"O Little Town of Bethlehem"

 

This story from “Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition” by Robert J. Morgan. Scripture and commentary for each verse provided by Carol.

“At nearly six feet six, weighing three hundred pounds, Phillips Brooks cast a long shadow. He was a native Bostonian, the ninth generation of distinguished Puritan stock,, who entered the Episcopalian ministry and pastored with great Power in Philadelphia and in Boston. His sermons were topical rather than expositional, and he’s been criticized for thinness of doctrine. Nonetheless, he’s considered one of America’s greatest preachers. His delivery came in lightening bursts; he felt he had more to say than time in which to say it.

“While at Philadelphia’s Holy Trinity Church, Phillips, thirty, visited the Holy Land. On December 24, 1865, traveling by horseback from Jerusalem, he attended a five-hour Christmas Eve service at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. He was deeply moved.

“'I remembered standing in the old church in Bethlehem,’ he later said, ‘close to the spot where Jesus was born, when the whole church was ringing hour after hour with splendid hymns of praise to God, how again and again it seemed as if I could hear voices I knew well, telling each other of the Wonderful Night of the Savior’s birth.’

“Three years later, as he prepared for the Christmas season of 1867, he wanted to compose an original Christmas hymn for the children to sing during their annual program. Recalling his magical night in Bethlehem, he wrote a little hymn of five stanzas and handed the words to his organist, Lewis Redner, saying, ‘Lewis, why not write a new tune for my poem. If it is a good tune, I will name it ‘St. Lewis’ after you.’

“Brooks was so pleased with the tune that he did indeed name it for his organist, changing the spelling to St. Louis, so as not  to embarrass him.”

Verse One

“O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see Thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”

Isaiah 60:19

“No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory."

Godsbless.ing: This verse is a comforting reminder of the eternal presence of God’s light in our lives. It conveys the idea that no matter how dark our paths may seem, God’s light will always shine upon us, guiding and illuminating our way. The image of God as an everlasting light signifies His eternal presence, love, and protection, providing us with hope and reassurance in times of darkness and despair . . . “But the Lord will be your everlasting light” highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s presence and guidance. Unlike the sun and moon, which have their cycles, God’s light is constant and enduring. “And your God will be your glory” indicates that God’s presence not only illuminates but also brings honor and splendor to His people.

Verse Two

“For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above,

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.

O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.”

Job 38:7

“As the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy.”

Enduringword.com:  This tells us that angelic beings (here called morning stars and sons of God) did in fact witness the creation of the earth; and they rejoiced at the glory, power, and wisdom of God in the creation.

Godsbless.ing: The mention of angels rejoicing at creation serves as a beautiful image of the wonder and joy that permeate the universe when God brings something new into existence. It paints a picture of celestial beings celebrating the work of God, showcasing a harmonious relationship between the divine and the heavenly hosts. This verse invites us to consider the wonder and beauty of the world around us, prompting us to join in the chorus of praise and gratitude for the marvelous works of God. Let us reflect on this verse to remind us of the majesty of our Creator and the awe-inspiring nature of His creations.

Verse Three

“How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv'n!

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav'n.

No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.”

Matthew 5:5 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse speaks to the concept of meekness. Being meek in biblical terms does not mean being weak or passive, but rather, having strength under control. It involves humility, gentleness, and a willingness to submit to God’s will. The promise of inheriting the earth reflects the idea that those who are humble and obedient will ultimately receive God’s blessings and rewards. This teaching emphasizes the importance of recognizing our dependence on God and trusting in His plan for our lives.

John 3:34

“For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.”

Enduringword.com: John spoke both of Jesus (who had the Holy Spirit without measure) and prophetically of the New Covenant (which featured a true outpouring of the Holy Spirit). For those joined to the Messiah through the New Covenant, there is as much of the Spirit as needed, given without measure.

Verse Four

“O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;

O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!”

1 Peter 1:23

“For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring Word of God.”

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: This phrase is from one Greek word, anagennao, meaning "to produce again, so that he lives a new life and one conformed to the will of God" (Thayer 36-1-313)

Biblerepository.com: This verse indicates the transformation that can occur within us through God’s Word. When we think about being “born again,” we must understand that this transformation is not merely a physical change; it’s a spiritual revival that opens the door to eternal life through our faith. It signifies a cleansing from past sins and a turning toward a life filled with purpose and divine connection.

By His Grace . . .

"O Come, All Ye Faithful"

 

This story from “Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition” by Robert J. Morgan. Scripture verse and commentary provided by Carol.

“John Francis Wade, author of this hymn, was hounded out of England in 1745. He was a Roman Catholic layman in Lancashire; but because of persecution arising from the Jacobite rebellion, streams of Catholics fled to France and Portugal, where communities of English-speaking Catholics appeared.

“But how could he, a refugee, support himself? In those days, the printing of musical scores was cumbersome, and copying them by hand was an art. In the famous Roman Catholic College and Ministry Center in Douay, France, Wade taught music and became renowned as a copyist of musical scores. His work was exquisite.

“In 1743, Wade, thirty-two, produced a copy of a Latin Christmas carol beginning with the phrase 'Adeste Fidelis, Laeti triumphantes.' At one time historians believed he had simply discovered an ancient hymn by an unknown author, but most scholars now believe Wade himself composed the lyrics. Seven original hand-copied manuscripts of this Latin hymn have been found, all of them bearing Wade’s signature.

“As timed passed, English Catholics began returning to Britain, and they carried Wade’s Christmas carol with them. One day an Anglican minister named Rev. Frederick Oakeley, who preached at Margaret Street Chapel in London, came across Wade’s Latin Christmas carol. Being deeply moved, he translated it into English for Margaret Street Chapel. The first line of Oakeley’s translation said, ‘Ye Faithful, Approach Ye.’

“Later, Oakeley came up with a simpler, more vigorous, ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant!’’’

Verse One

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!”

Psalm 30:4

“Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people; praise His holy name.”

Enduringword.com: Remembering the great works of God did not only cause David to praise, but also caused him to compel others to praise Him. It was fitting, because they also were saints of His, His special people . . .  “He felt that he could not praise God enough himself, and therefore he would enlist the hearts of others.” (Spurgeon)

Psalm 149:5

“Let His faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.”

Godsbless.ing: The act of praising and acknowledging God’s holiness can serve as a beacon of tranquility and perspective. Gratitude and worship possess the transformative power to reshape our outlook, redirecting our focus from the mundane and negative towards the divine and positive.

Verse Two

“God of God, Light of Light,

lo, He abhors not the virgin's womb;

Very God, begotten not created.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: As light was the beginning of the first creation; so, in the new creation, the light of the Spirit is His first work upon the soul. 

Godsbless.ing: The light of the gospel can serve as a guiding beacon, leading you towards a fulfilling and meaningful existence. It has the power to penetrate even the most hardened hearts, softening them with its message of grace and redemption. Allowing the light of the gospel to shine in your heart may lead you to experience a profound sense of peace, joy, and purpose that transcends earthly concerns. Embrace the light of the gospel, let it brighten your inner world, and watch as it transforms you from the inside out.

