Tag: Philippians 4:7

Take God’s Word to Heart

On December 4, 2024

BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (Psa 119:9)

In all the messages you have heard preached, the one which is the most important is to obey God. God uses the Word as an instruction book for our lives. He also uses the Scriptures to bring conviction against sin. However, as I read and re-read this verse, it became apparent to me that the Lord used the words “young man (or woman)” here. Why would God use this adjective to describe the man? He could have just used the word man. So why did God interject with the word “young”?

I’ve seen older Christians who have remained “spiritual babes” because they have not spent time in the Word. Taking time in your Bible is work but a blessing follows. Some work for a living and at the end of the pay period, they receive a check. At the end of that hard work of reading and studying the Bible, they also receive a check – but a spiritual one. This check, however, lasts for eternity. Paul spoke on these spiritual babes.

1 Cor. 3:1-2, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.”

Paul likened the spiritual babes as carnal. What did Paul mean by “carnal”? They were still more concerned about the things of the flesh than spiritual things. After all, isn’t that what a human baby does? He cries and cries until he is fed. A baby is only concerned about his own needs at this point. Not once does this baby consider that Mommy is really tired and could sleep an extra hour if he would just hold off! Paul used the right choice of words here, didn’t he?

The more we grow in the Lord and by His Word, the more we become spiritual adults. We no longer have the same struggles we did as younger believers. We’ve learned to trust more in the Lord; we’ve learned that we can never lose our salvation and we’re sure of it and can prove it from the Word; we’ve learned that God is faithful and won’t abandon us; we’ve received this peace that young Christians and spiritually immature Christians can’t understand.

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

Suffice it to say that simply reading the Word is not enough. One has to heed its warnings, obey its warnings, as the Psalm continues to point out. What’s the use in reading a self-help book if you don’t apply what you’ve learned, right? Applying God’s Word to our lives is the key to maturing as a believer.

God stresses over and over that we need to be IN the Word and apply it to our lives! Without it, we not only don’t grow in the Lord, but we die spiritually. That baby would die without his Mommy feeding him, right? So will the babe in Christ stunt his growth in Christ by not opening his Bible and gleaning from its spiritual nourishment.

There’s a banquet table awaiting the believer who stops to eat!

Dear God…
May I come to you each day
With an open mind and heart
Let me search until I find
Your will, may I not depart

Taking Heed

By Kate Plourde

On August 30, 2024

In Devotionals

Psalm 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

I feel as though I am living in a washing machine. I am being spun around, bounced around as it agitates, in waters filled with the world’s sins. All along I am praying I will come out clean! It can be compared to washing your clothes in mud, doesn’t it? The Olympics’ opening and closing ceremonies made it obvious that believers are walking through very muddy waters! I didn’t watch the Olympics, but I saw clips of the ceremonies! How evil and blasphemous! I can imagine what Lot saw prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah!

It is quite the challenge for all believers today. We attempt to keep our eyes (the window to our hearts) from sin and not to let it dirty us. The only way to keep our spiritual garments clean from the mud of this world is to be in God’s word and to apply it to our lives! As we open the bible’s pages, it is like bathing in living waters. It is spiritual laundry day, every day!

Isa 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

I’ve seen older Christians who have remained “spiritual babes” because they have not spent time in the word of God. Taking time in the word is work but a blessing follows. Some work for a living and at the end of the pay period, a check is received. At the end of reading and studying, we also receive a check – a spiritual check. As well, our garments become less soiled from the world’s mud. However, if you’re not reading your bible daily, it’s like standing in front of the world and allowing it to sling mud at you. Some of that mud will stick!

Paul spoke on these spiritual babes. 1 Cor. 3:1-2, “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” Paul likened the spiritual babes as carnal. They were still more concerned about the things of the flesh than spiritual things. After all, isn’t that what a human baby does? He cries and cries until he is fed. Paul used the right choice of words here, didn’t he? Is that how we react to reading the bible?

The more we grow in the Lord, the more we become spiritual adults. The world’s sinful behavior (that mud if you will) doesn’t stick to us or influence us because we have been armed! We’ve learned to trust more in the Lord; we’ve learned that God is faithful and won’t abandon us; we’ve received this peace that spiritually immature Christians can’t understand. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phi 4:7) Suffice it to say, however, that just reading the word doesn’t make your armor stronger. One has to heed and obey its warnings, as the Psalm continues to point out. What’s the use in reading a self-help book if you don’t apply what you’ve learned, right? Applying God’s word to our lives is the key to maturing as a believer. It is the key for Christians to survive in this world that has obviously gone mad!

