1 Cor. 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Do we truly understand the meaning of majesty / majestic? Strong’s Concordance defines it as:
hôd, hode From an unused root; grandeur (that is, an imposing form and appearance): – beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour, majesty.
We can sing of God’s majesty and power as we read through the Scriptures, reflecting on His wondrous acts and divine nature, but we will never truly “see” God’s majesty in all its brilliance until the Rapture. The disciples who had the privilege to witness Christ after His resurrection, as well as those who stood in awe when they saw Him ascend into Heaven, caught only a glimpse of His glory, seeing in part what awaited them. However, until Christ makes His glorious appearance at the Rapture, the Church will have to wait patiently to witness such majesty in its fullness! This anticipation not only deepens our faith but also unites believers yearning for that magnificent day when every human limitation will be lifted and we will behold our Saviour in all His radiant splendor!!
Psalm 19:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
God’s creation are a beautiful reflection of His majesty. We look at the heavens on a dark star-lit night and witness the byproduct of His majesty. Is it any wonder one is led to praise the Lord God Almighty as a result? This short hymn was written by a Pentecostal preacher who recognized that only God is majestic and is the only One deserving of our honor and praise!
Majesty – by Jack Hayford
Majesty, worship his majesty; Unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise. Majesty, kingdom authority, Flow from his throne unto his own, his anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus. Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King. Majesty, worship his majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings.
So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus. Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King. Majesty, worship his majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings. Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings
Can you sing this song with all honesty, Reader? Are you moved to tears when you meditate upon God who created all things? He created you so He could fellowship with you. If you have not given your life to Christ who died for your sins so you could go to Heaven, please follow this link and you will be shown the Scriptures that will lead you to Him.
One only has to look at the night sky to see God’s glorious creation! Inside every man’s heart is a God-size hole desiring to be filled. But the human being must decide what it is to be filled with. That is why we can look up at that sky and realize that there has to be something out there bigger than us. The world has been taught the “theory of evolution,” but it is in fact just a theory! It is not fact. To think that everything began from nothing takes more faith for me to believe than to believe that God created everything. Just ponder on it from a New York minute and you will come to the realization that a big bang had to come from something, somewhere or Someone! The whole process of evolution, right down to genetic coding, cannot be by accident. One does not have to have an IQ of 200 to see that.
The Bible is filled with Scriptures that explain the wonders of God. If one is truly seeking for truth, it is all contained with the pages from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21.
Romans 1:19-20 Because that which may be known of God is manifest [revealed] in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
When the heavens are observed by one who is seeking answers, God sees and hears that yearning heart. In His infinite wisdom and love, He reveals His truth to that individual, guiding them on their personal journey of faith and understanding. He may send someone to share some insights and offer encouragement, or He may choose to reveal these truths Himself through the gentle whisper of His Holy Spirit. This interaction fosters a deep and meaningful relationship between the believer and his Creator. Today’s hymn is a beautiful reflection on God’s goodness and power, capturing His unwavering presence in our lives. It challenges me to embrace His goodness. It urges me to trust in His plan and to seek Him diligently, knowing that He is always there to light our path.
How Great Thou Art – By Carl Boberg in 1885 (Adapted in English by Stuart K. Hine – 1949)
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Refrain: Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art. Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. Refrain
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin. Refrain
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!” Refrain
So many of my friends have trials that are so great! I can’t imagine being in physical pain 24/7; how hard it must be to get out of bed in the morning knowing that the day ahead is filled with yet more pain. As well, the pains of broken relationships is extremely difficult to bear. I live with this and it is a burden I would not wish on anyone. But what about the burden of sin, which we all share? Every single sin from the beginning of mankind, all the way to today, is what Christ’s mission was all about. He took all those sins upon Himself so we would not have to receive eternal punishment! This sacrificial substitute for your sins is there for the taking! However, your sin burden can only be lifted if you believe on the Lord Jesus so you can be saved.
My favorite stanza is the last one! It brings tears to my eyes every time, and I can’t help but get choked up with emotion as I reflect on its profound meaning. I have longed for the day that I will meet my Saviour face-to-face, the thought of it filling my heart with hope and anticipation. My faith will be made sight either at the Rapture of the Church or upon my death, and I find great comfort in knowing that this promise is unshakeable. Each passing day brings me closer to that meeting, and the idea of finally seeing Him fills me with an indescribable joy! Either way, I will see Him! I think of that moment, when joy will surpass all my earthly understanding, and I will be surrounded by His loving presence for eternity!!
