A Story on the Christmas Hymn, “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,” by William Petersen

Although prolific hymnwriter Charles Wesley penned eighteen Christmas songs, he was never content with simply painting the picture of the manger scene. He needed to go deeper. In this hymn, he begins by alluding to scriptural prophecies of Christ. Moving on to personal application, he continues: Christ is not only the “desire of every nation”; he is the “joy of every longing heart.” He is not only the child born with the “government.... on his shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6); he is also “born to reign in us forever.”

Such personal application was a hallmark of the Wesleys’ ministry. Charles and his brother John challenged the staid Anglican traditions of their time. The church of their day had great scholarship; its theology was orthodox. Christians sang hymns straight from Scripture. But the Wesleys asked, “Does this mean anything to you? Is the biblical story about long-ago events or about what is going on in your life?” They urged people to meet Christ personally and to include him in every part of their lives—even their hymn singing.

Scriptures: Daniel 7:13-14; Haggai 2:7; Luke 1:32-35
Themes: Birth of Christ, Prophecy, Hope

Lyrics of the Hymn:
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
Thine own eternal spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

By CHARLES WESLEY (1707–1788)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 212-213). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS: A Hymn Story by William Petersen

The song “Count Your Blessings” was written by Johnson Oatman Jr. His father, Johnson Oatman Sr., a prominent businessman in the small town of Lumberton, New Jersey, was the best singer in church and probably in the whole community.

Johnson Oatman Jr. worked in his father’s business all his life. He also became ordained as a Methodist preacher, so he often preached in one of the small Methodist churches in the area. But he could never sing like his father could sing.

However, when he was thirty-six years old, Oatman counted his blessings and discovered another talent. He could write songs, and for the next three decades he wrote four or five new gospel songs each week. He didn’t want any money for them, but his publisher insisted, so Oatman finally agreed to accept one dollar per song. 

Scriptures: Psalm 28:7; Psalm 103:1-5; Ephesians 1:3
Themes: Thanksgiving, Praise, Joy

Lyrics of the Hymn:

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in Heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

By JOHNSON OATMAN JR. (1856–1922)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 657-658). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on COME, YE THANKFUL PEOPLE, COME, by William Petersen

Many Christians are in the habit of giving thanks before meals. It is said that Henry Alford also gave thanks after meals, standing and offering his gratitude to God for the blessings just received. He also did this at the end of the day. Indeed, Alford was one of the “thankful people” that he writes about in this hymn. 

But this song isn’t just about thanksgiving for what God has done. It is also about work completed, a job well done. It is about aching muscles and full barns, sun-reddened faces and meals of plenty. It was written to be used at harvest festivals in villages throughout England. Each village observed a celebration whenever it brought in its harvest, and Alford, one of the leading churchmen in England in the nineteenth century, provided this hymn of thanks. It was originally called “After Harvest.”

Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 16:8-9; Psalm 92:1; Psalm 146:7-11

Themes: Thanksgiving, Creation, Second Coming

Lyrics of the Hymn:
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home. 

All the world is God’s own field,
Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
All offenses purge away,
Give His angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast,
But the fruitful ears to store
In His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come,
Bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified,
In Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.

By HENRY ALFORD (1810–1871)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 656-657). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER, by William Petersen

According to one account, the author of this hymn was a blind preacher and curio-shop owner in Coleshill, England. He carved ornaments out of ivory or wood and sold them in his small store. He also wrote poetry. One day, when a local minister stopped at the store, William Walford, the blind shop owner, mentioned that he had composed a poem in his head. He asked the minister to write it down for him. Three years later, the minister visited the United States and gave the poem to a newspaper editor.

Unfortunately, no one knows what happened to William Walford of Coleshill. Researchers have found a William Walford, a minister in Homerton, England, who wrote a book on prayer that expresses many of the same thoughts that are given in this poem. That may be the true author.

But the identity of the hymnwriter is not as important as knowing a God who hears and answers prayer. In our hymns, prayer is frequently rhymed with care. This is appropriate, for whenever we are aware of care, we should be equally aware of prayer. God cares about us, and that motivates us to pray.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 34:1; Matthew 7:11; Matthew 21:22; Ephesians 6:18
Themes: Prayer, Comfort, Hope 

Lyrics of the Hymn:
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known;
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
The joys I feel, the bliss I share
Of those whose anxious spirits burn
With strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
Where God my Savior shows His face,
And gladly take my station there,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
By WILLIAM W. WALFORD (1772–1850)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 589-591). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS, by William Petersen

Robert Lowry, who wrote this hymn, wore many hats. He was a professor of literature at Bucknell University for a while, and he served as pastor of churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. He liked to write music for gospel songs, and he worked with Fanny Crosby and others as a lyricist. Occasionally he would write both words and music as he did for the triumphant Easter hymn “Low in the Grave He Lay” and this one, “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.”