God stresses over and over in His word that we need to be IN the word and applying it to our lives! Obedience shows our love to God – it shows our gratefulness for our salvation! (1 Samuel 15:22) Your car manual explains how to change spark plugs. However, if you don’t apply that knowledge, your car won’t start. It’s the same as reading the bible and obeying what God commands. This also provides us with a spiritual Teflon garment where the mud of this world doesn’t stick to it. This world is not going to get any cleaner. We are living in the end times of 2 Timothy 3:1-7! Be encouraged, reader! If you’re weary, dive into the bible and let the Holy Spirit encourage your heart!

Dear God…
May I come to you each day
On you my heart will lean
Let me search until I find
How to keep my garments clean

Any Day Now – Day 55

By Kate Plourde

On July 8, 2024

In Any Day Now, Devotionals

(Joh 3:36) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

(Rom 1:18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

(Eph 5:6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

(Col 3:6) For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

(Rev 6:16) And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

(Rev 14:10) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

(Rev 14:19) And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

(Rev 15:1) And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

(Rev 15:7) And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

(Rev 16:1) And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Sin runs rampant in our world today. It is easy to spot as we compare the world’s condition to the Ten Commandments! What does one think will happen when sin is left un-repented? As you read through today’s verses, you can see what will happen. It is the whole purpose of the preaching one hears about the end times today!

However, has this preaching changed men’s hearts? It is as though sin has abounded. Men parading themselves naked in front of children at a “pride” parade is one example. Their hearts have grown so cold that they reject anything spiritual. They are consumed with the lust of the flesh. Worse yet, the hearts of women have grown cold. They literally have brought their innocent young children to that sinful parade to begin with.

God’s wrath is coming upon these children of disobedience, and upon the earth itself. There is no party awaiting them in Hell. Only eternal torment of burning flesh awaits them. It is our job to take the gospel out to the world around us. We are to start in our circle: our family, friends, and strangers. Be ready!

(1Pe 3:15) But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

You may say that no one has asked you to share your testimony with them. Does your life reflect the hope that is in you? We have that blessed hope of Christ’s return for His Bride in the Rapture! If you are not looking for His return every day, you are not focusing on the right things!

(Tit 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

If you do not have a burden for lost souls, there’s something wrong. People in your circle may not hear about the Gospel from anyone else except through you! Do you not realize what their eternity will be like if they die without Christ. Does this not mean anything to you? Throughout eternity they will see and feel their flesh burning. They will be separated from Christ and what they could have had if you had shared the Gospel! Their blood will be on your hands because the fear of witnessing to them overcame you.

(Eze 3:18) When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

There are so many lost souls running around us. They have holes in their hearts that are empty and they are seeking peace but cannot find it. But they will never know the peace that God gives. You know that peace – why aren’t you sharing it?

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

(Col 3:15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

This peace is good news and a wonderful blessing in these end times. Won’t you share it? Friend, you must be born again in order to participate, no matter what viewpoint you hold. Friend, if you are not born again, 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. Don’t you want to be a part of the Church when she is raptured into the clouds to meet Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

End Time Comfort Found in Psalm 119 – Day 3

By Kate Plourde

On January 5, 2024

In Devotionals, End Time Comfort Found in Psalm 119

Psa 119:5 O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!

This prayer, asking the Father to help us with keeping Jesus’ words alive in our hearts, is the root of this verse. The Word of God (John 1:1), Jesus, can keep us on the right path, my friend. In this end-time chaos and confusion, we can turn to God’s words written for us … especially in times like these! We need to show the world the peace which surpasses all understanding! (Philippians 4:7, Colossians 3:15) The world will wonder (and desire) to have what we have. Who wouldn’t want to have peace in the midst of chaos?

Look at today’s picture … the one thing born-again believers have that unbelievers do not have is a well-illuminated path! God’s Word provides us with a path! (Psalm 119:105)

Pro 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

What a prayer – what a promise! Until the day that we are raptured or die, we are promised that the light of God’s Word will shine more and more. Thank You, Father, for providing Your children with the blessed light of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Today’s verse, Psalm 119:5, is a beautiful prayer asking the Father to direct us! Don’t you think that our Father in Heaven would love to hear every one of His children pray this prayer and actually mean it? What parent wouldn’t love to hear their child say, “Mom/Dad, I want every part of my day and every step that I take to be in line with what you have taught me!” Yes, indeed! This would melt any parent’s heart. How much more your Heavenly Father!