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Revelation 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Job 19:26-27 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: (27) Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Do you have that 100% assurance that you will see Jesus when you die? If not, follow this link. It will take you through the Scriptures to show you how!
Have you ever thought about where your footprints have been? When you picture yourself walking on the beach and you look back, you see where you’ve been, the memories of each step revealing stories of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. As well, have you ever thought about what you were thinking with each of those footsteps? Were you contemplating the beauty of nature surrounding you, or perhaps how to share Christ with that co-worker? Were you focused on your grocery list, planning meals for the week? I know I wouldn’t be able to tell you every thought that crossed my mind during those moments. One thing I DO know about walking on rough terrain is the pain and aggravation of the tiniest pebble getting into my shoe! It’s remarkable how something so small can disrupt your journey. Just as an oyster develops a pearl from a grain of sand irritating it, so can the tiniest pebble create a painful blister.
But let’s look at this pebble with different eyes for a moment. The Lord impressed upon my heart, asking me if my testimony to others produces a pearl or a blister? Is my testimony loud and clear to someone who is seeking the Lord, possibly creating a pearl? Or am I standing in God’s way, being the annoying pebble and hindering someone from coming to salvation! We have all heard that our actions speak louder than words at times. I would hate to be the cause of someone not coming to salvation. I can remember the first few times I went to church as a believer, I was easily distracted by others’ movements or them whispering to their spouse. I lost my concentration and all I could do was focus on the distraction. Has this happened to you as well? Now slip that shoe onto the other foot and imagine if you are the one distracting someone who is seeking!
1 Peter 2:21-22 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
Jesus, however, was flawless! Although His footsteps walked rugged ground, nowhere is it recorded that He complained. The outcome of each of his walks was to preach the Gospel of His Kingdom. He created no distractions but each word was thoughtfully planned and spoken to reach the center of the heart! What a beautiful lesson for us. Following in Christ’s footsteps is not an easy task but one that we can learn as we grow in Him. His Holy Spirit guides and leads us in the direction we need to go. The Spirit also gives us the words so that we don’t muddy the waters with our own opinions. We sure do see a LOT of that today, don’t we? Today’s hymn is sweet! It’s a gentle reminder that no matter where we walk with the Lord, on mountains or valleys, we are there for a purpose.
Footprints of Jesus – By M.B.C. Slade (1871)
1 Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, “Come, follow Me!” And we see where Thy footprints falling, lead us to Thee.
Refrain: Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow; we will follow the steps of Jesus where’er they go.
2 Though they lead o’er the cold dark mountains, seeking His sheep, or along by Siloam’s fountains, helping the weak. [Refrain]
3 If they lead through the temple holy, preaching the Word, or in homes of the poor and lowly, serving the Lord. [Refrain]
4 Then at last, when on high He sees us, our journey done, we will rest where the steps of Jesus end at His throne. [Refrain]
What is your purpose, Reader? Will you walk down that road chosen by God for you, and be like the irritating pebble, complaining about your lot? Or will you stick close to the Saviour and have a testimony that will cause the observer to become a pearl as a result?
Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
If you have come upon this blog by accident, I pray you have found solace and peace here. If you want to walk with Christ and learn His ways, follow this link and be saved. Being born again means you will have a new life; your sins will be forgiven … all of them … no matter how vile or how bad they are! Trust in Christ!
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Today’s hymn is probably one of the most sung hymns in my church life; it resonates deeply within. God’s promises cannot be broken; unlike those made by many and broken daily, His word remains steadfast through all life’s circumstances. It is impossible for God to break a promise made to His children, as He is a faithful Father who cares for us unconditionally. That is why we can count on Him to fulfill what He has promised to do. This provides us with hope in these end times, and turning our worries into joy. Each verse of this hymn serves as a reminder of His unwavering commitment to us, encouraging our hearts to trust in His plan as outlined in Scripture.
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Isn’t it wonderful that we can count on God? People miss out on this marvelous blessing because of their lack of faith. They would rather believe in science than to believe in God. It takes more faith to believe in the big bang theory or the theory of evolution. Something coming from nothing takes more faith to believe than the fact that God created everything! God’s faithfulness is a source of strength and hope for all of us. All of the promises He made with Israel will be fulfilled! This assurance speaks to the goodness of His Word and the depth of His love for His people. Since that is the case, we can be fully confident and assured that the promises to keep us (His Church) until we meet Him in Heaven at our death or at the Rapture will undoubtedly come to pass. Embracing this allows us to find peace in the middle of life’s uncertainties, knowing that we are under His divine protection and that our eternal future is secure in Him.