There’s a simplicity about this tune. It has a five-note range, the basses have only two notes to sing, and the guitar players have just two basic chords. But Lowry might say that it is simple because salvation is simple. We try to complicate it, to add more chords and harmonies to it, but salvation is really “nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

Scriptures: Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:9; Hebrews 9:22; 

Themes: Crucifixion, Sins, Salvation.

Lyrics of the Hymn: 

What can wash away my sin? 

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow; 

No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon this I see—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing, this my plea—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

By ROBERT LOWRY (1826–1899)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 621-622). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A Beautiful Way to Beat Discouragement!

Two years, five months ago, I posted an article titled, “Dealing with Discouragement.” In it, I shared about seven individuals in the Bible whom I considered “Excellent Encouragers,” in that they handled discouragement well. One of the individuals was Joseph and I noted that “he was convinced that God was with him and that He had a plan and purpose for his life.” Joseph, therefore, never lost hope.

Today, a friend shared Genesis 50:20 with me and I decided to look at the verse closely. The Scripture verse says,

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position, so I could save the lives of many people” (NLT)

After thinking about the verse, I thought of God’s purposeful intention as a beautiful way to beat discouragement in our lives. When we realize that God has a plan and purpose for what’s happening to us, we can find consolation. The apostle Paul in Romans 8:28-30 put it this way:

“Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. God, in his foreknowledge, chose them to bear the family likeness of his Son, that he might be the eldest of a family of many brothers. He chose them long ago; when the time came he called them, he made them righteous in his sight, and then lifted them to the splendour of life as his own sons” (J. B. Phillips New Testament)

Of course, Joseph may not have comprehended all that was happening to him at the time. However, one thing is sure: Because He depended on God and counted on the accomplishment of God’s purposes in his life, Joseph became God’s instrument not only to save the land of Egypt but also the whole nation of Israel, thus bringing about a fulfillment of his earlier dreams. When his being sold into slavery in Egypt or his being falsely accused and thrown into prison is looked at through the eyes of God’s purposeful intention, things begin to make sense. Instead of succumbing to discouragement, we can instead delight in the Lord (cf. Psalm 37:4).

God’s purposeful intention in relation to Joseph’s story in Genesis maybe summed up as follows: He turns a bad intention into a good intention and uses it to save the lives of many people through us. May the Lord perfect that which concerns each of us so He may accomplish His purposes through our lives. As a result, we will testify of His goodness and in a beautiful way beat discouragement. May God bless you, richly!

Note: You may read the article referenced above, here:Dealing with Discouragement

Hymn Story, on JESUS CALLS US, by William Petersen

Most of the hymns that Cecil Alexander wrote were written for children, and many of her best children’s hymns were written before she was twenty years old.

When Cecil was thirty-two, she married William Alexander, a parish minister in an impoverished rural area of Northern Ireland. She loved the people. One writer says, “From one house to another, from one bed of sickness to another, from one sorrow to another she went.” Another describes her life this way: “Day after day she rode over the wet moorlands in all weathers, carrying food, warm clothing, medical supplies to the impoverished and sick.”  

One day her husband asked her to write a hymn for adults. He would be preaching on the call of Andrew by Jesus on the shores of Galilee, and he needed a hymn to go along with his sermon. So, she wrote “Jesus Calls Us,” a simple hymn with a powerful application. It was one of the few hymns that she wrote for adults.

Scriptures: Exodus 3:10-12; Matthew 4:18-20; Luke 9:23
Themes: Discipleship, Dedication, Service

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult
Of our life’s wild, restless sea,
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, “Christian, follow Me.” 

Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, “Christian, love Me more.” 

In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love Me more than these.”

Jesus calls us: by Thy mercies,
Savior, may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.

By CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER (1818–1895)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 342-343). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on MY FAITH HAS FOUND A RESTING PLACE, by William Petersen

The pioneering radio preacher Donald Grey Barnhouse used to ask, “When you get to the pearly gates and God asks, ‘What right do you have to come into my Heaven?’ what will you say?” This song is an answer to that question. Some might flash their church membership cards or dangle their perfect-attendance Sunday school pins before the Master.  

Some might spout the theology they have learned or present their résumés packed with good deeds. “You should let me in because I would be an asset to your community. I would sing alto in your choir, and I could help out with the youth group.”  

