Why Memorize Scripture?

I fully believe that one of the reasons Christians are so weak when it comes to temptation is because they not only don't read their Bibles as they should but they also fail to memorize scripture. As I get older, I'm more aware of the need to memorize scripture. Not only are there many benefits as described below in John Piper's testimony and the testimony of Jesus, but I'm thinking ahead as we all should. What if you don't have access to a Bible? What if you're in a car accident that leads to a long term hospitalization? Think of how much you could benefit with God's Word in your mind to bring comfort. But even now having God's Word in my head makes God's Word my thoughts when I go to sleep, through the night, and when I wake. The benefits are even more as you'll see when you read the list below. May this all motivate you to spend time memorizing the Word!

John Piper's Testimony

My testimony can be summed up in eight short sentences.

1. Memorizing Scripture makes meditation possible at times when I can’t be reading the Bible, and meditation is the pathway of deeper understanding.
2. Memorizing Scripture strengthens my faith because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ, and that happens when I am hearing the word in my head.
3. Memorizing Scripture shapes the way I view the world by conforming my mind to God’s viewpoint.
4. Memorizing Scripture makes God’s word more readily accessible for overcoming temptation to sin, because God’s warnings and promises are the way we conquer the deceitful promises of sin.
5. Memorizing Scripture guards my mind by making it easier to detect error—and the world is filled with error, since the god of this world is a liar.
6. Memorizing Scripture enables me to hit the devil in the face with a force he cannot resist, and so protect myself and my family from his assaults.
7. Memorizing Scripture provides the strongest and sweetest words for ministering to others in need.
8. Memorizing Scripture provides the matrix for fellowship with Jesus because he talks to me through his word, and I talk to him in prayer.

That’s my testimony. I hope it will motivate you to make your own discoveries. But what matters most is the testimony of Jesus. So focus for a few minutes with me on a phrase in John 15:7.

Jesus’ Testimony

Jesus says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Let’s simply linger for a few minutes over the words “If . . . my words abide in you.” What does this mean, and why do the words of Jesus have the effect they do, and what does this have to do with memorizing Scripture?

Read more and listen to the entire message here: 

http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/if-my-words-abide-in-you--2#/watch/full 

31 Days of Hymns - Day 31

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Isaac Watts (1707)

 When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And mourning weep o'er all my pride.


Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God,
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet;
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

 His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o'er his body on the tree;
Then am I dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.


The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799

http://www.hymnary.org/text/when_i_survey_the_wondrous_cross

31 Days of Hymns - Day 30

Before the throne of God above, I have a strong, a perfect plea by Charitie Lees Bancroft

Beautifully played on Mountain Dulicimer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVbuokuLIOc&list=UUbiKk5Qek1CsxcO__eFBQHQ&index=5
Traditional versions were sung to the same melody as "Sweet Hour of Prayer"
Recent versions seem so much more powerful. Here are my favorites:
Selah http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoPyLcY6Zv4
Shane and Shane (with Bethany Dillon)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8dlg5yBywo
Together for the Gospel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJZrmqPwKCM

 Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea;
A great High Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while in heav'n He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb!
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace!

At one with Him, I cannot die,
My soul is purchased by His blood;
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God.


Source: Lutheran Service Book #574

http://www.hymnary.org/text/before_the_throne_of_god_above_i_have_a_

31 Days of Hymns - Day 29

And Can It Be, That I Should Gain? by Charles Wesley 

"After 50 years of active ministry, Charles Wesley was nearing journey’s end. (He died on March 29th) On his deathbed, he quoted one of his greatest hymns, And Can It Be? It seems to have been written shortly after his conversion in 1738, and was originally entitled Free Grace. The rhetorical questions of the first stanza are meant as an expression of sheer wonderment. The second stanza below (actually the third in the hymn) is absolutely stunning. It is virtually unmatched in our hymnody as a poetic expression of the liberating power of the gospel."  http://wordwisehymns.com/2010/03/28/today-in-1788-charles-wesley-dying/

Sung by large congregation with the traditional melody - beautiful! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQeIGbKqiw8

Here's my new favorite rendition - so powerful, immensely humbling as undeserved grace is revealed and proclaimed. http://journeyonmusic.net/track/and-can-it-be

And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

Refrain:
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!