Joshua 23:14 And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.
Standing on the Promises of God – By Russell Kelso Carter (1886)
1 Standing on the promises of Christ, my King! Through eternal ages let His praises ring. “Glory in the highest!” I will shout and sing, standing on the promises of God.
Refrain: Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God, my Savior; standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail! When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3 Standing on the promises, I now can see perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me; standing in the liberty where Christ makes free, standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4 Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord, bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord, overcoming daily with the Spirit’s Sword, standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
5 Standing on the promises I cannot fall, list’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call, resting in my Savior as my all in all, standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Friend, if you happened upon this page, I pray that you have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding! Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. If you don’t have that peace, please visit this link and read the Bible verses that will draw you to the Lord Jesus Christ!
Psalm 150:6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
As many times as I have heard this hymn since the day of my salvation, I still stand amazed at how it is as powerful today as it was when it was written in 1680. The truths its verses resonates deeply within my spirit; it reminds me of God’s unchanging and unfailing grace. That’s 345 years later, and it is still blessing believers around the world, touching hearts in every corner of the globe. It has no boundaries and it is timeless!
Psalm 117:1-2 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. (2) For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
A heart that is weighed down with the trials of this world cannot possibly stay that way when this hymn is sung. Negative thoughts occur in a specific part of the brain, which “by chance” is also the part of the brain that processes music. The two cannot coexist; one moves the other out, creating a shift in our emotional well being. It’s not a coincidence that God created us in this way, equipping us with the ability to use music as a tool for healing and uplifting our spirits. Music has a profound influence in our focus to shift from despair to hope, and to remind us of the greater truths that God has given to us. Therefore, sing those hymns whenever the enemy attacks, whether it be during moments of fear, doubt, or sadness. Let the melodies of praise fill your heart and mind, replacing those negative thoughts with a profound sense of peace and strength. The Holy Spirit will do the rest, transforming your struggles into testimonies of God’s grace! 🥰
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – By Joachim Neander (1680)
1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation! O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation! Come, all who hear; now to his temple draw near, join me in glad adoration.
2 Praise to the Lord, above all things so wondrously reigning; sheltering you under his wings, and so gently sustaining! Have you not seen all that is needful has been sent by his gracious ordaining?
3 Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you; surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do, if with his love he befriends you.
4 Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him! All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him. Let the Amen sound from his people again; gladly forever adore him.
What trials are you going through today, Reader? Do you feel overwhelmed by life? Physical and emotional struggles hold no boundaries. They exist in everyone’s home – no one is exempt. Each of us faces our own unique challenges, be it the weight of expectations from work, the pressure of daily responsibilities, or the silent battles that often rage within. What we do with those struggles is what truly matters. Instead of letting them consume us, we have the power to transform our pain into something beautiful. Singing a hymn is the perfect way to calm the spirit, as the soothing melodies can uplift our mood and foster a sense of peace. That overwhelming feeling is set aside and the Lord’s praises rest upon our lips and in our hearts! This simple act connects us with the Lord’s purpose for us, providing comfort and hope amidst the chaos of life.
Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
If you don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ, Reader, you cannot know the joy that hymns bring to the heart! You will always be alone in your trials. However, to the born-again believer, we are never alone. The Holy Spirit is given at the moment of salvation and God resides within us from that moment onward! Won’t you give your life to Christ? You can follow this link and it will list the verses from the Bible that will show you the way! 💜
Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
As I was reading Psalms this morning, I came upon Psalm 16:8, which I had highlighted in my Bible. Next to it, I had written, “Have I?” I can’t remember why I had written this. What was going on in my life at the time that would have prompted me to do so? Was it due to persecution on the job? Was it because I had failed the Lord like so many times before? Whatever the case may be, the bottom line is that as a child of the King, we should not be moved.
