Two Kings with Two Kinds of Lifestyles!

King Saul and King David were both leaders of the nation of Israel. The former chose a lifestyle of disobedience and the latter a lifestyle of obedience to God. For instance, according to 1 Samuel 15, when Saul went to battle the Amalekites God gave him instructions to destroy everything, yet he and his soldiers brought back sheep and cattle as plunder.

When confronted by Samuel about this sin, Saul argued that he had done so in order to sacrifice them to God.  But Samuel reminded Saul that “to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22b). By disobeying God’s instructions, Saul went down the path of rebellion and God rejected him as the king of Israel.

Following the rejection of King Saul, David was anointed as the second King of Israel. There were several times when David did things that were displeasing to God. One of the grave sins he committed was the sin of adultery with Bathsheba, which he sought to cover in multiple ways. But because his choice was a lifestyle of obedience, David repented of the sin and asked God to create in Him a clean heart, so he might teach transgressors the ways of the Lord (Psalm 51:10-13). Clearly, King David is remembered to have trod the path of righteousness.

There are two testimonies in the Bible that underscore that David’s choice of a Godly life was a good one and that we should emulate his example. First, David himself testifies in Psalm 23 that God is his Shepherd who refreshes his soul and leads him in the paths of righteousness.  Second, God Himself after rejecting Saul, testifies of King David with these great words: “…'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'” (Acts 13:22, NIV). David humbled himself when rebuked by God’s prophet, showing how God’s man (and woman) humbly submits to the authority of God’s Word. May we be those who choose to obey God and live a life of Godliness so that sin may not mislead us.

A story of the doxology, “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow,” by William Petersen

In 1673 Anglican bishop Thomas Ken wrote a prayer manual for the students at Winchester College. The book contained a hymn for the morning, one for evening, and one for midnight. Students were admonished to sing the morning and evening hymns devoutly—though apparently the midnight hymn was seldom used! All three hymns concluded with the same stanza, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow”—the most-sung hymn lyrics in the English language. 

Thomas Ken knew well that it is difficult to end some days with a doxology of praise. Orphaned as a boy, he was adopted by a noted scholar and author. He was ordained in the Church of England and became chaplain to Princess Mary of Orange. But when he spoke against the immorality of the royal court, he soon found himself without a job. Later he was imprisoned in the Tower of London by James II for refusing to read the king’s Declaration of Indulgence. Still, it is said that Bishop Ken continued to use his morning and evening hymns in his personal devotions. 

Years earlier at Winchester College, he told the students, “It is a very good thing to tell of the loving-kindness of God in the morning and of his truth in the night season.” And it is a good habit for all of us.

Scriptures: Psalm 3:5; Psalm 22:27-28; Psalm 63:6-8 

Theme: Praise, Evening Hymn, Confession 

Lyrics of the Hymn:

All praise to Thee, my God, this night,

For all the blessings of the light!

Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,

Beneath Thine own almighty wings.

Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son,

The ill that I this day have done,

That with the world, myself, and Thee,

I, when I sleep, at peace may be.

O may my soul on Thee repose,

And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close,

Sleep that may me more vigorous make

To serve my God when I awake.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

By THOMAS KEN (1637–1711)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 11). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the worship song, “Give Thanks” by William Petersen

Some people may say, “You wouldn’t be able to give thanks to God if you had the problems I have.”

Well, consider the story of Henry Smith, the man who wrote the worship song “Give Thanks.” Despite a degenerative eye disease, Smith made it through college and even through seminary, but soon he was declared legally blind. Unable to get a pastorate or any long-term employment, he went back home and worked at various odd jobs to support himself. 

What did the future hold for Henry Smith? He says, “I remember being extremely thankful, and I remember my pastor quoting 2 Corinthians 8:9, that Christ, though he was rich, became poor for our sakes that we might become rich in him. So, Henry wrote a song about the situation: “Give Thanks.”

Today Henry runs a recording studio and plays bass for his church worship team. Because of his lack of eyesight, he depends on his memory to get the right chords. Regarding his blindness, he says, “It slows me down, but it doesn’t stop me.” Give thanks.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 5:20-21; Philippians 2:7-8
Themes: Thankfulness, Praise, Worship 

Lyrics of the Song:
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One; 
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. 

And now let the weak say, “I am strong!”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us.”
Give thanks.
By HENRY SMITH JR. © 1978 BY INTEGRITY’S HOSANNA! MUSIC/ASCAP All rights reserved. Used by permission

Reference for the Song:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 658-659). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “And Can It Be?” by William Petersen

Charles Wesley had strict religious training at home, started “Holy Clubs” in college to promote righteous living, and went as a missionary to Native Americans after college. But he was not converted. Charles had no peace in his heart. One day in 1738, he met with a group of Moravians in Aldersgate Hall in London, and there he came to realize that salvation was by faith alone. In his journal of May 21, he wrote, “At midnight I gave myself to Christ.” His brother John was converted shortly after. 

