Category: Hymns 2.0

Hymns 2.0 – Beneath the Cross of Jesus

On August 18, 2023

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty Rock
within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat
and the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me:
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess,
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.

3 I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than
the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by,
to know no gain nor loss;
my sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.
Elizabeth C. Clephane

The History Behind the Hymn

I never heard of Elizabeth Clephane until I did the research on this hymn. Of course, I knew the hymn but knew nothing about its author. What a blessing to read of her life! She is in the same company as a few of my friends who are undergoing the same frail health.

Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas Clephane was born in Scotland in 1830 and died in 1869. The daughter of a county sheriff, she lived most of her brief life near Edinburgh.

Though in frail health most of her life, Elizabeth found the strength to help the poor and sick in her town. She and her sister gave all that they could spare to charity including, it is said, selling their horse and carriage for the benefit of the needy. The townspeople of Melrose referred to Elizabeth as “the Sunbeam.”

“Beneath the cross of Jesus,” focusing on the shelter of the cross, was first published three years after the author’s death in 1872 under the title “Breathings on the Border,” perhaps a double entendre referring to a geographical location near Melrose, the Scottish Borders, and a reference to the border between life and death.

Originally five stanzas, another omitted stanza, perhaps autobiographical, provides further insight into the comfort that the writer found in the shadow of the cross and the inspiration that the cross gave her as she anticipated her own death:

There lies beneath its shadow,
but on the further side,
the darkness of an open grave
that gapes both deep and wide;
and there between us stands the cross,
two arms outstretched to save,
like watchman set to guard the way
from that eternal grave.
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-beneath-the-cross-of-jesus

A Lesson for Me

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

When the realization hits as to why Christ came to earth and what He did for me, my heart was broken. Someone else took my punishment!

Why would the Lord do this for me? With my finite mind, there is no way I can comprehend the mind of God. But what I can comprehend is His Word. The Scriptures tell us of His love (John 3:16), and that His mercy is new every single morning (Lamentations 3:22-23)! There is balm to be had for the deepest wounds!

Upon the cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me:
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess,
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.

Message for today

The moment I meditate on God’s redeeming love, and my unworthiness of His saving grace, my heart is stricken with the same tears as Elizabeth’s. How many tears have been shed for the same reasons? Each one of those tears is recorded in Heaven. (Psalm 56:8) Every heartache, every tear of joy, every tear shed when I lost someone dear, is known by my Heavenly Father!

Are you hurting today, Reader? Have you spent half the night crying? Are you in the same ill health as Elizabeth? If you are born again, your Father knows all about it. He is there to apply that balm to your distraught heart. Will He remove your sickness or problem? I don’t know. But what I do know is that He will provide you with the strength to live through each and every day.

But if you are not born again, it’s time you find forgiveness and peace at the foot of the cross of Jesus. He stands waiting to hear from you. It is there you will find peace for your soul! (Matthew 11:28-30)

Pro 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

The Lord hears your prayer when you turn to Him with a repentant heart and ask His forgiveness. Invite Him into your life – make a decision to follow Him every day. He hears the prayers of His children. If you do not get saved, the verse above says that He is far from you. Do not be far, Reader. Turn to Him before it’s eternally too late.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – Sweet Hour of Prayer

By Kate Plourde

On August 16, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Sweet Hour Of Prayer Sweet Hour Of Prayer
That Calls Me From A World Of Care
And Bids Me At My Fathers Throne
Make All My Wants And Wishes Known
In Seasons Of Distress And Grief
My Soul Has Often Found Relief
And Oft Escaped The Tempters 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 Saviour 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 Hear
To Him Whose Truth Are Faithfulness
Engage The Waiting Soul To Bless
And Since He Bids Me Seek His Face
Believe His Word And Trust His Grace
I Will Cast On Him My Every Care
And Wait For Thee Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Sweet Hour Of Prayer Sweet Hour Of Prayer
May I Thy Consolation Share
Till From Mount Pisgahs Lofty Height
I View My Home And Take My Flight
This Robe Of Flesh I Will Drop And Rise
To Seize The Everlasting Prize
And Shout While Passing Through The Air
Farewell Farewell Sweet Hour Of Prayer
William w. walford

The History Behind the Hymn

William W. Walford was a blind preacher of England and the author of the hymn beginning “Sweet hour of prayer.” This hymn first appeared in print in the New York Observer on September 13, 1845.