Moved from what? When my feet are firmly planted on God’s Word, nothing should stand in my way of taking a stand for Jesus Christ! Antisemitism has surfaced, revealing to believers that the devil’s time is short. He does not want the Messiah to come at the Second Coming. If Satan can destroy Israel, he has accomplished his goal! Now is the time for born-again Christians around the world to stand firm with Israel and support God’s chosen people! This unwavering support must be based not only in prayer but also in action, as we educate ourselves and others about the significance of Israel in God’s redemptive plan. The rising tide of hatred towards the Jewish people is a reminder that we are called to be the light in a world filled with darkness. Let us boldly declare our love and support for Israel, understanding that God’s promises to His people remain steadfast and true, guiding us to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish brothers and sisters in faith. If God does not keep His promises to Israel, He won’t be able to keep His promise of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. God is not a liar. His Word will be fulfilled!
The end is near! We should be looking up for our redemption draweth nigh!
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
I Shall Not Be Moved – by Edward Boatner
1 Jesus keeps forever, I shall not be moved; He forsakes, no, never, I shall not be moved; Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved.
Refrain: I shall not be, I shall not be moved, I shall not be, I shall not be moved; Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved.
2 On His strength depending, I shall not be moved; And His cause defending, I shall not be moved; Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
3 His, the love enfolding, I shall not be moved; His, the grace upholding, I shall not be moved; Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
4 Friend so high and holy, I shall not be moved; Friend so meek and lowly, I shall not be moved; Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
5 From the Bible story I shall not be moved; Living for His glory, I shall not be moved; Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
6 With the faithful going, I shall not be moved; All His goodness knowing, I shall not be moved; Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
7 By His truth I’m standing, I shall not be moved; Doing His commanding, I shall not be moved; Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved. [Refrain]
Our time is short – the Lord’s return for His Bride, the Church, can happen so very soon! If the current war in Israel is a segue to the Ezekiel 38 war, then we could be going Home any day now. Be busy. Don’t be moved! Stand firm on God’s Word and share it with as many people as possible before it’s eternally too late for them.
If you just “happened” upon this page by mistake, know that it was no mistake. The Lord God wants you to be saved. If you feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit for you to keep reading and have no idea on how to do be saved, follow this link and it will guide you to the Bible verses showing you how!
Waiting for God to work in certain trials in my life is probably the most difficult thing for me. It is a woman’s natural instinct to fix what is broken in her family and in her home; we often feel it is our responsibility to ensure that everything runs smoothly. However, there are times when we must stop trying to fix things and simply wait on the Lord, trusting that His timing is perfect. Not everything needs our fixing, and not everything requires our intervention. Sometimes, what we perceive as chaos is actually a necessary part of God’s greater plan, teaching us patience and perseverance. But you know what? God can fix and intervene in everything, bringing about healing and restoration in ways we could never imagine or achieve on our own. It is in surrendering to God’s will that we find true peace and clarity, understanding that, ultimately, we are not in control, but rather part of a divine design that is unfolding before us.
This is why God tells us to wait on Him. A loving and compassionate God tells us to wait! Why God? I can’t wait to have this heartache healed! I can’t wait to have my body restored to good health, free from pain and filled with the energy I once had! I can’t wait for this relationship to be knit back together, where love and understanding flourish! But God, in His infinite mercy and compassion, wants us to trust in Him and wait for His work and results, knowing that His timing is perfect and His plans for us are filled with hope and promise. In moments of uncertainty, we may feel tempted to take matters into our own hands, yet God gently reminds us that true healing, restoration, and reconciliation come through patience and faith in His perfect plan. In waiting, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, learning to rely not on our own understanding but on His divine wisdom that governs every aspect of our lives.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Psalm 37:34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
I do believe the most quoted Bible verses for difficult times was written by the prophet Isaiah. The prophet encourages readers to wait on the Lord because He does not get tired; He does not faint from being overworked. The same God who was with Isaiah is with us. He doesn’t waiver; He doesn’t quit because the work is too hard. He is always there to help you through your most difficult times!
Isaiah 40:28-31 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (29) He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (30) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (31) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
You may not get an answer to your trial today, but it will come! In His time. One thing you can know for certain, His time will be the perfect time. I often wonder when the Lord will heal my broken relationships. I want Him to hurry; to put all this pain behind me. He reminds me that He knows the outcome and is diligently working daily toward that outcome. I may not see his day-to-day work; He never sleeps and work for the Lord never stops. He’s building a testimony in my children, just as He did for me behind the scenes. I didn’t know God was at work, but He was. Looking back on my life, I can clearly see where He was and what He was doing. He opened doors; He removed barriers.