But God does not run heaven like a country club or a successful corporation. We cannot get in on our own qualifications. The door is barred to all who try to earn their entry. But it swings wide open for the simple saint who affirms in faith, “I need no other argument, / I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, / And that He died for me.”

Scriptures: John 6:37-39; Titus 3:4-7; 1 John 5:13

Themes: Faith, Assurance, Trust

Lyrics of the Hymn:

My faith has found a resting place— 
Not in device or creed:
I trust the Ever-Living One— 
His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument,
I need no other plea; 
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves—
This ends my fear and doubt; 
A sinful soul I come to Him— 
He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word— 
The written Word of God: 
Salvation by my Savior’s name— 
Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick— 
The lost He came to save; 
For me His precious blood He shed— 
For me His life He gave. 
By ELIZA EDMUNDS HEWITT (1851–1920)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 617-618). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on STEPPING IN THE LIGHT, by William Petersen

There are at least two reasons why Eliza Hewitt wrote this gospel song. As a thirty-six-year-old schoolteacher in Philadelphia, she was struck with a heavy slate by one of her students and suffered severe spinal injuries. After being confined to her home throughout the winter, she was permitted by her doctor to take short walks outside during the spring.  

Being able to get out into the spring sunshine did much for her spirits. It also was an inspiration for her songwriting. It was then that she wrote “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today” and, two years later, “Stepping in the Light.” You can imagine the delight she felt as she took each slow step in the sunshine. “How beautiful to walk,” she writes, and it was especially beautiful for her.

A second reason behind this song is that during her convalescence she spent time studying the promises of God in Scripture. “Live as people of light,” Paul told the Ephesians, “and carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Eliza spent a long time “trying to walk.”

Scriptures: Ephesians 5:8-9; Colossians 2:6; 1 John 1:7
Themes: Light, Obedience, Christlikeness

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Trying to follow our Savior and King;
Shaping our lives by His blessed example,
Happy, how happy, the songs that we bring.  

How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Stepping in the light, stepping in the light;
How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior, led in paths of light. 

Pressing more closely to Him who is leading,
When we are tempted to turn from the way;
Trusting the arm that is strong to defend us,
Happy, how happy, our praises each day. 

Walking in footsteps of gentle forbearance,
Footsteps of faithfulness, mercy, and love,
Looking to Him for the grace freely promised,
Happy, how happy, our journey above. 

Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Upward, still upward we’ll follow our Guide;
When we shall see Him, “the King in His beauty,”
Happy, how happy, our place at His side.

By ELIZA EDMUNDS HEWITT (1851–1920)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 190-191). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS' NAME, by William Petersen

E. P. Scott, a missionary to India, saw an unusual-looking tribesman on the street, and he asked where the man came from. He was told that the man was from a mountain tribe and came only once a year to the major city to trade. Scott also discovered that the gospel had never been taken to that tribe.

After praying about it, he packed up his bags and violin and started in the direction of the mountain village. When Scott told senior missionaries where he was going, they told him, “We will never see you again. It is madness for you to go.” But he went anyway.  

He traveled for two days and finally found himself in the mountains. Suddenly he was surrounded by spear-carrying tribesmen, and every spear was pointed at him. Not knowing what else to do, Scott got out his violin and sang and played “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” including the verse, “Let every kindred, ev’ry tribe, / On this terrestrial ball, / To Him all majesty ascribe, / And crown Him Lord of all.”

The spears had now dropped from the men’s hands, and he could see tears in their eyes. He spent the next two-and-a-half years telling them about Jesus and his love for them. When Scott had to leave them because of his health, the tribespeople escorted him forty miles to where he could get other transportation.  

Scriptures: Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:15-20; Revelation 5:11-13; Revelation 19:11-13, 16
Themes: Praise, Jesus as Lord, God’s Majesty  

Lyrics of the Song:

All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all! 

Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Let ev’ry kindred, ev’ry tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!

O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all;
We’ll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all! 

By EDWARD PERRONET (1726–1792) Altered by John Rippon (1751–1836)

 Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 6-7). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

OVERCOMING FEAR!

Yesterday, I had the joy and privilege of preaching at the Tulsa International Baptist Church on “Overcoming Fear.” Several members of the church told me that it was a timely message. During the preaching, I sensed the Lord was speaking to His people through the message that was translated into Chinese. In fact, three individuals came to the front of the church requesting for prayer when we did the Altar Call. As I prayed for them, I trust the Lord met them at the points of their needs. Afterwards, I also got an opportunity to talk with two others who found the message encouraging. I will stay in touch with them for continued encouragement. To God be the glory!