Psalm 36:9

“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.”

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: God is light itself, the Father of lights, and the former of it in every sense; in the light of His countenance, and the discoveries of His love, they that trust in Him see light, or enjoy comfort; and in the light of His Son, Jesus Christ, the sun of righteousness and light of the world, they see the face of God, and enjoy His favor, and behold the glory and excellency of Christ Himself.

 Verse Three

“Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;

Sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest!”

Psalm 103:20

“Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: Angels, which, though glorious creatures, are but His ministers and messengers, as the word signifies. And inviting the angels to bless God, He quickens men to the same duty, as having more dependence upon God, and, obligation to Him.

Enduringword.com: David began the psalm by telling his own soul to bless the Lord, but he knew the praise and honor to God should go beyond what he could give. It should extend all the way to the angels, and David boldly told them to also bless the Lord, who excel in strength, who do His word: The angels are strong and obedient, but even they should bless the Lord, giving Him praise and honor.

Philippians 3:20

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Contending for the Faith: Christians belong to a heavenly commonwealth whose government is in heaven. As citizens of the heavenly kingdom, their lives are to reflect an adherence to the authority and power manifested in the Divine Word.

Godsbless.ing: This verse from Philippians reminds us as believers that our true citizenship is in heaven, not on this earth. It calls us to remember that our primary identity and allegiance belong to God’s kingdom, which is eternal and perfect. Recognizing our heavenly citizenship encourages us to live our lives with an eternal perspective, focusing on the values and principles of God’s Kingdom rather than those of the world. We eagerly await our Savior from heaven, reminding us of the hope and anticipation we have in Jesus Christ’s return. This hope should motivate us to live faithfully and obediently, knowing that one day we will be united with our Savior for eternity. It prompts us to constantly seek Him, to grow in our relationship with Him, and to share His love and message with others.

Verse Four

“Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv'n!

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!”

Luke 2:6-7

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”

Godsbless.ing: As they searched for a place to stay, they found that the inns were all full. With no other options, they sought refuge in a humble stable. It was in this lowly setting that Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The surroundings were simple and rustic, with the sounds of animals and the soft glow of a manger illuminating the space where the newborn baby lay. This significant event marked the fulfillment of prophecies and the beginning of a new era for humanity.

Psalm 72:19

“Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.”

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: This prayer was especially appropriate at the close of a psalm designed to celebrate the glorious reign of the Messiah. Under that reign the earth will be, in fact, filled with the glory of God; the world will be a world of glory. Assuredly all who love God, and who love mankind, all who desire that God may be honored, and that the world may be blessed and happy, will unite in this fervent prayer, and echo the hearty “Amen and amen” of the psalmist.

Refrain

“O come, let us adore Him;

O come, let us adore Him;

O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!”

1 Chronicles 29:11

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.” (New Living Translation)

Godsbless.ing: Oh, what a powerful and awe-inspiring scripture this is! 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 beautifully captures the essence of God’s majesty and omnipotence. As teachers on a journey of faith and understanding, let’s delve into the profound meaning behind these verses. These verses remind us of God’s unrivaled greatness and power as the ultimate Ruler of the universe. It emphasizes that everything in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, showcasing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. It highlights God’s generosity and benevolence towards us, demonstrating His gracious nature and boundless love . . . Let these verses serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence and provision in our lives, igniting a sense of reverence and awe for our Creator.

 By His Grace . . . 

"Joy to the World!"

This devotion story from “Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition” by Robert J. Morgan. Scripture and commentary for each verse provided by Carol.

Until Isaac Watts came along, most of the singing in British churches was from the Psalms of David. The church—especially the Church of Scotland—had labored over the Psalms with great effort and scholarship, translating them into poems with rhyme and rhythm suitable for singing.

As a young man in Southampton, Isaac had become dissatisfied with the quality of singing, and he keenly felt the limitations of being able to only sing these psalms. So he “invented” the English hymn.

He did not, however, neglect the Psalms. In 1719, he published a unique hymnal—one in which he had translated, interpreted, and paraphrased the Old Testament Psalms through the eyes of New Testament faith. He called it simply, “The Psalms of David Imitated in the Language of the New Testament.” Taking various psalms, he studies them from the perspective of Jesus and the New Testament, and then formed them into verses for singing.

“I have rather expressed myself as I may suppose David would have done if he lived in the days of Christianity,” Watts explained, “and by this means, perhaps, I have sometimes hit upon the true intent of the Spirit of God in those verses farther and clearer than David himself could ever discover.”

Watts’s interpretation of Psalm 98, which says, "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth" (verse 4). As he read Psalm 98, Isaac pondered the real reason for shouting joyfully to the Lord—The Messiah has come to redeem us. The result has been a timeless carol that has brightened our Christmases for nearly three years.”

Verse One

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come,

Let earth receive her King.

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.”

Luke 1:68

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.”

Godsbless.ing: Isn’t it truly awe-inspiring to see Zechariah’s gratitude and praise for God sending a Savior to redeem His people? We witness the profound significance of God’s ultimate act of love and mercy towards humanity in this verse. Through the Savior, God displays His unwavering commitment to His people, offering them a path to redemption and salvation. God’s grace and the fulfillment of His promise to rescue and restore His people remind us of the profound impact as we reflect on this verse. It serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and His profound love for all of us. Zechariah’s praise encapsulates a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the Savior who brings hope and salvation to a world in need. Let us ponder the profound message of redemption and salvation conveyed in this verse as we appreciate the magnitude of God’s love.

Verse Two

“Joy to the world, the Savior reigns,

Let men their songs employ.

While fields and floods, Rocks, hills and plains,

Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.”

Exodus 15:18

“The Lord reigns for ever and ever.”

Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: This song is the most ancient we know of. It is a holy song, to the honor of God, to exalt his name, and celebrate his praise, and his only, not in the least to magnify any man. Holiness to the Lord is in every part of it. It may be considered as typical, and prophetical of the final destruction of the enemies of the church. Happy the people whose God is the Lord.

Verse Three

“No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground.

He comes to make his blessings flow,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found.”

Hebrew 10:17

“Then he adds: 'Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.'”

Biblerepository.com. This passage is a powerful statement about God’s forgiveness. It assures us that when we confess our sins and turn to Him, He chooses to forget our wrongdoings completely. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made regularly to atone for sins. However, these sacrifices were only temporary measures. With the coming of Christ, this verse highlights the shift from the old covenant to a new one. Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross was sufficient, and now, when we accept Him, our sins are fully forgiven. This is a significant truth; it brings us freedom from guilt and shame.

Verse Four

“He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove,

The glories of his righteousness,

And wonders of his love,

And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love.”

2 Chronicles 20:6

“And said: ‘Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.’”