What is gripping your heart today? What pains, what fears are so deeply rooted that you can’t see an end? It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, as they can weigh heavily on our spirits. In moments like these, it’s so important to seek solace and understanding through the power of music. Listen to the song above and read these lyrics, allowing the melody and the words to speak to you. It’s a well-known song, and has impactful words that encourage the heart! These lyrics remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles, and that even in the darkest times, there is a glimmer of hope waiting to guide us toward brighter days.
In His Time – By Linda Ball, Diane Ball
In His Time, In His Time, He Makes All Things Beautiful In His Time. Lord, Please Show Me Everyday As You’re Teaching Me Your Way, That You Do Just What You Say In Your Time.
In Your Time, In Your Time, You Make All Things Beautiful In Your Time. Lord, My Life To You I Bring, With Its Winter And Its Spring, May I Fathom Everything In Your Time.
There’s A Time, There’s A Time Both For Sowing And For Reaping There’s A Time. Time For Losing, Time For Gain, Time For Joy And Time For Pain, Every Purpose Under Heaven Has A Time.
There Are Times, There Are Days, Weeks And Months We Cannot Understand God’s Ways. If For Years We Fail To Scan What Is His Eternal Plan, We’ll Remember That He Can, All The Time.
The Book of Psalms has always been my “go to” Scriptures when my spirit is weary! It always brings encouragement and healing during those times. Where are you in your life, reader? Are you in need of healing your broken spirit? Be encouraged! Know that the God who never sleeps is working … In His Time!
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, it’s time yous settle the matter. Don’t wait! The Scriptures laid out on this page will help you to come into fellowship with a Saviour who loves you and died for you!
When life gets tough, as it often does, it can be hard to find a place to hide. Where do you go? Do you have a place in your house where you can find seclusion? When we were younger, my husband and I enjoyed camping. The solitude was amazing! But you know what? Now that we no longer go camping, I can put my headphones on and listen to nature sounds on YouTube while I do my devotions. Some people like classical music … but for me, the sounds of nature seem to provide a closer connection to God. Yes, I know, the Holy Spirit is always with me, therefore I’m always connected to God. However, there is something about the sounds of His creation that remind me of God’s power. It reminds me of how good He is for providing us with nature’s music. I see His majesty and goodness through it all!
Matthew 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.
So where do you go, Reader? What do you do to put yourself in a frame of mind that focuses on God? Hymns are a wonderful way to prepare the heart for God’s Word. Today’s hymn points us to just that:
Where Could I Go – By J.B. Coats
1 Living below in this old sinful world, Hardly a comfort can afford; Striving alone to face temptation sore, Where could I go but to the Lord?
Refrain: Where could I go? Oh, where could I go Seeking a refuge for my soul? Needing a friend to save me in the end, Where could I go but to the Lord?
2 Neighbors are kind, I love them ev’ry one, We get along in sweet accord; But when my soul needs manna from above, Where could I go but to the Lord? [Refrain]
3 Life here is grand with friends I love so dear, Comfort I get from God’s own word; Yet when I face the chilling hand of death, Where could I go but to the Lord? [Refrain]
Everything I need is in the Bible. I can find comfort, help, encouragement, and most importantly God’s love! His love is shown to us through Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (4) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
His love is so great that He left His royal throne to become a man like you and me. He lived a sinless life so He could be the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He took upon Himself every one of my sins. In doing so, I am free from the penalty of those sins. I went to the Lord, and look what He did for me! He saved me!! He can save you too! Follow this link and read how you, too, can be saved through the Scriptures.
People who are not born again could care less about their sins because they live in darkness, unaware of the consequences that will come. There is something about the “light” of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that points directly to our sin, revealing the truth that we often try to hide. In my search for truth, I never found anything that brought peace until I found Jesus, who not only opened my eyes to my sins but also offered forgiveness and love that changed my entire life. Through this experience, I learned that acknowledging our sins is the first step towards genuine healing and redemption, leading us from a place of despair into the hope that comes from salvation.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Why would God die for me? Why would He die for you? The Scripture is quite clear. God created man for fellowship with Him. Jesus walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, but once they fell into sin, that fellowship was broken. God loved His creation so much that He provided a way to restore that fellowship:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth [showed] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
God wants that fellowship so badly that He didn’t wait for us to clean up our lives, but instead He died while we were yet sinners!