Two days later, he began writing two hymns. Both of them told of his conversion. At first, he wasn’t sure he should finish them. Was it pride, he wondered, to talk about his own experience? But then, he said, “I prayed Christ to stand by me, and finished the hymns.” Yes, it may have described his own experience, but it is also the experience of millions of others who have come by faith to Jesus Christ. In his lifetime he wrote between five and six thousand hymns, but this hymn stands as one of his most powerful and most profound. 

Scriptures: Romans 5:8; Romans 8:1-3; Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 Peter 1:18-19 
Themes: Conversion, Love, Grace, Forgiveness 

Lyrics of the Hymn:
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 

He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me.

’Tis mystery all! th’ Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
 ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more. 

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke—the dungeon flamed with light!
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. 

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
CHARLES WESLEY (1707–1788)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 472-473). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “All Creatures of our God and King [O Sifuni Mungu],” by William Petersen

Saint Francis of Assisi is perhaps best known as a nature lover. You may recall the painting in which the Italian artist Giotto depicts him feeding the birds. One writer spoke of him this way: “With smiles he met the friendless, fed the poor, freed a trapped bird, led home a child. Although he spoke no word, his text, God’s love, the town did not forget.”

A soldier in his early years, Francis resolved to imitate the life of Christ. So, he renounced his wealth and founded the Franciscan Order of Friars. He and those who followed him became itinerant evangelists, preaching and helping the poor of Italy. He wrote sixty hymns of praise and worship and encouraged church music in every way he could.

The original text of this hymn was probably written by Francis during the last months of his life when he was suffering intense pain and was almost blind. 

Scriptures: Psalm 145:10-11; Psalm 148:1, 7-13; Romans 11:36 
Themes: Praise, Worship, Adoration 

Lyrics of the Hymn:
All creatures of our God and King, 
Lift up your voice and with us sing, 
Alleluia! Alleluia! 
Thou burning sun with golden beam, 
Thou silver moon with softer gleam! 

O praise Him, O praise Him! 
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Thou rushing wind that art so strong, 
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along, 
O praise Him! Alleluia! 
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, 
Ye lights of evening, find a voice! 

Thou flowing water, pure and clear, 
Make music for thy Lord to hear, 
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright, 
Thou givest man both warmth and light! 

And thou, most kind and gentle death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath, 
O praise Him! Alleluia! 
Thou leadest home the child of God, 
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod. 

Let all things their Creator bless, 
And worship Him in humbleness, 
O praise Him! Alleluia! 
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, 
And praise the Spirit, Three in One! 
By FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1182–1226) Translated by William H. Draper (1855–1933)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 3-4). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “Amazing Grace,” by William Petersen

The tombstone of John Newton, the author of this hymn, tells his story: “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy.” Those words were written by John Newton himself, and they are a testimony to God’s transforming power.

After years as a hardened slave trader, Newton met Jesus Christ, and his life was dramatically turned around. Throughout his years of ministry, God’s amazing grace remained central to his thinking. When it was suggested he retire at the age of eighty-two due to poor health and a failing memory, he responded, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”

Scriptures: John 1:16-17; Romans 5:20-21; Ephesians 2:6-9

Themes: Grace, Salvation, Conversion

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound—

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’d first begun.

By JOHN NEWTON (1725–1807) Stanza 5 by John P. Rees (1828–1900)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 611). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” by William Petersen

Robert Robinson had always been prone to wander. Apprenticed to a barber at fourteen, he spent more time reading and playing with friends than cutting hair. He became the leader of a notorious gang, and he shamed his family so much that they practically disowned him. Then, still a teen, he went to a George Whitefield meeting, intending to ridicule it; instead, he almost fell asleep in it. But then the preacher shouted out a Bible verse: “O generation of vipers; who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7, KJV). That evening Robinson was converted. After his apprenticeship was over, Robinson went into the ministry. He wrote this hymn at the age of twenty-three as he served at the Calvinistic Methodist Church in Norfolk, England.

Late in life, Robinson did stray from the faith and drifted far from the Fount of every blessing. One day he was riding in a stagecoach and sitting by a woman who was reading a hymnbook. She showed him the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” saying how wonderful it was. He tried to change the subject but couldn’t. Finally, he said, “Madam, I am the poor man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds to enjoy the feelings I had then.”

Scriptures: 1 Samuel 7:10-12; Zechariah 13:1; 1 Peter 2:23-25

Themes: Praise, Redemption, Grace

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing,

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy never ceasing,

Call for songs of loudest praise:

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

Sung by flaming tongues above;

Praise the mount—O fix me on it,

Mount of God’s unchanging love.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;

Hither by Thy help I’m come;

And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,

Safely to arrive at home:

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

Wand’ring from the fold of God;

He, to save my soul from danger,

Interposed His precious blood.

O, to grace how great a debtor

Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,

Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart; Lord, take and seal it;

Seal it for Thy courts above.

By ROBERT ROBINSON (1735–1790)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 371-372). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.