I have to admit that I love it when great, old hymns get a lot of attention because they're "covered" by a contemporary Christian band. In this case, we have Casting Crowns to thank. Their version of this hymn, in a new tune setting, is called Glorious Day. But it's not a "new" song, it was first published 100 years ago, in 1911. New or old, traditional tune or contemporary version, this great hymn tells the gospel story. And it's something that is good to be reminded of, even though we think we know it well. It is encouraging to sing these words and to remember the promise that one day He's coming - indeed, what a glorious day it will be!
We'll look at this hymn verse by verse over the coming days, spending thoughtful time considering the scriptural truths so that we don't miss anything that the Lord has for us.
The first two lines of this hymn really get me thinking, and really make me thankful. Jesus left His home in heaven, where everyone and everything was praising and adoring and worshiping Him, to come to earth, which was the most sin-filled place in the galaxy! The world was dark in sin - it was as black as it could be.
But God gave us hope - hope in the person of Jesus Christ who is the light of the world.
"I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."John 8:12
He left heaven to become a human and live here on earth among us.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Because He has lived among us, He has experienced everything that we will face. That is incredibly encouraging to me! Christ is our example. We are to live as He lived, just as He taught us. Jesus Himself tells us that He is our example, and the scriptures are full of exhortation to us, instructing us how to live in light of the example Jesus set for us.
If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. John 13:14-16
When we see Christ as our example, and we know His suffering, we will not grow weary in enduring what He sets before us. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we see the result of His obedience to God. He has sat down at His right hand! He endured the cross and what a great reward! When I consider that, it keeps me from losing heart.
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and 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 2:21-24
Peter reminds us that God has called us to this purpose - to follow the example of Christ who suffered for us. If you are suffering, keep your eyes on Jesus! And entrust yourself to the one who judges righteously.
Dear God, I thank you for sending Jesus and I thank you that He is my example. Help me to keep my eyes on You and my hope fixed on the glory that is to be revealed when Jesus comes again. Thank You that because of Jesus' sacrifice, I am dead to sin and alive to righteousness! In Your name, Amen.
One Day
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman
One day when Heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin,
Dwelt among men, my example is He!
Refrain
Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever;
One day He's coming, O glorious day!
One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected:
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He!
One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He!
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore!
One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glories will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
How Firm a Foundation (from the archives)
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
II Timothy 3:16-17
As Christians, those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to be different from the world – to live differently, to be holy as God is holy. How do we do this? And how do we know what to do? God has provided for us by leaving us His word, the Bible.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
In the first verse of this well-known hymn, we are reminded that God has laid the foundation for our faith in His excellent word. In subsequent verses, the hymn tells of the promises God has given us in the Scriptures.
Verse 2 is not included in the “standard” version of this hymn printed in many hymnals, but it gives us a wonderful picture of God’s provision for His children. He will give us strength for whatever our current situation demands.
Paul encourages the Philippians that my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (4:19) God will supply all your needs -including strength, God-given strength, to face each day and each situation.
This is a common theme for Paul. In letters to both the Ephesians and the Colossians, Paul prays that God would grant His people strength.
…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12
In verse 3 we are reminded that God will not forsake us – he will help us and hold us in his omnipotent hand. Since I’ve written on that theme for many previous posts, we’ll move on to verses 4 and 5.
These verses remind us that life will not be easy – we will go through the deep waters and our pathways will lead to fiery trials. Notice the author’s writing of verse 4 – “When through the deep waters I call thee to go” - Sometimes we take ourselves through the deep waters, but oftentimes, God leads us there. Not because it’s fun, but rather, for our continuing sanctification. It’s in these deep waters that we draw near to God and cling to His promises. It's also through the deep waters that we are changed into the likeness of God’s son. The following passage reminds us that in these times, God is with us!
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3
Verse 5 is a picture of the Refiner’s fire. When silver is being refined, it must be held at a certain HOT temperature for a certain amount of time – and during the process, the dross, or the stuff that clouds up the silver – floats to the top and is taken out. The process of purifying is complete when the silversmith sees his own image reflected in the silver.