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

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

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

 No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own. [Refrain]


Amen.


Sing Joyfully, 1989

http://www.hymnary.org/text/and_can_it_be_that_i_should_gain

















http://www.hymnary.org/text/and_can_it_be_that_i_should_gain

31 Days of Hymns - Day 28

There Is a Fountain by William Cowper (1772)

Reminds me of singing in church even though my church is much smaller: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfC3NhPACE4 

Selah's version, powerfully beautiful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-YvCnyukuU&feature=endscreen&NR=1

Beautiful solo with lyrics:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUWYy9HwU6g 

One of my favorite versions by Sovereign Grace Music (Bob Kauflin):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaGKfCh7OBo 

 

There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains:
Lose all their guilty stains,
Lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains.


The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there may I, though vile as he,
Wash all my sins away:
Wash all my sins away,
Wash all my sins away;
And there may I, though vile as he,
Wash all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its pow'r,
Till all the ransomed Church of God
Be saved, to sin no more:
Be saved, to sin no more,
Be saved, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed Church of God
Be saved to sin no more.

E'er since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die:
And shall be till I die,
And shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.


When this poor lisping, stamm'ring tongue
Lies silent in the grave,
Then in a nobler, sweeter song
I'll sing Thy pow'r to save:
I'll sing Thy pow'r to save,
I'll sing Thy pow'r to save;
then in a nobler, sweeter song
I'll sing Thy pow'r to save.


http://www.hymnary.org/text/there_is_a_fountain_filled_with_blood_dr

31 Days of Hymns - Day 27

Stricken, smitten and afflicted, See Him dying on the tree! by Thomas Kelly (1804)

Beautiful, moving rendition by Fernado Ortega http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr7-fgX1CB0

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted,
See Him dying on the tree!
'Tis the Christ by man rejected;
Yes, my soul, 'tis He, 'tis He!
'Tis the long-expected Prophet,
David's Son, yet David's Lord;
Proofs I see sufficient of it:
'Tis the true and faithful Word.

Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning,
Was there ever grief like His?
Friends through fear His cause disowning,
Foes insulting His distress;
Many hands were raised to wound Him,
None would interpose to save;
But the deepest stroke that pierced Him
Was the stroke that Justice gave.

Ye who think of sin but lightly
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed,
See who bears the awful load;
'Tis the Word, the Lord's anointed,
Son of Man and Son of God.

Here we have a firm foundation;
Here the refuge of the lost;
Christ, the Rock of our salvation,
His the name of which we boast.
Lamb of God, for sinners wounded,
Sacrifice to cancel guilt!
None shall ever be confounded
Who on Him their hope have built.



Source: Lutheran Service Book #451

http://www.hymnary.org/text/stricken_smitten_and_afflicted_see_him_d

31 Days of Hymns - Day 26

Abide With Me by Henry Francis Lyte (1847)

(some sources claim William H. Monk wrote the words for Lyte)

 Traditional version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxqylxfYyQM
 Contemporary version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ALmQZ_NiA

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.


Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O Lord who changes not, abide with me.

 I need your presence every passing hour.
What but your grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like yourself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with you at hand to bless,
though ills have weight, and tears their bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, your victory?
I triumph still, if you abide with me.


Hold now your Word before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.


Psalter Hymnal


Read about the author:
http://www.hymnary.org/person/Lyte_HF
Learn more about this hymn:
http://www.hymnary.org/text/abide_with_me_fast_falls_the_eventide
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/b/abidewme.htm

31 Days of Hymns - Day 25

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less by Edward Mote

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkMapZB8qMk

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


Chorus:
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.