The Observer contributor who assembled the hymn says:

“During my residence at Coleshill, Warwickshire, England, I became acquainted with W. W. Walford, the blind preacher, a man of obscure birth and connections and no education, but of strong mind and most retentive memory. In the pulpit he never failed to select a lesson well adapted to his subject, giving chapter and verse with unerring precision, and scarcely ever misplacing a word in his repetition of the Psalms, every part of the New Testament, the prophecies, and some of the histories, so as to have the reputation of knowing the whole Bible by heart.”

According to Christianity.com, “Beyond the fact that he was blind and the few details recorded by Thomas Salmon, we know little of William Walford. But his hymn, Sweet Hour of Prayer has touched hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides of the Atlantic, expressing the genuine joy he found in prayer.”

A Lesson for Me

Prayer is probably the hardest thing for the believer because whenever we pray, it has power. Think about it for a moment; if you are praying, you are not succumbing to the wiles of the devil. This is why the enemy strives so hard to keep you from prayer! This is why your thoughts wander and you struggle to stay focused. There is power in prayer and the enemy knows it!

1 Thess 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Paul taught us in Ephesians chapter 6 about putting on the whole armour of God. Once he was finished with the armour, he exhorted us to praying always! Just how can we pray always one might wonder? Paul didn’t intend for us to do nothing else but pray.

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

What I believe he is telling me here is that I should pray about everything and anything. If I want to follow God’s will for my life, I must ask the Father what His will is. These times bring about anxious thoughts but they need not rule my mind. We are told that we can come boldly unto the throne of grace. But just what does that mean? Born-again believers have a wonderful position with the Father. We are His child! Every child comes to his/her earthly father because that child was born into that family. It is the same with us! At the moment of our conversion, we were placed in God’s family and we have a special honor where we can come to Him without worry.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

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!

Message for today

The Lord wants us to come before Him and tell Him everything that is on our mind. Paul made sure to equip believers with everything we needed in order to walk with the Lord. Just as I go to my spouse with whatever is on my mind, I can go directly to the Father and share with Him what is on my heart.

Phil 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

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!

Friend, the Father is perfect in every way. He possesses ultimate grace, ultimate forgiveness and mercy; if we have need of anything, He is the Perfect One to approach with that need! We need the power of prayer ever so much more today! The enemy knows his time is short and his agenda is clearly being revealed to believers world-wide. We absolutely need our “Sweet Hour of Prayer” in order to recognize what is against the will of God. Stay prayed up, believer!

Hymns 2.0 – It Is Well

By Kate Plourde

On August 14, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Gates Spafford

The History Behind the Hymn

Horatio Gates Spafford was born in New York, on 20th October 1828, but it was in Chicago that he became well-known for his clear Christian testimony. He and his wife Anna were active in their church, and their home was always open to visitors. They counted the world-famous evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, among their friends. They were blest with five children and considerable wealth. Horatio was a lawyer and owned a great deal of property in his home city.

Not unlike Job in the Old Testament of the Bible, tragedy came in great measure to this happy home. When four years old, their son, Horatio Jr, died suddenly of scarlet fever. Then only a year later, in October 1871, a massive fire swept through downtown Chicago, devastating the city, including many properties owned by Horatio. That day, almost 300 people lost their lives, and around 100,000 were made homeless. Despite their own substantial financial loss, the Spaffords sought to demonstrate the love of Christ, by assisting those who were grief-stricken and in great need.

Two years later, in 1873, Spafford decided his family should take a holiday in England, knowing that his friend, the evangelist D. L. Moody, would be preaching there in the autumn. Horatio was delayed because of business, so he sent his family ahead: his wife and their four remaining children, all daughters, 11 year old Anna, 9 year old Margaret Lee, 5 year old Elizabeth, and 2 year old Tanetta.

ANOTHER TRAGEDY

On 22nd November 1873, while crossing the Atlantic on the steamship, Ville du Havre, their vessel was struck by an iron sailing ship. Two hundred and twenty-six people lost their lives, as the Ville du Havre sank within only twelve minutes.

All four of Horatio Spafford’s daughters perished, but remarkably Anna Spafford survived the tragedy. Those rescued, including Anna, who was found unconscious, floating on a plank of wood, subsequently arrived in Cardiff, South Wales. Upon arrival there, Anna immediately sent a telegram to her husband, which included the words “Saved alone….”