Below is the outline of the sermon I preached yesterday. Please leave a comment on this post if it is a blessing to you.

Sermon title and text:

“OVERCOMING FEAR” 

“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
(Isaiah 41:10, NKJV)

Central Idea:

FAITH, accompanied with the Word, prayer, and love, OVERCOMES FEAR

 Points to Ponder:

A.     Overcoming Fear with Faith in God’s Word

1. “365 ‘Fear Nots’ in the Bible,” e.g. Joshua 1:5-9; Isaiah 35:4; Daniel 10:19; Jeremiah 10:17, etc.

2. An intake of God’s Word eliminates Fear (cf. Romans 10:17) 

B.     Overcoming Fear with Faith in Prayer

1. “The Word of God produces faith that makes prayer dynamic and vital.” Taken from Jim Cymbala’s DVD teaching titled, “When God’s People Pray”

2. James 5:16b, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (NLT)

C.      Overcoming Fear with Faith and Perfect Love

1. “...perfect love casts out all fear” (cf. I John 4:17-18)--

“17And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 18Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.” (NLT)

2. When we seek the Lord, He delivers us from all our fears (cf. Psalm 34:4)--

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
    He freed me from all my fears.” (NLT).

Conclusion:

FAITH, accompanied with the Word, prayer, and love, OVERCOMES FEAR. Therefore, without God’s Word which is “the sword of the Spirt” (Ephesians 6:17), we have nothing to draw and defend ourselves from fear. Similarly, without prayer, our lifeline to God, we have no way to seek for God’s deliverance from fear and we will be dragged away into Satan's den of fear. Lastly, without a perfect love relationship between us and the Lord, we give the devil a foothold through which he can bombard us with fear.Though we don’t know what the future holds, for instance, we know Jesus who holds the future. We, therefore, don't have to fear the future. Instead, let us trust Jesus with our future and everything else about our lives. When fear knocks at the door, let us send faith to answer the door. 

"²⁴May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.²⁵ May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.²⁶ May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

Hymn Story, on A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD, by William Petersen

The poet Samuel Coleridge said of Martin Luther, “He did as much for the Reformation by his hymns as he did by his translation of the Bible.”  

Martin Luther’s grandest hymn is this one, inspired by the forty-sixth psalm. It became the battle cry of the Reformation. Martin Luther probably wrote it at a time when evangelical leaders were delivering their protest against the attack on their liberties at the Diet of Speyer. And incidentally, the meaning of the word protestant was no doubt derived from that meeting when these leaders delivered their protest.  

Martin Luther had posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Church in October 1517, about thirteen years earlier. Despite his excommunication from the Roman church, Luther came to know the gracious power of God’s sheltering hand. He faced continual threats to his life and freedom, and times of intense spiritual battle as well. But in the comforting words of Psalm 46, Luther found the inspiration for this hymn: “A mighty fortress is our God!” 

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 33:27; 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalm 20:7; Psalm 46:1-3

Themes: Security, Trust, Confidence

Lyrics of the Hymn: 

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe—
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not His equal. 

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He—
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him—
His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure:
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also—
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still:
His kingdom is forever.

By MARTIN LUTHER (1483–1546) Translated by Frederick H. Hedge (1805–1890)

Reference for the Hymn: 

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 370-371). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE, by William Petersen

Sarah Adams had to say farewell often, and it was always hard. Her mother had died when Sarah was only five—that was her first farewell. At thirty-two, as an actress playing Lady Macbeth in London’s Richmond Theater, she said farewell to the stage. She wanted to continue, but her health was failing. The health of her sister was also poor, and Adams feared the day when she would have to bid her farewell. She began to question her faith. Why did God seem so far away?  

When Adams’s pastor asked her and her sister to help him prepare a hymnal, the two responded eagerly, writing thirteen texts and sixty-two new tunes. As the sisters were finishing their work, their pastor mentioned that he was planning a sermon about Jacob’s dream of a ladder ascending to heaven and he needed an appropriate hymn. Adams soon completed the five stanzas of “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” In her own life, she learned that each step we take—even the difficult and painful farewells—only draws us nearer to God.  

Scriptures: Genesis 28:10-15; Psalm 119:148-152; James 4:8

Themes: Dedication, Service, Death  

Lyrics for the Hymn: 

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;

Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.  

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,

Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;

Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee. 

There let the way appear steps unto heav’n;

All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv’n;

Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.  

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;

So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee.  