When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In ev'ry high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil. [Chorus] 

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

When He shall come with trumpet sound,,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne. [Chorus]

Source: Baptist Hymnal 2008 #511

http://www.hymnary.org/text/my_hope_is_built_on_nothing_less

31 Days of Hymns - Day 24

O LOVE DIVINE, HOW SWEET THOU ART by Charles Wesley (1749)

O love divine, how sweet thou art!
When shall I find my willing heart
All taken up by thee?
I thirst, I faint, I die to prove
The greatness of redeeming love,
The love of Christ to me.

Stronger His love than death or hell;
Its reaches are unsearchable;
The first born sons of light
Desire in vain its depths to see;
They cannot reach the mystery
The length, and breadth, and height.

God only knows the love of God;
O that it now were shed abroad
In this poor stony heart!
For love I sigh, for love I pine;
This only portion, Lord, be mine,
Be mine this better part.

O that I could forever sit
With Mary at the Master’s feet;
Be this my happy choice;
My only care, delight, and bliss,
My joy, my heaven on earth, be this
To hear the Bridegroom’s voice.

O that, with humbled Peter, I
Could weep, believe, and thrice reply,
My faithfulness to prove.
Thou know’st, (for all to Thee is known,
Thou know’st, O Lord, and Thou alone,
Thou know’st that Thee I love.

O that I could, with favored John,
Recline my weary head upon
The dear Redeemer’s breast!
From care, and sin, and sorrow free,
Give me, O Lord, to find in Thee
My everlasting rest.

Thy only love do I require,
Nothing on earth beneath desire,
Nothing in heaven above;
Let earth, and heaven, and all things go,
Give me Thy only love to know,
Give me only Thy love.

 http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/o/o471.html

http://www.hymnary.org/text/o_love_divine_how_sweet_thou_art_when_sh

http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/bwesley4.html 

31 Days of Hymns - Day 23

Immortal Honours Rest on Jesus' Head by William Gadsby (1773 - 1844)

IMMORTAL honours rest on Jesus' head;
My God, my Portion, and my Living Bread;
In him I live, upon him cast my care;
He saves from death, destruction, and despair.

He is my Refuge in each deep distress;
The Lord my strength & glorious righteousness;
Through floods and flames he leads me safely on,
And daily makes his sovereign goodness known.

My every need he richly will supply;
Nor will his mercy ever let me die;
In him there dwells a treasure all divine,
And matchless grace has made that treasure mine.

O that my soul could love and praise him more,
His beauties trace, his majesty adore;
Live near his heart, upon his bosom lean;
Obey his voice, and all his will esteem.


http://www.hymnary.org/text/immortal_honors_rest_on_jesus_head
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Selection_of_Hymns_for_Public_Worship 

31 Days of Hymns - Day 22

THE SAVIOR CALLS by Anne Steele 

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/a/v/savcalls.htm

The Savior calls; let every ear
Attend the heav’nly sound.
Ye doubting souls, dismiss your fear;
Hope smiles reviving round.

For every thirsty, longing heart
Here streams of bounty flow,
And life and health and bliss impart
To banish mortal woe.

Here springs of sacred pleasures rise
To ease your every pain;
Immortal fountain, full supplies!
Nor shall you thirst in vain.

Ye sinners, come, ’tis Mercy’s voice;
The gracious call obey;
Mercy invites to heav’nly joys,
And can you yet delay?

Dear Savior, draw reluctant hearts;
To Thee let sinners fly
And take the bliss Thy love imparts
And drink and never die.

31 Days of Hymns - Day 21

THOU LOVELY SOURCE OF TRUE DELIGHT by Anne Steele

 http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/l/tlovelys.htm

Thou lovely Source of true delight,
Whom I unseen adore;
Unveil Thy beauties to my sight,
That I may love Thee more.

Thy glory o’er creation shines;
But in Thy sacred Word,
I read in fairer, brighter lines,
My bleeding, dying Lord.

’Tis here, whene’er my comforts droop,
And sins and sorrows rise,
Thy love with cheerful beams of hope,
My fainting heart supplies.