Jesus Christ has the words of life, my friend! Our relationship with the Father is as a parent with his child. Jesus’ work on the cross has given us the wonderful opportunity.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Jesus called His Father, Abba. We, having received the Spirit of adoption, can also cry out to His Father because He is our Father! When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He instructed them with: “Our Father which art in heaven,” (Matthew 6:9). Why did Jesus choose to use “Our Father”? Think about it! He could have said, “My Father”! I can run to the Father just as I did when I was a little girl and ran to my earthly father. Secondly, I can run to Jesus’ Father just as He did! What a comfort this is!

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

Friend, it is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

End Time Comfort Found in Psalm 119 – Day 1

By Kate Plourde

On January 1, 2024

In Devotionals, End Time Comfort Found in Psalm 119

Psa 119:1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

As we begin this new series, I pray that the Lord Jesus would reveal Himself to you in each of the words which are fulfilled in Him in this wonderful Book of Psalms. Meditate on the verse and rejoice with me how Jesus Christ fulfills all things in His blessed Word! He has revealed Himself in the past, in the present as well as the future! Charles Spurgeon said in his commentary:

“As those who drink the Nile water like it better every time they take a draught, so does this Psalm become more full and fascinating the oftener you turn to it.”
Charles Spurgeon’s Psalm 119 Commentary

Today’s verse says that we are blessed if we are undefiled in the way. Yes, indeed, we can only be fulfilled and joyful if we walk in the steps of Jesus and learn from Him. But what exactly is “undefiled”? Noah Webster defines the word “undefiled” as:

UNDEFI’LED, a. not polluted; not vitiated.

If you have ever seen a documentary on the Ganges River, you would never imagine that it is one of the top ten spots to go on vacation for Hindus! I could hardly believe this as the river is the most polluted river I’ve ever seen. It is not only defiled in content but it is also spiritually defiled.

The world today is sinking deeper into spiritual pollution. These pollutions can only serve to corrupt our spiritual lives if we are not careful and watchful. We live in a time where people believe men can become women and vice versa! There is actually a list of “full identity and expression” of 68 terms that describe gender identity! The enemy (Satan) is trying to convince a world that aliens exist and “proof” is out there. Insanity is alive and well on planet earth and people are blinded – they don’t see it. But what does Psalm 119:1 have to do with defiling one’s self?

If you disagree with the world’s agenda and you are silent, you are defiling yourself, Reader. Don’t you understand that silence indicates your consent? Look at the wedding vows: “Speak now or forever hold your peace.” If you don’t speak up, it is interpreted as peace or agreement! Because you are not bold in your faith to stand for godliness and what is right according to God’s Word, you are allowing pollution to enter into your mind and heart. You may not realize it but you’ve heard the old saying, “You are who you hang around with,” haven’t you? It’s no different with your heart and thoughts. Keeping silent will pollute your mind. A Pastor from a Methodist church in Iowa back in 1926 once said:

It is easier to fall for anything than to stand for something.

What a true statement indeed. God’s Word and Christ’s salvation is not meant to keep hidden. Jesus said in Mark 4:21 that a candle is not placed under a bushel or a bed but to be set on a candlestick. If you believe that abortion is sin, then do not stay silent when it is being discussed. Be kind yet bold in your response.

Living a holy life is never easy but it is one which brings blessings and peace. The Father gave us His Law (the Ten Commandments) as a pattern in which to live our lives. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of that Law in everything He said and did. It is a joy to be able to walk in His ways and receive peace which is beyond understanding!

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

If our spiritual life revolves around Jesus, it won’t matter to us what the world thinks, especially in these end times. The world may be falling apart before our very eyes, but walking in the Lord will keep our spiritual lives steady!

Peace Through Troubled Times – Natural Disasters

By Kate Plourde

On November 10, 2023

In Devotionals, Peace Through Troubled Times

(Psa 57:1-2) To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (2) I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

Although David wrote this Psalm while he was hiding from King Saul, the sinking feeling of helplessness is the same as going through a natural disaster where you have no control over the results. Amen? I feel for people who live in tornado alley, in the path of a volcano, or where hurricanes frequent the most. Disastrous occasions seem to bring people to their knees. Sometimes that reaction is short-lived. When I think of 9/11, I remember churches being full because of the fear that entered America’s hearts. But it was indeed short-lived. It wasn’t long before America stopped frequenting the churches and went back to their everyday lives. Are you counted amongst those, Reader?