By SARAH FLOWER ADAMS (1805–1848)

Reference for the Hymn: 

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 580). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on BLESSED ASSURANCE, by William Petersen

Fanny Crosby wrote more than eight thousand hymns and used more than two hundred pen names. Under contract to a music publisher, she wrote three new hymns each week during much of her adult life. The fact that she was blind didn’t diminish her productivity. She would formulate an entire song in her mind and then dictate it to a friend or a secretary.  

One of her good friends was Phoebe Palmer Knapp, wife of the founder of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. One time when Knapp came to Brooklyn to see Crosby, she brought a tune with her that she had composed. “Play it for me on the organ,” Crosby requested. Knapp did and then asked, “What does this tune say?” She turned to see Crosby kneeling in prayer. Knapp played it a second time and then a third. Finally, the blind woman responded, “That says, ‘Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!’”

Scriptures: Romans 8:1,16-17; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 10:18-20; 1 John 5:13

Themes: Assurance, Submission, Praise, Salvation 

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long. 

Perfect submission, perfect delight!

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 

Perfect submission—all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest;

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. 

By FANNY JANE CROSBY (1820–1915)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 94). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story, on THE SOLID ROCK, by William Petersen

Many of the British hymn writers were children of clergy or from middle- or upper-class backgrounds. But not Edward Mote. His parents kept a pub in London. Mote said, “My Sundays were spent in the streets; so ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God.” He was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker who took him to church, where he heard the gospel message. Mote himself became a successful cabinetmaker in a London suburb and was active in his local church.   

Mote wrote this hymn while he was working as a cabinetmaker. The chorus came to his mind as he was walking to work, and later in the day the stanzas came to him. The following Sunday afternoon, he visited the dying wife of a close friend. Mote didn’t know exactly what to say to her, so he quoted the four verses of the hymn he had just written. At the end of each verse, he repeated these words: “On Christ, the solid rock I stand; / All other ground is sinking sand.”   

Two years later, he published the hymn and titled it “The Immutable Basis of a Sinner’s Hope.” It is a hymn that combines deep biblical theology with sincere personal experience.  

Scriptures: Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1 John 1:6-9
Themes: Hope, Salvation, Assurance 

Lyrics of the Hymn:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil. 

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!


Reference for the Hymn Story:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 112-113). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Hymn Story on “How Firm a Foundation” by William Petersen

When it was first printed, this hymn was simply called “Scripture Promises.” In a 1787 hymnal, the words of 2 Peter 1:4 were printed above the first stanza: “Exceeding great and precious promises” (KJV). Each stanza of the hymn emphasizes a different promise in God’s Word. The second stanza is based on Isaiah 41:10; the third on Isaiah 43:2; the fourth on 2 Corinthians 12:9; and the fifth on Hebrews 13:5, which concludes “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”  

The final lines of this hymn are among the most memorable in the hymnal: “That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, / I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!” If it still isn’t clear, you can add a couple more “no nevers” to it.  

Scriptures: Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Heb. 13:5; 2 Peter 1:4

Themes: Faith, Promises, Assurance, Trust  

Lyrics of the Hymn:

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,

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

 “Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed,

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen thee, 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.”

 “The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”

“K” IN RIPPON’S A SELECTION OF HYMNS, 1787

Reference for Hymn Story:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 102). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Thankful for God's grace and a garden with flowers!

Oftentimes,​ ​the​ ​aftermath​ ​of​ ​​ ​tornadic​ ​activity,​ ​a​ ​terrorist​ ​attack,​ ​a​ ​raging​ ​fire,​ ​or​ ​a​ ​threatening hurricane​ ​shakes​ ​us​ ​to​ ​the​ ​core​ ​and​ ​confronts​ ​us​ ​with​ ​what​ ​is​ ​most​ ​important​ ​in​ ​life.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​not​ ​the things​ ​we​ ​own​ ​that​ ​matter​ ​the​ ​most.​ ​Instead,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​our​ ​very​ ​lives​ ​and​ ​the​ ​lives​ ​of​ ​our​ ​loved​ ​ones.​ ​Our houses,​ ​school​ ​buildings​ ​or​ ​business​ ​premises​ ​may​ ​be​ ​rebuilt​ ​later, but once​ ​lives​ ​are​ ​lost, ​it​ ​is impossible​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​them​ ​back. The only exception, ​of​ ​course​, is at ​Jesus’​ ​Second​ ​Coming​ ​when​ ​the​ ​dead​ ​in​ ​Christ​ ​will rise​ ​first​ ​to​ ​meet​ ​the​ ​Lord​ ​in​ ​the​ ​air​ ​ (cf.​ ​1​ ​Thessalonians​ ​4:16-18).  