Enduringword.com: Jehoshaphat began his great prayer by recognizing the power of Yahweh over heaven and all kingdoms of the nations. Other peoples believed in localized deities – as if the Moabites had their god, the Philistines their god, the Ammonites their god, and so on. Jehoshaphat recognized that the God of Israel was in fact the God of all kingdoms, of all nations, of all the earth and indeed of heaven itself.

Godsbless.ing: The phrase “rule over all the kingdoms of the nations” highlights God’s omnipotence. It’s an assertion that no earthly power, no matter how intimidating, stands outside God’s control. This universal dominion reassures believers that God’s authority is absolute and unchallenged . . . It’s not just that God rules; He has the power to change situations, to protect, and to deliver. This is a comforting truth, especially in times of personal or communal crisis.

By His Grace . . . 

I Love You, Lord

“A remote mobile home gleams faintly in the crisp Autumn sunrise. Within that metal refuge in the high deserts of central Oregon, a young mother is having a quiet time with the Lord. Her toddler is still asleep. Her husband is a full-time college student, and the couple is surviving on $400 per month. They have no home church, no friends nearby, and she does not drive.” Stacie Marshall

"’It was a very hopeless time, a very depressed time,’ Laurie Klein said. ‘I felt the poverty of my own life keenly at that point, both emotionally and physically.’

"That morning I was so empty, I knew I didn't have anything to offer Him. I asked if He would like to hear me sing .  .. if He would just give me something He would be in the mood to hear.’"

Such is the backdrop of Laurie Klein's classic praise song, "I Love You, Lord," written in 1974.

Laurie Klein, a native of Wisconsin, displayed musical talent and interest at a young age. Encouraged by her mother, she learned to play piano, autoharp, and guitar. She started writing songs at age 16, the first one titled “Loving Unconditionally.” At age 24, she met and married Bill Klein while at Central Oregon Community College. Their life was simple and difficult, as they started a family with no money to spare.

Isolated in the Oregon wilderness, Klein had no community, no nearby friends, and no local church body to call home. Making things worse, she did not drive, so she could not go visit friends or family who lived farther away than walking distance. Her loneliness drove her to invest more fully in her daily time of devotion to God. The song rose out of her daily quiet time in the morning before her toddler woke up.

Recognizing that the words had some merit, Klein quickly wrote them down. Later, she sang the song for her husband, who suggested she play it for a local pastor and some musicians

The song found its way to Jack Hayford’s Church on the Way in Van Nuys, California, and was recorded by several musicians of the budding Christian music scene, including Buck and Annie Herring (2nd Chapter of Acts). But its greatest exposure was on Maranatha! Music's Praise 4 in 1980. Since then, the song has “quietly made its way around the world.”

Klein describes herself as a “lifelong creative with a growing contemplative streak,” and notes that she has “switched hats more often than hobos in a vaudeville skit.” Currently, she “scribes” on her blog, lauriekleinscribe.com, which includes reflections on nature, beauty, and human experiences—all through the lens of an ongoing relationship with God.

The Kleins, now parents of two grown daughters, live in Dearpark, Washington. Both have served on staff at various churches over the years, but their focus these days is House of Mercy, through which Bill acts as consultant to worship leaders of various denominations. A sampling of their song writing, including a stunning version of "I Love You, Lord", is available on a 1996 independent recording called “All My Days.”

Now, Klein is more driven by a thirst for intimacy with God than ever. God has placed the phrase, "prepare Me a place" on her heart as a personal theme.

"We're called to prepare room for Him," Laurie explains. The heart of a worshiper becomes evident as she speaks. "We must be prepared to meet Him no matter who we're talking to or what we're doing, whether we're worshiping in church or worshiping with all the tasks that make up our day."

Klein said: "The most meaningful time that I ever heard anyone sing my song was in the fall of 2000 while my husband and I were in a Discipleship Training School. Late one night, in the dormitory, I heard a baby crying. I slipped down the hall to the outside of the door just to pray for the baby, that it would be able to sleep. As I was praying outside the door, I heard the mother singing a song, but the little one kept crying. She then began to sing 'I Love You, Lord,' and while she was singing, the baby fell asleep. The mother had no idea that the one who wrote the song was just outside the door."

Find a desert. Although Klein may not have many pleasant memories of central Oregon and 1974, what washed over this forlorn young woman should make any serious believer and music-lover wonder if he shouldn’t be hunting the desert more intentionally. What was it God said about ‘poor in spirit’ (Matthew 5:3), or about the desert (again, see Hosea 2:14). People see him there (Exodus 16:10), it’s where David sought Him (Psalm 63:1), it’s where he can transform the barren into the fertile (Isaiah 51:3), where He will make the desolate and sad joyful again (Jeremiah 33:9-11). From Moses (Ex. 7:30) to Jesus (Matthew 4), the barren place is an awaiting encounter with Him and a place where He can be present to chase away evil, despite what the surroundings look like. Spend some time in a desert, at least once.    

"Though it is a very simple song, it changed everything for me, and it still is changing life for me. When you are in a dark valley and the Lord gives you light, it makes all the difference, and you keep growing,” Klein said.

The words are worshipful and sweet. The melody is joyous and draws you into God’s presence. Together they make you feel in tune with God and enjoying praising Him in such a tender and special way.

Verse

“I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice,

To worship You, O my soul rejoice.

Take joy, my King, in what You hear,

May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.”

“I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice”

 Psalm 18:1

 “I love you, Lord, my strength.”

Explainingthebible.com: Psalm 18:1 is a beautiful declaration of one’s love and devotion to God. The psalmist is expressing not just an emotional connection, but a profound recognition of who God is in his life . . . By declaring his love for God, the psalmist invites us to consider our own love for God. Love for God manifests in several ways, including worship, obedience, prayer, and service to others. It calls for an authenticity that comes from recognizing God’s involvement in our lives, which develops a deeper appreciation and affection for Him . . . Love isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s about consistency, faithfulness, and dedication to God. This commitment sets the stage for a relationship that’s built on trust and surrender.

Psalm 5:3

“In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.”

Godsbless.ing: David initiates his prayer by asking God to attentively listen to his words, highlighting the significance of verbalizing our prayers. This phrase underscores the intimate relationship between David and God, demonstrating that God is attentive to our spoken petitions . . . David implores God to ponder his innermost thoughts and reflections, emphasizing that prayer encompasses not only spoken words but also the meditations of the heart.

Psalm 119:149

“Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.”

Explainingthebible.com: “Hear my voice,” represents a personal channel of communication. It’s a reminder of how we must actively pursue a relationship with God. We can come to Him with our deepest feelings, thoughts, and concerns. It’s about being brave enough to open our hearts and speak out. The acknowledgement of our vulnerability creates a space for comfort and connection.