Psa 46:1-2 To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

If you are amongst those who abandoned God after the possibility of being spiritually awakened, you may very well be telling God you are no longer interested in His appeals. How awful for anyone who has reached this point.

Isa 66:4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

For those who listened to God’s call and became born-again believers, God has countless promises in His Word for you! Born-again believers have an advantage over those who are not Christians. God promises peace and comfort when we dive into the Bible. It can be found within its pages, Christian. I especially love Psalms because David poured his heart out to God and penned those words. Those who love God’s Word reap its benefit to this day!

I have been through a natural disaster back in July of 1983 when I lived with my sister’s family in Baton Rouge, LA. A flood occurred when the drainage could not keep up and about three feet of water covered many streets. We were rescued by boat and brought to a safe place. It was three days before we could return to the house we were staying in and what a mess it was. I praise the Lord for strength of body to clean up and for the Red Cross to help with items that were lost. It was quite traumatic for me because my husband was in school several hours away. Although I had my sister and her family with me, it wasn’t the same as having my husband. But God’s peace surrounded me, and I was not afraid because I knew He would take care of the details. This was not of my own doing but totally God-given.

Psa 119:49-50 ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. (50) This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

Dearest Reader, if you find yourself in the midst of a natural disaster, turn to the One who can give you comfort during the darkest hours. Granted, the verse below is referencing to the Apostle Paul’s petitions to God to remove a “thorn in the flesh.” However, God’s grace is sufficient for us during a natural disaster. His strength is revealed in how you handle that storm of life. People are watching you whether you know it or not. When they see your peace instead of fear, they will wonder why! (Philippians 4:7)

2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

If you are not truly born-again, you go through your trial alone. You do not have God by your side, helping you every step of the way. Reader, 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 – Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

By Kate Plourde

On October 16, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

1. O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

2. Thro’ death into life everlasting,
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion–
For more than conqu’rors we are!

3. His Word shall not fail you–He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Helen Howarth Lemmel

The History Behind the Hymn

Born in 1864, Helen Lemmel moved to the United States around the age of twelve. From a young age, her musical ability was noticed by all those around her.

In 1907, She moved to Germany for 4 years to undergo intensive music training. It was here that she would meet her husband. Together, they returned to the United States in 1911. While in America, she served faithfully in the Lord’s work. She dedicated herself to writing, arranging, and teaching songs and hymns of the faith

A few years after her marriage, a tragic illness caused her to lose her vision. Her husband, refusing to attend to a blind wife, left her. This time of hurt and loss weighed heavily upon Helen.

Then, in 1918, Lemmel was introduced to a pamphlet written by Algerian missionary Lilias Trotter. Trotter was a well-known artist who had given up a rising and lucrative career to serve the Lord on the misson field. Her words stirred the heart of Lemmel. She writes, “Suddenly, as if commanded to stop and listen, I stood still, and, singing in my soul and spirit was the chorus, with not one conscious moment of putting word to word to make rhyme, or note to note to make melody…These verses were written…the same week…”

The words that so captivated Helen were these: “How do we bring things to a focus in the world of optics? Not by looking at the things to be dropped, but by looking at the one point that is to be brought out. Turn full your soul’s vision to Jesus, and look…look at Him, and a strange dimness will come over all that is apart from Him, and the Divine “attrait” by which God’s saints are made…will lay hold of you. For “He is worthy” to have all there is to be had in the heart that He has died to win.”

Helen kept her eyes on the Lord Jesus and continued to serve Him faithfully.
enjoyingthejourney.com

A Lesson for Me

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.

I’ve often quoted this Bible passage. In fact, these were the first verses I committed to memory after I was born again. My husband was furious at the change that came upon me (John 3:3, 6-7; 2 Cor. 5:17). I was no longer the woman he had married. I longed for the rest that the Lord Jesus promised in this passage. I longed for my burdens to be made light. This is the believer’s confidence, dear Reader.

Psa 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Without the Lord, there is no such confidence but that of the flesh. (Proverbs 14:30a) Only a heart that is fixed on the Lord can survive the struggles in life.

His Word shall not fail you–He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Message for today

Will life have no struggles after salvation? Of course not! The unbeliever has no one to turn to who will provide peace and comfort. However, the believer in Jesus Christ does! Can’t you see that? Our trials and tribulations are not taken away. Instead, we are promised that the Lord Jesus will walk beside us and provide the right amount of grace to persevere!