Receiving Anna’s message, he set off at once to be reunited with his wife. One particular day, during the voyage, the captain summoned him to the bridge of the vessel. Pointing to his charts, he explained that they were then passing over the very spot where the Ville du Havre had sunk, and where his daughters had died. It is said that Spafford returned to his cabin and wrote the hymn “It is well with my soul” there and then, the first line of which is, “When peace like a river, attendeth my way..” There are other accounts that say that it was written at a later date, but obviously, the voyage was one of deep suffering and is the clear inspiration of the moving and well-loved hymn. Horatio’s faith in God never faltered. He later wrote to Anna’s half-sister, “On Thursday last, we passed over the spot where she went down, in mid-ocean, the waters three miles deep. But I do not think of our dear ones there. They are safe….. dear lambs”.

After Anna was rescued, Pastor Nathaniel Weiss, one of the ministers traveling with the surviving group, remembered hearing Anna say, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand why.”

Naturally, Anna was utterly devastated, but she testified that in her grief and despair, she had been conscious of a soft voice speaking to her, “You were saved for a purpose!” She remembered something a friend had once said, “It’s easy to be grateful and good when you have so much, but take care that you are not a fair-weather friend to God.”

Following this deep tragedy, Anna gave birth to three more children, but she and Horatio were not spared even more sadness, as on February 11th, 1880, their only son, Horatio (named after the brother who had died, and also after his father), he also died at the age of four.

FURTHER SERVICE

In August 1881 the Spaffords left America with a number of other like-minded Christians and settled in Jerusalem. There they served the needy, helped the poor, and cared for the sick, and took in homeless children. Their desire was to show those living about them, the love of Jesus.

The original manuscript of Spafford’s hymn has only four verses, but later another verse was added. The music, which was written by Philip Bliss, was named after the ship on which Horatio and Anna’s daughters had died – Ville du Havre.

Horatio Spafford died of malaria on 16th October 1888. Anna Spafford continued to work in the surrounding areas of Jerusalem until her own death in 1923. Both Horatio and Anna were laid to rest in Jerusalem. It can truly be said, in the words that Spafford penned that, “It is well with their souls.”
https://www.bethelripon.com/life-stories/horatio-gates-spafford

A Lesson for Me

Although I cannot say that my trials have ever been as severe as Brother Spafford or his wife, Anna, I can say that the Lord brought me through each one. My husband as had cancer, Crohn’s, and now an autoimmune deficiency. As sick and near death as he was several times, I still have him by my side today. That is not what the Spafford’s went through. I cannot imagine losing a child, let alone four children! As dark as that period was, God spared this dear man’s wife so they would not go through the grief alone.

The Bible verse that spoke to me the most during my difficult trial was Isaiah 43:2:

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

There are many out there whose trials are so much worse, and some less, but one thing is for sure, their trial is hard for THEM! God knows what we can handle

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Message for today

If you are living through a trial right now, know that God does provide the spiritual ability to withstand that trial. He gives you the encouragement you need through the Scriptures but you have to do one thing: open the Bible and read it! Search for comfort verses and allow them to provide you with the balm that heals all wounds!

Rom 8:36-39 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Lord’s love for you is so great that nothing can separate you from His love. Just as the Spaffords were comforted through their loss, God was able to use them until their deaths. Why? It was because they knew the Source of their strength! So can we! 😀 Whether we are taken in the Rapture or in death, we will be with the Lord for all eternity! No more tears or sorrow!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Hymns 2.0 – Holy Holy Holy

By Kate Plourde

On August 11, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity! (1 John 5:7)

Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. (Rev. 4:10)

Holy, Holy, Holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man, thy glory may not see:
Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power in love, and purity. (1 Sam. 2:2)

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, Holy, Holy! merciful and mighty,
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity! (Ps. 145:10)
Reginald Heber

The History Behind the Hymn

This beautiful hymn was written by an Anglican bishop named Reginald Heber who lived in Hodnet, Shropshire, England (1783-1826). He was the son of a rich landowner and cleric, and became known as a poet at the University of Oxford. He was ordained in 1807 and took over his father’s old parish. He wrote this hymn in the early 1800’s, and amazingly, he wrote over 100 hymns of which many are still being sung today. Not many hymns have been written about the Trinity but there are a few. He was known as the innovator of hymnology in the Church of England. His efforts and labours took a toll on him, and he died in India at the age of forty-three.