“To worship You, O my soul rejoice”

Psalm 100:2

“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: In your worship, and in all your acts of obedience. Let there be joy in this service . . . Let it be a cheerful, happy service; let it be freely rendered, let it be an occasion of joy to the soul. The service of God is a source of the highest joy that man knows . . . Come before His presence with singing - As expressive of joy. So the birds sing; so nature rejoices; so should man - intelligent, redeemed, immortal man, be joyful.

Godsbless.ing: Is a verse that calls for joyful worship and service to the Lord, emphasizing the attitude and spirit with which we should approach our relationship with God. Psalm 100 is a psalm of thanksgiving, calling all the earth to worship the Lord with gladness. It sets the tone for a joyous and grateful approach to God, highlighting the importance of expressing our worship with a spirit of joy.

 Acts 2:26

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope.”

Explainingthebible: This verse brings forth a profound truth about the joy and security that comes from trusting in God. When we reflect on this passage, we understand that having a relationship with God fills our hearts with gladness. It’s a reminder that our souls can find peace when we rely on Him. The use of the word “heart” hints at an inner feeling, suggesting that true joy originates from deep within us, resonating through our emotions . . . the phrase “my tongue rejoices” indicates that our expressions should reflect the joy we feel inside. When our hearts are filled with happiness, it naturally overflows into our words and actions. Our celebration of God’s goodness can inspire others to seek Him as well.

"Take joy, my King, in what You hear,"

John 9:31

"We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does His will."

Godsbless.ing: This verse serves as a reassuring and motivating reminder to believers about the power of prayer when it is accompanied by genuine worship and obedience to God's will. It highlights the reciprocal relationship between humans and the divine, emphasizing that God truly listens to the prayers of those who actively engage in worship and strive to align their actions with His teachers.

Psalm 90:14

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Explainingthebible.com: By looking for God’s love in the morning, we cultivate an attitude of thankfulness. It encourages us to start our day not with complaints or negativity but with a heart full of gratitude for what God has done for us. Gratitude opens our eyes to see the countless blessings that God pours into our lives. This mindset of appreciation creates a ripple effect, affecting our interactions with others and how we approach our day-to-day responsibilities.

“May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.”

Psalm 55:19

“God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change— He will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God.”

Explainingthebible: The phrase “He will hear them” is a promise that God listens to us. Not only does He hear our words, but He also understands our hearts. This assurance that God is attentive can empower us to be more open and vulnerable with God in our prayers . . .  It is a statement of assurance about God’s willingness to listen. As humans, we may feel unheard or invisible at times, but this verse illuminates the fact that God is always attentive. This invites us to approach Him with confidence during our prayers, knowing that our voices carry weight before Him. Our cries for justice, help, or healing resonate in His heart.

God still uses people in our generation to write words that celebrate Him. Laurie Klein is one of those.

I am indebted to the following resources:

Umcdiscipleship.org

Godtube.com, Stacie Marshall

Staugustine.com, Lindsay Terry

Songscoops.blogspot.com

Thehlukejourney.wordpress.com

By His Grace . . . 

When the Roll is Called Up Yonder

James M. Black was the Youth Pastor at a church in Williamsport, PA, in 1893. One day he was on his way to the post office and thought he would take a shortcut through an alley which he had never used before. James did not know of the poverty and misery that alley contained.

As he made his way through the alley, he noticed a ragged young girl, daughter of an alcoholic, sweeping a rear porch on her apartment. “Do you go to church?”  he asked.  “No sir, I have nothing proper to wear,” was her response.

“What is your name?” he asked.  “Bessie,” she replied. “Bessie, I will have my wife and another lady visit you soon!” he said as he quickly continued his way to the post office. James’ wife and another lady from the church visited Bessie and took her some dresses. Bessie started attending the services both Sunday morning and Sunday evening.

One Sunday in 1893 Bessie failed to answer the roll call.  Black made a comment to the effect, “Well, I trust when the roll is called up yonder, she’ll be there,” telling the students what a sad thing it would be if, when their names are called from the Lamb’s Book of Life in judgment, one of them would be absent.  Then he said in his prayer, “O God, when my own name is called up yonder, may I be there to respond!” 

It turned out the girl was deathly ill with pneumonia. Though Black called upon the doctor to attend to her, she died some days later.

Grief stricken, Black searched the hymnal but didn’t find a song on this subject. Never having written a hymn before, an inner voice seemed to say, "Why don't you write one." And that is what he did. Black penned the words to the song “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” in just 15 minutes, all three stanzas.

After completing the lyrics, he sat at the piano and composed the tune, which is the same tune in the hymn book today. He spoke those words at the girl’s funeral. Her very life, absence from class, and her death inspiring the words that Black now sang over her grave.

James Milton Black was born on August 19, 1856, in South Hill, New York. He acquired an early musical education in singing and organ playing and knew such famous songsters of his day as Daniel Towner and John Howard. Around 1881, he moved to Williamsport, Pennsylvania where he carried on Christian work through the Methodist Episcopal church. Teaching music during the week, he was a song leader, Sunday school teacher and youth leader in his spare hours. He loved young people and tried to win them for Christ. In addition to all this work, he edited hymnals.

The song was first published in the 1894 Songs of the Soul which he edited with Joseph F. Berry.  In its first two years, the book sold more than 400,000 copies.  Also in 1894, Henry Date was publishing a new song book, Pentecostal Hymns, for the Hope Publishing Company of Chicago, IL, with the help of gospel song writer Charles Hutchinson Gabriel.

Date was looking at some hand-copied song manuscripts that had been submitted.  An assistant started to discard them when Gabriel asked to see if there was anything useful in them.  After receiving them, he also was about to lay them aside when one caught his attention because it was written in green ink.  The name of James M. Black was not familiar to the famous composer, but Gabriel decided that “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” had merit and decided to include it, thus securing its popularity. 

Verse One

“When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright and fair;

When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,

And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

Matthew 24:31

“And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”

Explainingthebible.com, Jamie Wilson: This powerful verse from Matthew 24:31 provides a profound insight into God’s plan for His people. Jesus speaks directly about the time when God will send His angels to gather His elect, the chosen ones, from all corners of the earth. The imagery of a loud trumpet call is captivating, as it signifies not just an announcement but a moment of urgency and significance. We can picture the scene: the sound carrying across the skies, and the angels at work, collecting those who belong to God. This verse reminds us of the finality of this gathering and how crucial it is to be prepared. It is not just a casual gathering but one that signifies the culmination of God’s redemptive work in the world . . . Moreover, the “four winds” mentioned in this verse reflect the global scope of this gathering. It shows us that God’s reach extends beyond borders, cultures, and nations. Every believer, regardless of where they live, will be included in this grand assembly. The term “elect” emphasizes that God has chosen these individuals for His own purposes, showing that our relationship with Him is a special and intentional one. This verse speaks to our hope as believers. In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, we have the assurance that God will come back for His people. We can hold onto this promise, encouraging one another as we await His return.