On​ ​May​ ​20,​ ​2013,​ ​a​ ​tornado​ ​touched​ ​down​ ​in​ ​a​ ​city​ ​where​ ​some​ ​of​ ​my​ ​friends​ ​live,​ ​and​ ​caused​ ​much damage​ ​and​ ​devastation.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​an​ ​EF5​ ​tornado,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​considered​ ​the​ ​most​ ​intense​ ​of​ ​tornadoes, according​ ​to​ ​Enhanced​ ​Fujita​ ​Scale.​ ​The​ ​intensity​ ​and​ ​destructive​ ​nature​ ​of​ ​the​ ​tornado​ ​had​ ​“peak winds​ ​estimated​ ​at​ ​210 mph​ ​(340 km/h),​ ​killing​ ​24​ ​people​ (plus​ ​one​ ​indirect​ ​fatality)​ ​and​ ​injuring 377​ ​others”​ ​(Wikipedia).

​ A​ ​few​ ​days​ ​after​ ​the​ ​tornado,​ ​someone​ ​shared​ ​a​ ​photo​ ​(above)​ ​which​ ​contained​ ​a​ ​sign​ ​that​ ​was found​ ​amidst​ ​the​ ​damage​ ​and​ ​devastation​ ​that​ ​the​ ​tornado​ ​caused.​ ​The​ ​sign​ ​read:​ ​“​The​ ​most important​ ​things​ ​in​ ​life​ ​aren’t​ ​things​.”​ ​It​ ​reminded​ ​me​ ​of​ ​what​ ​I​ ​learned​ ​in​ ​my​ ​General​ ​Psychology class​ ​in​ ​college:​ ​“Things​ ​are​ ​meant​ ​to​ ​be​ ​used,​ ​and​ ​people​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​loved.”

If​ ​things​ ​are​ ​not​ ​most​ ​important​ ​in​ ​this​ ​life, ​ ​then​ what​ ​is​ ​most​ ​important? ​ ​Notice, ​ ​the​ ​sign​ ​doesn’t​ ​say things​ ​are​ ​not​ ​important, ​ ​it​ ​says​ ​things​ ​are​ ​not​ ​the​ ​most​ ​important​ ​in​ ​life.

What​ ​is​ ​most​ ​important​ ​to​ ​us​ ​in​ ​life​ ​are​ ​mainly​ ​our​ ​relationships​ ​with​ ​God, ​ ​family​ ​and​ ​close​ ​friends. When​ ​the​ ​tornado​ ​struck​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​people​ ​were​ ​concerned​ ​for​ ​their​ ​friends​ ​and​ ​family,​ ​and​ ​so​ ​they prayed​ ​for​ ​their​ ​protection.​ ​They​ ​also​ ​phoned,​ ​Facebooked,​ ​tweeted,​ ​and​ ​sent​ ​text​ ​messages​ ​to​ ​find out​ ​if​ ​they​ ​were​ ​okay.​ ​I​ ​called​ ​to​ ​check​ ​if​ ​my​ ​friend​ ​(who’s​ ​a​ ​pastor​ ​in​ ​that​ ​city)​ ​was​ ​okay.​ ​Thankfully, he​ ​was​ ​okay,​ ​but​ ​my​ ​heart​ ​ached​ ​for​ ​the​ ​families​ ​that​ ​were​ ​mourning​ ​the​ ​loss​ ​of​ ​their​ ​loved​ ​ones even​ ​though​ ​I​ ​didn’t​ ​know​ ​them.​ ​The​ ​people​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​and​ ​its​ ​environs​ ​treated​ ​each​ ​other​ ​as members​ ​of​ ​a​ ​big​ ​family​ ​and​ ​were​ ​giving​ ​helping​ ​hands​ ​through​ ​the​ ​search​ ​and​ ​rescue​ ​efforts​ ​and​ ​the clean-up.