A Lesson for Me

The multiples of threes in this hymn is absolutely beautiful. An interesting side note is that anytime a word appears in the Bible three times sequentially, it is meant to be emphatic! So maybe I should pay attention to it!! The fact that the word “holy” is one of these, there must be something God wants us to know, amen?

1. Holy, Holy, Holy – God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity: Everyone seems to have a hard time with the concept of the Trinity. But the more I read His Word, I have come to see the Trinity in a clearer way. The Father is the head, God Almighty. His Son, Jesus Christ, is the physical incarnation of the Father and His spoken Word. The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit, the Helper and Comforter, was given to us so we are able to glorify God in our walk. I still can’t comprehend how they can be be separate, yet One. That is what faith is all about.

2. Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be – Although this is self explanatory, it reveals to us that our God has no beginning or end. What comfort this brings to me. This means our Father knows every detail of my life, from beginning to end. He knows every part of me; every thought. He knew me when He formed me in the womb. This depicts an intimate God who wants to be a part of every area of my life.

3. Perfect in power in love, and purity – There is no imperfection found in God. His power is perfect and cannot be negated. God’s love is so perfect that through His love comes blessing and judgment. My parents punished me when I did wrong and this taught me not to do it again. So does God – He is the ultimate Parent. He wants to shower me with blessing but because He loves me, He will also discipline me when I need it to protect me.

4. All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea – There is nothing that God has created that isn’t perfect. No matter where our eyes settle, we see His handiwork. One only has to look at a butterfly or jelly fish to see the details in His intricate work. The beauty of the growth of a baby in its mother’s womb is magnificent! All of God’s creation will praise Him!

5. Holy, merciful and mighty – I am so thankful that God is not only mighty but He shows mercy as well. He must in order to be holy.

(Isa 6:3) And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

(Rev 4:8) And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Message for Today

Our finite minds cannot comprehend what it will be like in Heaven, other than what has been described to us in Revelation. We can read about it; we can let our imagination run wild as we read the descriptions of the New Heaven and New Earth. However, it is just that: our imagination! Why? Our imagination has its limits – we can only go as far as what we have knowledge of. But the Scriptures tell us that our eyes have never seen and ears have never heard the things that God has in store for us!

Isa 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I long for the day where our faith will be made sight! The day when we will be able to cast our crowns before the Saviour’s feet is a long-awaited day for Christians. If we are blessed enough to experience the Rapture before our death, then it will most assuredly be a blessed event for the believer! This hymn is a mini sermon in that it bears Scripture with its verses. I placed the Scripture reference beside the verses to show that God’s Word is reflected in each verse. This particular verse refers to Revelation 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: What a glorious day that will be!

Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Hymns 2.0 – All Hail The Pow’r of Jesus’ Name!

By Kate Plourde

On August 9, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
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!

Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!

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

The History Behind the Hymn

This hymn has been known as the “National Anthem of Christendom.” Edward Perronet wrote it and the lyrics were published in the November 1779 issue of the Gospel Magazine. Perronet was a missionary to India. I imagine that the various gods of Hinduism would have been one of the reasons that encouraged Perronet to pen these words.

The hymn itself has been used in so many instances as a witness to the lost. One of these instances is shown in Rev. E.P. Scott in India. He was working with a brutal tribe and had been warned to avoid them. However, he placed his faith and trust in the Lord to protect him. On his way to meet with them, he was surrounded and ambushed. He was defenseless but he had his violin. So he closed his eyes and played and sang this hymn on his violin. He thought for sure the next time he opened his eyes, he would be facing the Lord Jesus. But instead, he opened his eyes and saw that they had dropped their weapons and were curiously staring at him in awe. That opened the door for him to enter the tribe and share the Gospel. Many came to the Lord because of this.

A Lesson for Me

Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

There IS power in the Name of Jesus, my friend. Speaking the name of Jesus in my prayer time awakens my senses and brings me to “the knees of my heart” each and every time. It is by His sinless life here on earth that we can claim salvation. Had Jesus committed even one sin, the whole plan of redemption/salvation would have been lost. But because He did not sin, He is able to understand what we go through. He is able to help us through any trial! Also, because He was the sinless sacrifice for our sins, He took upon Himself all of our sin so we would not have to pay the penalty for those sins. HE paid the penalty – He took our punishment! When we have Him as our Lord and Savior, we have the power to resist temptation and sin.