Verse Two

“On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,

And the glory of His resurrection share;

When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,

And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

2 Peter 1:19

“We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse underscores the reliability of prophecy, the illuminating guidance of Scripture, the anticipation of Christ’s return, and the divine inspiration of the Bible . . . “Until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,” symbolizing Christ’s return and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Revelation 22:16 identifies Jesus as the “bright Morning Star,” emphasizing the hope and transformation His return brings to believers.

Mark 13:27

“And He will send His angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”

Explainingthebible.com: One of the stunning aspects of this passage is the use of angels in gathering the elect. Throughout the biblical text, angels often serve as messengers or agents of God’s will. Their role signifies that this gathering is a heavenly and divine act, drawing on both the physical and spiritual realms. It represents God’s steadfast love for His people, allowing us to picture a future where we are united with Him in glory.

Verse Three

“Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,

Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;

Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,

And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Biblehub.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: Always abounding in the work of the Lord - Always engaged in doing the will of God; in promoting His glory and advancing His kingdom. The phrase means not only to be engaged in this, but to be engaged diligently, laboriously, excelling in this. The "work of the Lord" here means that which the Lord requires; all the appropriate duties of Christians. Paul exhorts them to practice every Christian virtue, and to do all that they could do to further the gospel among people.

Revelation 14:13

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'”

Biblestudytools.com: Both of body and soul; from all toil of body, and laborious work, from all diseases and distempers of body, and all outward sorrows and calamities men labor under, and are fatigued with in this life; and from all inward troubles, from a body of sin, from the temptations of Satan, and from all doubts and fears, from their present warfare state, and all conflicts with their spiritual enemies: and their works do follow them; they do not go before them, to prepare heaven and happiness for them; nor do they take them along with them, and use them as pleas for their admission into the heavenly glory; but they will follow them, and will be found to praise, and honor, and glory, and will be taken notice of by Christ, and graciously rewarded by Him, at His appearing and kingdom. 

Godsbless:ing: It reminds us of the eternal reward that awaits those who have lived a life guided by the principles of love, compassion, and faith. We are encouraged to strive towards a life that is pleasing to the Lord as we navigate our own journey on this earth, so that we too may find peace and blessing in our final moments . . . So, as you ponder these words, take comfort in the promise of blessings for those who have passed away in faith. Let it serve as a reminder to live a life that is centered on God, so that when our time comes, we can do so in the knowledge that we are entering into a state of eternal peace and joy with the Lord.

Refrain

“When the roll, is called up yonder,

When the roll, is called up yonder,

When the roll, is called up yonder,

When the roll is called up yonder I’ll be there.”

Revelation 3:5

“The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.”

Bibleref.com: In this verse Jesus extends three promises to every faithful believer at Sardis. First, He will grant Him white garments . . . White clothing that is given to the faithful represents not only honor but also purity and righteousness . . . Second, Jesus promises that He will not blot the faithful believer's name out of the Book of Life. While some individuals think this statement implies that a believer may lose His salvation, it simply means the conqueror—the "overcomer"—can be secure knowing their name will never be erased. Every born-again person has eternal life that will be his divinely given possession forever . . . Third, Jesus assures the faithful believer that He will confess His name before His Father and the angels. In a public ceremony in heaven, Jesus will acknowledge that these overcoming, enduring, faithful "conquerors" belong to Him.

“The calm assurance of a future heavenly home is one of the greatest blessings for every Christian. It has been said that only those with an absolute confidence in their hereafter truly know to live victoriously in this life. Having a personal relationship with Christ means that we need have no fear that we will not hear 'the trumpet call of God,’ whether we are still alive or asleep in Jesus.” Amazing Grace, Kenneth W. Osbeck

Give God praise for the certainty about your eternal destiny that you, as a child of God, enjoy. Live this day in that confidence.

               

I am indebted to the following resources:

Enjoyingthejourney.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

The-end-time.org

Christianity.com

Staugustine.com, Lindsay Terry

Hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com

Plymouthbrethren.org

By His Grace . . . 

Crown Him With Many Crowns

“Crowns are more than decorative headwear reserved for royalty. They signify honor, power, and dominion. For the King of Kings, a single crown could never suffice to represent His infinite glory and authority. And so we 'Crown Him with Many Crowns' as we lift our voices to praise the One exalted high above all others. This beloved hymn magnifies Jesus, the Lord over all creation deserving of every crown. The lyricists beautifully capture just some of the many facets of our Savior’s majesty that demand our worship. As we sing, we join the eternal chorus around God’s throne, proclaiming the wonder of who Christ is and what He has done. The rich imagery stirs our hearts to offer Him every crown, for no earthly treasure compares to the treasure we have in our Risen, Glorified Lord.”  Hymncharts.com

The hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns” was written in 1851 by Matthew Bridges, an Anglican minister who later converted to the Roman Catholic Church. Bridges was born in Essex, England in 1800 and pursued literary interests in history and poetry. He was influenced by John Henry Newman and the Oxford Movement, which aimed to reconnect the Anglican tradition with ancient Christian history and liturgy. This led Bridges to convert to Catholicism in 1848.

In 1868, Anglican priest Godfrey Thring wrote additional verses while serving at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Born in 1823, Thring spent his life in dedication to the Church of England. As a Protestant minister, he brought a different theological perspective than Bridges’ Catholic lyrics. Thring’s new stanzas broadened the hymn’s vision by focusing on Jesus as the “Lord of life,” “Lord of love,” and “Lord of years” – bringing out more perspectives on Christ’s eternal nature and lordship.

As an Anglo-Catholic, Bridges was influenced by medieval church history and liturgy, inspiring his use of Greek and Latin hymnody. Thring served at Windsor’s St. George Chapel, immersing him in British royal heritage and shaping the kingly metaphors in his lyrics.

Though the two men never met and came from differing backgrounds, the joining of their lyrics after their deaths allowed Christians from many denominations to find common ground in this rich, popular hymn praising Christ the King with lyrics reflecting on the many crowns and diadems of Jesus. The song appears in the hymnals of Baptist, Methodist, Anglican, and Catholic traditions.

The first six stanzas were written by Bridges. The second six stanzas were written by Thring.

The tune DIADEMATA was composed in 1874 by Sir George Job Elvey, a prominent English organist who served the royal family at Chapel Royal. His tune perfectly captures the celebratory, march-like spirit of the lyrics.

Music scholar J.R. Watson described DIADEMATA as a “magnificent setting for the text, march-like and joyful without ever becoming mechanical or strident.” Elvey’s contribution of the memorable tune helped cement the hymn’s lasting prominence.

Despite their theological differences, the joint work of Bridges, Thring, and Elvey produced a rich hymn of praise that has inspired Christians across denominations for over 150 years.

“Crown Him with Many Crowns” stands as a masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the majesty and glory of Jesus Christ.