Jesus, my Lord, my Life, my Light,
O come with blissful ray;
Break radiant through the shades of night,
And chase my fears away.

Then shall my soul with rapture trace
The wonders of Thy love;
But the full glories of Thy face
Are only known above.

31 Days of Hymns - Day 20

 MY GOD, MY FATHER, BLISSFUL NAME! by Anne Steele (1716-1778)

 http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/g/o/mgodmfat.htm

My God, my Father, blissful Name!
O may I call Thee mine?
May I, with sweet assurance, claim
A portion so divine?

This only can my fears control,
And bid my sorrows fly:
What harm can ever reach my soul,
Beneath my Father’s eye?

Whate’er Thy providence denies,
I calmly would resign;
For Thou art just, and good, and wise;
O bend my will to Thine.

Whate’er Thy sacred will ordains,
O give me strength to bear;
And let me know my Father reigns,
And trust His tender care.

If pain and sickness rend this frame,
And life almost depart,
Is not Thy mercy still the same,
To cheer my drooping heart?

My God, my Father! be Thy Name
My solace and my stay;
O wilt Thou seal my humble claim,
And drive my fears away?

31 Days of Hymns - Day 19

For the next several days I'll be sharing hymns by Anne Steele (1716-1778). You can read about a her life here: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/s/t/e/steele_a.htm

THE SAVIOR! O WHAT ENDLESS CHARMS by Anne Steele

 http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/o/w/sowechar.htm

The Savior! O what endless charms,
Dwell in the blissful sound!
Its influence every fear disarms,
And spreads sweet comforts round.

Here pardon, life and joys divine,
In rich effusion flow,
For guilty rebels, lost in sin,
And doomed to endless woe.

Th’Almighty former of the skies
Stooped to our vile abode;
While angels viewed with wondering eyes,
And hailed th’incarnate God.

O the rich depths of love divine,
Of bliss, a boundless store!
Dear Savior, let me call Thee mine—
I cannot wish for more.

31 Days of Hymns - Day 18

What Wondrous Love is This? attributed to Al­ex­an­der Means

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/a/whatwond.htm
http://www.hymnary.org/text/what_wondrous_love_is_this_o_my_soul_o_m

31 Days of Hymns - Day 17

ST. PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE

I bind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same
The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this today to me forever
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;
His baptism in Jordan river,
His death on Cross for my salvation;
His bursting from the spicèd tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom
I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power
Of the great love of cherubim;
The sweet ‘Well done’ in judgment hour,
The service of the seraphim,
Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,
The Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,
All good deeds done unto the Lord
And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the star lit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea
Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need.
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward;
The word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile men that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In every place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility
I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,
Against false words of heresy,
Against the knowledge that defiles,
Against the heart’s idolatry,
Against the wizard’s evil craft,
Against the death wound and the burning,
The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,
Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
By Whom all nature hath creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/stpatric.htm

 

31 Days of Hymns - Day 16

Be Thou My Vision 

Listen here and read the interesting history related to this song as well as the words in old Irish. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_qL6FNwEsY 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jEuPIahKSw 

Be Thou my vision,
O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me,
Save that Thou art:
Thou my best thought,
By day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.


 Be Thou my wisdom,
And Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee
And Thou with me, Lord:
Thou my great Father,
I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling,
And I with Thee one.

 Riches I heed not,
Or man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance,
Now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
First in my heart,
High King of heaven,
My treasure Thou art.


High King of heaven,
My victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys,
O bright heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
Whatever befall,
Still be my vision,
O Ruler of all.

Source: Baptist Hymnal 2008 #83

http://www.hymnary.org/text/be_thou_my_vision_o_lord_of_my_heart
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btmvison.htm

31 Days of Hymns - Day 15

 

 

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus! by S. Trevor Francis

Traditional Melody: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXjksN-Fn18

Sovereign Grace Melody: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqTMJxSA7EM 

 O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love;
Leading onward, leading home-ward,
To my glorious rest above.