The silversmith has to be very careful to use the right amount of heat for the right amount of time, so that the silver is perfected. The silversmith must sit and watch, with his eyes fixed on the furnace, for if it goes too long, or gets too hot, the silver will be injured.
This is how God works in us – he uses the fiery trials of our life to refine us – to get rid of the dross, the junk – to make us more perfect and holy. Although it’s usually not pleasant, God knows how hot to make the fire, and how long to keep us in it, so that when we come out, we are more like Jesus and less like our sinful selves – and, since He has his eyes on us the whole time, we know that we will not be injured.
Verse 6 encourages us that when we are old, we will be able to prove his unchangeable love, and verse 7 gives us the assurance us that God will never leave us.
Micah 7:18 tells us that God delights in unchanging love, and the Bible is chock full of examples of His love for His people – love that did not change over time or was not dependent on circumstances. In fact, we know that He loved us so much, that He sent Jesus to die for us, so that we can have eternal life! We can rejoice knowing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
It doesn’t matter what might happen or how we might be shaken – we can rest knowing The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
How Firm a Foundation
Words by John Rippon
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
II Timothy 3:16-17
As Christians, those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, we are called to be different from the world – to live differently, to be holy as God is holy. How do we do this? And how do we know what to do? God has provided for us by leaving us His word, the Bible.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
In the first verse of this well-known hymn, we are reminded that God has laid the foundation for our faith in His excellent word. In subsequent verses, the hymn tells of the promises God has given us in the Scriptures.
Verse 2 is not included in the “standard” version of this hymn printed in many hymnals, but it gives us a wonderful picture of God’s provision for His children. He will give us strength for whatever our current situation demands.
Paul encourages the Philippians that my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (4:19) God will supply all your needs -including strength, God-given strength, to face each day and each situation.
This is a common theme for Paul. In letters to both the Ephesians and the Colossians, Paul prays that God would grant His people strength.
…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12
In verse 3 we are reminded that God will not forsake us – he will help us and hold us in his omnipotent hand. Since I’ve written on that theme for many previous posts, we’ll move on to verses 4 and 5.
These verses remind us that life will not be easy – we will go through the deep waters and our pathways will lead to fiery trials. Notice the author’s writing of verse 4 – “When through the deep waters I call thee to go” - Sometimes we take ourselves through the deep waters, but oftentimes, God leads us there. Not because it’s fun, but rather, for our continuing sanctification. It’s in these deep waters that we draw near to God and cling to His promises. It's also through the deep waters that we are changed into the likeness of God’s son. The following passage reminds us that in these times, God is with us!
But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3
Verse 5 is a picture of the Refiner’s fire. When silver is being refined, it must be held at a certain HOT temperature for a certain amount of time – and during the process, the dross, or the stuff that clouds up the silver – floats to the top and is taken out. The process of purifying is complete when the silversmith sees his own image reflected in the silver.
The silversmith has to be very careful to use the right amount of heat for the right amount of time, so that the silver is perfected. The silversmith must sit and watch, with his eyes fixed on the furnace, for if it goes too long, or gets too hot, the silver will be injured.
This is how God works in us – he uses the fiery trials of our life to refine us – to get rid of the dross, the junk – to make us more perfect and holy. Although it’s usually not pleasant, God knows how hot to make the fire, and how long to keep us in it, so that when we come out, we are more like Jesus and less like our sinful selves – and, since He has his eyes on us the whole time, we know that we will not be injured.
Verse 6 encourages us that when we are old, we will be able to prove his unchangeable love, and verse 7 gives us the assurance us that God will never leave us.
Micah 7:18 tells us that God delights in unchanging love, and the Bible is chock full of examples of His love for His people – love that did not change over time or was not dependent on circumstances. In fact, we know that He loved us so much, that He sent Jesus to die for us, so that we can have eternal life! We can rejoice knowing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
It doesn’t matter what might happen or how we might be shaken – we can rest knowing The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8
How Firm a Foundation
Words by John Rippon
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?
In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.
Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.
Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.
The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.
John 14:16-17
Today is Pentecost Sunday, the day we celebrate God sending His Holy Spirit, another helper, to indwell believers. If you've never read the account of Pentecost, I urge you to do so. You can find it in Acts 2.