There is no one else that can lead us to the Father – only Jesus! Furthermore, the moment we pray and tell the Father that we come to Him through the powerful name of His Son Jesus, we are assured of answers. The answers may not be the way we would like but the Father hears and answers!

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!

Message for today

I see God’s power through His Son every time I tell someone about Jesus! The conversation can take two courses: either they stop and listen about Jesus or they reject Him. But to the one that listens, the power of Christ’s name penetrates the heart. (Romans 10:14) The heart softens and accepts the beautiful seed of the Gospel.

Serving Jesus has not been a burden. Granted, it has been difficult at times but I was able to rest in His care knowing that He loved me and that He would help me through whatever situation I was in. The verses above were some of the first verses I memorized because they gave me such peace!

Mat 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus opens the eyes to our salvation! Furthermore, His light shines brightly in our lives and helps us to follow the path shown to us through His word! The Bible is our life source that connects us directly to Him!

Php 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Rom 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

There will come a time when everyone will have to speak the name of Jesus and recognize that there is no other way to Heaven but through Him! (John 10:4) There is no other way. Whether you are born again or not, you will bow your knee to Jesus Christ. One will be joyful and the other will be filled with remorse and regret for all eternity.

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

Hymns 2.0 – Amazing Grace

By Kate Plourde

On August 7, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m 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

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
This grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun
John Newton (written in 1772)

The History Behind the Hymn

This is probably the most famous hymn ever. The 250th anniversary of its writing was celebrated just this past January 2023! Its most popular usage is for funerals and it is played using bagpipes. But funerals were not the author’s original intent. When John Newton was part of the slave trading ship, The Greyhound, a tempestuous storm arose. His fear was so great that he cried out to God for help. He actually made a bargain with God that if He would spare his life, he would live the rest of his life working for the Lord. Ironically, Newton had not been raised in a religious home by his father and stepmother. However, his mother taught him the Scriptures before she passed away when he was six years old. He forgot about her teachings but there was “enough there” that God was his first thought when fear gripped his soul. The ship came close to total destruction but by a miracle, it made landfall with Newton with it. As a result, a few years later, he penned the lyrics to this beloved hymn.

A Lesson for Me

Gen 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

The same God who reached down to John Newton during that fitful storm, reached down to me at the lowest point of my life. It was a time of discouragement, loneliness and a despair that reached deep into my soul. With no other way out in my mind, the only choice I thought I had was to end my life. Although unlike John Newton, I did not cry to God for help but yet He saw me, just as He saw Hagar. If you recall, Hagar suffered at the hand of Sarai (Sarah) after Sarai’s plan backfired. Hagar ran away into the wilderness to escape her harsh treatment. Out in that wilderness, God saw Hagar and told her that in her grief she would have a child, Ishmael. Like Hagar, God saw me in my grief! I didn’t know it at the time but He was working in the background – setting His plan in motion for my salvation. He sent my best childhood friend to tell me about His amazing grace! Because of her, I can sing:

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see

Message for today

We are living in very disturbing times. It seems as though the world has gone mad! Are you in a place where you feel there is no other way to escape but to take drastic measures? You are not alone. God sees you just as He saw Hagar and me! He loves you and does not want you to despair!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world (insert your name), that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever (that’s you) believeth in him (insert your name) should not perish, but (insert your name) have everlasting life.

God will give you peace and rest when you come to Him.

Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Once you have known the peace that the Lord gives, you will never want to go back. You then can sing along with me:

When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright, shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun

Hymns 2.0 Table of Contents

By Kate Plourde

On August 7, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

I’ve done a devotional series on popular hymns in 2007, but this series will be slightly different. It will be “hymns on steroids”! 🙂 I want to give a little history behind the hymn, a message that was impressed upon my heart, as well as what it can mean for all of us during these uncertain times. I hope you enjoy this new series and are blessed by its content.

Amazing Grace	All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name	Holy, Holy, Holy
It is Well	Sweet Hour of Prayer	Beneath the Cross of Jesus
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross	Nearer, My God, to Thee	Jesus Paid It All
Fairest Lord Jesus	How Great Thou Art	Christ the Lord is Risen Today
Rock of Ages	Just As I Am	I Need Thee Every Hour
Abide With Me	Wonderful Grace of Jesus	To God Be the Glory
Victory in Jesus	Blessed Assurance	Softly and Tenderly
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus	Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing	At Calvary
I’d Rather Have Jesus