-4
I can hardly wait to sing that song to our Savior in heaven! Until that day, I will continue to carry everything to God in prayer. I've never found a friend so faithful!
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Are We Weak and Heavy Laden?
Our hymn writer continues his use of the "rhetorical" question in this verse, inviting us to contemplate how we are living and behaving in light of our circumstances. I know I often feel weak and heavy laden, and I'm sure if you don't right now, you have in the past, or you will in the future. If you are burdened with a load of care, there is one remedy: take it to the Lord in prayer.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7
You can cast your anxiety onto your Heavenly Father, because He cares for you. He wants to help you bear your burdens.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." Matthew 11:28-29
You can trust in Him at all times and pour out your heart before Him.
Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8
Our precious Savior is our refuge! We can run to Him when we need comfort; it is good for us to be near to Him!
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28
When we take refuge in Him we are blessed. When we are in fellowship with Him, we can experience what the Psalmist did - feeling with all our senses that the Lord is good!
O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8
It is especially important for us to take refuge in Him when we are forsaken or despised by those we love here on earth. We can run to Him for refuge, knowing that He has too experienced being despised and forsaken.
He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Isaiah 53:3
It is such an encouragement to me to know that I am praying to the One who has felt what I am feeling and who has experienced all the things I am going through.
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
And it is even more encouraging to remember His promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
I know Him, and I will put my trust in Him!
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10
Sinful people here on Earth will disappoint us and despise us. That's just a fact of life. Even King David experienced that by his own mother and father!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up. Psalm 27:10
But King David knew where to turn. He knew that with God, he would not have to be afraid.
He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" Hebrews 13:5-6
He knew that God is His protector and would shield him.
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3
When we run to Him with our cares and burdens, we will be shielded by His arms, and find solace there.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
And we have a wonderful promise from the One who is our shield.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
Are you weak and heavy laden today? Cast your cares on the One who can lift Your head, feel Your pain, and dry your tears. Take it to the Lord in prayer!
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. I Peter 5:6-7
You can cast your anxiety onto your Heavenly Father, because He cares for you. He wants to help you bear your burdens.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS." Matthew 11:28-29
You can trust in Him at all times and pour out your heart before Him.
Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8
Our precious Savior is our refuge! We can run to Him when we need comfort; it is good for us to be near to Him!
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28
When we take refuge in Him we are blessed. When we are in fellowship with Him, we can experience what the Psalmist did - feeling with all our senses that the Lord is good!
O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8
It is especially important for us to take refuge in Him when we are forsaken or despised by those we love here on earth. We can run to Him for refuge, knowing that He has too experienced being despised and forsaken.
He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Isaiah 53:3
It is such an encouragement to me to know that I am praying to the One who has felt what I am feeling and who has experienced all the things I am going through.
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
And it is even more encouraging to remember His promise that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
I know Him, and I will put my trust in Him!
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:10
Sinful people here on Earth will disappoint us and despise us. That's just a fact of life. Even King David experienced that by his own mother and father!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up. Psalm 27:10
But King David knew where to turn. He knew that with God, he would not have to be afraid.
He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?" Hebrews 13:5-6
He knew that God is His protector and would shield him.
But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3
When we run to Him with our cares and burdens, we will be shielded by His arms, and find solace there.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
And we have a wonderful promise from the One who is our shield.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
Are you weak and heavy laden today? Cast your cares on the One who can lift Your head, feel Your pain, and dry your tears. Take it to the Lord in prayer!
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Have We Trials and Temptations?
As I meditated on the words of this verse of What a Friend we Have in Jesus, I thought that the writer used a compelling technique when he asked questions instead of making statements. And the more I thought about it, I thought he surely must be asking rhetorical questions! Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? Um, YES. In fact, Jesus Himself tells us it will be so!
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! John 16:33
And James tells us that these trials are for our good because through them we grow and are made perfect and complete.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Peter tells us that these trials show the proof of our faith, through which we are saved.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. I Peter 5:6-9
We would do well to heed the advice of this hymn: don't be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer! God knows what is on our hearts and minds, but He wants to hear from His children. When we face trouble, trials or temptation, He wants us to call on Him, and His word tells us He will rescue us and deliver us.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation.
II Peter 2:9
Truly there is no other friend as faithful as Jesus. He shares with us in our sorrow, for He Himself has experienced it. Because He has felt what we feel, we can go confidently to His throne, bringing our pain and suffering, trials and troubles to Him.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus knows all our weakness, so bring it to Him in prayer! Sometimes when we are going through trials, temptations and troubles, it is difficult to even think about how to pray, or what to pray. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit, who helps my weakness and intercedes on my behalf! And I am even more thankful that He prays for me according to the will of God.
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
When we face trials, temptations and toruble, our fleshly reaction is oftentimes to worry. I take great consolation in Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount when He assures us that He will take care of us.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34
When we are seeking His kingdom and His righteousness, we are focused on Him instead of on ourselves. This brings great confidence and comfort as we live this life on earth that is full of troubling distractions.