How do I know this? Jesus calls those who are born again His friends! Not only are we His friends, but we are now His Bride!

Joh 15:14-15 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (15) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

Jesus Christ did not leave us empty handed to live willy-nilly in the world. He left us His Word so that we could learn and find comfort. There is comfort to be had while we go through the trials of life. It is up to us to spend time in prayer and in the God’s word! Jesus is the spoken word of God Himself, dear Reader!

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

It is in the light of the Bible that you will find solace for your soul. It is between those blessed pages that you will find peace which passes all understanding! The born-again child of God is not left to his own devices but is given rest during difficult times.

Joh 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

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

If you are not truly born-again, you cannot possibly have this peace. 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 – Rock of Ages

By Kate Plourde

On September 27, 2023

In Devotionals, Hymns 2.0

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee

Let the water and the blood
From thy riven side which flowed
Oh, be of sin the double cure
Cleanse me from its guilt and power

Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling
Nothin’ in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling

Naked, come to Thee for dress (come to Thee for dress)
Helpless, look to Thee for grace
(Oh, look to Thee for grace)
Vile, I to the fountain fly
Wash me, Savior, or I die

Rock of ages (ooh, rock of ages)
Cleft for me (cleft for me)
Let me hide myself in Thee
Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee (in Thee)
Augustus M. Toplady

The History Behind the Hymn

There is a popular story most hymnologists do not believe about the origin of this hymn text. That story was started 122 years after publication of the hymn text by a letter published in the Times [of London], June 3, 1898, from Dean Lefroy of Norwich, together with one from Sir W. H. Wills on the same matter. The burden of Lefroy’s correspondence is based on a claim made by Sir W. H. Wills regarding the origin of this hymn. Wills’ claim asserted that Toplady drew his inspiration from an incident in the gorge of Burrington Combe in the Mendip Hills in England. Toplady, then a curate (assistant Church of England preacher) in the nearby village of Blagdon, was travelling along the gorge when he was caught in a storm. Finding shelter in a gap in the gorge, he was struck by the title and scribbled down the initial lyrics. ^[3]

According to E. J. Fasham, a more likely inspiration for the text is a 1673 sermon by Daniel Brevint (who had been the Dean of Durham Cathedral). This sermon had been partially quoted in the preface to Charles Wesley’s Hymns of the Lord’s Supper (1745), which was in common use amongst a number of ministers of the period. The similarity between the passages from Brevint’s sermon and the hymn suggests this was the starting point for Toplady’s text.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_of_Ages_(Christian_hymn)

A Lesson for Me

Psa 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.

Psa 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Where do I go in times of trouble? I have been saved since 1980 and the answer to this question has changed a few times throughout the years. With each passing trial, I have learned to trust the Lord. (Proverbs 3:5-6) As I grew in the Lord, I discovered His faithfulness more and more. Each trial drew me to Him more quickly. His invitation to come to Him in times of trouble would be the first thing I ran to rather than go to Him as a last resort.

Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling
Nothin’ in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling

Message for today

Is it any wonder why the world’s religions center on men’s works instead of faith in Jesus? Working one’s way to Heaven is a lie from the enemy. It is centered on the ver first sin, which is pride. This sin had Lucifer thrown out of Heaven and it carried on when he tempted Eve in the Garden. If I can say that I worked my way to heaven, then I can also tell you everything I did in order to earn it!

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There is nothing that I can do that will wash away my sins. It is due to the wonderful gift that the Father has bestowed upon His creation! (John 3:16) Anything good I do before salvation is considered to be dirty rags. Mother Teresa was a wonderful person; her works for the poor and needy are to be commended. But they will only be commended here on earth. Her works amount to nothing because she did not have that relationship with Jesus Christ.

Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Jesus has a very special love for you. [But] as for me–The silence and the emptiness is so great–that I look and do not see,–Listen and do not hear.
–MOTHER TERESA TO THE REV. MICHAEL VAN DER PEET, SEPTEMBER 1979

A born-again Christian is given the Comforter, the power of the Holy Spirit, to be able to see the truth so that truth can set him free. (John 8:32) The promise from Jesus Himself tells us that the Holy Spirit abides with us for ever! Had Mother Teresa known Jesus, she too would have had the peace of God! (Philippians 4:7)

Joh 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Jesus paid a dear price in order for us to have that peace. He paid a great price for His Church so she can hide herself in the cleft of the Rock! It is through Him that we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us! (Romans 8:37)

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 – 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