My​ ​life’s​ ​motto-“First​ ​Things​ ​First”-​ ​is​ ​based​ ​on​ ​Matthew​ ​6:33:​ ​“​Seek​ ​ye​ ​first​ ​the​ ​kingdom​ ​of​ ​God, and​ ​His​ ​righteousness;​ ​and​ ​all​ ​these​ ​things​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​added​ ​unto​ ​you​”​ ​(KJV).​ ​I​ ​have​ ​embraced​ ​this verse​ ​as​ ​my​ ​life​ ​verse​ ​because​ ​it​ ​helps​ ​me​ ​clarify​ ​my​ ​priorities.​ ​The​ ​verse​ ​reminds​ ​me​ ​that​ ​if​ ​I​ ​seek first​ ​things​ ​first​ ​[give​ ​God​ ​first​ ​place​ ​in​ ​my​ ​life],​ ​I​ ​will​ ​get​ ​the​ ​second​ ​things​ ​[necessities​ ​of​ ​life]​ ​as​ ​well. However,​ ​if​ ​I​ ​seek​ ​the​ ​second​ ​things​ ​first,​ ​I​ ​will​ ​miss​ ​both.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​some​ ​people​ ​who​ ​put things​ ​first,​ ​but​ ​they​ ​don’t​ ​realize​ ​that​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​the​ ​day,​ ​it’s​ ​not​ ​who​ ​has​ ​the​ ​most​ ​toys​ ​that’s going​ ​to​ ​win​ ​in​ ​the​ ​end.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​the​ ​one​ ​who​ ​knows​ ​Jesus​ ​(the​ ​way,​ ​the​ ​truth,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​life)​ ​in​ ​this​ ​life​ ​and has,​ ​thus,​ ​discovered​ ​how​ ​to​ ​get​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Father​ ​(cf.​ ​John​ ​14:6)​ ​that​ ​will​ ​have​ ​the​ ​victory. 

To​ ​deepen​ ​my​ ​relationship​ ​with​ ​God, ​ ​family, ​ ​and​ ​friends, ​ ​I​ ​must​ ​intentionally​ ​spend​ ​time​ ​with​ ​them. As​ ​my​ ​friend​ ​once​ ​said, ​ ​LOVE​ ​is​ ​spelt​ ​ “T-I-M-E.” ​ ​If​ ​we​ ​love​ ​God, ​ ​we​ ​will​ ​spend​ ​time​ ​with​ ​Him​ ​in​ ​prayer and​ ​through​ ​service​ ​for​ ​His​ ​glory. ​ ​Similarly, ​ ​because​ ​we​ ​love​ ​our​ ​family​ ​and​ ​friends, ​ ​we​ ​will​ ​carve​ ​out some​ ​time​ ​to​ ​spend​ ​with​ ​them, ​ ​no​ ​matter​ ​how​ ​short​ ​or​ ​long​ ​it​ ​maybe. 

One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​things​ ​I​ ​bear​ ​in​ ​mind​ ​is​ ​the​ ​fact​ ​that​ ​this​ ​life​ ​is​ ​a​ ​preparation​ ​for​ ​eternity.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​crucial, therefore,​ ​that​ ​each​ ​of​ ​us​ ​asks​ ​himself​ ​or​ ​herself,​ ​“Where​ ​will​ ​I​ ​spend​ ​eternity,​ ​and​ ​which​ ​kingdom am​ ​I​ ​serving?”​ ​When​ ​we​ ​choose​ ​to​ ​serve​ ​the​ ​Lord,​ ​it​ ​doesn’t​ ​mean​ ​we​ ​won’t​ ​experience​ ​tough​ ​times, but​ ​it​ ​means​ ​we​ ​have​ ​Someone​ ​[Jesus]​ ​with​ ​us​ ​whenever​ ​we​ ​face​ ​tough​ ​times.​ ​I​ ​believe​ ​times​ ​of​ ​crisis are​ ​golden​ ​opportunities​ ​for​ ​us​ ​to​ ​rethink​ ​and​ ​rewrite​ ​our​ ​values. 

In​ ​some​ ​way,​ ​the​ ​crises​ ​that​ ​I​ ​have​ ​faced​ ​in​ ​life,​ ​or​ ​seen​ ​others​ ​face,​ ​have​ ​helped​ ​me​ ​see​ ​in​ ​a crystal-clear​ ​way​ ​that​ ​my​ ​relationship​ ​with​ ​God​ ​is​ ​the​ ​most​ ​important​ ​of​ ​relationships.​ ​I​ ​also appreciate​ ​the​ ​relationship​ ​that​ ​I​ ​have​ ​with​ ​my​ ​family​ ​members​ ​both​ ​at​ ​home​ ​and​ ​in​ ​the​ ​church.​ ​The relationship​ ​with​ ​my​ ​close​ ​friends​ ​adds​ ​a​ ​great​ ​dimension​ ​to​ ​life,​ ​for​ ​I​ ​cannot​ ​imagine​ ​a​ ​life​ ​without friends—it​ ​is​ ​like​ ​a​ ​garden​ ​without​ ​flowers.​ ​Thank​ ​you​ ​Lord​ ​for​ ​saving​ ​my​ ​soul​ ​and​ ​for​ ​my​ ​family​ ​and friends!