 O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore.
How He watches o'er His loved ones,
Died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth,
Watcheth o'er them from the throne!

 O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Love of ev'ry love the best!
'Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
'Tis a haven sweet of rest.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
'Tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me;
And it lifts me up to glory,
For it lifts me up to Thee.

Source: Baptist Hymnal 1991 #409

http://www.hymnary.org/text/o_the_deep_deep_love_of_jesus 

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/t/othedeep.htm 

31 Days of Hymns - Day 14

 

 My favorite rendition: http://journeyonmusic.net/track/come-unto-me-ye-weary

"Come unto Me, ye weary" by W. Chatterton Dix (1867)

 "Come unto Me, ye weary,
And I will give you rest."
Oh, blessed voice of Jesus
Which comes to hearts opprest!
It tells of benediction,
Of pardon, grace, and peace,
Of joy that hath no ending,
Of love which cannot cease.


 "Come unto Me, ye wanderers,
And I will give you light."
Oh, loving voice of Jesus.
Which comes to cheer the night!
Our hearts were filled with sadness,
And we had lost our way,
But He has brought us gladness,
And songs the break of day.


"Come unto Me, ye fainting,
And I will give you life."
Oh, cheering voice of Jesus,
Which comes to end our strife!
The foe is stern and eager,
The fight is fierce and long;
But Thou hast made us mighty,
And stronger than the strong.


"And whosoever cometh
I will not cast him out."
Oh, welcome voice of Jesus
Which drives away our doubt!
Which calls us, very sinners,
Unworthy though we be
Of love so free and boundless,
To come, O Lord, to Thee.


The Hymnal: revised and enlarged as adopted by the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America in the year of our Lord 1892

http://www.hymnary.org/text/come_unto_me_ye_weary_and_i_will_give

31 Days of Hymns - Day 13

 

Heal, Us, Emmanuel by William Cowper

Heal us, Emmanuel, here we are
We wait to feel Thy touch;
Deep wounded souls to Thee repair,
And Savior, we are such.

Our faith is feeble, we confess
We faintly trust Thy Word;
But wilt Thou pity us the less?
Be that far from Thee, Lord!

Remember him who once applied
With trembling for relief
“Lord, I believe,” with tears he cried;
“O help my unbelief!”

She, too, who touched Thee in the press
And healing virtue stole,
Was answered, “Daughter, go in peace;
Thy faith has made thee whole.”

Concealed amid the gathering throng,
She would have shunned Thy view;
And if her faith was firm and strong,
Had strong misgivings too.

Like her, with hopes and fears we come
To touch Thee if we may;
O send us not despairing home;
Send none unhealed away.

Listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYCEq5tg7JQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY3gGxojMMM

More information:
http://www.hymnary.org/text/heal_us_emmanuel_hear_our_prayer
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/e/healusem.htm
Here's a slightly different version:
http://www.igracemusic.com/hymnbook/hymns/h02.html

31 Days of Hymns - Day 12

 

 

God Moves In a Mysterious Way by William Cowper

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/m/gmovesmw.htm

31 Days of Hymns - Day 11

 

Far from the world, O Lord, I flee by William Cowper

Far from the world, O Lord! I flee,
From strife and tumult far;
From scenes where sin is waging still
Its most successful war.

The calm retreat, the silent shade,
With prayer and praise agree;
And seem by Thy sweet bounty made,
For those who follow Thee.

There, if Thy presence cheer the soul,
And grace her mean abode,
O, with what peace, and joy, and love,
She communes with her God!

There, like the nightingale, she pours
Her solitary lays;
Nor asks a witness of her song,
Nor thirsts for human praise.

Author and Guardian of my life,
Sweet source of light divine,
And,—all harmonious names in one,—
My Father! Thou art mine!