Finally, I hope you will be as encouraged as I am by what God promises us await us as believers when we persevere through trials: the crown of life and a future in glory that is incomparable to this present time!
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
Have we trials and temptations? YES. Do we have a faithful friend who will comfort, deliver and save us? YES. Bring your sorrow over these troubles to our Lord today - come boldly before His throne of grace and find mercy and grace for your time of need. What a friend!
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! John 16:33
And James tells us that these trials are for our good because through them we grow and are made perfect and complete.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Peter tells us that these trials show the proof of our faith, through which we are saved.
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. I Peter 5:6-9
We would do well to heed the advice of this hymn: don't be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer! God knows what is on our hearts and minds, but He wants to hear from His children. When we face trouble, trials or temptation, He wants us to call on Him, and His word tells us He will rescue us and deliver us.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation.
II Peter 2:9
Truly there is no other friend as faithful as Jesus. He shares with us in our sorrow, for He Himself has experienced it. Because He has felt what we feel, we can go confidently to His throne, bringing our pain and suffering, trials and troubles to Him.
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus knows all our weakness, so bring it to Him in prayer! Sometimes when we are going through trials, temptations and troubles, it is difficult to even think about how to pray, or what to pray. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit, who helps my weakness and intercedes on my behalf! And I am even more thankful that He prays for me according to the will of God.
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27
When we face trials, temptations and toruble, our fleshly reaction is oftentimes to worry. I take great consolation in Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount when He assures us that He will take care of us.
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34
When we are seeking His kingdom and His righteousness, we are focused on Him instead of on ourselves. This brings great confidence and comfort as we live this life on earth that is full of troubling distractions.
Finally, I hope you will be as encouraged as I am by what God promises us await us as believers when we persevere through trials: the crown of life and a future in glory that is incomparable to this present time!
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
Have we trials and temptations? YES. Do we have a faithful friend who will comfort, deliver and save us? YES. Bring your sorrow over these troubles to our Lord today - come boldly before His throne of grace and find mercy and grace for your time of need. What a friend!
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my groaning. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, for to You I pray. In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. Psalm 5:1-3
Today is the National Day of Prayer, and I couldn't think of a better way to commemorate it than to focus on this beautiful, old, beloved hymn. Sometimes I have the feeling that this hymn has become "trite" in its over-use in movies or other applications, (can you just hear the old organ in the background?) but this hymn is rich in theology and can make you think if you take the time to focus on the words and their meaning in your life.
Because I don't want it to become trite, we'll spend the next several days looking at this wonderful hymn, verse by verse, and focusing on the wonderful privilege we have of bringing everything to our God in prayer.
Jesus truly is the friend to sinners. He bore all our sin and grief on the cross at Calvary.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. I Peter 2:24
He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5
Jesus, God in flesh, gave Himself for us to pay the price of our sin. He died, was buried, and rose again and now is seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus, one with the Father God, lives to intercede for us, His children.
Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:34
Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25
Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father, who wants to hear from His children! We indeed have a great privelege of bringing everything to God in prayer.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
There are certainly consequences when we don't go to our Heavenly Father in prayer - and they are unnecessary! We forfeit peace, we bear needless pain. When we do follow Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:6, look what happens:
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
God's peace - and look at how it is described - it surpasses all comprehension - will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Now that's something you don't want to miss out on! Our Lord is the God of Peace. And I want His peace guarding my heart so that I can follow His command to live in peace with my brothers. I am only able to do this by carrying everything to God in prayer, and I do indeed count it a privelege! For my Father wants to hear from me, and He delights in my fervent prayer.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Today is the National Day of Prayer, and I couldn't think of a better way to commemorate it than to focus on this beautiful, old, beloved hymn. Sometimes I have the feeling that this hymn has become "trite" in its over-use in movies or other applications, (can you just hear the old organ in the background?) but this hymn is rich in theology and can make you think if you take the time to focus on the words and their meaning in your life.
Because I don't want it to become trite, we'll spend the next several days looking at this wonderful hymn, verse by verse, and focusing on the wonderful privilege we have of bringing everything to our God in prayer.
Jesus truly is the friend to sinners. He bore all our sin and grief on the cross at Calvary.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. I Peter 2:24
He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5
Jesus, God in flesh, gave Himself for us to pay the price of our sin. He died, was buried, and rose again and now is seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus, one with the Father God, lives to intercede for us, His children.
Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Romans 8:34
Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25
Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father, who wants to hear from His children! We indeed have a great privelege of bringing everything to God in prayer.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
There are certainly consequences when we don't go to our Heavenly Father in prayer - and they are unnecessary! We forfeit peace, we bear needless pain. When we do follow Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:6, look what happens:
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
God's peace - and look at how it is described - it surpasses all comprehension - will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Now that's something you don't want to miss out on! Our Lord is the God of Peace. And I want His peace guarding my heart so that I can follow His command to live in peace with my brothers. I am only able to do this by carrying everything to God in prayer, and I do indeed count it a privelege! For my Father wants to hear from me, and He delights in my fervent prayer.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Words by Joseph Scriven
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Saved by the Blood
There's a song that we sing at church called "Oh the Blood" - we sang it on Good Friday and we sang it again today. I can't stop singing it, the words and tune just pop into my head most mornings and I can't let it go. ...what a sacrifice, that saved my life, yes the blood, it is my victory!