When I found this hymn by Fanny Crosby, I immediately identified with it. I need the Spirit's divine help and I want to feel His sacred presence. But what does it mean to have the Spirit dwell in us? And what difference does that make in our lives?
The Scripture gives us many promises about the Holy Spirit. As you meditate on these today, take time to thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit and ask God for His grace that you may more fully rely on Him.
The Spirit, our Counselor, guides us in the way we should go.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10
The Spirit gives us power to be God's witnesses on earth. Jesus promised this to His disciples immediately before He was taken up to heaven.
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:7-9
He prays for us! (I find this one especially encouraging and comforting. When I don't know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for me. And He intercedes 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
The Spirit sets us free from sin.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2
He also convicts us of our sin.
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:7-11
And one of my favorites, by His power we abound in hope.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
The Bible has a lot more to say about the Holy Spirit - this just scratches the surface. But my prayer for you today is that you will take some time to meditate on, and rejoice over, the work of the Spirit in your life, and that You will abound in hope as you grow to trust Him more.
Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit
Words by Fanny Crosby
Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
How I need Thy help divine!
In the way of life eternal,
Keep, oh, keep this heart of mine.
Refrain
Dwell in me, oh, dwell in me;
Hear and grant my prayer to Thee;
Spirit, now from Heav’n descending,
Come, oh, come and dwell in me.
Let me feel Thy sacred presence;
Then my faith will ne’er decline;
Comfort Thou and help me onward,
Fill with love this heart of mine.
Round the cross where Thou hast led me,
Let my purest feelings twine;
With the blood from sin that cleansed me,
Seal anew this heart of mine.
Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
Gracious Teacher, Friend divine,
For the home of bliss that waits me
O prepare this heart of mine.
John 14:16-17
Today is Pentecost Sunday, the day we celebrate God sending His Holy Spirit, another helper, to indwell believers. If you've never read the account of Pentecost, I urge you to do so. You can find it in Acts 2.
When I found this hymn by Fanny Crosby, I immediately identified with it. I need the Spirit's divine help and I want to feel His sacred presence. But what does it mean to have the Spirit dwell in us? And what difference does that make in our lives?
The Scripture gives us many promises about the Holy Spirit. As you meditate on these today, take time to thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit and ask God for His grace that you may more fully rely on Him.
The Spirit, our Counselor, guides us in the way we should go.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10
The Spirit gives us power to be God's witnesses on earth. Jesus promised this to His disciples immediately before He was taken up to heaven.
He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:7-9
He prays for us! (I find this one especially encouraging and comforting. When I don't know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for me. And He intercedes 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
The Spirit sets us free from sin.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2
He also convicts us of our sin.
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. John 16:7-11
And one of my favorites, by His power we abound in hope.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
The Bible has a lot more to say about the Holy Spirit - this just scratches the surface. But my prayer for you today is that you will take some time to meditate on, and rejoice over, the work of the Spirit in your life, and that You will abound in hope as you grow to trust Him more.
Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit
Words by Fanny Crosby
Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
How I need Thy help divine!
In the way of life eternal,
Keep, oh, keep this heart of mine.
Refrain
Dwell in me, oh, dwell in me;
Hear and grant my prayer to Thee;
Spirit, now from Heav’n descending,
Come, oh, come and dwell in me.
Let me feel Thy sacred presence;
Then my faith will ne’er decline;
Comfort Thou and help me onward,
Fill with love this heart of mine.
Round the cross where Thou hast led me,
Let my purest feelings twine;
With the blood from sin that cleansed me,
Seal anew this heart of mine.
Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
Gracious Teacher, Friend divine,
For the home of bliss that waits me
O prepare this heart of mine.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Speak, Lord in the Stillness, part II
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Psalm 4:4
Since writing about this last week, I have been thinking more and more about being still before God, and listening for His voice. It's difficult! The busyness of life, the roar of the media, endless interruptions and perennial exhaustion lead us to either drown out His voice with other things, or make us too distracted or tired to really listen. I want to hear Him speak! So I must make the effort (and the time!) to be still before Him and to wait in silence.