Source: A Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion (15th ed.) #94

 http://www.hymnary.org/text/far_from_the_world_o_lord_i_flee

31 Days of Hymns - Day 10

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds by John Newton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9Y7bq7frsA sung by Justin Standley, an amateur country singer/songwriter from Australia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTRnz4j6BpY  sung by Matthew Perryman Jones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoPlwPUYWaw beautifully sung in a congregational setting

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
in a believer's ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
and drives away our fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole
and calms the troubled breast;
'tis manna to the hungry soul,
and to the weary, rest.

O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend,
my Prophet, Priest, and King,
my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
accept the praise I bring.

How weak the effort of my heart,
how cold my warmest thought;
but when I see you as you are,
I'll praise you as I ought.

Till then I would your love proclaim
with every fleeting breath;
and may the music of your name
refresh my soul in death.


Psalter Hymnal, 1987

http://www.hymnary.org/text/how_sweet_the_name_of_jesus_sounds_in_a

31 Days of Hymns - Day 9

"Bonar subtitled the text "Salvation through Christ alone," and that is surely its theme: my salvation is entirely due to the grace of God, my own works have no merit at all, and nothing but the blood of Christ will do (st. 1-2); my natural response, then, is praise, for "my Lord has saved my life" (st. 3)! "

 http://journeyonmusic.net/track/not-what-my-hands-have-done by Jon Yerby

Not What These Hands Have Done by Horatius Bonar

Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul;
Not what my toiling flesh has borne can make my spirit whole.
Not what I feel or do can give me peace with God;
Not all my prayers and sighs and tears can bear my awful load.

Your voice alone, O Lord, can speak to me of grace;
Your power alone, O Son of God, can all my sin erase.
No other work but Yours, no other blood will do;
No strength but that which is divine can bear me safely through.

Thy work alone, O Christ, can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God, can give me peace within.
Thy love to me, O God, not mine, O Lord, to Thee,
Can rid me of this dark unrest, And set my spirit free.

I bless the Christ of God; I rest on love divine;
And with unfaltering lip and heart I call this Savior mine.
His cross dispels each doubt; I bury in His tomb
Each thought of unbelief and fear, each lingering shade of gloom.

I praise the God of grace; I trust His truth and might;
He calls me His, I call Him mine, My God, my joy and light.
’Tis He Who saveth me, and freely pardon gives;
I love because He loveth me, I live because He lives.

http://www.hymnary.org/text/not_what_these_hands_have_done_bonar
http://www.hymnary.org/hymn/PsH/260

31 Days of hymns - Day 8

The Saints Should Never be Dismayed by William Cowper

The saints should never be dismayed,
Nor sink in hopeless fear;
For when they least expect His aid,
The Savior will appear.

This Abr’am found: he raised the knife;
God saw, and said, “Forbear!
Yon ram shall yield his meaner life;
Behold the victim there.”

Once David seemed Saul’s certain prey;
But hark! the foe’s at hand;
Saul turns his arms another way,
To save th’invaded land.

When Jonah sunk beneath the wave,
He thought to rise no more;
But God prepared a fish to save,
And bear him to the shore.

Blest proofs of power and grace divine,
That meet us in His Word!
May every deep felt care of mine
Be trusted with the Lord.

Wait for His seasonable aid,
And though it tarry, wait:
The promise may be long delayed,
But cannot come too late.

http://www.hymnary.org/text/the_saints_should_never_be_dismayed
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/a/saintssn.htm

31 Days of Hymns - Day 7

O God, Our Help in Ages Past by Isaac Watts

I LOVE this rendition by Jon Yerby http://journeyonmusic.net/track/o-god-our-help-in-ages-past

I'm not sure, but this may be a more traditional version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDN623rmnEY

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:


Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.


Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.


Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Soon bears us all away;
We fly forgotten as a dream
Dies at the op'ning day.


O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last
And our eternal home!


Source: Lutheran Service Book #733

http://www.hymnary.org/text/our_god_our_help_in_ages_past

31 Days of Hymns - Day 6

 beautiful rendition by Jon Yerby:  http://journeyonmusic.net/track/jesus-my-strength-my-hope

 My God, My Strength, My Hope by Charles Wesley

My God, my strength, my hope,
On Thee I cast my care,
With humble confidence look up,
And know Thou hear’st my prayer.
Give me on Thee to wait,
Till I can all things do;
On Thee, almighty to create,
Almighty to renew.