Jesus' death on the cross - and the blood that ensued - covered my sin. We know that he really did shed blood from the account in the gospel of John.
But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:34
It's that blood, drawn from His side, that saves! Hallelujah for redemption so free!
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7
But the story doesn't end with Jesus' death and shed blood that brings us redemption and forgiveness. He conquered the grave and He lives again!
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." Matthew 28:1-7
The blood that Jesus shed for us saves us, and we are also sealed by its power.
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. II Cor. 1:21-22
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14
When we trust in Christ through faith, and accept His free gift of salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to us as a pledge - a promise - that we are God's. Through the blood of Christ we have been redeemed, and we will be redeemed as one of His, to be a part of God's new heaven and new earth.
This blood is life to the soul - truly, it is our victory! Because in my sin, yes even then, Christ shed His blood for me.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Jesus' shed blood gives me life - and gives me hope. I have hope because I am His and I know my future is secure with Him. I have been brought near because of His work on my behalf.
Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12-13
Before Jesus, I had no hope! But His blood has brought me near! Talk about a victory! And one that I had no part in - while I was separate from Him, it was Christ and His love for me that offered His life so that I would have life and hope.
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7
My sin is covered by His blood. I am washed, made white as snow, by Christ's sacrifice. His blood is available, even to the vilest of sinners. Every one can know His love, poured out through His blood, and be washed clean. I am so thankful that I will be a part of the story as prophesied in Revelation, and I want you to be part of it, too! If you haven't accepted Jesus' free gift of salvation, if you haven't asked for your sins to be covered by His blood, won't you do so today?
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:13-20
Saved by the Blood
Words by Fanny Crosby
We’re saved by the blood
That was drawn from the side
Of Jesus our Lord,
When He languished and died.
Refrain
Hallelujah to God,
For redemption so free;
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Dear Savior, to Thee.
O yes, ’tis the blood
Of the Lamb that was slain;
He conquered the grave,
And He liveth again.
We’re saved by the blood;
We are sealed by its power;
’Tis life to the soul,
And is hope every hour.
That blood is a fount
Where the vilest may go
And wash till their souls
Shall be whiter than snow.
We’re saved by the blood,
Hallelujah again;
We’re saved by the blood,
Hallelujah, Amen.
Jesus' death on the cross - and the blood that ensued - covered my sin. We know that he really did shed blood from the account in the gospel of John.
But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:34
It's that blood, drawn from His side, that saves! Hallelujah for redemption so free!
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7
But the story doesn't end with Jesus' death and shed blood that brings us redemption and forgiveness. He conquered the grave and He lives again!
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." Matthew 28:1-7
The blood that Jesus shed for us saves us, and we are also sealed by its power.
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. II Cor. 1:21-22
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13-14
When we trust in Christ through faith, and accept His free gift of salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is given to us as a pledge - a promise - that we are God's. Through the blood of Christ we have been redeemed, and we will be redeemed as one of His, to be a part of God's new heaven and new earth.
This blood is life to the soul - truly, it is our victory! Because in my sin, yes even then, Christ shed His blood for me.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Jesus' shed blood gives me life - and gives me hope. I have hope because I am His and I know my future is secure with Him. I have been brought near because of His work on my behalf.
Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12-13
Before Jesus, I had no hope! But His blood has brought me near! Talk about a victory! And one that I had no part in - while I was separate from Him, it was Christ and His love for me that offered His life so that I would have life and hope.
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7
My sin is covered by His blood. I am washed, made white as snow, by Christ's sacrifice. His blood is available, even to the vilest of sinners. Every one can know His love, poured out through His blood, and be washed clean. I am so thankful that I will be a part of the story as prophesied in Revelation, and I want you to be part of it, too! If you haven't accepted Jesus' free gift of salvation, if you haven't asked for your sins to be covered by His blood, won't you do so today?
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?" I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:13-20
Saved by the Blood
Words by Fanny Crosby
We’re saved by the blood
That was drawn from the side
Of Jesus our Lord,
When He languished and died.
Refrain
Hallelujah to God,
For redemption so free;
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Dear Savior, to Thee.
O yes, ’tis the blood
Of the Lamb that was slain;
He conquered the grave,
And He liveth again.
We’re saved by the blood;
We are sealed by its power;
’Tis life to the soul,
And is hope every hour.
That blood is a fount
Where the vilest may go
And wash till their souls
Shall be whiter than snow.
We’re saved by the blood,
Hallelujah again;
We’re saved by the blood,
Hallelujah, Amen.
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