From theprofoundbrunette.com: “What a beautiful magnification of the sovereignty of our Lord! This declaration of Christ’s supreme authority resonates deeply and affirms His unmatched greatness . . . ‘Ineffably sublime’ conveys that Jesus’ nature and attributes are beyond human comprehension. The qualities of Christ leave us in awe – the grandeur of His majesty is the focus of our worship. And worship of Him is never ending . . . In closing, each stanza of this hymn beautiful weaves scripture into its verses, inviting us to worship Jesus Christ as the Lamb, the Conqueror of Death, the Lord of Peace, the Lord of Love, and the Eternal Creator of All Things. As we sing these words, we celebrate these Biblical truths and also deepen our understanding of the profound impact of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.”

Verse One

“Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.

Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.

Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,

And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.”

Acts 7:49

“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest?”

Biblehub.com, Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible: There is the seat of the divine Majesty; there His glory is most conspicuous; there He keeps His court, that is His palace; and there are His attendants, the angels; and from thence are the administrations of His regal power and government, over the whole world.

Godsbless.ing:  This highlights that God’s presence transcends any earthly building, urging us to understand His omnipresence beyond the limitations of man-made constructs. Furthermore, Stephen proclaims, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool,” illustrating God’s sovereignty and majesty over all creation. This imagery underscores the vastness of God’s power and presence, reminding us of His dominion over the entire universe.

Revelation 7:17

“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Godsbless.ing: To stand before God’s throne symbolizes acceptance, honor, and the ultimate act of worship . . . Let us find hope and assurance in the promises of standing before God’s throne, being sheltered in His presence, and finding ultimate satisfaction in Jesus, the Good Shepherd. May we cling to the comfort and healing offered by God, knowing that He will wipe away every tear from our eyes . . . Let us embrace these promises with faith and gratitude, finding strength in the eternal hope they provide.

Verse Two

“Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed o'er the grave,

And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save;

His glories now we sing who died and rose on high,

Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.”

2 Corinthians 13:4

“For He was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but in dealing with you we will live with Him by the power of God.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: This signifies not only resurrection but also an ongoing relationship with God. Believers are encouraged to recognize that they live not by their own merit but through the grace of God. This part of the verse reminds us that our own lives can echo this principle. In moments of despair—which may make us feel powerless—our reliance on God’s strength allows us to endure and overcome challenges.

Studylight.org: There is a living Redeemer in heaven; a Redeemer who is able to exert all the power which He ever exerted when on earth; a Redeemer, therefore, who is able to save the soul; to raise the dead; to punish all his foes.

Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: He was raised from the dead by a divine power; by His own power as God, as well as by His Father's, and so was declared to be the Son of God with power; and He lives at the right hand of God as man and Mediator, vested with all power in heaven and in earth.

Verse Three

“Crown Him the Lord of love; behold His hands and side,

Rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified;

No angels in the sky can fully bear that sight,

But downward bends their burning eye at mysteries so bright.”

Ephesians 5:32

“This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: Paul introduces a profound mystery that highlights the deep connection between Christ and the Church. As believers, we often look for ways to understand our faith and our relationship with Jesus. This connection is essential to understanding why the church exists and why our lives are transformed through Christ. Throughout the New Testament, this mystery is woven through the teachings of Jesus, where He often spoke of the Kingdom of God as a relationship rather than a mere set of rules.

Studylight.org, Dr Constable’s Expository Notes: The mystery in view is the truth previously hidden but now brought to light. The relationship that exists between a husband and his wife is the same as the one that exists between Christ and His church. The church has as close a tie to Christ spiritually as a wife has to her husband spiritually. One of the purposes of marriage is to model Jesus Christ’s relationship with the church. He leads, loves, and serves the church. The church reverently submits and is subject to Him.

Verse Four

“Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time,

Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail! for Thou hast died for me;

Thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.”

Psalm 90:4

“For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.”

Biblehib.com, Barnes’ Notes on the Bible: For a thousand years in thy sight - Hebrew, "In thy eyes;" that is, It so appears to thee - or, a thousand years so seem to thee, however long they may appear to man. The utmost length to which the life of man has reached - in the case of Methuselah - was nearly a thousand years Genesis 5:27; and the idea here is, that the longest human life, even if it should be lengthened out to a thousand years, would be in the sight of God, or in comparison with his years, but as a single day.

ExplainingtheBible.com: In this verse, we see the vastness of God’s perspective on time. When the psalmist reflects on how a thousand years are like a mere day to God, it offers us a moment to contemplate our human experience against the eternal backdrop of God’s existence and authority. Time is a concept that often weighs heavily on us; we feel the pressure of deadlines, the worry of our own lifespans, and the urgency of our prayers. Seeing God as outside of time — as someone for whom a millennium might pass as if it were simply a moment — serves to remind us of His omnipotence. In this way, we can find encouragement in our daily lives, knowing that we serve a God who is not rushed, one who exists within the framework of all time . . . When considering “a thousand years,” we ponder our life span, which seems long to us. Yet, when viewed from God’s perspective, our lives are just brief moments in the continuum of time. This announcement of time creates a sense of humility and reverence for the Divine.

  

I am indebted to the following resources:

Hymncharts.com

Umcdiscipleship.org

Invertedchristian.com, Dr. Roger D Duke

By His Grace . . .

Sweet, Sweet Spirit

In the late 1980s, Doris Akers provided this account of writing “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”: "One Sunday morning in 1962, while directing the Sky Pilot Choir, I said to my singers, 'You are not ready to go in.' I didn’t believe they had prayed enough! They were accustomed to spending time with me in prayer before the service, asking God to bless their songs. I said, 'I feel that prayer is more important than great voices.' They had already prayed, but this particular morning I asked them to pray again, and they did so with renewed fervor.

"As they prayed, I began to wonder how I could stop this wonderful prayer meeting. I said, 'I sent word to the pastor letting him know what was happening. He was waiting in the auditorium, wanting to start the service. Finally, I was compelled to say to the choir, ‘We have to go. I hate to leave this room, and I know you hate to leave, but you know we do have to go to the service. But there is such a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place.'"

Doris Akers was born in Brookfield, Missouri on May 21, 1923. She was one of ten children born to Floyd and Pearl Akers, an interracial marriage. They divorced and Pearl married John Lawson. Akers developed an interest in music at an early age. By the age of six, she had taught herself to play piano by ear. She wrote her first song, “Keep the Fire Burning in Me,” at the age of ten and two years later organized a five-piece jazz band.

At the age of twenty-two she moved to Los Angeles and encouraged a “thriving gospel music community.” In 1945 Akers moved to Los Angeles where she met some of the important names in gospel music of that era, including Sallie Martin, J. Earl Hines, and Eugene Douglas Smallwood. Soon after arriving, she joined the Sallie Martin Singers as a pianist and singer, formed the Akers Singers, and established her own publishing company, Akers Music House.

In 1958, she started the Sky Pilot Choir, an integrated choir, which was also featured on recordings, television shows, and radio broadcasts across the country. Her fresh, modern arrangements of traditional Negro spirituals drew large crowds from far and near and increased attendance at the church dramatically.