I want a sober mind,
A self-renouncing will,
That tramples down and casts behind
The baits of pleasing ill;
A soul inured to pain,
To hardship, grief, and loss,
Bold to take up, firm to sustain,
The consecrated cross.

I want a godly fear,
A quick-discerning eye,
That looks to Thee when sin is near,
And bids the tempter fly;
A spirit still prepared,
And armed with jealous care,
Forever standing on its guard,
And watching unto prayer.

I want a true regard,
A single, steady aim,
Unmoved by threatening or reward,
To Thee and Thy great name;
This blessing above all,
Always to pray, I want:
Out of the deep on Thee to call,
And never, never faint.


I rest upon Thy word;
The promise is for me;
My succor and salvation, Lord,
Shall surely come from Thee;
But let me still abide,
Nor from my hope remove,
Till Thou my patient spirit guide
Into Thy perfect love.


A Book of Hymns for Private and Public Devotion (15th ed.), 1848
http://www.hymnary.org/text/jesus_my_strength_my_hope

31 days of Hymns - Day 5

 The Saints Trial and Safety; or, Moderated Afflictions by Isaac Watts

Firm and unmoved are they
That rest their souls on God;
Firm as the mount where David dwelt,
Or where the ark abode.

As mountains stood to guard
The city's sacred ground,
So God and his almighty love
Embrace his saints around.

What though the Father's rod
Drop a chastising stroke,
Yet, lest it wound their souls too deep,
Its fury shall be broke.

Deal gently, Lord, with those
Whose faith and pious fear,
Whose hope, and love, and every grace,
Proclaim their hearts sincere.

Nor shall the tyrant's rage
Too long oppress the saint;
The God of Isr'el will support
His children lest they faint.

But if our slavish fear
Will choose the road to hell,
We must expect our portion there,
Where bolder sinners dwell.


Source: The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #183

http://www.hymnary.org/text/firm_and_unmoved_are_they 

31 Days of Hymns - Day 4

Even though many old hymns cease to be sung today, they can still be read and treasured for their deep spiritual truths. 

From Deep Distress and Troubled Thoughts by Isaac Watts

From deep distress and troubled thoughts
To thee, my God, I raised my cries;
If thou severely mark our faults,
No flesh can stand before thine eyes.

But thou hast built thy throne of grace
Free to dispense thy pardons there,
That sinners may approach thy face,
And hope and love, as well as fear.

As the benighted pilgrims wait,
And long, and wish for breaking day,
So waits my soul before thy gate;
When will my God his face display?

My trust is fixed upon thy word,
Nor shall I trust thy word in vain;
Let mourning souls address the Lord,
And find relief from all their pain.

Great is his love, and large his grace,
Through the redemption of his Son;
He turns our feet from sinful ways,
And pardons what our hands have done.


The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

http://www.hymnary.org/text/from_deep_distress_and_troubled_thoughts

31 days of Hymns - Day 3

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

How Shall I Sing Thy Majesty by John Mason (1645-95)

performed by Jon Yerby
http://journeyonmusic.net/track/how-shall-i-sing-that-majesty

1 How shall I sing that Majesty
which angels do admire?
Let dust in dust and silence lie;
sing, sing, ye heavenly choir.
Thousands of thousands stand around
thy throne, O God most high;
ten thousand times ten thousand sound
thy praise; but who am I?


2 Thy brightness unto them appears,
whilst I thy footsteps trace;
a sound of God comes to my ears;
but they behold thy face.
They sing because thou art their Sun:
Lord, send a beam on me;
for where heaven is but once begun,
there alleluias be.

 3 How great a being Lord, is thine,
which doth all beings keep!
Thy knowledge is the only line
to sound so vast a deep.
Thou art a sea without a shore,
a sun without a sphere;
thy time is now and evermore,
thy place is everywhere.