 Action​ ​Points​: 

1.     Where​ ​will​ ​you​ ​spend​ ​eternity?

2.     What​ ​are​ ​your​ ​values, ​ ​and​ ​what​ ​are​ ​you​ ​doing​ ​about​ ​them?

FAITH, accompanied with Hope, Prayer, and Love, OVERCOMES FEAR!

Isaiah 41:10, NKJV

It has been said, there are “365 ‘fear nots’ in the Bible.” Though there are many “fear nots” in God’s Word, e.g. Isaiah 41:10; 35:4; Daniel 10:19; Jeremiah 10:17, etc., Satan, the Enemy of our souls, delights in using fear to cripple us. However, we don’t have to succumb to it. The Lord tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you…,” because He knows there are many kinds of fears we face in this life. 

Whereas some may fear snakes or storms, others are afraid of flying or facing the unknown. One of my fears is jumping from high altitudes. Though I have not had an opportunity to do so yet, I have attempted jumping from a tree. One time, some international friends and I were at a campsite playing some outdoor games. One of events, intended for building trust, was climbing up a tree and going for a free-fall and letting your friends catch you. That was a tough one for me, even though it was just jumping from a tree branch approximately ten feet up. After contemplating for a while, I decided to go for it. Of course, I was still afraid even as I stood on one of the tree limbs ready to face my challenge of the day.  However, as soon as I jumped off the tree, my fear vanished.   

The experience of jumping off a tree proved to be safe and secure and taught me an important lesson: “Faith overcomes fear!” To demonstrate my faith, I had to trust that those many friendly and strong arms below could catch my heavy-set body and not let me fall on the ground. The Charles Stanley Life Principles Bible gives this commentary to the phrase, “Do not fear, for I am with you,” (taken from Isaiah 41:10):  

“At some point, each of us will face circumstances that cause anxiety. When we do, we must remember we are God’s children. We have power to overcome fear when we apply His Word to our lives—remembering that He is always with us and He will never fail or forsake us.” 

Fearful situations cause some anxiety and to overcome them, we must choose to have faith instead of surrendering to them. To develop faith that eliminates anxiety, every Christ-follower needs an intake of God’s Word through reading or hearing it daily (cf. Romans 10:17).  When David faced Goliath, he did not do it in his own strength for the two were no match to each other. Instead, David faced him with faith in the power of the Lord. He recalled that God had delivered him from the lion and the bear and he believed that He could deliver him from this giant of a man that everybody in Israel dreaded.  

As David came face to face with Goliath, we also encounter our “Goliaths.” At such times, the devil would rather keep us in his den of fear so we do not effectively execute God’s plan or work with the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the best ways to defeat him is to use “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). Consequently, the Word of God liberates us to do great exploits for Him without any hindrance. Let us, therefore, learn to retrieve the memorized Word of God which can create faith in us and thus providing a haven for us from the devastating effects of fear.

To counteract any fear encounter, we must trust God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6). For instance, when fear knocks at the door, we must let faith answer the door. In other words, when we encounter a fearful situation, we should not be anxious about it but rather trust the Lord to handle it for us. A man of faith put it this way: “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety”—George Mueller. 

“Let faith arise,” is an exhortation we find in Chris Tomlin’s song titled, “I Lift My Hands” (2011). It is also an important truth for conquering fear.  Along with letting faith arise, we must fall in love with the Lord for “perfect love casts out all fear” (cf. I John 4:18). King David, “a man after God’s own heart,” faithfully prayed and he gave this testimony: “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4, NIV).  The sooner we also prayerfully identify our fears, the better off we will be in facing them by seeking God’s overcoming power. An Anglican prayer for dealing with fear goes like this: “Draw us into your love, Christ Jesus. Deliver us from fear.” 

Several songs especially those linked with Scripture encourage us to overcome fear. May the following lyrics of Tomlin’s song encourage you to deal with any fear you might have right now:

Be still, there is a healer
His love is deeper than the sea
His mercy, it is unfailing
His arms are a fortress for the weak 

Let faith arise
Let faith arise

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever

Be still, there is a river
That flows from Calvary's tree
A fountain for the thirsty
Pure grace that washes over me

So let faith arise
Let faith arise
Open my eyes
Open my eyes

I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God
You are faithful, God, forever

(You may listen to Chris Tomlin’s song here: http://tinyurl.com/y9ngvfls)