This hymn writer knew what it would take: total surrender. All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own. Surrendering, like being still and listening, is difficult - we give up our desires and our plans in order that He would direct us according to His will. But what comfort that surrender brings! For in it, we know that the God of the Universe, our Heavenly Father, is directing our path, giving us strength and showering us with grace - we do not have to do life on our own!
When we are surrendered to Him, we can be open to what He wants to do in us and through us. My prayer is that he would do what the next verse says: fill me with the knowledge of His glorious will, all His good pleasure in my life fulfill. I want to know His will and to do it, and to have His desires for me fulfilled in my life, so that He will receive all the glory.
I love this encouragement that Paul wrote to the Church at Colossae, telling them how he was praying for them - that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will.
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12
When we are filled with the knowledge of His will, we can walk in a manner worthy of Him, pleasing Him, bearing fruit and increasing in the knowledge of Him. That sounds like His good pleasure being fulfilled!
When His good pleasure is fulfilled, our lives reflect His presence. And when others see Him in us, God is glorified. What wonderful "consequences" of being still before our Father and listening for His voice! When we are surrendered, we are open to hearing His voice and can be directed according to His will which leads us to walk in a manner worthy of Him, and live as an example to others bringing Him glory.
This certainly motivates me to be quiet before Him, and to cry out, "Speak, Lord, in the stillness."
Speak, Lord in the Stillness
Words by E. May Grimes
Speak, Lord, in the stillness
While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen,
In expectancy.
Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour,
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feel Thy touch of power.
For the words Thou speakest,
“They are life” indeed;
Living bread from Heaven,
Now my spirit feed!
All to Thee is yielded,
I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender,
I am Thine alone.
Fill me with the knowledge
Of Thy glorious will;
All Thine own good pleasure
In my life fulfill.
Like “a watered garden”
Full of fragrance rare,
Ling’ring in Thy presence
Let my life appear.
Since writing about this last week, I have been thinking more and more about being still before God, and listening for His voice. It's difficult! The busyness of life, the roar of the media, endless interruptions and perennial exhaustion lead us to either drown out His voice with other things, or make us too distracted or tired to really listen. I want to hear Him speak! So I must make the effort (and the time!) to be still before Him and to wait in silence.
This hymn writer knew what it would take: total surrender. All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own. Surrendering, like being still and listening, is difficult - we give up our desires and our plans in order that He would direct us according to His will. But what comfort that surrender brings! For in it, we know that the God of the Universe, our Heavenly Father, is directing our path, giving us strength and showering us with grace - we do not have to do life on our own!
When we are surrendered to Him, we can be open to what He wants to do in us and through us. My prayer is that he would do what the next verse says: fill me with the knowledge of His glorious will, all His good pleasure in my life fulfill. I want to know His will and to do it, and to have His desires for me fulfilled in my life, so that He will receive all the glory.
I love this encouragement that Paul wrote to the Church at Colossae, telling them how he was praying for them - that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will.
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:9-12
When we are filled with the knowledge of His will, we can walk in a manner worthy of Him, pleasing Him, bearing fruit and increasing in the knowledge of Him. That sounds like His good pleasure being fulfilled!
When His good pleasure is fulfilled, our lives reflect His presence. And when others see Him in us, God is glorified. What wonderful "consequences" of being still before our Father and listening for His voice! When we are surrendered, we are open to hearing His voice and can be directed according to His will which leads us to walk in a manner worthy of Him, and live as an example to others bringing Him glory.
This certainly motivates me to be quiet before Him, and to cry out, "Speak, Lord, in the stillness."
Speak, Lord in the Stillness
Words by E. May Grimes
Speak, Lord, in the stillness
While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen,
In expectancy.
Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour,
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feel Thy touch of power.
For the words Thou speakest,
“They are life” indeed;
Living bread from Heaven,
Now my spirit feed!
All to Thee is yielded,
I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender,
I am Thine alone.
Fill me with the knowledge
Of Thy glorious will;
All Thine own good pleasure
In my life fulfill.
Like “a watered garden”
Full of fragrance rare,
Ling’ring in Thy presence
Let my life appear.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Speak, Lord in the Stillness
My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.
Psalm 62:5
When I was out walking the other day, I saw a car painted to advertise a local church. Their tagline was "Even the silence in our worship is LOUD!" I just hope this congregation is not missing an opportunity to hear God speak in the stillness. Loud and boisterous praise has its place; but so does silence before our Father, and listening for His voice in the stillness.