The phrase, sweet, sweet spirit stayed with Akers after the group ended and went to the service, and she wrote the song the next day. She said: “Songwriters always have their ears open to a song. The song started ‘singing’ to me. I wanted to write it down but couldn’t. I thought the song would be gone after the service. Following the dismissal, I went home. The next morning, to my surprise, I heard the song again, so I went to the piano and began to put it all down.”

In her song, she recognized the "spirit" in the room as the "Spirit of the Lord." She could see in the "sweet expressions" of the choir members that they also recognized the "presence of the Lord." In the chorus of the song, she calls us back to the New Testament where the Spirit of God descended like a dove, lighting upon Jesus at His baptism (Matthew 3:16). She referred to him as "sweet Heavenly Dove," asking Him to "stay right here with us, filling us with Your love."

She was affectionately known as "Miss Gospel Music" because she was admired and respected by everyone in the music industry over the years. She had mastered every aspect of gospel music including vocals, keyboards, choir directing, arranging, composing and publishing. She had worked with many of the pioneers of the Golden Age of Gospel Music, had authored many standard gospel compositions, and she moved freely and successfully in all spheres of gospel music. Many of her compositions such as "Lead Me, Guide Me," "I Cannot Fail The Lord," "You Can't Beat God Giving," and "Sweet, Sweet Spirit," sold millions for other gospel artists and evangelists.

Akers wrote more than 300 hymns. During her lifetime she was a recording artist, a music arranger and a director. Baptist hymnologist William J. Reynolds noted that Akers' ability to capture the attention of a congregation came through "just letting go and releasing the Spirit of God." The Smithsonian Institute called this song by Doris Akers a "national treasure."

Verse One

“There's a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,

And I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord;

There are sweet expressions on each face,

And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:17

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Godsbless.ing: When we walk in unity with Christ, our lives become a living testimony of His transformative power and love. People are drawn to the authenticity and joy that radiate from a heart surrendered to Jesus, and the fragrance of Christ becomes evident through our interactions and relationships. We become vessels through which God’s love and truth are made known, leaving a lasting impression and bringing glory to His name as we share the good news of salvation and extend grace and mercy to others.

Isaiah 61:1

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”

Christianitypath.com: The verse begins with “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,” indicating that the person speaking has been chosen and empowered by God. This is a profound declaration about divine appointment. The anointing mentioned is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, which equips an individual to fulfill a specific purpose. In the context of this verse, it illustrates how God empowers us to serve others, share good news, and bring healing where it is needed.

Psalm 114:7

“Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.”

Studylight.org, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible: Here indeed is the answer as to why the mountains skipped, the little hills frolicked like lambs, the Red Sea fled before Israel, and why the Jordan river at flood stage suddenly presented Israel with a dry-land crossing. It was all due to the presence of God. All nature obeys His voice. He spoke, and great wonders ensued.

Verse Two

“There are blessings you cannot receive,

Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;

You're the one to profit when you say,

‘I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.’"

1 John 1:7

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.”

Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: Walking in the light may include the three following things: Leading lives of holiness and purity; that is, the Christian must be characteristically a holy man, a light in the world, by his example; Walking in the truth; that is, embracing the truth in opposition to all error of paganism and infidelity, and having clear, spiritual views of truth, such as the unrenewed never have; Enjoying the comforts of religion; that is, having the joy which religion is fitted to impart, and which it does impart to its true friends . . . As He is in the light - In the same kind of light that He has. The measure of light which we may have is not the same in degree, but it is of the same kind. The true Christian in his character and feelings resembles God.

Psalm 16:11

“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Godsbless.ing: One of the most compelling phrases in this verse is “You make known to me the path of life.” This speaks to God’s guidance and His active role in directing our lives. Another phrase, “in your presence there is fullness of joy,” highlights the ultimate satisfaction that can only be found in a relationship with God. The final phrase, “at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” underscores the eternal blessings and joy that await those who seek and follow Him . . . This verse beautifully captures the idea that true joy and contentment come from being in the presence of God.

John 1:16

“For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

Sharing-bread.com: Fullness is such a great word. It brings to mind thoughts of satisfaction, completion, entirety and contentment. When we read the words “fullness of His grace” it speaks to all that is found within our Jesus that “causes joy and pleasure, that which creates delight in the recipient or observer” . . . All that is within Jesus – all the blessings of joy, delight and satisfaction, all the gifts and endowments of the Holy Spirit, all the favor of God toward us as sinners because of Christ – all this we receive one right after another.

Ephesians 3:19

“And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Reference.com: Being rooted indicates stability and nourishment. Just like a tree needs strong roots to thrive, Christians need their foundation in God’s love. When we are rooted in love, we can withstand life’s challenges and grow spiritually. This rooting process allows us to experience peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from knowing Christ intimately . . . Being rooted indicates stability and nourishment. Just like a tree needs strong roots to thrive, Christians need their foundation in God’s love. When we are rooted in love, we can withstand life’s challenges and grow spiritually. This rooting process allows us to experience peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from knowing Christ intimately.

Verse Three

“If you say He saved you from your sin,

Now you're weak, you're bound and cannot enter in,

You can make it right if you will yield,

You'll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.”

Hebrews 12:11

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Godsbless.ing: The author emphasizes the transformative power of God’s discipline in our lives. Like a loving parent correcting their child for their own good, God’s discipline is intended to mold and shape us into better and more righteous individuals. This verse speaks to the idea that challenges and trials, when seen through the lens of faith, can ultimately lead to growth and the cultivation of virtues such as patience, perseverance, and humility.

Refrain

“Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,

Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.

And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;

Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived,

When we shall leave this place.”

Psalm 85:6

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

Godsbless.ing: What a poignant plea from the psalmist in this verse! The desire for renewal and restoration emanates from the depths of the writer’s heart. It reflects a yearning for a fresh outpouring of God’s presence and blessings upon the people. The psalmist longs for a revival that will not only bring joy and rejoicing to the community but also reignite their faith and devotion to God . . . It stands as a poignant reminder of the universal need for spiritual revival and the profound joy that emanates from a renewed connection with God.

I am indebted to the following resources:

Umcdiscipleship.org

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

En.wikipedia.org

Staugustine.com, Lindsay Terry

Umc.org, Crystal Caviness

By His Grace .  . 

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

Many hymn writers say they struggle when composing a hymn text, revising and tweaking it until the meter and choice of images are exactly right. Others conceive the hymn as a whole and transmit it to paper as quickly as they can write it down. That is how “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go,” came to be written.

George Matheson was born on March 27, 1842, in Glasgow, Scotland to George and Jane Matheson. He was the eldest of eight children. He suffered poor eyesight from birth, and at age 15 learned that he was going blind.  Not one to be easily discouraged, he enrolled in the University of Glasgow.  Matheson’s three sisters rose to the occasion and tutored him through his studies—even going so far as to learn Hebrew, Greek, and Latin to be able to help their brother.  With their help he was able to complete his studies

After graduation, he answered a call to serve as pastor of a church in Innellan, Argylshire, Scotland.  He had a successful ministry there, and was later called to serve as pastor of the much larger (2000 member) St. Bernard’s Church in Edinburgh.