There is something “freeing” when I finally admitted that I could not possibly rid myself of sin altogether. I could no longer make excuses for them. I was confronted by the truth of the light of God’s Word in the Bible. It is at that point that I met Jesus. I met Him at the foot of His cross where I laid down my burden.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
This beautiful hymn by Horatio Bonar speaks what is on my heart!
I Lay My Sins on Jesus – By Horatio Bonar
1 I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all, and frees us from the accursed load; I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains white in His blood most precious, till not a spot remains.
2 I lay my wants on Jesus; all fullness dwells in Him; He heals all my diseases, He doth my soul redeem; I lay my griefs on Jesus, my burdens and my cares; He from them all releases, He all my sorrow shares.
3 I rest my soul on Jesus, this weary soul of mine; His right hand me embraces, I on His breast recline. I love the Name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord; like fragrance on the breezes His Name abroad is poured.
4 I long to be like Jesus, meek, loving, lowly, mild; I long to be like Jesus, the Father’s holy Child; I long to be with Jesus amid the heav’nly throng, to sing with saints His praises, to learn the angels’ song.
Where are you today, Reader? What is the condition of your heart at this moment? Where will your eternal soul go? Won’t you lay your burdens down and let Jesus deal with your sins? He paid for them with His own blood. Let Him speak to you and let His light shine upon your sins so you can confess them and accept His beautiful gift of salvation. Here’s how!
There are things in life that we can be certain will happen: the sun will rise, and it will set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, a daily reminder of the cycle of life. We can be certain that we will die one day; no one lives forever, and this truth hangs over us like a shadow, prompting us to reflect on the time we have left. Is that the end though? Some think when we die, we just cease to exist, like a flickering candle that snuffs out, leaving nothing but darkness in its wake. Others believe that they will come back reincarnated into something else, perhaps a butterfly or a thoughtful oak tree, with the hope that their existence will continue in a new form. Whatever you believe may not necessarily be accurate, as these thoughts often stem from personal experiences and interpretations of life. There is no one human being on earth that can tell you in his own opinion what exactly will happen, for such knowledge eludes even the most learned. However, God is no human being; He is the ultimate authority in matters of existence beyond this life. His Word is final, transcending human understanding, and it is by His Word that all mankind will be judged, a moment that will inevitably reveal the true nature of our beings and the choices we made during our time on earth.
Fannie Crosby was certain of her destination, however. She had an assurance that goes beyond understanding to some, a peace that settles deep within the soul and transcends earthly worries. This certainty is rooted in faith, illuminated by the knowledge that she was embraced by divine love and grace. However, to the born-again believer, it is quite simple to understand because we have experienced what Fannie Crosby experienced. We experienced the regeneration of our spirit: we’ve gone from darkness to light in a split second. This remarkable change occurs at the very moment of our salvation, igniting a flame of hope and purpose that fuels our journey forward in faith, encouraging us to share that light with others who may still be searching for truth.
The hymn for today reflects her experience. Every time I hear it and sing the words, my faith is renewed. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s words:
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
What is your inward man experiencing today? Are you struggling spiritually and feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? No matter what you are facing or the challenges that lie ahead, remember that you too can find solace and strength in singing this timeless hymn, allowing it to lift your spirits and renew your heart! Do you have the same unwavering assurance that Fannie had about her eternal destination in Heaven? Take a moment to reflect on her confidence and the faith that propelled her through life’s storms. Read through the verses below … they are filled with the profound assurance and peace that one receives after being born again, a promise that can anchor your soul amid life’s battles. Embrace these words as a source of encouragement, reminding you that joy and hope can be found even in the darkest of times.
Blessed Assurance – By Fannie Crosby
1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain: 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.
2 Perfect communion, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight. Angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]
3 Perfect submission, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and bless’d, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love. [Refrain]
Fannie Crosby became blind at a few weeks old. That did not stop her from serving the Lord as we can see in the quote from her below. She became one of the greatest poets and song writers ever.
“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me. When I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”
Wikipedia
I pray today’s devotional has encouraged you as you go through the difficulties in your life. Be like Fannie and be content with those difficulties. The Apostle Paul worded it perfectly:
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Do you have assurance of your salvation? Are you 100% certain you will go to Heaven when you die? If you are not entirely sure where you will spend eternity, please click on this link and learn how you can be sure!