Source: Church Hymnary, Fourth Edition #128


http://www.hymnary.org/text/how_shall_i_sing_that_majesty_which_ange

31 days of Hymns - Day 2

Approach, My Soul, the Mercy-seat by John Newton (1779)

my favorite rendition by Jon Yerby
http://journeyonmusic.net/track/approach-my-soul-the-mercy-seat

piano melody
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOtqi9sfd3g

another melody with lyrics using the Glen Soderholm version
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We1GN229hDg

modified lyrics contemporary version
Approach My Soul The Mercy Seat - Sojourn Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqMcVKHLg4E



1 Approach, my soul, the mercy-seat,
Where Jesus answers prayer;
There humbly fall before his feet,
For none can perish there.


2 Thy promise is my only plea,
With this I venture nigh;
Thou callest burdened souls to thee,
And such, O Lord, am I.


3 Bowed down beneath a load of sin,
By Satan sorely pressed,
By wars without, and fears within,
I come to thee for rest.

4 Be thou my shield and hiding place!
That, sheltered near thy side,
I may my fierce accuser face,
And tell him, "thou hast died."


5 O wondrous love! to bleed and die,
To bear the cross and shame;
That guilty sinners such as I,
Might plead thy gracious name.


6 "Poor tempest-tossed soul be still,
My promised grace receive;"
'Tis Jesus speaks, I must, I will,
I can, I do believe.


Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the use of Christians, 1803
http://www.hymnary.org/text/approach_my_soul_the_mercy_seat

31 days of Hymns - Day 1

Come Sinners To The Gospel Feast // Wesley, Jon Yerby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNJQyf-3bRU


1 Come sinners, to the gospel feast,
Let every soul be Jesus' guest;
Ye need not one be left behind,
For God hath bid all mankind.


2 "Have me excused" why will you say?
From health, and life, and liberty;
From all that is in Jesus given,
From pardon, holiness and heaven.


3 Come then you souls by sin oppressed,
Ye weary wanderers after rest;
Ye poor and maimed, halt and blind,
In Christ a hearty welcome find.

4 See him set forth before your eyes,
Behold the bleeding sacrifice;
His offered love let all embrace,
And freely now be saved by grace.


5 Ye who believe his record true,
Shall sup with him and he with you;
Come to the feast be saved from sin,
For Jesus waits to take you in.


6 This is the time, no more delay;
This is the glorious gospel day.
Come in this moment at his call,
And live to him who died for all.


Divine Hymns, or Spiritual Songs: for the use of religious assemblies and private Christians 1800

Find out more:

http://www.hymnary.org/text/come_sinners_to_the_gospel_feast_let_ev
Purchase the hymn here:

 http://journeyonmusic.net/track/come-sinners-to-the-gospel-feast

Best Books Read in 2012

“Give yourself unto reading." The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own.You need to read. We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure time, is to be either reading or praying.You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master’s service. Paul cries, “Bring the books” — join in the cry. from Spurgeon’s, "Paul — His Cloak and His Books”

 Best Books Read

Besides the Bible, these books deeply impacted me in 2012. Some showed me the darkest side of humanity and while others encouraged me so greatly I’m certain I’d never give up hope even if everything seemed hopeless. Others broadened my understanding of mankind, our different personalities and temperament, and how circumstances whether circumstantial or spiritual bring about different outcomes.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy – Apocalyptic fiction. Powerfully real.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand – Biography. Incredible story.

The Good Earth by Pearl Buck – Well written story giving a glimpse of a culture without Christ. Thought provoking.

All Things for Good by Thomas Watson – Watson clearly understands and communicates our struggles with pain, suffering, and evil. With clarity and thorough Biblical support, Watson encourages believers in Christ that All Things are for Good.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain – Nonfiction and semi autobiographical. Very interesting and thought provoking.

Best Little Books 

Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung

Fear Not! Death and the Afterlife from a Christian Perspective by Ligon Duncan with J. Nicholas Reid