Thinking about God speaking in the stillness reminds me of one of my favorite stories from the Old Testament, when God called out to Samuel in the night (the stillness!).
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he answered, “I did not call, my son, lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him. So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. I Samuel 3:1-9
The Word from the Lord was rare in those days and visions were infrequent. But God chose to call out to a young boy ministering in the temple. Eli exhorted Samuel to tell the Lord he was listening, and when the Lord called his name again, that's exactly what happened.
Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” I Samuel 3:10
The Lord told Samuel what His plans were against the house of Eli, since Eli's sons were greedy and evil and did not regard God's rules in reference to the temple and the sacrifices. God had already sent a message to Eli that his sons would die because of their disobedience, and that the Lord would raise up a faithful priest to do what is in His heart and His soul (see I Samuel 2).
God's choice was Samuel.
Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. I Samuel 3:19-20
Samuel listened in the stillness, then obeyed God. Do you take adequate time to be still and listen? As this hymn says, I want to listen with expectancy, see His face and feel His power! God speaks words of life, and I need them to fill my spirit.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. John 6:63
Join me in meditating on the first few verses of this hymn, and contemplating how you can be still and know that He is God. Later, we'll look at the last three verses and think more about what He can accomplish through us when we are alone with Him.
Speak, Lord in the Stillness
Words by E. May Grimes
Speak, Lord, in the stillness
While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen,
In expectancy.
Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour,
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feel Thy touch of power.
For the words Thou speakest,
“They are life” indeed;
Living bread from Heaven,
Now my spirit feed!
All to Thee is yielded,
I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender,
I am Thine alone.
Fill me with the knowledge
Of Thy glorious will;
All Thine own good pleasure
In my life fulfill.
Like “a watered garden”
Full of fragrance rare,
Ling’ring in Thy presence
Let my life appear.
Psalm 62:5
When I was out walking the other day, I saw a car painted to advertise a local church. Their tagline was "Even the silence in our worship is LOUD!" I just hope this congregation is not missing an opportunity to hear God speak in the stillness. Loud and boisterous praise has its place; but so does silence before our Father, and listening for His voice in the stillness.
Thinking about God speaking in the stillness reminds me of one of my favorite stories from the Old Testament, when God called out to Samuel in the night (the stillness!).
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he answered, “I did not call, my son, lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him. So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. I Samuel 3:1-9
The Word from the Lord was rare in those days and visions were infrequent. But God chose to call out to a young boy ministering in the temple. Eli exhorted Samuel to tell the Lord he was listening, and when the Lord called his name again, that's exactly what happened.
Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” I Samuel 3:10
The Lord told Samuel what His plans were against the house of Eli, since Eli's sons were greedy and evil and did not regard God's rules in reference to the temple and the sacrifices. God had already sent a message to Eli that his sons would die because of their disobedience, and that the Lord would raise up a faithful priest to do what is in His heart and His soul (see I Samuel 2).
God's choice was Samuel.
Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. I Samuel 3:19-20
Samuel listened in the stillness, then obeyed God. Do you take adequate time to be still and listen? As this hymn says, I want to listen with expectancy, see His face and feel His power! God speaks words of life, and I need them to fill my spirit.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. John 6:63
Join me in meditating on the first few verses of this hymn, and contemplating how you can be still and know that He is God. Later, we'll look at the last three verses and think more about what He can accomplish through us when we are alone with Him.
Speak, Lord in the Stillness
Words by E. May Grimes
Speak, Lord, in the stillness
While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen,
In expectancy.
Speak, O blessed Master,
In this quiet hour,
Let me see Thy face, Lord,
Feel Thy touch of power.
For the words Thou speakest,
“They are life” indeed;
Living bread from Heaven,
Now my spirit feed!
All to Thee is yielded,
I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender,
I am Thine alone.
Fill me with the knowledge
Of Thy glorious will;
All Thine own good pleasure
In my life fulfill.
Like “a watered garden”
Full of fragrance rare,
Ling’ring in Thy presence
Let my life appear.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Blessed Savior, Thou Hast Promised
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)