"O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" was written on the evening of Matheson’s sister’s marriage. Years before, he had been engaged, until his fiancée learned that he was going blind—that there was nothing the doctors could do—and she told him that she could not go through life with a blind man and broke off the engagement.

Now with his sister to be married, Matheson found himself alone again. It was out of this moment of bittersweetness – even deep despondency – that Matheson wrote such comforting lyrics. He provides us with an account of the origins of this hymn:

“My hymn was composed in the manse of Innellan on the evening of the 6th of June, 1882. . . Something happened to me, which was known only to myself, and which caused me the most severe mental suffering. The hymn was the fruit of that suffering. It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the impression rather of having it dictated to me by some inward voice than of working it out myself.

“I am quite sure that the whole work was completed in five minutes, and equally sure it never received at my hands any retouching or correction. I have no natural gift of rhythm. All the other verses I have ever written are manufactured articles; this came like a dayspring from on high. I have never been able to gain once more the same fervor in verse.”

This hymn is a celebration of God’s extravagant love, with images of rainbows emerging from rain, joy arising from pain, blossoms springing from dry ground. It celebrates a love that is faithful, not fickle, a love that will endure through the worst of life’s crises, a love in which our weary souls can rest from all the stress

The Scottish hymnal committee asked Albert L. Peace, a well-known Scottish organist, to write the tune for the lyrics.  According to Peace, the tune came to him as quickly as the text had come to Matheson: “After reading it over carefully, I wrote the music straight off and may say that the ink of the first note was hardly dry when I had finished the tune.”

Matheson suffered two severe blows that could have stopped him—the loss of his eyesight and the loss of his beloved.  In both cases, he made the best of a bad situation—and we are all the richer for it.  As this hymn reveals, it was his faith in God that kept him going through the adversities that he suffered.  He believed that God’s love would not let him go—and that God’s light would follow him all his way—and that God’s joy would seek him through his pain—and that faith made all the difference.

Verse One

“O love that will not let me go,

I rest my weary soul in Thee;

I give Thee back the life I owe,

That in thine ocean depths its flow

May richer, fuller be.”

Mark 8:35

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.”

Godsbless.ing: This powerful verse from the book of Mark challenges us to reflect on the true value of our lives and the priorities we hold. It urges us to consider whether we are living for ourselves and our own desires, or if we are willing to surrender our lives in service to something greater. This verse invites us to rethink our understanding of success and fulfillment by highlighting the paradox that saving one’s life leads to its loss, while losing one’s life for the sake of a higher cause results in salvation.

Studylight.org, Bridgeway Bible Commentary: The disciples of Jesus are those who have given their lives to Jesus, and they will be obedient to their Master even if it leads to hardship, persecution and death. They will no longer rule their own lives but will deny themselves personal desires in order to please Jesus. In sacrificing the life that puts self-first, they will find the only true life.

Verse Two

“O Light that follows all my way,

I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee;

My heart restores its borrowed ray,

That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day,

May brighter, fairer be.”

Ephesians 5:8

“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

Studylight.org, Contending for the Faith: In the same way that we once personified darkness, we now are "light in the Lord." We are "the light of the world." Paul tells the Philippians to "prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world." Our way of life contrasts so significantly with the sinful world that the difference is like the dissimilarity of darkness and light . . . Those who walk about in darkness "do not know nor do they understand" the will of the Lord. Those who "walk in the light" understand what it means to follow Jesus

Colossians 1:12

“Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: As we think about the “inheritance of the saints in light,” we are reminded that this inheritance is not just for us personally, but for all of God’s people. We become part of a grand story, woven into the fabric of the faithful throughout history – a connection that transcends time and space. This inheritance includes spiritual gifts, blessings, and the hope of eternal life with God. Therefore, we are encouraged as we reflect on our relationship with God and the wonder of what it means to be called His children . . . "The saints in light” points to the holy community of believers. It connects the historical and modern-day followers of Jesus under a shared light. This emphasizes that our journey is part of something bigger than ourselves, promoting unity among believers. As we live out our faith, we extend God’s light to others, reflecting the love we have received.

Verse Three

“O Joy that seekest me thru' pain,

I cannot close my heart to Thee;

I trace the rainbow thru' the rain,

And feel the promise is not vain,

That morn shall tearless be.”

Acts 2:39

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.”

Godsbless.ing: This verse reminds us of the vast and inclusive nature of God’s promises. It reassures us that the promise of salvation and blessings is not limited to a certain group or generation but is meant for everyone. It emphasizes that this promise is not restricted by time or distance, but is available to all who seek it, regardless of their background or circumstances . . . The promise “for all whom the Lord our God will call” highlights divine initiative. God’s calling transcends human boundaries, echoing, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This inclusivity is crucial in understanding that the gospel is meant for everyone, regardless of background or status. It assures us that God’s grace reaches beyond our immediate circles, offering hope to the marginalized and distant

Ephesians 3:6

“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

Enduringword.com: This describes the mystery itself – that believing Jews and believing Gentiles are joined together into one body of Christ, into one Church, and no longer separated before God as such . . . The truth of this mystery means that Gentiles are now full partakers of His promise. This was a privilege no longer reserved only for the believing Jewish person . . . This could only happen through the gospel, where all men have an equal standing in Jesus. This is the same gospel Paul is a servant of, because of the gift of grace given to him by the working of God’s power.

Verse Four

“O cross that liftest up my head,

I dare not ask to fly from Thee;

I lay in dust life's glory dead,

And from the ground there blossoms red,

Life that shall endless be.”

Romans 6:22

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”

ExplainingtheBible.com: The promise of eternal life is something that fills us with hope. Understanding this life-transforming truth impacts how we view our day-to-day lives and the trials we face. The knowledge that our journey with God leads to everlasting connections brings purpose to our efforts here and now. Living in the light of eternal life shapes our attitudes, actions, and interactions with others. We no longer live with the fear of death or the despair of our past; instead, we have the assurance of God’s love for eternity.

John 3:15

“That whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.”

Bibleoutlined.com: This proclamation emphasizes that all who believe are afforded the opportunity for eternal life, suggesting that our salvation hinges on our acceptance of Him. It’s here that we realize the responsibility falls upon us to choose faith over doubt and fear . . . the promise of eternal life encourages us to maintain hope. While life can be challenging, the assurance of spending eternity with God can lighten our load. This perspective shifts our focus to the good that lies ahead, inspiring us to live faithfully and joyfully as we anticipate our forever home with Him.

 

I am indebted to the following resources:

Umcdiscipleship.org

Sermonwriter.com

Dianaleaghmatthews.com

Askherabouthymn.com

Gospelreformation.net

En.wikipedia.org

By His Grace . . .